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Spotlight on
The "Pulse of Asia" Conference
(SP) Cosco Corporation: Profit Warning
FULLY VALUED S$0.925 COS SP; Price Target: 12-month S$0.76 6th~ 8th January, 2009
(Prev S$0.80)
We upgrade ST Engineering to BUY with a target price of S$2.80. Cosco Corporation: – See Spotlight
Amidst the worsening global economic outlook, STE has sustained
its reputation of being a defensive counter, with a slew of new ST Engineering: – See Spotlight
contract wins in recent months across different segments. In spite
of possible slowdowns in its Aerospace and Marine segments, we
are positive on the stock given 1) its ability to boost growth through MALAYSIA
M&A, 2) a relatively secure dividend yield of 7%, 3) record
orderbook of S$10b and 4) cash and cash equivalents of S$1b. AMMB Holdings: – See Spotlight
AMMB seem to have reached an inflexion point in terms of China Telecom: – See Spotlight
valuation. It hit its trough P/BV multiple of 0.7x in Nov-08, the
lowest since 1999. We believe there is still no premium attributed Parkson: Recent momentum slows
to AMMB for ANZ’s presence in terms of management and HOLD (downgrade from BUY); HK$8.63; 3368 HK; Price Target:
expertise. Buy AMMB with a target price of RM2.90, which implies 12m HK$9.60 (Prev HK$12.55)
1.0x CY09 BV.
TVB: Gloomy outlook
(HK) China Telecom: Negatives reflected, upsides remain HOLD; HK$25.20; 511 HK; Price Target: 12-Month HK$26.04 (Prev
BUY; HK$3.07; 728 HK; Price Target: 12-Month HK$3.70 HK$39.04)
Market Data
EPS Gth (%) PE (x)
08F 09F 08F 09F
Singapore 0.2 (5.5) 8.9 9.4
Malaysia 6.6 (9.0) 10.5 11.5
HK HSI (11.3) 3.9 10.9 10.5
HK HSCCI (Red) 28.2 4.7 10.4 9.9
HK HSCEI (H) 3.1 (0.3) 11.7 11.7
Thailand (8.7) 0.9 8.0 7.9
Indonesia 2.7 2.7 11.1 10.7
Source: DBS Vickers
Commodity Indicators
Commodities Latest Previous
Closing Closing YTD % chng
Soybean Oil Spot USD/pound 31.95 31.67 0.9% Soybean Oil Spot
Soybean Spot USD/bushel 9.59 9.60 -0.1% Soybean Spot
Sugar Spot USD/pound 12.81 12.75 0.5% Sugar Spot
Rice USD/cwt 15.12 15.25 -0.9% Rice
Wheat Spot USD/bushel 4.79 4.80 -0.4% Wheat Spot
Palm Oil Spot (CIF R) USD/mt 540 535 -45.7% Palm Oil Spot (CIF R)
Palm Oil Spot (FOB Msia) RM/mt 1,630 1,570 -47.5% Palm Oil Spot (FOB M sia)
Crude Oil Brent Spot USD/barrel 49 48 17.0% Crude Oil Brent Spot
Page 2
DBS Vickers Securities
Corporate Access Event
DBS Group Research . Equity December 2008
DBS Vickers Securities will be hosting Asia Corporate Meet with representatives from companies listed in
Access Events in Singapore on January 6th ~ 8th, 2009. Singapore, Hong Kong/China, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand
and Indonesia. The meetings may be one-on-one or
The long term fundamentals of Asia support a favorable group presentations, to give you further insight into the
environment for Asian equities. companies’ operations, directions and prospects.
The "Pulse of Asia" Conference For further information and registration, please contact
your sales representative or:
The Fullerton Singapore
th th
6 ~ 8 January, 2009 DBS Vickers Securities (Spore)
Fax: 65 6534 4533
Participating Companies*:
Tuesday, 6 January 2009 Thursday, 8 January 2009
SINGAPORE: Ascott Residence Trust • Capitaland Limited • MALAYSIA: AMMB Holdings • KNM Group • YTL Power
DBS Group Holdings • Ezra Holdings • Fraser & Neave • Hyflux
Ltd • Mermaid Maritime • Olam International • SembCorp THAILAND: Bangkok Bank • Central Pattana • Quality
Industries • SembCorp Marine • ST Engineering • Singapore House • Thai Oil • Thai Union Frozen
Exchange • Starhub • Strait Asia Resources
INDONESIA: Adaro Energy • Indo Tambangraya Megah
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
CHINA: China Hongxing Sports • China XLX Fertiliser • Cosco
Corporation • Midas • Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings •
Synear Food • Yanlord Group
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
Singapore
Regional Small/MidMarket
Cap Strategy Focus
Q4 2008
Country Assessment
Equity Strategy
DBS Group Research . Equity 05 January 2009
Singapore
Fire sale
The market is oversold, and poised for a rebound on
cheap valuations. But uncertainties continue to lurk
amidst a tough operating environment, as recession hits
and job cuts continue to rise. The bears will prevail in
2009, and we expect the STI to trade within a band of
1250 to 2100 as it base-builds towards a more
convincing recovery in 2010.
Poised for technical rebound off low valuations. Post the meltdown in October
2008, the market is cheap by all measures. At current levels of 1740, forward PE
of 11x is close to the regional crisis low and dividend yields of 5.2% has
surpassed previous lows of 3.5%. An expansionary budget to be unveiled in
January 2009, coupled with optimism over Obama’s fiscal measures to boost the
US economy are key catalysts for the rebound in the near term.
But the bear market persists. The economy is not out of the woods yet, and bad
news from the corporate sector will cap performance. We expect the STI to trade
within a range of 1450 to 2180. The low end of the range reflects a P/B from the
mean, which is -2 standard deviations. This is consistent with recession year
valuations.
Stick to survivors of the fittest with the tenacity to ride through this recession.
These will be companies backed by relatively resilient earnings, strong cash flows,
and cashed-up balance sheet. They are in a favourable position to acquire cheap
assets as deflation runs its course into 2009. Our preferred picks are SMRT, SIA
Engineering, SPH and ST Engineering. We would sell asset plays including property
and shipping companies on the rebound, as the process of de-leveraging will lead
to asset devaluation in 2009. Distressed valuation levels will spur M&A activities,
potential candidates can be found among technology, oil and gas and S chips.
Page 1
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Market Data
Index Close Chng Net -1 mth% -3 mth -6 mth -12 mth 52 week
12 Dec 08 1m (%) (%) (%) (%) High Low
Transactions: YTD
Volume (bn) 328
Value (S$bn) 369
Source: Bloomberg
MARKET REVIEW
Plunge in equities in October. The current global financial Unprecendated efforts by Central Banks and government efforts
crisis is the worst of its kind since the Great Depression. The to stabilize the financial systems and equity markets. While the
past few months saw government bail outs for companies financial crisis is the worst since the Great Depression, the
like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and AIG; the collapse of markets were comforted by unprecedented interventions by
investment bank Lehman Brothers; the sale of Merrill Lynch central banks and governments to restore stability to the financial
to Bank of America, the conversion of Goldman Sachs and systems. Fiscal stimulus packages from the US$800bn by US Fed
Morgan Stanley into commercial banks and the failure of to unfreeze credit markets, US$326bn to rescue Citigroup,
more European banks. China’s US$586bn economic stimulus package are measures
aimed at boosting these major economies. In addition, central
October was the most volatile month YTD. Major global banks around the world embarked on easier monetary policies
indices registered steep falls, amid concern that economic and unleashed aggressive interest rate cuts.
stimulus measures would fail to stop a global slowdown and
hurt corporate earnings. The fall would have been worse if
not for the concerted effort by central banks to cut interest
rates, provide government guarantees and ownership of
banks and to adopt other stimulatory measures.
Page 2
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Oil & Gas sector was the worst performing sector, and plunged asset devaluation in the face of de-leveraging in the global
by 52%, on the back of the steep drop in oil prices, poor SPC financial markets.
results and concerns over the balance sheet strength of
offshore vessels owners. Oil prices fell more than 70% from Defensive sectors outperformed : Telecoms, Consumer
the peak of US$150/bbl to US$42/bbl currently. Goods, Consumer Services(benefiting from lower oil prices)
outperformed the market.
