Kaohoon’s Top News on January 20, 2021

– Hospital-related stocks surged in response to the approval of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine from the Thai FDA, while the Thai PM asserted that every vaccine producer can register their drugs. In the meantime, PR9 revealed that the company expected to import vaccines for its patients. Analysts chose BDMS as the top pick among private hospitals, expecting to benefit the most from vaccine distribution countrywide.

– KTC reported a net profit of 1.32 billion baht in 4Q20 earnings, increased 0.22%, while recording 5.33 billion baht for the year, slightly decreased by 3.45%. Meanwhile, KKP reported a drop of 14% in 2020 earnings to book 5.12 billion baht. The decrease was mainly due to a higher provision.

– DCC signalled for an outperforming results in 4Q20 earnings, expecting the net profit for the year to make a record high in 31 years, while projecting a 5% growth of sales revenue in 2021, mainly from the three new branches and new products in 2Q21. The analyst forecasted DCC to record a net profit of 1,574 million baht in 2020, representing an increase of 62%.

– RATCH invested 2,712 million baht in the acquisition of BAFS at a portion of 15.53% stake from THAI to expand the business into utility sectors that could further its clean energy. Meanwhile, THAI still holds the remaining of 7.06% in BAFS.

– TISCO announced that the bank would offer a dividend distribution to shareholders more than 50% of its net profit, while affirming that the move would not violate the Bank of Thailand’s policy. Moreover, the bank asserted that its provision in 2021 will be lower. Analysts estimated TISCO to offer ฿4.50/share dividend payment, representing a 60% distribution from its net profit. The payment would increase to 7.0-7.50 baht per share this year.