Kaohoon’s Top News on August 30, 2021

– JMART Group announced that a transaction with BTS, VGI, and U City had been successfully concluded. The combined subscription of 24.9% by BTS, VGI, and U City led to the JMART Group raising approximately 11,000 million baht, which the group plans to use to fuel future expansion. JMART Group has a robust financial position and lower D/E, which gives analysts forecasted that the company will experience a profit growth of greater than 50% this year, with a target price of 47.50 baht. Meanwhile, VGI would be the most gainer among BTS Group.

– The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has finally eased some of the lockdown restrictions starting September 1. Limited in-dining and some shops in malls are allowed to reopen. People are also permitted to travel between provinces, but are urged to avoid unnecessary journeys. Analysts see a positive on the Thai stock market, recommending retail plays, such as ILM, CRC, HMPRO and AU. 

– IRPC expects to complete its investment in a synthetic rubber glove production facility by the end of the year as part of a plan to penetrate the health business. This year’s sales are still on the rise, which is prompting the IRPC to speed up its 5-year investment plan revision, aiming to generate 25% of its EBITDA from new businesses by 2025.

– BGRIM celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for the 280 megawatt AIE-MTP power plant project, which is anticipated to commence the COD in the second half of 2022, to accommodate the expected increase in demand in the Map Ta Phut area. By 2025, BGRIM wants to secure an energy purchase contract of at least 7,200 megawatts. 

– Selecting new members of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has become tense, as an ex-committee on Monitoring and Evaluating Performance of NBTC Prasert Aphiphunya, one of the candidates, has petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the issue of licensing Thaicom 7 and 8. However, Mr. Takorn Tantasith, a former NBTC Secretary-General, stated that the office did not have the authority to issue a license.