Asset plays were hammered. Shipping, Property and REITs
were not spared from the sell-down, as investors bet on
1,700
Central banks cut interest rates to boost
1,600 bank lending and economic growth
1,500
7
8
7
8
07
08
8
6
07
07
08
08
8
7
8
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
-0
l-0
-0
-0
l-0
-0
-0
b-
b-
n-
n-
n-
n-
ay
ay
ug
ep
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ep
ov
ov
ec
ar
pr
ec
ar
pr
ec
ct
ct
Ju
Ju
Fe
Fe
Ja
Ju
Ja
Ju
O
O
M
M
A
A
M
M
D
D
A
Page 3
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Earnings dropped by 40% during past regional crises. In Spore GDP Growth vs Earnings growth
1998 and 2001 during the regional crisis and dotcom bust, %
Singapore’s earnings declined by between 40% to 50%, 50
mainly due to increases in banks’ provisions and mark to 40
market losses at property companies, and losses at 30
technology companies in 2001. Technology company losses 20
will feature less prominently in this cycle, given that profits 10
have shrunk over the past few years of contraction and forms 0
high of 2.3% in 1998, compared to current provision levels -20 Earnings growth
-30 GDP growth
of 0.4%. While we have increased our provisions to 0.5% to
-40
0.6% over the next two years, this is a far cry from 1998’s
-50
levels, particularly if asset values were to decline significantly
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08F 09F
next year.
Source: Datastream, Bloomberg
Net earnings decline of –21% and –6% for 2008 and 2009 2008 & 2009 earnings growth forecast from bottom up of STI stocks
respectively : DBS Economist has cut Singapore’s GDP growth using Bloomberg consensus
forecast for 2009 to –0.6%. Singapore is the first economy
to fall into a ‘technical recession’ with three quarters of
negative sequential growth. In 2008, Singapore’s GDP
growth was weaker than expected at +1.5% vs consensus
estimates of +2.5%. This reflects its vulnerability as a small
and open economy. The Singapore government has revised
down Singapore’s GDP forecast to a range of –2% to +1%
for 2009. Downside risk to global growth is high, and will be
a drag to Singapore’s GDP growth, particularly exports of
electronics and pharmaceuticals. In addition to the hostile
Page 4
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
STI DBSV Forecast Float Factor Avg 37.7 -17.7 -8.3 -13.2 35,032 26,436 24,067 7.2 9.0 9.8
STI Consensus Float Factor Avg 37.7 -20.8 -5.9 -13.7 35,032 25,082 23,785 7.2 9.1 9.7
Source: DBS Vickers
0
Money Supply y-o-y growth vs STI
93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Index (%)
4,000 35.0 Emerging markets International equity
3,500 30.0 Global equity
3,000 25.0
Source: Datastream
STI Index (LHS)
2,500 20.0
2,000 15.0
Page 5
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Page 6
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Dividend Yield But the bear will continue to claw in 2009. While a bear
market rally is imminent to correct the oversold positions, we
6 (%) have yet to hit the inflexion point for a market bottom. The
slew of bad news from the corporate world is unlikely to
recede, as the ill-effects of a recession works itself through
5
the economy.
100
GDP grow th
Source: Datastream, DBS 10 80
60
5
40
OUTLOOK
20
0
Near term rebound likely as markets were oversold. 0
Page 7
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
d) worse than expected job losses and economic recession. C) Survival of the fittest – stress testing the balance sheet
We expect unemployment rate to hit 3.6% next year, similar Contrary to market perception, net debt to equity ratio of
to 1998 levels and GDP growth of –0.6% vs Ministry of STI companies at 23% currently is higher than the
Trade and Industry’s guidance of –1% to +2% for 2009. A regional crisis levels of 1997 to 1999. In early 2000,
sharper than expected decline in these areas will be negative companies, particularly Temasek-linked entities, were shifting
for the market towards optimizing their capital structure and efficient capital
management, leading to higher dividend payouts. As such,
net debt ratios shot up to 50% in 2002, in tandem with a
rise in dividend payout ratio to 80% and a fall in corporate
earnings. Subsequent years of economic boom led to a
period of build up in cash flows, and decline in net debt.
Page 8
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Net debt to equity – STI companies Although net debt ratio of STI companies at 23% is low,
65% of companies under our coverage are in net debt
60%
positions. We would pick blue chips with prudent
50% management and efficient capital management. Faced with
deterioriating demand outlook and tight credit, companies
40%
with a strong balance sheets have the tenacity to ride out this
30% recession. Small caps are more vulnerable and we would
prefer blue chips with strong cash flow, net cash positions,
20%
and sustainable dividend payout ratios.
10%
We have also included Z-scores in our screen. The Altman Z-
0% score is a measurement of the financial health of a company.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
The lower the score, the higher the chance of bankruptcy.
Net Debt / Equity The high scoring companies are in a better position to
Source: Bloomberg, DBS Vickers weather the current crisis and to acquire assets during testing
times. Our preferred picks are SIA Engineering – cash
generative and strong visibility to revenue streams, ST
Dividend payout and yield – STI companies Engineering which is in a position to acquire assets, backed
by its net cash of >S$1bn, and SPH, which enjoys a
100 6.0%
monopolistic position in advertising revenue in Singapore.
90
5.0%
80
70
4.0%
60
50 3.0%
40
2.0%
30
20
1.0%
10
0 0.0%
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Page 9
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
SembCorp 3,459 1.67 1.90 14% Hold 23.34 7.3 7.0 1.8 9.6 10.1 cash 18 2.30
Marine
Venture 1,168 4.26 6.40 50% Buy 57.40 3.9 6.0 0.6 11.7 11.7 cash 17 3.98
Corporation
ST Engineering 6,895 2.30 2.80 22% Hold 22.58 14.0 13.4 4.2 7.1 7.4 cash 11 1.61
SPH 5,047 3.17 4.25 34% Buy 25.40 10.8 10.4 2.4 8.6 8.8 cash 6 3.28
SMRT 2,396 1.58 1.82 15% Buy 11.25 15.9 14.6 3.5 4.9 5.1 0.00 0 2.23
D) M&A potential on distressed valuation Looking ahead, we believe large takeovers running to the
tunes of billions are less likely given tighter credits but smaller
Low valuations can trigger industry
deals are still possible: 1) robust companies could buy
consolidations/privatization/ M&A. The credit crunch and
competitors weakened by the tight credit market to enlarge
financial crisis has resulted in a sharp reduction in the sector
their own market share; 2) strategic buyers could take
M&A activity for 2008 and possibly into 2009. But, the massive
advantage of either a strong balance sheet (cash/credit
decline in equities’ has also beaten down valuations to levels
capacity) or relatively stronger equity position to acquire low-
compelling enough to draw potential buyers.
priced companies distressed by a combination of declining
revenue and rising borrowing costs; and 3) major shareholders
We have witnessed a flurry of corporate takeovers and
could privatize undervalued companies which have been
privatizations year to date. Most offers are struck with
indiscriminately sold down with the market.
respectable premiums over market prices.
Page 10
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Within tech, we think Chartered and Hi-P are potential M&A 10.7 Scts per Swissco share. This implies that the equity market is
targets whereas Creative would be a prime candidate for ignoring the breakup value of Swissco, and valuing its core
privatization to extract cash. Chartered is an attractive offshore vessel chartering business at a mere 3.4x FY08 PE. Its
takeover target given record low valuation of only 0.2x P/B. core earnings are expected to be driven by the expected delivery
With an enterprise value of S$2b, a potential buyer would be of 10 new vessels by end 2008, and supported by the sustained
getting Chartered’s wafer fabs -one 300mm fab and five high day charter rates for offshore vessels. Furthermore,
200mm - at a price far below replacement cost. Today, a Swissco’s balance sheet is expected to strengthen going forward
leading-edge 300mm fab like Chartered’s Fab 7 already costs on the back of reduced capex commitments post 2008, and
more than US$2b. Word on the street has rumoured both strong positive operating cash flows stemming from its
TSMC and UMC to be interested buyers. chartering income.
Hi-P, on the other hand, would be a strategic fit for bigger As for KS Energy, a new substantial shareholder in the form of
electronic manufacturing companies such as Flextronics, Jabil Dubai Transport Company LLC (“DTC”) emerged in late July
or even Venture. 2008. Also known as Dutco Group, DTC is a private UAE-based
conglomerated involved in construction of freight services to oil
As for Creative, the stock is trading below cash of US$3.14 per and gas. We note that it has been increasing its stake in KS
share as at end of Sep 08. A potential buyer can extract cash Energy steadily over the past few months, and most recently,
by firstly shutting down the loss-making retail business; then acquiring another 6.7m shares in KS Energy, at a price range of
paying off debts with the company’s cash and last but not c. S$0.60 – 1.00, bringing its total stake to 13.1%.
least, monetizing Creative’s rich library of intellectual
properties. China Sports is a likely privatisation candidate, having a net cash
position of S$127.5m vs. the current free float of a mere
In the industrial space, Swissco International and KS Energy are S$38.6m. The share is currently trading at c. S$0.16, considerably
our picks as possible M&A candidates. Swissco, a charterer of lower than the net cash per share of c. S$0.19. However, the
offshore and out-of-port limit vessels is currently trading at an operating environment remains tough, amidst falling demand
attractive valuation of 0.4x forward P/B. It also holds a 9% stake and rising competition from listed players.
in Swiber Holdings, which at current market price, is worth c.
