KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
Shares in Axiata Group Bhd (KL) extended their decline on Thursday, nearly erasing this year’s gains amid concerns over the impact of civil unrest in Bangladesh on the group's key subsidiary.
Axiata shares fell to RM2.42, their lowest since January 4. The stock ended the day at RM2.43, down six sen or 2.4% from the previous day, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM22.31 billion on Bursa Malaysia.
Apex Securities cut its target price for Axiata to RM2.55 from RM2.94, highlighting rising macroeconomic risks in the frontier market and weaker investor sentiment.
Escalating anti-government protests in Bangladesh are expected to affect Axiata’s subsidiary, Robi Axiata PLC, which relies heavily on the prepaid mobile business. Robi is the second largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh and contributed 18% of Axiata’s operating profit.
Shares in Axiata have declined for the fourth consecutive day, losing more than 13% since the start of June. The unrest in Bangladesh, initially led by university students demanding changes in the quota-based system for government jobs, has intensified after nearly 200 deaths. The Bangladeshi government has responded by closing educational institutions, shutting down mobile internet, and imposing curfews.
Axiata's exposure to Bangladesh includes its 61% ownership in Robi and its tower assets through 63%-owned Edotco. However, Apex noted that Edotco would experience minimal impact due to the security provided by long-term contracts, which ensure consistent revenue.
Apex is trimming its net profit forecast for Axiata by 3.7% for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, “while awaiting further clarification.”
Additionally, Axiata faces geopolitical, macroeconomic, and regulatory risks, as well as challenges from a strengthening US dollar and high interest rates, Apex noted.
Key Takeaways:
- Axiata shares dropped to RM2.42, the lowest since January 4, closing at RM2.43.
- Apex Securities cut Axiata’s target price to RM2.55 from RM2.94.
- Escalating protests in Bangladesh are expected to impact Axiata’s subsidiary, Robi.
- Robi contributes 18% of Axiata’s operating profit.
- Shares have declined for four consecutive days, losing over 13% since early June.
- Axiata’s exposure to Bangladesh includes 61% ownership in Robi and 63%-owned Edotco.
- Minimal impact is expected on Edotco due to long-term contracts.
- Apex trimmed Axiata’s net profit forecast for FY2024 by 3.7%.
- Axiata faces additional risks from geopolitical, macroeconomic, regulatory issues, a strong US dollar, and high interest rates.
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