War of Telcos: GLO vs TEL-DGTL

The PLDT (TEL)-Digitel (DGTL) merger created buzz in the stock market and in the consumer world drawing in mixed emotions and reactions. Many felt threatened now that PLDT owns more than half of the unlimited call and text pioneer in the Philippines. But is it really so? Here's my insights about the merger.

The recent TEL-DGTL merger was likened to the BDO-Equitable PCI Bank merger in 2006. When BDO bought PCI Equitable Bank in 2006, they released a statement that Equitable PCI Bank would remain and operate as a separate entity but later on became Banco de Oro Unibank and Equitable PCI Banks were slowly turned into BDO branches.

Manny Pangilinan said that Sun Cellular would retain its existing features yet many people are pessimistic and think that the unlimited call and text will be gone soon.

I don't think that the unlimited call and text features of Sun Cellular will be phased out in the merger because such feature is the lifeline of Sun Cellular and the same feature will further boost PLDT's subscriber population. Though in a sense that a huge part of the competition has been killed, Globe still owns a significant part of the market which I believe is strong enough to compete with TEL and DGTL. PLDT has to keep its competitiveness up against Globe and the unlimited call and text feature is an edge.

What's in it for Globe? Globe (GLO) gained market sentiment after the merger. Two days after the merger, TEL's stocks decreased (probably because of profit taking) while DGTL's continued to sink while GLO's still went up.

What prompted the market sentiment for GLO? In my opinion, GLO is the only company that could neutralize the monopoly of PLDT as of the moment. Globe has approximately 25 million subscribers, quite significant in comparison to PLDT's 41 million and Digitel's 16 million. Though the merger made PLDT own the lion's share of the pie at 57 million, the market sentiment is leaning towards Globe for now and if they can capitalize on the panic that the merger has created, they could give PLDT a run for their money.

Fundamentally, I am staying away from telco stocks right now. First, I find TEL and GLO expensive. Expensive in a sense that for an amount of 2400 or 900 I can buy more shares from different stocks at a cheaper price and for an equal potential. As soon as the telco fever is over, I'm confident that other stocks will follow. Second, other than the merger, telco companies doesn't have much fundamentals. There hasn't been any technological advancements which makes me think that the telco sector is stagnating as of the moment.

PSEi Finally Breaks 4000: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The long wait is finally over. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PHISIX) finally broke the 4000 mark after the bearish run to start the year and a very long consolidation state. Experts, experienced traders and investors, and analysts predicted that PHISIX will resume an uptrend this March but unfortunately, events in Egypt, Libya, and Japan made it hard for PHISIX to move forward. So the forecasts still made it in time, it's March 30 and PHISIX gained 116.51 points to finish at 4023.74.

PLDT's (TEL) acquisition of 51.55% of Digitel (DGTL) shares prompted the push beyond 4000. After the news of the acquisition was confirmed, TEL rose by 320 points to finish at 2356 while (surprisingly), rival Globe Telecom (GLO) gained 96 points to finish at 842. The telco fever has sent the PHISIX skyrocketing.

The Good

PHISIX might have finally built enough momentum for another bull run. Some experts say that PHISIX could break its previous high at around 4400 and even go as high as 4600 or 4700 before 2011 ends. It's something good to look forward to, at least we're being optimistic about the market.

Because of the momentum, other stocks will most likely go up after the telco fever subsides. TEL might go even higher while GLO might go lower. I'm staying away from these two stocks because I find these two a bit expensive. I can buy more stocks for 2400 and 845 with equal potential as TEL and GLO. More shares for equal potential, the better. Look out for SMC, EDC, AC, AP, JFC, SCC, and probably even JGS (just to name a few).

And lastly, now that the PHISIX is starting to go up, expect other investments to go up as well. To those who are investing in mutual funds, this is the entry that you've been looking for: cheap NAVPS and more shares bought. Other than mutual funds, this is also a great opportunity to start investing or adding more in UITFs, bonds, and other equities.

The Bad

The chart below shows that PHISIX is forming a symmetrical triangle.

Though symmetrical triangles are neutral in nature, it also signifies that the market is undecided where to go next. The price action might go either way (up or down) and it is best to wait for confirmation before coming up with a decision.

The Ugly

This one has nothing to do with the price action but more on the consumer side. Now that PLDT owns a majority stake of the unlimited call and text pioneer in the Philippines, we might expect higher rates sooner or later. Though PLDT said that don't intend to cut Sun Cellular's services, I remain skeptical in the long run. The merger has not only killed the competition but made PLDT the majority share holder of DGTL further expanding its telecom empire. On a business sense, it was a win-win situation for both Pangilinan and Gokongwei as Pangilinan now owns more than half of Digitel while Gokongwei gets a part of PLDT. With lesser competition (and Globe not a fan of unlimited calls and texts), expect subscribers to carry heavier rates soon.

Summing it up, I'm very much optimistic about PHISIX. Rather than following the price action of TEL and GLO, it is much better to accumulate shares on stocks that are taking short term dips. These stocks will fuel PHISIX's continual growth and they are way cheaper than TEL and GLO.

