The Hong Kong market has recently experienced increased volatility. The Hang Seng Index reached a high of around 19600 before dropping 1800 points to 17800, as of the time of writing. Similarly, the Hang Seng Tech index fell from a high of around 4135 to around 3600. The slide could continue down to test the 17200 level for the HSI and 3290 level for the HSTECH.
In times of heightened volatility, purchasing value stocks has proven more relevant than ever. As part of our Value Stocks series, let’s evaluate the stocks mentioned in the previous series against their sector to see how they have performed. We will also be covering the financial, healthcare and energy sectors in this article.
HSCIIN vs 1800.HK/1186.HK
HSCICD vs 1929.HK/6862.HK/0175.HK
HSCICS vs 0288.HK/2319.HK/0151.HK
From the year-to-date charts, the majority of the individual stocks have outperformed their sector indices, with the exception of China Mengniu Dairy (2319.HK) and Chow Tai Fook (1929.HK).
Financial Sector
The financial sector encompasses firms and institutions that deliver financial services to both commercial and retail clients. This sector includes a variety of industries such as banks, investment companies, insurance firms, and real estate businesses.
The Hang Seng Composite Finance Index (HSCIFN) tracks the performance of finance companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The index comprises of 49 companies, providing a comprehensive overview of the Financial sector within the Hong Kong market.
| HSI | HSCIFN | |
| P/E ratio | 9.41 | 6.30 | P/B ratio | 1.04 | 0.69 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
Figure 1: Normalised data of HSI and HSCIFN
In Figure 1 above, the white line represents the Hang Seng Index (HSI), while the blue line depicts the Hang Seng Composite Financial Index – Financials (HSCIFN). As observed, the HSI year-to-date (YTD) closing was at 17,885.89, while the HSCIFN was at 3142.47.
Notably, the HSCIFN has been closely tracking the HSI and slightly outperforms it.
Bank of China Limited and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) are both part of the “Big 6” Banks in China. They both provide a comprehensive range of banking services including deposits, loans, foreign currency transaction, and provides its services to individuals, enterprises, and other clients.
| Bank of China Ltd (3988.HK) | IND & COMM BK OF CHINA-H (1398.HK) | |
| Consensus Rating | (17B/3H/0S) | (20B/2H/1S) | Consensus Target Price | HKD 4.12 | HKD 5.20 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
According to their annual report, Bank of China’s non-performing loans (NPL) ratio is actually better than average and decreasing over time as well, and is second only to PSBC (Postal Savings Bank of China), beating out the rest of the “Big 6” banks in this aspect.
For the past 2 years, their total capital ratio has also been increasing, from 17.53% in March 2023 to 18.52% in March 2024. The total capital ratio is the measure of the bank’s ability to absorb losses and withstand losses in periods of financial duress.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) reported an increase of 6.49% of total assets, increase of 4.92% in total loans and advances to customers and a capital adequacy ratio of 19.21% in 1Q24 compared to the previous year.
Healthcare Sector
The healthcare sector includes businesses that offer medical services, produce medical equipment or drugs, provide medical insurance, or otherwise support healthcare delivery to patients.
Economically, healthcare markets are characterised by several distinct factors. Government intervention in these markets is extensive, partly due to these economic characteristics. The demand for healthcare services is highly price inelastic, meaning that the demand is insensitive to changes in price. Both consumers and producers face significant uncertainties regarding needs, outcomes, and costs of services. Additionally, patients, providers, and other industry participants have widely asymmetric information which often leads to principal-agent problems.
The Hang Seng Composite Financial Index – Healthcare tracks the performance of healthcare companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), which comprises 85 companies. This metric helps investors and analysts gauge the overall health and trends of the healthcare market in Hong Kong, offering insights into potential investment opportunities within this vital sector.
| HSI | HSCIH | |
| P/E ratio | 9.41 | 38.78 | P/B ratio | 1.04 | 1.58 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
Figure 2: Normalised data of HSI and HSCIH
In Figure 2 above, the white line represents the Hang Seng Index, while the blue line represents the Hang Seng Composite Financial Index – Healthcare (HSCIH). Initially, the two indices moved in high correlation. However, a significant deviation has occurred, with the HSCIH underperforming against the HSI.
Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd. provides pharmaceutical supply chain services. The Company offers pharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmaceutical distribution, medical devices marketing, logistics and delivery, and other services. Sinopharm Group markets its products throughout China. Its parent company, China National Pharmaceutical Group Corp, is a state-owned enterprise under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). Sinopharm has been enhancing its retail business by strengthening network layouts and expanding regional coverage. The company reported an 8.47% year-on-year revenue increase in their Pharmaceutical Distribution segment and a 7.75% growth in their Medical Device segment.
China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited operates as a pharmaceutical company. The Company researches, develops, manufactures, and distributes Chinese, western, and other medicines and health foods. Operating under the strategic “Healthy China” initiative, China Resources Pharmaceutical has increased its R&D investments and strengthened its operational efficiency through digitalisation. The company reported a revenue increase of 10.5%, a 12.7% increase in gross profit, and a 14.8% rise in revenue from its pharmaceutical manufacturing business compared to the first half of 2022. Furthermore, it has expanded digital marketing through e-commerce, live streaming, and other online channels, enhancing precision marketing and customer experience. Notably, online sales in its pharmaceutical manufacturing segment saw a year-on-year increase of 43%.
| Sinopharm Group Co Ltd (1099.HK) | CHINA RESOURCES PHARMACEUTIC (3320.HK) | |
| Consensus Rating | (16B/3H/0S) | (10B/2H/0S) | Consensus Target Price | HKD 25.84 | HKD 7.16 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
HK Energy Sector
The energy sector or industry includes companies involved in the exploration and development of oil or gas reserves, oil and gas drilling, and refining. The energy industry also includes integrated power utility companies such as renewable energy and coal.
The Hang Seng Composite Industry Index – Consumer Staples (HSCICS Index) serves as a benchmark for tracking consumer discretionary companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), comprising a total of 31 companies within the exchange.
| CNOOC Limited (0883.HK) | CGN Power Co. Ltd (01816.HK) | China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd (01088.HK) | |
| Consensus Rating | (19B/2H/1S) | (15B/1H/1S) | (13B/3H/1S) | Consensus Target Price | HKD 22.23 | HKD 3.16 | HKD 39.27 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
The Hang Seng Energy Index – (HSCIEN Index) serves as a benchmark for tracking integrated power utility companies dealing with renewable energy and co listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). It comprises a total of 13 companies within the exchange.
| HSI | HSCIEN | |
| P/E ratio | 9.41 | 8.68 | P/B ratio | 1.04 | 1.15 |
Source: Bloomberg as at 5 July 2024
Figure 3: Normalised data of HSI and HSCIEN
In Figure 3 above, the white line represents the Hang Seng Index, and the blue line represents the Hang Seng Composite Financial Index – Energy (HSCIEN). It can be observed that the energy sector does not closely follow the HIS, but rather it outperforms the index by a significant margin. This consistent upward trend might be attributed to the index’s component’s high growth rate and good performance in the recent months.
CNOOC Limited operates in the exploration and production sector. The company explores, develops, produces, and sells crude oils, natural gas products, and other products. Additionally, CNOOC provides marketing and trading services for oil and natural gas products. They have successfully reduced their all-in cost from US$28.22 to US$27.59 per barrel of oil equivalent from 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024, alongside a strong year-over-year production growth of 9.9%, reaching 180.1 million barrels of oil equivalent.
CGN Power Co., Ltd. operates and manages nuclear power generating stations. The company manages nuclear power stations, sells electricity, and oversees the construction and management of nuclear power infrastructure. As China and the global energy industry shift towards green and low-carbon development, and with China’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, there are broad prospects for the expansion of nuclear power.
China Shenhua Energy Company Limited is a world-leading integrated energy company primarily based on coal. Their unique integrated business model encompasses coal production, power generation, railway, port, shipping, and coal chemical operations. This synergy is key to China Shenhua’s profitability and distinctive market position. With the stabilisation of coal prices following supply-side reforms, the operating conditions of the coal industry have significantly improved, enhancing cash flow and the capacity for high dividend payouts. The company benefits from a high proportion of long-term coal sales contracts, which ensure stable performance and a focus on long-term investor returns, positioning it for potential valuation increases in the future.
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