i divest after all the analysts has downgraded its target price months before with very valid reasons...i think the main factor that drags YTL is still its hotel n property. Yes, Cement n others will do well... but its hospitality portfolio is huge n bleeding badly. The problem is the future prospect of hotel is gloomy. Yes we already have vaccine. But... it takes time for all the countries borders to open up.... At least 3 years ... until everyone is safe. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-lawrence-wong-14038700

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcTphuM7uUM&ab_channel=CNA

I like port businesses. It's sort of a monopoly one. I like MMC, Suria, Westport, Bintulu. All Malaysia listed companies. In terms of attractive valuations, the one that trade at big discount at the moment I think is MMC and Suria Bhd (all Sabah ports).

Everyone knows shopping mall is a sunset business. Everyone also agree that e-commerce is booming (eg. Shopee, Lazada etc) and growing every year and eating into their pie. The share price or valuation even shows it. Shopping center is in downtrend for years and probably will.

Please note , NO one is saying shopping center will be GONE forever. NO one is saying Aeon will close shop for good. Yes they still have assets which what you guys are hoping for. Growth... definitely no. If want to bet on malls and its asset, better buying into REITS. Just my opinion.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-seen-attracting-more-applicants-digital-bank-licences-rival-jurisdictions

Padini will do well... People hunt for bargain , affordable and casual. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-14/uniqlo-owner-s-profit-gains-as-firm-lures-value-seeking-shoppers

maybe next step is to apply for the Digital Banking License. MAA is not new to financial services sector. Should leverage on its experience in financial services and take risk in the new digital banking space. Maybe MAA would have upper hand among others in getting the license from BNM because MAA used to be regulated under BNM's FSA.

https://fintechnews.my/25839/virtual-banking/bank-negara-malaysia-to-issue-up-to-5-digital-banking-licenses-in-2022/

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/01/06/rise-in-energy-demand-boon-for-utility-sector

The vehicle sales tax exemption, which is supposed to end tomorrow, has been extended until June 30,2021.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/12/30/new-year-cheer-for-auto-sector

It will go back to RM4 . https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/12/18/vehicle-sales-continue-to-rise

“Over 90% of our components are locally-sourced, and coupled with our sales volume, this generates significant business for Malaysian component suppliers..."

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/12/02/perodua-hits-record-daily-sale-of-5027-cars-on-nov-30

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/HSBA.L?.tsrc=applewf

fundamentally the company prospect is its huge challenge facing its enormous debt. the recent quarterly reported significant drop in revenue and big loss. we are talking about 8 digit in billion loss of revenue.

Despite its high impairment and foreseeable more impairment, the stock price is doing very well.
Have to admit it's hard not to like this company. even if more people can't pay back it's loan, the price will keep going up! Stronger than banks. Much better than all banks. See eg. CIMB stock price chart, still under pressure...

they need to list Takaful Ikhlas to unlock its value. but with current environment... any IPO is put on hold.

" What will Generali do with its stake in MPHB’s insurance subsidiary MPI? " (if BNM reject hence it can't have control of the company).

if that is true, then MPHB might be expose to the risk of buying back what it sold to MPI Generali previously. They had a put option contract with conditions which expire in November this year. Instead of exiting , they might end up with bigger / buying back its insurance.
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/what-will-generali-do-its-stake-mphbs-insurance-subsidiary-mpi

MPHB wants to exit its insurance business. It seeks BNM approval to dispose its remaining stake to MPI Generali (italian). BNM previously reject. Million dollar question is if BNM will approve what it rejected few years ago? Maybe. Maybe they think at this climate it is in the best interest of the country to have full foreign ownership ; afterall its just a small general insurance (non-life insurer). Not so sensitive compared to other much bigger life insurers. its totally up to BNM's discretion under the FSA.

NOW is the "best" time for the company to acquire new business which they have been searching for years. MAA got lucky that they did not acquire any business except relatively small education business (school and colleges) before the pandemic crisis. best time to bet now. i hope they make decision soon before economy recovers and valuation gets higher. EVEN IF they make mistake with their bet now, it's so much WORTH it. No one can predict anything. (Yes, go debate if its V, W, U or L ) They waited for years... (kudos for them being patient.. Imagined if they were to rush into hotel business one or two years ago...). If not NOW, when?

Travel insurance already vanished for now and probably next year too . Other general insurance sector like motor insurance expected to decline further.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/08/14/general-insurances-gross-premiums-in-h1-decline

Interest rates is low and expected to stay low for foreseeable future. When interest rate is low, it is not good for insurance companies that usually invest most of its premiums in bonds.

The future is bleak for TuneProtect that derive most of its profit from travel insurance.