Fibonacci Analysis: The Long Overdue Bull Run

Apparently, the much awaited uptrend is already long overdue. Bad news comes one after another which significantly affects PHISIX. Nevertheless, the index has shown signs of life as it remained in the consolidation stage despite the negative turn of events. Quite an achievement so to speak.

I ran a Fibonacci analysis on some stocks (including PHISIX) and found some interesting set ups. The chart below shows that PHISIX is just hovering above 23.6% of Fibonacci which is at 3800. This is applicable to those who are investing in mutual funds and UITFs since these financial entities are strongly affected by the stock market. As soon as PHISIX hits 3800 and bounces back up, it's a good entry point.

The charts below show some good stocks positions for several companies.

PCOR: Many are scared of PCOR because of the dip that it took for the last two months. The chart below shows that PCOR went up as it hit the 50% mark. 50% in Fib is quite strong (in my opinion). It is a little premature to take PCOR but this is definitely worth the look.

JGS: JGS hit the 23.6% mark at 21.5 and went back up. Confirmation is needed as usual to minimize the risk. The chart also shows that 21.5 is a resistance that might turn into a support if JGS would bounce back up. Other than Fibonacci, JGS is also resting on its uptrend support.

JFC: JFC is nearing to hit the 23.6% resistance at 85. If JFC will break it, it will indicate some strong bullish momentum. On a short term perspective, JFC is consolidating. It's undecided as to where to go so again, waiting for a confirmation would be wise before coming up with a decision.

EDC: EDC hit 23.6% at P6. Considering that this has some bullish momentum, this would most likely bounce back up. EDC got some good reviews for the year so I think that at P6, it is a good buy.

AC: Just like JFC, AC is up to challenge the 23.6% resistance at 360. AC was hovering around the 355-360 mark recently and should it get past 360, it will signal some strong buying.

Fibonacci Retracements only suggest where the price would possibly go next but doesn't exactly tell where it would head. It still needs confirmation of price action, other indicators, and fundamentals to further boost its reliability. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic on these stocks for 2011 and the bulls are just waiting at the corner.

The Rainbow After The Rain

After some selling pressure for more than a month, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PHISIX or PSEi) is now into the consolidation stage giving signs of a possible uptrend real soon. Some stocks have already broke loose from their short term (in the 1 month downtrend) resistance, some going into consolidation as well while some turned such resistance into supports. However, there are some that continued to go down.

Since the valuations went down for the past weeks, this is a very good time to buy as the much anticipated uptrend is just around the corner. PHISIX is flirting with it's 3900 resistance and as soon as it gains some serious bullish momentum and break such resistance, expect a good number of stocks and PHISIX as well to soar high.

The list entails a lot of Fibonacci retracements and Elliott Wave Theory wave 5 potentials. Elliott Wave Theory's wave 5 is an uptrend or in other words, the value of a particular stock continuing to go up. Fibonacci on the other hand notes some precalculated support/resistance levels that are found to hold true (not all the time but most of the time). If a price hits a Fibonacci support/resistance, it is most likely to reverse.

I have kept a handful of companies in my watch list and picked a few with some really good potential to invest in for at least this year. Most of the MACDs and RSI of such companies are positive indicating some good points of entry. Here's my list:

AC - For the past weeks, AC dropped from around 403 to just a little over 320. For the month of March, AC gained buying pressure as it rose to almost 355. In a two-year reference, AC is hovering above it's two year support and might possibly head into wave 5 of Elliott Wave Theory. My favorite part is seeing it bounce at 38.2% of Fibonacci since January of 2009.

AP - From mid-October of 2008 until this day, AP is on a very strong uptrend gradually yet consistently rising from barely a peso to as high as 35. However, a certain support (from around September of 2009) says that AP's support has turned into a resistance which it is currently challenging right now. Fibonacci suggests that AP might have bounced at 23.6% already (which is a minor support in Fibonacci). As of now, there is no clear indication as to where AP would head next but as soon as it breaks through its resistance at around 32, it's going to be a good buy.

DMC - Technicals are really looking so good for DMC. First, it is resting on a very solid uptrend support and just bounced recently at around 33-34. Second, in a two year span, DMC's position for an Elliott Wave Theory wave 5 is looking really good. For the entry, DMC just broke it's resistance at around 37. It is going to be on its way to challenge its previous high at 40. I'm very optimistic about this one.

JGS - JGS broke its uptrend support and went sideways for the past 2 1/2 months. However, JGS is forming an ascending triangle and should the resistance at around 19.8 will be broken, JGS could go high fast. In a 1 1/2 years span, JGS could enter Elliott Wave Theory wave 5. It needs some confirmation though as MACD is showing selling might just be ahead. JGS has already hit its 38.2% Fibonacci support in a two year reference.

MBT - Another Elliott Wave Theory wave 5 candidate. However, MBT's support for the last 2 years has become its resistance. If it could break its resistance at 72, it will be on its way up, wave 5 might come after all. It is also resting on its 38.2% Fibonacci support. A bounce is more likely.