Industrials
KS Energy Dec 365 1.05 Fully Valued 8.0x 7.3x 1.0 0.9 8.1 121.2 -124.2
Swissco International Dec 80 0.405 Buy 4.9x 4.6x 0.4 0.4 nm 2.6 -39.9
S-chip
China Sports Dec 104 0.155 Hold 2.3x 2.3x 0.6 0.5 nm cash 18.4
Source: Bloomberg, DBS Vickers
Page 11
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Consumer Goods For plantation, we expect palm oil prices to stay weak at RM1,520/MT next China Fishery Group
Neutral year, lower than most market expectations of between RM1,600 and
RM1,900. We expect current record inventory of 2.1m MT in Malaysia to
continue to rise, as Chinese import volumes weaken and slower GDP growths
in Asia become more apparent. For pure planters, earnings are to drop
significantly over the next three quarters, and we believe this has not been
factored in current lofty multiples. For integrateds, we still like Wilmar for its
ability to consistently hedge its costs and sales, although we recommend
investors to wait for a reasonable entry level, as China’s palm and soybean
import volume growth may decelerate due to current global economic
weakness.
Page 12
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Consumer Services While not spared from the market tumble in Oct, consumer services emerged SMRT, ComfortDelgro, SPH
Positive as the best performing segment with a 22% decline versus 35% for the
broader market. We maintain our positive view of the consumer services
sector. We believe ridership for land transport will be relatively resilient
despite the economic gloom, hence our preference for it. Retreating oil price
is positive for SMRT and ComfortDelGro as energy and fuel costs accounts
for 11% - 40% of companies revenue. With oil price retreating to around
US$45/bbl, we estimate that SMRT’s fuel and electricity costs will be
significantly lower. Their current 6-months contract till Mar 09 is 30% higher
from previous. Top picks are SMRT, ComfortDelgro and SPH.
Shipping. We maintain our cautious stance on dry bulk shipping. We see the
general reluctance of listed companies to cancel orders as reinforcing the
cyclical downturn in 2009, which will be worse than the Asian Crisis. We
expect most dry bulk carriers to be making losses, except for some of the
fully depreciated vessels. Secondhand prices are also expected to plunge
80%. We have Hold recommendations on Mercator (S$0.13), and Fully
Valued for STX Pan Ocean (S$6.70). We recommend investors to sell into
strength should the BDI stage an expected technical rebound in late 1Q to
2Q09.
Page 13
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
Property Our cautious stance on developers remains. Much of the expected bad news City Devt, Wheelock
Cautious like asset writedowns, negative job creation and distressed sales have yet to
materialise. These factors should continue to weigh down the sector in
coming months, hampering sector outperformance. We would look to re-
enter the sector only upon seeing key inflexion points in the form of the
worst of the bad news. These include the worst in job loss data and the
weakest residential sales in the secondary market, historical precursors to an
uptick in property stocks. We favour residential over office given the time
needed to digest the huge impending supply coming on-stream. Our top
buys are companies with strong balance sheets that we believe would be
more resilient. Our top big-cap pick is City Dev (lower risk of asset write-
down); our top mid-cap pick is Wheelock Properties (net cash, does not offer
DPS). Avoid companies that are relatively more highly geared and with a
greater exposure to the high-end residential market, where higher default
risk may lie. Top sells are SC Global and Ho Bee.
Reits Lowering our call on Sreits to neutral. In addition to slower earnings growth, Parkway Life Reit
Neutral continued headwinds from refinancing concerns due to the tight credit
market and prospect of balance sheet deleveraging due to asset value
deflation would hamper share price outperformance. The sector is currently
offering historically high average DPU yield of 15.5%, indicating that a
measure of these risks have been reflected into the share price. Our strategy
would be to remain highly selective, preferring reits with low gearing and
little refinancing issues such as Parkway Life reit.
Technology We maintain Cautious on tech stocks as newsflow will remain bearish, Venture
leading to more earnings downgrades on the street, near term. Throughout
Cautious
FY09, the industry would see falling utilization, inventory correction, higher
working capital requirement and continued earnings revision as long as the
market remains entrenched in a recession. Margins will also remain
depressed, as competition and pricing pressures negate the strengthening
USD and falling material costs. But, industry consolidation or privatization
could be a catalyst. We think Chartered and Hi-P are potential buys given
their integration potential. We think Creative would be a privatization
candidate to extract cash.
Avoid small caps. Top pick is Venture.
Telecom Ground checks indicate that competition in the sector is easing, as operators M1
are reducing handset subsidies. However, subscriber growth is under
Neutral
pressure as immigrantion led population growth is bound to recede with
economic recession in Singapore. Current sector valuation of 12.4x FY09F
PER for 4.4% FY08-FY10 EPS CAGR do not appear attractive compared to
market's 9.4x PER for –0.3% growth. We would like to stress that sector
earnings are less volatile and dividend yield of 5-10% limits the downside.
SingTel and StarHub have challenges ahead in the medium term from
National Broadband Network (NBN) with M1 as the only beneficiary. M1 is
our top pick in the sector and is trading at 8.5x FY09 PER and 10% dividend
yield.
Page 14
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and
Bloomberg (DBSR GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
This document is published by DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVR"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers
Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVS") and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd ("DBSVH"). [This
report is intended for clients of DBSV Group only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by
any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBSVR.]
The research is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as to
its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for general
circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation
and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in
substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVR accepts no liability
whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or further communication given in relation to this
document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to time
have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or
employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform
broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction as
a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification on
disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the
companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of
his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. As of 5
Jan 2009, the analyst and his / her spouse and/or relatives who are financially dependent on the analyst, do not hold interests in the securities
recommended in this report (“interest” includes direct or indirect ownership of securities, directorships and trustee positions).
1. DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries do not have a proprietary position in the securities
recommended in this report as of 31 Dec 2008
3. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered
broker-dealer, may beneficially own a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the mentioned
company as of 5 Jan 2009.
4. Compensation for investment banking services:
a) DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBSVUSA may have received compensation, within the past
12 months, and within the next 3 months receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services
from the SPH,Hyflux,, ASL Marine, City Development, Parkway Life REIT.
b) DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any
investment banking transaction as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to
obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in
any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
Page 15
Market Focus
Equity Strategy
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General This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or
resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication,
availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.
Australia This report is being distributed in Australia by DBSVR and DBSVS, which are exempted from the requirement to
hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporation Act 2001 [“CA] in respect of financial services
provided to the recipients. DBSVR and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore [“MAS”]
under the laws of Singapore, which differ from Australian laws. Distribution of this report is intended only for
“wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA.
Hong Kong This report is being distributed in Hong Kong by DBS Vickers (Hong Kong) Limited which is licensed and
regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Singapore This report is being distributed in Singapore by DBSVR, which holds a Financial Adviser’s licence and is regulated
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report published by any foreign DBS Vickers entities is distributed in Singapore only to “institutional investors”
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Research distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
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Bank Ltd, Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
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Page 16
Singapore
Regional Small/MidMarket
Cap Strategy Focus
Q4 2008
Country Assessment
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
DBS Group Research . Equity 05 January 2009
Singapore
Survival of the fittest
We see the bear market rally that started in 4Q08
extending into 1Q 09. Our 1Q strategy focuses on
companies with strong balance sheets that give them the
ability to ride out the recession.
Markets managed to find a short-term low in 4Q08 as investors bet that 1) the
frozen credit markets may start to thaw following recent aggressive measures by
central banks to inject liquidity, 2) valuation has fallen to previous crisis troughs,
the recent stock market correction has priced in weak FY08 earnings and poor
economic data and 3) global efforts to pump prime economies could shorten
the global recession
Still, we remain mindful of the current credit crunch on small and medium size
companies. With earnings downgrades still an on-going process, our stock
selection adds focus on companies with strong balance sheets that should
enable them to weather and emerge from the current crisis as stronger entities.
We take a positive view of recent plans to review capital expenditure by Ezra as
well as its improved charter rates that are backed by long-term contracts. We
also like ASL Marine’s good earnings visibility and net cash position in FY09.
Among S-chips, we view the Chinese government’s initiatives to shift its weight
from exports to domestic consumption as positive for China Hongxing, which is
backed by 17Scts net cash per share. We also pick water treatment company,
Epure for its more defensive business model and good net cash position.
Our final pick is Raffles Medical in light of the defensive nature of the healthcare
sector, the company’s strong operating cashflow and net cash position.
Page 1
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
Market Data
52-Week
Closed Chng Net -6 mth -12 mth
Indices 12 Dec 08 -1 mth -1 mth (%) -3 mth (%) (%) (%) High Low
Transactions: YTD*
STI (bn) 63.3
FTSE Mid Cap (bn) 43.6
FTSE Small Cap (bn) 58.0
Source: Bloomberg
* Start 10 Jan 08
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Relative Performance - Small cap picks vs FSTS & FSTM
Last quarter, in particular October, saw global equity indices 1.2
experience the worst fall in recent history, with the impact of
1.0
the global credit crisis deepening spurring the collapse of
more financial institutions. Concerted efforts by global 0.8
central banks to cut interest rates and to roll out economic 0.6
stimulus packages managed to prevent the market from free
0.4
falling. However, sentiment remained cautious.
