SGX FY22 Results Preview - UOB Kay Hian 2022-07-20: Expect Robust Results, Backed By Higher Volatility

SINGAPORE EXCHANGE LIMITED (SGX:S68)

SGX FY22 Results Preview - Expect Robust Results, Backed By Higher Volatility

With Singapore Exchange (SGX, SGX:S68)’s FY22 (Jul 2021 to Jun 2022) results approaching, we reviewed SGX’s annual market statistics and adjusted our forecasts accordingly. See Earnings Calendar.
SGX is set to post strong 2HFY22 results as, excluding the cash equities segment, we project solid growths from the other segments based on sturdy FY22 volumes.
With SGX's share price trading below its historical P/E mean, we think that there is upside at current price levels as volatility persists. Thus, we upgrade SGX to BUY.

In line with expectations, Singapore Exchange (SGX)’s FY22 securities turnover value declined 5.7% y-o-y, but this was mitigated slightly by a strong 2HFY22. Securities turnover value rose 13.2% h-o-h in 2HFY22, caused by increased volatility from the Ukraine-Russia conflict along with rising inflation. However, 2HFY22 turnover value fell 4.5% y-o-y, continuing its overall downtrend.
We expect the downward trend to continue as fears of an upcoming recession and record-high inflation would depress securities trading activity.

SGX's total FY22 derivatives contract volume rose 6.8% y-o-y as demand for risk-management surged in 2HFY22 (+14.2% y-o-y, +12.7% h-o-h) due to heightened volatility, in line with expectations.
Total FY22 volumes for FTSE China A50 Index Futures Contracts grew 9.1% y-o-y, an impressive showing despite competition from HKEX while other equity-linked futures such as MSCI Singapore Index (+14.7% y-o-y), FTSE Taiwan Index (+11.7% y-o-y) and Nifty 50 Index (+14.4% y-o-y) increased as well.

SGX's total FY22 forex futures volume rose 10.4% y-o-y, led by the US$/CNH and KRW/US$ futures contract which grew 22.2% y-o-y and 138.7% y-o-y respectively. 2HFY22 saw record-high forex volumes (+13.6% y-o-y, +26.5% h-o-h) as ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty increased demand for risk management.
SGX's total FY22 commodity derivative volumes also grew 21.3% y-o-y, led by iron ore derivatives (+22.7% y-o-y) and forward freight agreement derivatives (+29.1% y-o-y).

We expect FY22 revenue from SGX's cash equities segment to decline 6-7% y-o-y to S$389.2m, based on lower securities daily average traded volume (SDAV) assumptions of S$1.28b as compared to S$1.35b in FY21.
Based on 2HFY22 market statistics, we expect 2HFY22 revenue to grow slightly by 4-5% h-o-h, due to higher trading and clearing revenue from elevated trading activity. However, on a y-o-y basis, 2HFY22 revenue is expected to fall 6-7% y-o-y.
Positive upside may come from higher revenue contribution from new listings and ETFs/warrants/DLCs.

For FY22, we expect revenue from SGX's equity derivatives to grow by 7-8% y-o-y to S$310.7m due to higher average fee per contract (S$1.34 in FY21 to ~S$1.52 in FY22) and higher trading volumes (172.2m in FY21 to 180.7m contracts in FY22).
The increase in trading volumes was largely led by SGX’s FTSE China A50 volumes (105m, +9.1% y-o-y), which have remained robust and exceeded our expectations in the face of competition from HKEX, surpassing our previous FY22 96m contract assumption.
Furthermore, HKEX’s MSCI China A50 volumes have relatively underperformed in FY22, solidifying SGX’s dominant market position. As the China A50 futures market grows, we reckon that SGX would be able to maintain its market share due to its strong liquidity on its exchange and multi-asset offerings.
Potential upside may come from earlier-than-expected increase in treasury income from the recent interest rates hikes, although this is unlikely given the 6-9 months’ time lag.

Earmarked as a core revenue growth driver, we forecast FY22 revenue from SGX's currencies and commodities segment to increase 23.2% y-o-y, on the back of strong volumes in the US$/CNH and KRW/US$ futures.
Also, the consolidation of Maxxtrader acquisition in Jan 22 is expected to boost SGX's forex trading and clearing revenue for 2HFY22.
For commodity derivatives, outperformance from forward freight agreements, iron ore and petrochemical derivatives also drove volumes higher amidst ongoing global supply chain issues. The introduction of dairy derivatives was also a welcome boost as trading volumes have grown steadily.

Post acquisition of Scientific Beta in FY21, we expect SGX's DCI revenue to grow 4-5% y-o-y in FY22, given growing secular demand for index tracking and ESG/thematic investing.

To tackle stubborn and record-high inflation, the US Fed has already raised interest rates three times in 2022, with the latest hike being a 0.75% hike. The Fed is expected to continue raising rates going into 1HFY23 with another 0.75% rate hike expected in Jul 22.
With rising interest rates, we expect a significant boost in treasury income starting 2HFY23. However, this may depress securities trading volumes and impact the cash equities segment in FY23.

We increase our FY22-24 earnings forecast for SGX by 3-4%, on the back of strong volatile macroeconomic conditions whilst higher treasury income from interest rate hikes is expected to start from 2HFY23.
See
With a moderate yield of ~3%, we like SGX for its resilient business model that benefits from global economic uncertainty.

Llelleythan Tan UOB Kay Hian Research | https://research.uobkayhian.com/ 2022-07-20

SGX Stock Analyst Report BUY UPGRADE HOLD 11.09 UP 9.550