MEG - From April 2009, MEG is an eye candy for Fibonacci players. MEG is well resting on its 38.2% support, consolidated, and resumed an uptrend. MEG also just bounced from its 2 year uptrend support, quite a solid support that is.

RCB - In nearly two years, RCB just bounced from its 23.6% Fibonacci support. However, on the same span of time, it has just gone below its uptrend support and challenges to break through it. Should RCB break such resistance and turn it back into a support, it will be on its way up.

SCC - Not really much to say about this one. It's uptrend support is very strong. One of my best picks for the year.

SMC - After a strong uptrend, SMC is consolidating as of the moment. Considering all the fundamentals that this company has, SMC remains a strong one for 2011. Confirmation is needed for entry. From the foot of its uptrend late in 2010, SMC is on the 23.6% support of Fibonacci at roughly P160.

SMPH - As of this writing, SMPH just broke out from its downtrend from December of 2010. A support at 10 is somewhat found but as far as Fibonacci is concerned, it might fall down as it hits the 23.6% ceiling. However, in a two year span, SMPH might head into Elliott Wave Theory wave 5. Quite worth looking at.

However, these are all just based on my analysis of the charts and doesn't include fundamentals yet. Always keep in mind that the most important thing in all of these is the price action. Technicals are just signs of the possible behavior and to project the possibility of the direction of the price. If things won't go as expected, bail out. Your decisions will never be right all the time. And lastly, cut hoping (that the price will go up anytime soon). Hoping can lead to false hopes.

BEL: Double Bottom?

The chart below shows that BEL (Belle Corporation) is in a potential double bottom. BEL was one of the many companies that surged late in 2010 as it went up from a little below P2.50 last November of 2010 to as high as P6.30 in mid January of 2011 before starting to sink to less than P5 in February.

However as shown in the chart, BEL gained some momentum at around P4.70ish, went back up to reach near P5.20 before going back down to around P4.70. Since then, BEL gradually picked up some uptrend momentum.

What's interesting in the chart is that the P4.70 level was an uptrend resistance before the double bottom (hopefully) formed. Around January 6, 2011, BEL hit the P4.70 level before bouncing back up for one more run before losing some strength.

Should the double bottom hold, BEL could continue its uptrend run. The good catch? BEL is just hovering around the P5 mark, quite cheap.

I'm optimistic about BEL (I'm always optimistic anyway) but a confirmation would be wise. The double bottom might not hold true. Better be safe than sorry.

MER: Shining Bright

The chart below shows that MER (Meralco) is getting near it's 2-year uptrend support at around the 213-220 range. For the month of February, MER found a strong support at around the 216-220 range but always manages to finish a higher high from 235 to around 240 and its resistance forming a slope signaling an uptrend.

If worse comes to worse and the technicals won't hold true, MER could fall back down to its 5-year uptrend support at around 160.

Fundamentally, MER is a good long term buy. MER has significantly developed under the leadership of Manny Pangilinan in energy production, distribution, and customer care. MER is looking forward for further and massive developments in energy production and distribution in the next 5 years.

To start off, MER is going to put up a pioneering jet fuel/diesel/natural gas plant in Calamba, Laguna set to start on the first quarter of 2012 to produce 120-150 megawatts of power. The company also aims to produce 150 megawatts in 2012, another 150 megawatts in 2013, 600 megawatts in 2014, and 300 megawatts in both 2015 and 2016. MER is also in talks with 2 to 4 groups for possible partnerships in the future and is optimistic that they can offer consumers 5 kilowatt per hour rates.

MER is dancing around the 230 levels right now which for me is a good buy. As soon as their plans will start to come into fruition, MER could go as high as 450 in the next 1 1/2 years based on Fibonacci.

SCC: Going Down?

For a little more than a year, SCC's uptrend support has been so strong. SCC's stock rose from around P40 in January of 2010 to as high as P210 (even higher) in January of 2011. The support was challenged several times yet held firm.

However the chart below signifies that SCC's uptrend support might finally give in. First, the chart shows a rising wedge formation which theoretically signals that a downtrend is coming soon. Second, SCC has breached its seemingly strong uptrend support (encircled in blue).

Though SCC is a strong one, the chart shows the market sentiment. It's price action is starting to consolidate after a gradual yet consistent rise. This could be testing a new support level or heading for a reversal (hopefully, it's the former).

On a personal note, I think that SCC is going to be one of the strong stocks as soon as PHISIX is done with consolidation and resumes an uptrend. The Mining and Oil index is projected to do very good in 2011 and SCC is the leading company in the said index.

SCC's charts shows two things: [1] That it is a very strong stock considering its uptrend support (which was breached possibly because of consolidation of the market), and [2] That it might finally break the support and go for a nosedive. How deep? Nobody knows. SCC could go as low as P160, P140, or P110 based on Fibonacci's 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%.

A bold prediction on SCC: As soon as this gets through the previous uptrend support which is at around the P210-P215 range, it will gain momentum and rise fast. Right now, I think that it would just be wise to buy on rallies and sell on dips (or sell on resistance).