0.2
Small cap stocks were hit harder, as a result of a flight to
0.0
quality. Against this backdrop, our small cap stock picks Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08
were not spared. Our small cap portfolio fell 32.7% Q-o-Q Celestial Ezra Pan United
on a price-weighted basis, vs 38.4% and 40.7% drop in the Parkway Life REIT FSTS FSTM
FS Small Cap Index (FSTS) and FS Mid Cap Index (FSTM) Source: Bloomberg, DBS Vickers
respectively.
STI vs FS Mid and Small Cap
Among our four picks, both Ezra and Celestial STI FTSE Small and
4,000 1000
mid Cap
underperformed the FSTS and FSTM most of the time. Ezra
900
was hit by falling oil prices and concerns about funding for 3,500
800
its high capex needs while margins for Celestial were
affected by high raw materials. High dividend yield stocks 3,000 700
Parkway Life REIT and Pan United Corp, outperformed the 600
market during the 3-month period. 2,500
500
400
2,000
300
1,500 200
J an-08 Mar-08 J un-08 Aug-08 Nov -08
Page 2
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
Average daily turnover volume eased from above 1.2bn to FTSE Volume Traded (mil shares)
around the 1bn mark shortly after the market recovered 3,000 m 50%
from its low in end October as sentiment remained cautious. 45%
Turnover for mid cap stocks accounted for an average of 2,500 40%
20% of total volume in 4Q08 while small cap stocks 35%
accounted for an average of 17% during the same period. 2,000 30%
25%
1,500 20%
15%
1,000 10%
5%
500 0%
J an-08 Mar-08 J un-08 Sep-08 Nov-08
Page 3
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
Market de-rated further in 4Q08. Our small/mid caps FY08 package) and SP Chemicals (takeover offer). Healthcare was
and FY09 PE declined to 6.0x and 5.5x as at end 4Q08 from generally more defensive in the down market.
7.9x and 6.2x respectively when compared to the previous
quarter. Small/mid caps continue to trade at much lower
valuation multiples compared to large caps, which are Small/Mid Cap Sector Performance (Sorted in ascending
trading at 9.5x FY08 and 10.2x FY09. Further earnings order on 3-month performance)
downgrades reduced growth to 6% FY08 and 9% FY09, Chng Chng Chng Chng
much lower than the 10% FY08 and 29% FY09 during 3Q. 1m 3m 6m 12m
Nevertheless, the revised earnings growth for small/mid caps Oil & Gas -3.5 -53.2 -72.3 -77.7
are still much better than zero growth for large caps in FY08 REITS -11.8 -47.2 -59.5 -65.9
and negative 7% growth in FY09. Real Estate -3.0 -47.0 -63.5 -76.9
Industrials -6.9 -43.4 -56.4 -64.8
Oil & Gas and Financials the worst hit. Oil & Gas, REITs and Total -4.5 -41.9 -58.9 -69.6
Real Estate were the worst hit sectors in 4Q08. Oil & Gas Financials -11.3 -40.1 -60.3 -67.8
sector eased 52.8% on a 3-mth basis on the back of more Telecommunications -9.5 -39.7 -48.6 -47.9
than 50% fall in oil prices and concerns of order Technology -12.3 -38.2 -51.5 -61.5
cancellations. Stocks like Jaya, Swiber and ASL Marine were Consumer Services 8.5 -33.8 -54.4 -61.0
among the top 20 most oversold stocks. REITS and Shipping Consumer Goods 1.7 -32.1 -54.8 -67.3
Trusts were hit by fears about re-financing issues arisingamid Health Care 6.6 -30.0 -44.1 -49.4
the current credit crisis. 35% of the most oversold stocks Basic Materials 0.7 -9.0 -44.4 -66.2
featured here are Shipping Trusts and REITS. Basic Materials’ Source: DBS Vickers
performance was skewed by Midas (beneficiary of stimulus
J ay a Hldgs 227 0.30 0.23 -22% FV 1.5x 2.7x 0.5x 44.1% (73) (82) (83)
Asia Env ironment 45 0.11 0.10 -3% FV 4.2x 6.3x 0.3x 6.7% (64) (78) (88)
F rasers Commercial Trust 171 0.24 0.31 30% H 6.3x 8.0x 0.2x 24.5% (64) (71) (73)
Pacific Shipping Trust 119 US$ 0.14 US$0.52 271% B 3.3x 3.8x 0.3x 30.6% (63) (66) (67)
Rickmers Maritime 145 0.40 0.63 59% H 5.4x 5.8x 0.3x 32.2% (62) (65) (69)
Epure International 271 0.21 0.34 60% B 5.0x 4.2x 0.9x 0.0% (61) (58) (70)
Bany an Tree 305 0.40 0.37 -8% FV 12.8x 14.2x 0.5x 3.1% (60) (74) (78)
Swiber Hldgs 231 0.55 1.00 83% B 3.3x 2.2x 0.6x 0.0% (59) (79) (84)
Mapletree Logistics Trust 611 0.32 0.57 82% B 4.6x 5.9x 0.4x 22.4% (57) (65) (71)
CSE Global 204 0.40 0.80 100% B 4.0x 4.0x 1.3x 11.3% (56) (63) (68)
ASL Marine 133 0.44 0.84 91% B 2.6x 2.5x 0.6x 9.1% (55) (63) (71)
F irst Ship Lease 253 0.51 1.65 227% B 25.4x 93.7x 0.4x 33.9% (54) (58) (61)
China Sky Chemical F ibre 232 0.29 0.35 25% H 2.1x 2.3x 0.3x 7.3% (54) (68) (85)
Silv erlake Axis 112 0.10 0.13 30% FV 2.5x 6.6x 1.6x 18.6% (53) (70) (82)
Asia Enterprises 49 0.18 0.10 -43% FV 2.1x 1.9x 0.4x 18.8% (53) (57) (62)
Global Testing Corp 33 0.04 0.05 47% FV 8.2x nm 0.2x 0.0% (53) (65) (81)
CSM 470 0.19 0.38 105% H nm nm 0.2x 0.0% (53) (77) (82)
Tat Hong 296 0.60 0.75 26% B 3.3x 3.9x 0.8x 9.8% (52) (71) (81)
Suntec REIT 999 0.65 0.88 35% H 8.8x 7.4x 0.3x 15.8% (51) (58) (62)
K-Reit 392 0.60 0.93 55% H 18.4x 20.1x 0.2x 16.7% (51) (58) (72)
Page 4
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
STRATEGY/THEMES AND STOCK PICKS susceptible to the economic slowdown compared to high-
end consumables. Hongxing offers good value at current
A Bear market rally Just as bull markets consolidate for value as stock is backed by 17Scts net cash per share and
breathers, so do counter-trend rallies interrupt bear markets. offering 16.5% EPS CAGR over FY09 and FY10.
As stocks reeled from a massive sell off across the board (2) Beneficiary of China’s massive USD583bil stimulus plan.
during 4Q08, there is optimism that stock prices have The recently announced stimulus package include plans for
touched a temporary floor following the US government’s environmental protection that could be beneficial for waste
efforts to save big corporations such as Citigroup and US and water treatment companies. Our second pick is leading
auto manufacturers, global government’s concerted efforts water and wastewater treatment company Epure. The
to pump prime their respective economies and unfreeze company has a strong net cash of 14cts/share, and is in a
credit markets (e.g. the USD 700bil bailout plan, China’s strong financial position which enables it to finance BOT
USD583bil economic stimulus and Singapore’s SGD2.3bil projects and future working capital through internally
stimulus plan to encourage bank to give credit). generated funds. Current valuation is compelling at 4.7x
Going ahead, investors can look forward to year-end FY09 PER.
window dressing activities and Singapore’s budget (3) Rebound in oil price lifts oversold O&M stocks Oil price
scheduled on January 22nd. , US President elect Obama’s has fallen nearly 70% since peaking out at USD147pbl. Our
pledge to revive the economy and create jobs should average oil price assumption for 2009 is USD60pbl, which is
continue to see bargain hunting on minor dips ahead of his about 40% higher compared to current price. Our technical
swearing in ceremony on January 20th next year. analyst sees strong support for oil price at USD38-40pbl.
Despite near-term positives, we remain mindful of the on- Our picks are Ezra and ASL Marine. We view Ezra’s recent
going credit crisis and the vulnerability of small companies. announcement to review its orders for 5 multi-functional
As banks impose stricter lending criterions, we prefer to stay support vessels positively as it signals a preference towards
away from companies with high gearing and poor operating cash conservation, thus improving on its current net debt
cash flows. position even as growth continues to be underpinned by
Focus on strong balance sheet Thus, in addition to attractive long-term charter contracts. ASL Marine’s strong balance
PE valuations, we think a strong balance sheet is a must. Our sheet and good earnings visibility from its large shipbuilding
additional criterions are companies with net cash (or slight order book coupled with sustained strong demand for ship
net debt), an Altman’s Z-score (a formula for predicting repair and chartering services justifies the company as our
bankruptcy, the lower the score, the higher chance of next pick in the O&M sector. ASL also offers an attractive
bankruptcy) of at least 2.0 and good operating cash flows. dividend yield of c. 11%.
