AMATA

AMATA sees signs of resumption of foreign investment in Thailand due to easing of the political situation and approvals by the BoI, expected to appeal to European, American, and Chinese investors. It is negotiating to buy 700-800 rai in Amata Nakorn and Amata City industrial estates. It is also waiting for a new government to stimulate the economy. (Khao Hoon, 03/07/14)

Comment: AMATA along with HEMRAJ will both naturally benefit with the BOI back and approving FDI projects again.

AOT

AoT airport expansion plan on hold – Suvarnabhumi airport expansion plans were put on hold yesterday after the junta’s state budget monitoring and scrutinising committee demanded Airports of Thailand Plc review them. Gen Anantaporn Kanchanarat, announced last month the panel would examine the planned second phase of Suvarnabhumi airport’s expansion. He later said the estimated Bt60bn project cost was too expensive, despite the upgrade being necessary. (Bangkok Post, 03/07/14)

Comment: I applaud this, reduced corruption (here’s praying it drops from 40% to low single digits)

BCP

BCP will continue to add petrol stations in 2015, focusing on countries in AEC. It plans to enter Myanmar instead of Laos and is evaluating Cambodia. Its strategy is to purchase old petrol stations, aiming to reduce competitors. Its domestic sales growth was 7% in 2Q14 and is expected to be less than target of 10% in 2014. (Tun Hoon, 03/07/14)

BEC

BEC World beefs up digital programs – BEC World Plc, the broadcaster of Channel 3, has added new TV programs to its two digital channels to strengthen its line-up. The timings of the new programs, when they are fully launched in October, will depend on viewers’ feedback. (Bangkok Post, 03/07/14)

Comment: Regardless they are going to be hurt by the drop in advertising income.

CIMBT

CIMBT targeting small fry – CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) plans to increase loans to small companies as demand for financing picks up in the second half of this year on the back of an improving economy. Smaller SMEs with a credit line of Bt300,000 to Bt20mn are the bank’s target customers. (Bangkok Post, 03/07/14)

EASON

EASON expects to operate new factory in Indonesia in 3Q14 which is expected to support revenue growth in 2015. Its revenue and net profit is expected to be less than 2013 due to a reduction in client orders. (Khao Hoon, 03/07/14)

MACO

MACO developing software to manage out-of-home advertising media via internet, increasing efficiency. It aims to be an advertising center in ASEAN. (Khao Hoon, 03/07/14)

Comment: Together with VGI they can effectively control all OOH advertising.

RS

Huge box returns and channel cancellations — RS reports 200,000 clients have returned set-top boxes and more than 30,000 have cancelled the World Cup channel. It will pay Bt327mn in compensation to clients against which it will receive just Bt100mn from the NBTC, which is still considering whether it will reimburse more or not. (Khao Hoon, 03/07/14)

Comment: Ouch, ouch, ouch for RS, an entire year’s profit could be wiped out by these provisions.

SAMART

SAMART purchases SIM shares from Axiata. It purchased 1,053mn worth Bt2,875mn or Bt2.73 a share. This raised its ownership to 74%. (Khao Hoon, 03/07/14)

Comment: Well done to SAMART for purchasing shares way below market price, they can effectively book a profit of thb 0.5/share on this new purchase.