ASPS Expects a ฿42Bn Aid Package to Boost Retail Plays, Top Pick: DOHOME-COM7-SPVI

Thailand’s cabinet approved fresh Covid-19 relief measures, agreeing to pay 42 billion baht in financial assistance to workers and businesses impacted by the government’s recent partial lockdown in ten provinces. The package would provide 30 billion baht to affected businesses and workers in those areas, while another 12 billion baht will cover two months of utility tariff reductions. 

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) sees fresh aid measures similar to worker camp closure compensations, probably stabilizing the economy for the near term but not boosting SET Index significantly, since the amount of financial aid is rather insufficient and seems not to distribute thoroughly enough. These measures focus on cost reduction, not direct money  injection, so they will mainly stabilize the economy and indirectly boost consumption.

These cost reduction measures directly benefit Retail Plays that have to close stores, especially Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC), Index Living Mall Public Company Limited (ILM), and COM7 Public Company Limited (COM7). 

Additionally, it also indirectly stabilizes purchasing power. While the amount is not high, they have positive sentiment on the sector. ASPS favors Dohome Public Company Limited (DOHOME), COM7, and S P V I Public Company Limited (SPVI) for good growth and short-term investment and like Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC), Siam Makro Public Company Limited (MAKRO), and CP All Public Company Limited (CPALL) for long-term investment.