CP All now holds 98 per cent of Makro’s shares.
In a research note, Tisco said the depleting trust in the company’s governance practices may reduce the divestiture chance and hence CP All’s debt would remain above the level promised to creditors: 3.5 times of equity in 2016 and 2.5 times in 2017. "Without the divestiture, CP All may run into a debt problem. Meanwhile, CP All and Makro also plan to invest Bt17.9 billion in 2016 and Bt14.9 billion in 2017," it said. In this scenario, the securities company expected CP All to cut its dividend payment this year, to maintain the expansion plan. CP All is expected to post Bt13 billion in earnings for the 2015 operating year, an increase of 28.5 per cent from the same period last year. The company is now facing criticism for lack of good governance practices, as three executives led by executive chairman Korsak Chairasmisak were punished by the Securities and Exchange Commission for insider trading. On February 5, CP All board of directors resolved to continue employment contracts of the three executives, citing their past performance. The board also said the three were already punished. On Sunday, Bandid Nijathaworn, president of Thai Institute of Directors, expressed his disappointment with the board’s decision. In a statement, he said this demonstrated a continuing challenge in establishing governance practices among leading Thai companies. "All parties need to step up efforts in establishing governance practices, either through legal amendments or punishments. Those committing the misconduct should be disqualified as director of listed companies. Moreover, listed companies should incorporate directors’ misconducts and punishments in annual reports. Independent directors should carefully carry out their tasks, taking into consideration the interests of small shareholders and other stakeholders," he said. The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) will hold a meeting on February 18 to sound out the common invesetment strategy of Thai institutional investors concerning stocks with poor governance practices. Duangkamon Phisarn, secretary-general of the association, said that the association also invited the Government Pension Fund and Social Security Fund to join the meeting."At the meeting, we will discuss our investment strategy for CP All," she said. It was reported that UOB Asset Management has reduced the holding of shares in CP All since the three executives were fined for the misconduct. Siripun Sutharoj, chief investment officer of the fund company, said that an executive reshuffle at CP All should be a good beginning. CP All share price dropped to Bt41.50 as of 3.40pm, down by Bt1.25 or 2.92 per cent from Friday close.