There should be no sharp increase in debtor’s turnover days. (4) Healthcare sector as defensive Our final pick is Raffles
(1) Beneficiary of China’s focus on domestic consumption Medical. Besides the defensive nature of its business, the
China Hongxing is expected to benefit from the Chinese company boasts of a strong operating cash flow and has a
government’s initiatives to focus on domestic consumption. strong net cash position that should increase from S$9mil as
Its sportswear products, which cater to mid-to-low end of Sept08 to S$16mil by end 2008. Its healthy balance sheet
consumers in 2nd and 3rd tier cities in China, are less will see it through this period of uncertainty. It is trading at
its historical low valuation of c. 10x PE
.
1Q09 Small/Mid Cap Stock Picks
FYE Mkt Price Target EV/EBITDA P/BV Div Yld ROE Val/Day
Company Cap (S$) Price % PE (x) (x) (x) (%) (%) 6m
(S$m) 12-Dec (S$) Upside Rcmd 08E 09F 08E 08E 08E 08E ($000s)
ASL Marine Jun 133 0.44 0.84 91 Buy 2.6 2.5 2.0 0.6 9.1 31 253
China Hongxing Dec 533 0.21 0.33 56 Buy 5.0 4.3 1.0 0.6 4.0 13 6,719
Epure International Dec 271 0.21 0.34 60 Buy 5.0 4.2 1.5 0.9 0.0 20 469
Ezra Holdings Aug 404 0.69 1.25 81 Buy 5.0 4.5 4.6 0.7 26.1 55 4,545
Raffles Medical Dec 334 0.645 0.76 17 Buy 11.6 10.1 7.5 1.5 3.9 14 226
Source: DBS Vickers
Page 5
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and
Bloomberg (DBSR GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
This document is published by DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVR"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers
Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVS") and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd ("DBSVH"). [This
report is intended for clients of DBSV Group only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by
any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBSVR.]
The research is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as to
its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for general
circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation
and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in
substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVR accepts no liability
whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or further communication given in relation to this
document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to time
have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or
employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform
broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction as
a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification on
disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the
companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of
his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. As of 5
Jan 2009, the analyst and his / her spouse and/or relatives who are financially dependent on the analyst, do not hold interests in the securities
recommended in this report (“interest” includes direct or indirect ownership of securities, directorships and trustee positions).
1. DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries do not have a proprietary position in the securities
recommended in this report as of 31 Dec 2008
2. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered
broker-dealer, beneficially own a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the Pacific Shipping
Trust as of 5 Jan 2008
3. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered
broker-dealer, may beneficially own a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of Pacific Shipping
Trust as of 5 Jan 2009.
4. Compensation for investment banking services:
i. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBSVUSA may have received compensation, within the past
12 months, and within the next 3 months receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services
from the ASL Marine,Parkway Life REIT,Pacific Shipping Trust, Mapletree Logistics Trust, Silverlake Axis
ii. DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any
Page 6
Market Focus
Small/Mid Cap Strategy
investment banking transaction as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to
obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in
any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION
General This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or
resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication,
availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.
Australia This report is being distributed in Australia by DBSVR and DBSVS, which are exempted from the requirement to
hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporation Act 2001 [“CA] in respect of financial services
provided to the recipients. DBSVR and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore [“MAS”]
under the laws of Singapore, which differ from Australian laws. Distribution of this report is intended only for
“wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA.
Hong Kong This report is being distributed in Hong Kong by DBS Vickers (Hong Kong) Limited which is licensed and
regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Singapore This report is being distributed in Singapore by DBSVR, which holds a Financial Adviser’s licence and is regulated
by the MAS. This report may additionally be distributed in Singapore by DBSVS (Company Regn. No.
198600294G), which is an Exempt Financial Adviser as defined under the Financial Advisers Act. Any research
report published by any foreign DBS Vickers entities is distributed in Singapore only to “institutional investors”
as defined under the Securities and Futures Act. Distribution of research reports published by a foreign-related
corporation of DBSVR/DBSVS to “Accredited Investors” as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations is
provided pursuant to the approval by MAS of research distribution arrangements under Paragraph 11 of the
First Schedule to the FAA.
United Kingdom This report is being distributed in the UK by DBS Vickers Securities (UK) Ltd, who is an authorised person in the
meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority.
Research distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
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United Arab This report is being distributed in United Arab Emirates by DBS Bank Ltd, Dubai (PO Box 506538, 3 Floor,
Emirates Building 3, Gate Precinct, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and is intended only for wholesale clients. DBS
Bank Ltd, Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
United States Neither this report nor any copy hereof may be taken or distributed into the United States or to any U.S. person
except in compliance with any applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
Other In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for
jurisdictions professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions.
DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd – 8 Cross Street, #02-01 PWC Building, Singapore 048424
Tel. 65-6533 9688, Fax: 65-6226 8048
Company Regn. No. 198600295W
Page 7
Singapore Company Focus
Cosco Corporation
Bloomberg: COS SP | Reuters: COSC.SI
7 .5 0 690
6 .5 0 590 doubtful debts – includes provision for S$19m due for
5 .5 0
4 .5 0
490 repair works on three Russian vessels which defaulted,
3 .5 0
390
290
and MPF which went into bankruptcy. Delays in
2 .5 0
1 .5 0 190
payment will rise as shipowners are losing money due to
0 .5 0 90 the plunge in freight rates; (2) Cost overrun for
shipbuilding and offshore marine projects due to weak
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
C o s c o C o r p o r a t io n ( L H S ) R e la t iv e S T I IN D E X ( R H S )
execution, higher steel prices, sub-contracting cost, and
additional development cost at Zhoushan. The group
Forecasts and Valuation provided for the 30% drop in steel prices over the past
quarter for its stockpile; (3) Potential penalties for
FY Dec (S$ m) 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F delivery delays - it completed only one 57K bulk carrier
Turnover 2,262 3,469 4,391 3,996 in 2008 vs ten originally scheduled.
EBITDA 576 535 635 657
Pre-tax Profit 498 442 504 503 Clients push back vessel deliveries Cosco has
Net Profit 337 292 275 264
Net Pft (Pre Ex.) 337 292 275 264 rescheduled the delivery of seven bulk carriers, from
EPS (S cts) 15.0 13.1 12.3 11.8 2009/2010 to 2011/2012, on request from its clients.
EPS Pre Ex. (S cts) 15.0 13.1 12.3 11.8 With shipowners operating at a loss, we expect more
EPS Gth Pre Ex (%) 80 (13) (6) (4) cancellations, rescheduling, and bad debts.
Diluted EPS (S cts) 15.5 13.5 12.7 12.2
Net DPS (S cts) 7.0 7.3 8.2 9.2
BV Per Share (S cts) 42.0 48.1 53.1 56.6
Net profits forecasts cut by 20% to 30%. We cut our
PE (X) 6.2 7.1 7.5 7.8 sales estimates and now expect cancellations and delays
PE Pre Ex. (X) 6.2 7.1 7.5 7.8 affecting 40% of its order book (from 15% previously).
P/Cash Flow (X) 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.0 Including provisions and cut in margin assumptions, the
EV/EBITDA (X) 2.7 4.1 4.1 4.4 net impact is a 20% to 30% cut in earnings forecasts.
Net Div Yield (%) 7.6 7.9 8.9 10.0 Maintained Fully Valued, target price cut to 76cts based
P/Book Value (X) 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.6
Net Debt/Equity (X) CASH CASH CASH 0.0
on 4x its shipbuilding profits and 8x its shiprepair profits.
