KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end higher today with the benchmark FBM KLCI reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation of the Iran conflict, alongside Malaysia’s stronger Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 27.51 points, or 1.64 per cent, to 1,701.68 from yesterday’s close of 1,674.17. The benchmark index opened 10.68 points higher at 1,684.85, its lowest point today, and hit a high of 1,703.61 in the late afternoon session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers thumping losers 929 to 382. A total of 361 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.60 billion units worth RM3.75 billion from yesterday’s 5.52 billion units worth RM5.87 billion.
Results track expectations
ECW’s 1QFY10/16 net profit (+>100% YoY) was within our expectation but slightly below consensus. 4MFY16 actual sales are on track to meet its own sales target of MYR3b (excluding the overseas projects pending the listing of its associate company) for FY16. Potential enbloc sales at Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) will lower the overall project risk. We maintain earnings forecasts, MYR1.67 RNAV-TP and BUY rating.
Earnings driven by better margin and lower taxes
ECW’s 1QFY10/16 net profit was MYR20.7m (>+100% YoY, +5% QoQ) accounting for 21%/18% of our and consensus full-year estimates. The strong YoY earnings growth was mainly driven by better operating margin and lower tax charges. EBIT margin improved by 2ppt YoY and QoQ to 7.8% on lower administrative and marketing expenses. As at end-Jan 2016, ECW’s net gearing stood at 0.46x, from 0.37x at end-Oct 2015.
On track to meet its ambitious sales target
ECW has locked in MYR607.8m in property sales in 4MFY16, 20% of its MYR3b sales target (excluding ≈MYR1b sales from its overseas projects via associate company) for FY16 - on track. Sales should pick up strongly with the potential enbloc sale of retail spaces in BBCC. The enbloc sale will lower the overall project risk – a positive in view of stiff competition from upcoming projects such as TRX and Bandar Malaysia. ECW will softlaunch the service apartments and strata offices of BBCC by end-March 2016.
Maintaining earnings forecasts
Our sales assumption for FY16 is MYR2.8b, excluding the potential sales from its overseas projects via its associate company. Our MYR1.67 TP is based on an unchanged 40% discount to MYR2.79 RNAV. Unbilled sales stood at MYR4.4b at Jan 2016 (1.2x our FY16F revenue), providing medium-term earnings visibility.
Source: Maybank Research, 25 March 2016
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