KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...
Upgrade from sell to HOLD recommendation with unchanged target price (TP) of RM1.55
Results
- In-line – 6M17 Net Profit of RM9.2m came in within our expectations but under consensus estimates, accounting for 43% and 34.1% of full year estimates, respectively.
Dividends
- Interim dividend of 1 sen per share, ex-date 10 Jan 2017.
Highlights
- Qoq: Net Profit fell 10.5% qoq to RM4.5m mainly due to KRR Malaysia operations incurring losses and weakening Ringgit (which increased Starbuck’s COGS).
- Yoy: Net Profit fell 27.9% yoy for similar reasons.
- Starbucks Malaysia’s operations continues to register growth in sales with higher same store sales growth (SSSG) of 1% qoq as well as contributions from opening of new stores (13 new stores in FY17) Despite this, the group experienced margin pressure due to the weakening of the ringgit as a large portion of their COGS are denominated in USD (Coffee beans, frappucino mix etc.) (USD MYR average of 6M16:3.90 vs 6M17:4.05)
- KRR Malaysia was in the red for 2Q17. The group attributed this mainly to the current low consumer sentiment as well as the closure of 2 stores ytd, which incurred significant right offs.
- The group continues to close its unprofitable KRR restaurants in Indonesia, closing 3 shut downs in FY17 to date.
- We anticipate the group to continue to experience margin pressure due to the current weak ringgit as Starbucks (~40% of Starbuck’s COGS are denominated in USD) accounts for the bulk of the group’s earnings.
Risks
- Nandos superior brand name to KRR Malaysia threatens to take away more market share from a business unit that is already experiencing negative SSSG.
- Further Ringgit depreciation against USD.
Forecasts
- Unchanged.
Rating
HOLD ↑ TP: RM1.55 ↔
- Starbucks Malaysia’s top line is growing as anticipated. However, the weak MYR against the USD has depressed margins and will continue to do so until a significant change in exchange rate happens. We keep estimates unchanged despite the recent weakening of the Ringgit as we have already priced in thinner margins for FY17.
Valuation
- TP is unchanged at RM1.55 but our call is upgraded from a Sell to a HOLD due to the recent fall in share price. TP is derived from 20.5x PE of FY18 EPS.
- Two factors could trigger rerating; 1) significant MYR appreciating against the USD which would reverse margin erosion of Starbucks Malaysia and 2) speedier turnaround/closure of loss-making KRR outlets in Indonesia.
Source: Hong Leong Investment Bank Research - 07 December 2016
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