ROAE (%) 41.8 29.0 24.3 21.5
At A Glance
Earnings Rev (%): (29.2) (21.8) (16.8)
Consensus EPS (S cts): 17.8 15.7 14.8 Issued Capital (m shrs) 2,239
Mkt. Cap (S$m/US$m) 2,071 / 1,421
ICB Industry : Industrials Major Shareholders
ICB Sector: Industrial Engineering China Ocean Shipping (%) 53.4
Principal Business: Cosco Corp's core businesses include ship repair, SembCorp Marine (%) 5.0
shipbuilding, offshore and marine engineering, dry bulk shipping Free Float (%) 41.7
and shipping agency. Avg. Daily Vol.(‘000) 31,863
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed: YM / sa: JC
Company Focus
Cosco Corporation
Turnover 2,262 3,469 4,391 3,996 Net Fixed Assets 1,479 1,814 2,129 2,429
Cost of Goods Sold (1,652) (2,868) (3,738) (3,353) Invts in Associates & JVs 2 3 3 4
Gross Profit 610 601 653 643 Other LT Assets 55 55 55 55
Other Opng (Exp)/Inc (115) (181) (154) (137) Cash & ST Invts 1,083 532 276 123
Operating Profit 495 420 500 506 Inventory 486 578 798 799
Other Non Opg (Exp)/Inc 0 0 0 0 Debtors 828 771 1,098 999
Associates & JV Inc 1 1 1 1 Other Current Assets 35 46 1 1
Net Interest (Exp)/Inc 3 22 4 (4) Total Assets 3,967 3,797 4,360 4,409
Exceptional Gain/(Loss) 0 0 0 0
Pre-tax Profit 498 442 504 503 ST Debt 112 112 112 112
Tax (20) (47) (71) (74) Other Current Liab 2,446 2,037 2,330 2,135
Minority Interest (142) (103) (158) (164) LT Debt 65 65 65 65
Preference Dividend 0 0 0 0 Other LT Liabilities 42 42 42 42
Net Profit 337 292 275 264 Shareholder’s Equity 940 1,076 1,188 1,268
Net Profit before Except. 337 292 275 264 Minority Interests 363 466 624 788
EBITDA 576 535 635 657 Total Cap. & Liab. 3,967 3,797 4,360 4,409
Sales Gth (%) 86.1 53.4 26.6 (9.0) Non-Cash Wkg. Capital (1,097) (642) (433) (336)
EBITDA Gth (%) 61.1 (7.1) 18.6 3.3 Net Cash/(Debt) 906 355 100 (54)
Opg Profit Gth (%) 67.6 (15.2) 19.0 1.3
Net Profit Gth (%) 63.9 (13.1) (6.0) (3.8)
Effective Tax Rate (%) 3.9 10.6 14.2 14.8
Cash Flow Statement (S$ m) Rates & Ratio
FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F
Pre-Tax Profit 498 442 504 503 Gross Margins (%) 27.0 17.3 14.9 16.1
Dep. & Amort. 81 115 135 150 Opg Profit Margin (%) 21.9 12.1 11.4 12.7
Tax Paid (23) (20) (47) (71) Net Profit Margin (%) 14.9 8.4 6.3 6.6
Assoc. & JV Inc/(loss) (1) (1) (1) (1) ROAE (%) 41.8 29.0 24.3 21.5
Chg in Wkg.Cap. 1,007 (482) (234) (100) ROA (%) 11.5 7.5 6.7 6.0
Other Operating CF 24 0 0 0 ROCE (%) 33.3 22.9 22.6 20.0
Net Operating CF 1,586 56 357 481 Div Payout Ratio (%) 46.5 55.7 67.1 78.0
Capital Exp.(net) (462) (250) (250) (250) Net Interest Cover (x) NM NM NM 124.5
Other Invts.(net) 0 (200) (200) (200) Asset Turnover (x) 0.8 0.9 1.1 0.9
Invts in Assoc. & JV 0 0 0 0 Debtors Turn (avg days) 88.4 84.1 77.7 95.8
Div from Assoc & JV 1 0 0 0 Creditors Turn (avg days) 342.3 287.9 208.8 238.9
Other Investing CF 14 0 0 0 Inventory Turn (avg days) 79.9 70.6 69.7 91.0
Net Investing CF (447) (450) (450) (450) Current Ratio (x) 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.9
Div Paid (119) (157) (163) (184) Quick Ratio (x) 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5
Chg in Gross Debt (230) 0 0 0 Net Debt/Equity (X) CASH CASH CASH 0.0
Capital Issues 27 0 0 0 Capex to Debt (%) 262.0 141.6 141.6 141.6
Other Financing CF (13) 0 0 0 N. Cash/(Debt)PS (S cts) 40.5 15.9 4.5 (2.4)
Net Financing CF (334) (157) (163) (184) Opg CFPS (S cts) 25.9 24.0 26.4 25.9
Net Cashflow 805 (551) (255) (154) Free CFPS (S cts) 50.2 (8.7) 4.8 10.3
Quarterly / Interim Income Statement (S$ m) Segmental Breakdown
FY Dec 4Q2007 1Q2008 2Q2008 3Q2008 FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F
Page 2
Company Focus
Cosco Corporation
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg
(DBSR GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
This document is published by DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVR"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers
Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVS") and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd ("DBSVH").
[This report is intended for clients of DBSV Group only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any
form by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBSVR.]
The research is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as
to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for
general circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial
situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken
in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVR accepts no liability
whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or further communication given in relation to this
document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to
time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or
employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform
broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction
as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification
on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the
companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of
his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. As of
5 Jan 2009, the analyst and his / her spouse and/or relatives who are financially dependent on the analyst, do not hold interests in the
securities recommended in this report (“interest” includes direct or indirect ownership of securities, directorships and trustee positions).
1. DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries do not have a proprietary position in the mentioned
company as of 31 Dec 2008.
2. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered
broker-dealer, may beneficially own a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the mentioned
company as of 5 Jan 2009.
3. Compensation for investment banking services:
i. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBSVUSA may have received compensation, within the past
12 months, and within the next 3 months receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services
from the mentioned company.
ii. DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any
investment banking transaction as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to
obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in
any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
Page 3
Company Focus
Cosco Corporation
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION
General This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or
resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication,
availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.
Australia This report is being distributed in Australia by DBSVR and DBSVS, which are exempted from the requirement to
hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporation Act 2001 [“CA] in respect of financial services
provided to the recipients. DBSVR and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore [“MAS”]
under the laws of Singapore, which differ from Australian laws. Distribution of this report is intended only for
“wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA.
Hong Kong This report is being distributed in Hong Kong by DBS Vickers (Hong Kong) Limited which is licensed and
regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Singapore This report is being distributed in Singapore by DBSVR, which holds a Financial Adviser’s licence and is regulated
by the MAS. This report may additionally be distributed in Singapore by DBSVS (Company Regn. No.
198600294G), which is an Exempt Financial Adviser as defined under the Financial Advisers Act. Any research
report published by any foreign DBS Vickers entities is distributed in Singapore only to “institutional investors”
as defined under the Securities and Futures Act. Distribution of research reports published by a foreign-related
corporation of DBSVR/DBSVS to “Accredited Investors” as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations is
provided pursuant to the approval by MAS of research distribution arrangements under Paragraph 11 of the
First Schedule to the FAA.
United Kingdom This report is being distributed in the UK by DBS Vickers Securities (UK) Ltd, who is an authorised person in the
meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority.
Research distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
rd
United Arab This report is being distributed in United Arab Emirates by DBS Bank Ltd, Dubai (PO Box 506538, 3 Floor,
Emirates Building 3, Gate Precinct, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and is intended only for wholesale clients. DBS
Bank Ltd, Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
United States Neither this report nor any copy hereof may be taken or distributed into the United States or to any U.S. person
except in compliance with any applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
Other In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for
jurisdictions professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions.
DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd – 8 Cross Street, #02-01 PWC Building, Singapore 048424
Tel. 65-6533 9688, Fax: 65-6226 8048
Company Regn. No. 198600295W
Page 4
Singapore Company Focus
ST Engineering
Bloomberg: STE SP | Reuters: STEG.SI
168
3 .3 0
148 defensive nature of the Group's diversified earnings
2 .8 0 128
108
stream. It is also in line with our expectation that public
2 .3 0
88 spending in defence, transport, and infrastructure
1 .8 0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
68
projects will mainly drive revenue growth over the next
S T E n g in e e r in g (L H S ) R e la t iv e S T I IN D E X (R H S ) two years.
US operations may recover faster than expected.
Forecasts and Valuation Even though major US airlines have pared capacity in
FY Dec (S$ m) 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F
FY08, jet fuel prices have corrected significantly and airline
industry losses, going forward, will be lower than
Turnover 5,051 5,327 5,555 5,751
EBITDA 780 772 808 841 previously expected. Hence, the demand for 3rd-party
Pre-tax Profit 638 603 644 674 MRO work may recover earlier than projected.
Net Profit 504 491 506 529
Net Pft (Pre Ex.) 504 491 506 529 Upgrade to BUY, attractive dividend yield of 7%.
EPS (S cts) 16.9 16.4 17.0 17.7 The group is focused on enhancing value for
EPS Pre Ex. (S cts) 16.9 16.4 17.0 17.7 shareholders and STE has been paying out 100% of its
EPS Gth Pre Ex (%) 12 (3) 3 5
Diluted EPS (S cts) 16.9 16.4 17.0 17.7 earnings as dividends since 2002. As a result, the Group
Net DPS (S cts) 16.9 16.4 17.0 17.7 has been able to generate very high ROEs in the range
BV Per Share (S cts) 54.7 54.3 54.8 55.6 of 30%, while still retaining cash and cash equivalents
PE (X) 14.5 15.0 14.5 13.9 of approximately S$1b at the end of 3Q08. We believe
PE Pre Ex. (X) 14.5 15.0 14.5 13.9
P/Cash Flow (X) 12.4 12.3 11.9 11.4
this strong cash holding will present potential growth
EV/EBITDA (X) 8.8 8.7 8.4 8.2 upside – in the form of good acquisitions at distressed
Net Div Yield (%) 6.9 6.7 6.9 7.2 valuations.
