ท่านสามารถอ่านและดาวน์โหลดเอกสารได้จาก Daily240306_TFluctuate in 1350-1365Market todayThe SET is expected to fluctuate, and is technically oversold. Support at 1350 is expected to stand. However, the market is still weak and lacks a catalyst, limiting recovery at 1365, which is a following point. If it can break through, signs of recovery will be clearer.Today’s highlights• US services PMI by ISM for Feb fell more than expected; S&P's final services PMI for Feb fell but was higher than expected. Factory orders in Jan were lower than anticipated. • China has announced a 2024 GDP growth target of 5%YoY, aided by progress in reforming growth structure and reducing risks from property and local governments with excessive debt. • Apple dropped 2.8% DoD after reports indicated a 24%YoY decline in iPhone sales in China in the first six weeks of the year. Apple faces increased competition from rivals in China like Huawei. • General CPI in Feb 2024 slipped 0.77%YoY, the fifth month of decline, driven by lower food prices and government measures to reduce the cost of living. In the first two months of the year, the overall index has fallen 0.94%, with the annual target ranging from -0.3% to -1.7%. • The MoF and BoT have unveiled criteria for establishing virtual banks, aiming at becoming a financial center for ASEAN. Initial registered capital is set at Bt5bn, with applications expected within six months and approval anticipated in 1H25 to stimulate competition and benefit depositors. • The PM is preparing to hold discussions with the Australian Prime Minister about the FTA between the two countries after trade volume surged 186%. Cooperation focuses on three main areas: digitalization, tourism and investment in battery EVs, transportation, data centers, healthcare funds, and increasing Thai investment inflows.Strategy today In the short term, the Thai capital market is still pressured by China’s economic figures which reflect the risk of entering deflation and manufacturing contraction. Thai inflation in Feb is likely to be negative for the fifth month, which may lead to an interest rate cut, while the market expects the ECB to keep its rate at 4.0%. The strategy is “Selective Buy”.Trading todayWeekly portfolio: In the short term the SET is still waiting for a new catalyst to stimulate investment and watching external risks, especially from China. We recommend “Selective Buy” in four main themes: 1) Speculative stocks being bought back to cover shorts and a return of fund inflow, plus the SET plans to introduce some measures to regulate short selling, though fundamentals are strong – AOT, KBANK, KTB, BBL and ADVANC. 2) Small-cap stocks with strong fundamental with 2024 earnings expecting to grow YoY and the stock prices already passed the bottom – AU ONEE SECURE KLINIQ and HTC. 3) Stocks expected to provide dividend yield of above 4%, with DPS and dividend payout ratios likely to increase, seen as an alternative investment to generate portfolio cash flow – BBL, AP, ADVANC, RJH and DRT. 4) Long-term investors are recommended to invest via DCA accumulation as now would be good timing since the SET has fallen significantly, risk is low and stocks are undervalued – BBL, BDMS, BEM, CPALL, PTT and SCC, all of which are in SET100 and are leaders in their industries with ESG ratings of AAA and AA, valuation lower than 10-year historical average and strong operating results. Daily top picksBDMS: 1Q24 profit is expected to grow strongly YoY and QoQ; 2024 core profit is expected to grow 8% to Bt15bn, supported by revenue growth of 6% and higher EBITDA margin. Valuation is not expensive as the stock is trading at 2024F PER of 29x, below -2S.D. of historical PER. HTC: 1Q24 core profit is expected to grow QoQ and slip YoY on a higher base in Mar 2023 before adjusting selling price, although 2M24 sales is believed to have grown in the double digits. 2024 net profit is expected to be Bt686mn, up 11% to a new high, supported by more tourists in southern Thailand and its #1 position in market share.Today’s reportsPetrochemicals – Mixed change in product spread BEM (High conviction) – Smooth ride down the road HANA – Expect improvement in 2H24 HMPRO – Targets better sales & margin in 2024 TIDLOR – Solid earnings recovery ahead Click here to read and/or download file Daily240306_E |