P/Book Value (X) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.4
Net Debt/Equity (X) CASH CASH CASH CASH At A Glance
ROAE (%) 31.5 30.2 31.1 32.1 Issued Capital (m shrs) 2,999
Mkt. Cap (S$m/US$m) 7,377 / 5,060
Earnings Rev (%): - (0.8) - Major Shareholders
Consensus EPS (S cts): 16.6 17.1 18.9 Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd (%) 50.3
Aberdeen Asset Management 8.1
ICB Industry : Industrials
ICB Sector: Aerospace & Defense The Capital Group Companies 7.0
Principal Business: An integrated engineering group providing Free Float (%) 34.6
solutions and services in aerospace, electronics, land systems and Avg. Daily Vol.(‘000) 5,250
marine sectors.
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed: YM / sa: JC
Company Focus
ST Engineering
Pace of order wins unaffected by global slowdown Orderbook at the end of period
ST Engineering capped off the year 2008 with its first
contract from a Singapore Integrated Resort – The Resorts 12.0
World at Sentosa – to build an Integrated Security System, an Competitive Strengths 9.7 9.6
9.9 10.0
10.0 9.5 9.3 9.5
IT Infrastructure System and a Carpark Guidance & Payment 9.2
System. The contract is worth S$86m and will take STE’s 8.0 7.4
Page 2
Company Focus
ST Engineering
What this implies – secure dividends, M&A that the current market environment provides the Group with
The group is focused on enhancing value for shareholders an opportunity to provide further growth upside by pursuing
and STE has been paying out 100% of its earnings as good acquisitions at distressed valuations.
dividends since 2002. Despite this, the Group has been able
Upgrade to BUY, unchanged target price of S$2.80.
to retain cash and cash equivalents of approximately S$1b at
Debunking the conglomerate discount theory, investors have
the end of 3Q08, while generating very high ROEs in the
traditionally accorded ST Engineering a premium to the STI
range of 30%. Thus, we forecast a relatively secure dividend
and our target price is based on 16x FY09 earnings, at the
yield of 7.2% for the full year of 2008 and 7.5% in FY09.
lower end of its forward PE valuation band. In light of
The Group has historically made timely acquisitions like SAS potentially stable earnings, attractive dividend yield and
Components and VT Halter Marine, as well as investments in potential growth upside through M&A; we upgrade the stock
JVs like STARCO and STATCO in China. Hence, we believe to BUY.
4.5
4.0 24x
3.5 21x
3.0 18x
2.5 15x
2.0 12x
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Jan-01
Jan-02
Jan-03
Jan-04
Jan-05
Jan-06
Jan-07
Jan-08
Jul-01
Jul-02
Jul-03
Jul-04
Jul-05
Jul-06
Jul-07
Jul-08
Page 3
Company Focus
ST Engineering
Total 2670
Source: Company
Page 4
Company Focus
ST Engineering
Source: Company
Operating cash flows relatively healthy The Group paid out FY07 final dividends amounting to
The Group has managed to deliver healthy operating cash S$446 m in 2Q08. The Group also declared an interim
flows over the first three quarters of 2008, with healthy dividend of 3 cents per share in 2Q08, which should be paid
profits compensating for working capital outflows – which out in 4Q08. FY08 cumulative dividends are expected to be
resulted from decreases in creditors and accruals – in 2Q08 100% of net profits – we expect the group to declare final
and 3Q08. DPS of 13cts, to be paid in May 2009.
Page 5
Company Focus
ST Engineering
Turnover 5,051 5,327 5,555 5,751 Net Fixed Assets 1,015 1,068 1,117 1,162
Cost of Goods Sold (3,923) (4,182) (4,333) (4,486) Invts in Associates & JVs 268 308 350 393
Gross Profit 1,128 1,145 1,222 1,265 Other LT Assets 810 810 810 810
Other Opng (Exp)/Inc (568) (580) (635) (621) Cash & ST Invts 1,468 1,637 1,582 1,539
Operating Profit 560 566 587 645 Inventory 1,228 1,296 1,351 1,399
Other Non Opg (Exp)/Inc 39 20 29 0 Debtors 954 1,019 1,063 1,100
Associates & JV Inc 47 40 41 42 Other Current Assets 302 302 302 302
Net Interest (Exp)/Inc (8) (22) (13) (13) Total Assets 6,043 6,440 6,575 6,705
Exceptional Gain/(Loss) 0 0 0 0
Pre-tax Profit 638 603 644 674 ST Debt 859 859 859 859
Tax (115) (92) (116) (121) Other Current Liab 2,892 3,281 3,378 3,462
Minority Interest (20) (21) (22) (23) LT Debt 3 3 3 3
Preference Dividend 0 0 0 0 Other LT Liabilities 510 510 510 510
Net Profit 504 491 506 529 Shareholder’s Equity 1,633 1,620 1,635 1,658
Net Profit before Except. 504 491 506 529 Minority Interests 147 168 190 213
EBITDA 780 772 808 841 Total Cap. & Liab. 6,043 6,440 6,575 6,705
Sales Gth (%) 12.6 5.5 4.3 3.5 Non-Cash Wkg. Capital (409) (664) (662) (661)
EBITDA Gth (%) 11.1 (1.0) 4.7 4.1 Net Cash/(Debt) 606 775 721 677
Opg Profit Gth (%) 17.9 1.0 3.8 9.7
Net Profit Gth (%) 13.1 (2.6) 3.2 4.5
Effective Tax Rate (%) 18.0 15.2 18.0 18.0
Cash Flow Statement (S$ m) Rates & Ratio
FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F
Pre-Tax Profit 638 603 644 674 Gross Margins (%) 22.3 21.5 22.0 22.0
Dep. & Amort. 134 147 151 155 Opg Profit Margin (%) 11.1 10.6 10.6 11.2
Tax Paid (105) (92) (116) (121) Net Profit Margin (%) 10.0 9.2 9.1 9.2
Assoc. & JV Inc/(loss) (47) (40) (41) (42) ROAE (%) 31.5 30.2 31.1 32.1
Chg in Wkg.Cap. (8) 255 (1) (1) ROA (%) 8.7 7.9 7.8 8.0
Other Operating CF 55 0 0 0 ROCE (%) 15.2 15.2 15.2 16.4
Net Operating CF 668 874 637 664 Div Payout Ratio (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Capital Exp.(net) (165) (200) (200) (200) Net Interest Cover (x) 71.0 25.6 44.9 49.3
Other Invts.(net) 112 0 0 0 Asset Turnover (x) 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
Invts in Assoc. & JV 40 (50) (50) (50) Debtors Turn (avg days) 65.5 67.6 68.4 68.6
Div from Assoc & JV 24 49 49 49 Creditors Turn (avg days) 137.9 140.9 141.8 142.2
Other Investing CF (4) 0 0 0 Inventory Turn (avg days) 112.3 114.2 115.6 115.9
Net Investing CF 6 (201) (201) (201) Current Ratio (x) 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0
Div Paid (508) (503) (491) (506) Quick Ratio (x) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
Chg in Gross Debt (10) 0 0 0 Net Debt/Equity (X) CASH CASH CASH CASH
Capital Issues 94 0 0 0 Capex to Debt (%) 19.2 23.2 23.2 23.2
Other Financing CF (102) 0 0 0 N. Cash/(Debt)PS (S cts) 20.3 26.0 24.2 22.7
Net Financing CF (526) (504) (491) (506) Opg CFPS (S cts) 22.7 20.7 21.4 22.3
Net Cashflow 148 169 (55) (43) Free CFPS (S cts) 16.9 22.6 14.6 15.5
Quarterly / Interim Income Statement (S$ m) Segmental Breakdown
FY Dec 4Q2007 1Q2008 2Q2008 3Q2008 FY Dec 2007A 2008F 2009F 2010F
Page 6
Company Focus
ST Engineering
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg
(DBSR GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
This document is published by DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVR"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers
Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("DBSVS") and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd ("DBSVH").
[This report is intended for clients of DBSV Group only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any
form by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBSVR.]
The research is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as
to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for
general circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial
situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken
in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVR accepts no liability
whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or further communication given in relation to this
document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to
time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or
employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform
broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction
as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification
on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the
companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of
his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. As of
5 Jan 2009, the analyst and his / her spouse and/or relatives who are financially dependent on the analyst, do not hold interests in the
securities recommended in this report (“interest” includes direct or indirect ownership of securities, directorships and trustee positions).
1. DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries do not have a proprietary position in the mentioned
company as of 31 Dec 2008
2. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered
broker-dealer, may beneficially own a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the mentioned
company as of 5 Jan 2009.
3. Compensation for investment banking services:
i. DBSVR, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of DBSVUSA may have received compensation, within the past
12 months, and within the next 3 months receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services
from the mentioned company.
ii. DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any
investment banking transaction as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to
obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in
any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively.
Page 7
Company Focus
ST Engineering
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION
General This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or
resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication,
availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.
Australia This report is being distributed in Australia by DBSVR and DBSVS, which are exempted from the requirement to
hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporation Act 2001 [“CA] in respect of financial services
provided to the recipients. DBSVR and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore [“MAS”]
under the laws of Singapore, which differ from Australian laws. Distribution of this report is intended only for
“wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA.
Hong Kong This report is being distributed in Hong Kong by DBS Vickers (Hong Kong) Limited which is licensed and
regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Singapore This report is being distributed in Singapore by DBSVR, which holds a Financial Adviser’s licence and is regulated
by the MAS. This report may additionally be distributed in Singapore by DBSVS (Company Regn. No.
198600294G), which is an Exempt Financial Adviser as defined under the Financial Advisers Act. Any research
report published by any foreign DBS Vickers entities is distributed in Singapore only to “institutional investors”
as defined under the Securities and Futures Act. Distribution of research reports published by a foreign-related
corporation of DBSVR/DBSVS to “Accredited Investors” as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations is
provided pursuant to the approval by MAS of research distribution arrangements under Paragraph 11 of the
First Schedule to the FAA.
United Kingdom This report is being distributed in the UK by DBS Vickers Securities (UK) Ltd, who is an authorised person in the
meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority.
Research distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
rd
United Arab This report is being distributed in United Arab Emirates by DBS Bank Ltd, Dubai (PO Box 506538, 3 Floor,
Emirates Building 3, Gate Precinct, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and is intended only for wholesale clients. DBS
Bank Ltd, Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
United States Neither this report nor any copy hereof may be taken or distributed into the United States or to any U.S. person
except in compliance with any applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
Other In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for
jurisdictions professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions.
DBS Vickers Research (Singapore) Pte Ltd – 8 Cross Street, #02-01 PWC Building, Singapore 048424
Tel. 65-6533 9688, Fax: 65-6226 8048
Company Regn. No. 198600295W
Page 8
Malaysia Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
Bloomberg: AMM MK | Reuters: AMMB.KL
3.30
139
119
necessary expertise in the respective areas of focus.
2.80
99
2.30 79
1.80 59
Different profile since crisis
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Asset quality is expected to be generally stable, but
AMMB Holdings (LHS) Relative KLCI INDEX (RHS)
management did not discount a possible uptick in the
NPL ratio in FY10. We expect NPL ratio of 3.0% in
Forecasts and Valuation FYMar09 and 3.1% for FYMar10. AMMB’s provision
charge-off rate ballooned to 6.84% in 1998 after it was
FY Mar (RM m) 2008A 2009F 2010F 2011F
severely hit by chunky NPLs. But now, AMMB’s loan
Pre-prov. Profit 1,814 1,499 1,569 1,614
Net Profit 669 795 845 918
book has flipped completely with 70% retail loans
Net Pft (Pre Ex.) 669 795 845 918 compared to 80% corporate loans during the crisis.
EPS (sen) 24.6 29.2 31.0 33.7
EPS Pre Ex. (sen) 24.6 29.2 31.0 33.7 Valuations may have bottomed out
EPS Gth Pre Ex (%) (376) 19 6 9
Diluted EPS (sen) 24.6 29.2 31.0 33.7 Maintain Buy with target price at RM2.90 based on the
PE Pre Ex. (X) 10.2 8.6 8.1 7.4 Gordon Growth Model, implying 1.0x CY09 BV. The
Net DPS (sen) 4.3 7.3 7.8 8.4 market has not imputed any ANZ premium in AMMB’s
Div Yield (%) 1.7 2.9 3.1 3.4
valuation. We believe AMMB’s P/BV valuations have
ROAE Pre Ex. (%) 11.1 10.6 10.5 10.5
ROAE (%) 11.1 10.6 10.5 10.5 bottomed out after hitting a low of 0.7x recently. We
ROA (%) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 reduced our forecasts by 2-3% to reflect higher NPL
BV Per Share (sen) 263 285 308 334 ratios in FY Mar 10-11.
P/Book Value (x) 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.8
“In Singapore, this research report or research analyses may only be distributed to
Institutional Investors, Expert Investors or Accredited Investors as defined in the Securities
and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore.”
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed: SGC / sa: WMT
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
FY98
FY99
FY00
FY01
FY02
FY03
FY04
FY05
FY06
FY07
FY08
Page 2
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
8.0%
Unlikely to show strong loan growth. AMMB aims to grow Possible uptick in NPL ratio in FY10. Asset quality is expected
its business banking division while moderately growing to remain stable, but management did not discount a possible
selected segments such as mortgages, credit cards and uptick in NPL ratio in FY10. We expect NPL ratio of 3.0% in
personal loans (co-op financing). Even within the mortgage FYMar09 and 3.1% for FYMar10. Our stress test shows that
space, the focus would be on the mid and mid-to-high end every 10bps increase in provision charge-rates would reduce
market segment. We note that AMMB is not out to chase AMMB’s earnings by 6%. In the worst case scenario, when we
market share, but grow its higher profitability segments. We applied a provision charge-off rate of 1.82%, which is half of
project loan growth for FYMar09 at 8% before slowing to the crisis levels (3.64%), AMMB would still be profitable
6% for FYMar09, in anticipation of a softening economic although FYMar10F net profit would be reduced by 90%. And
environment. We do not expect hire purchase to grow our projected FYMar10 book value per share could drop by
significantly because AMMB is reconfiguring its loan asset 20sen to RM2.88 from RM3.08. But we do not expect this
composition to reduce concentration in lending exposures. drastic scenario to materialise. To reiterate, AMMB’s loan
We note that AMMB is still targeting to raise its hire- profile is different from the crisis period.
purchase business ROE from mid-single digit to double digit
levels over the next 3-4 years. In business banking front,
AMMB aims to entrench its position in high growth
industries such as the oil & gas, fast moving consumer
Page 3
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
Sector valuation
Banking Group Price Target Rating PE (x) CAGR P/BV (x) ROE (%) Net Div
Price (%)
(RM/s) (RM/s) CY07A CY08F CY09F ^ (%) CY07A (RM/s) (RM/s)
AMMB 2.51 2.90 B 12.8 9.0 8.2 8.5 1.0 0.9 0.8 10.5 3.0
BCHB 6.20 5.50 FV 7.5 9.6 11.5 (3.4) 1.3 1.4 1.4 12.6 2.9
EON Capital 3.24 4.80 B 10.1 17.0 7.2 63.9 0.7 0.7 0.6 9.3 2.3
Hong Leong Bank 5.15 6.20 B 11.9 10.5 10.0 3.3 1.8 1.6 1.5 15.0 3.5
Maybank 5.20 4.20 FV 8.3 9.6 10.7 (4.4) 1.3 1.3 1.2 11.5 4.2
PBB - Foreign 8.75 11.90 B 12.5 10.7 10.1 8.0 2.8 2.7 2.6 26.0 7.9
RHB Capital 3.90 4.00 H 11.8 8.4 10.1 (0.8) 1.2 1.1 1.0 10.2 2.2
Sector Wt. Avg. 9.7 9.9 10.3 2.2 1.5 1.5 1.4 13.6 4.6
Sector Wt. Avg. (ex-Maybank) 10.3 10.0 10.1 4.4 1.6 1.5 1.4 14.5 4.7
Buy (B), Hold (H), Fully Valued (FV), Not Rated (NR),
^Refers to a 2-year EPS CAGR for CY07-09.
Source: Company, DBS Vickers
Page 4
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
Net Interest Income 1,631 1,749 1,837 1,901 Cash/Bank Balance 10,958 9,061 9,714 10,192
Non-Interest Income 1,219 914 1,006 1,106 Government Securities 0 0 0 0
Operating Income 3,367 3,206 3,413 3,606 Inter Bank Assets 1,388 1,402 1,416 1,423
Operating Expenses (1,552) (1,707) (1,844) (1,992) Total Net Loans & Advs. 52,454 57,974 61,405 65,541
Pre-provision Profit 1,814 1,499 1,569 1,614 Investment 9,730 10,275 10,854 11,468
Provisions (638) (417) (417) (359) Associates 1 1 1 1
Associates 0 0 0 0 Fixed Assets 233 237 242 247
Exceptionals 0 0 0 0 Goodwill 1,802 1,712 1,712 1,712
Pre-tax Profit 1,194 1,092 1,165 1,270 Other Assets 4,924 5,671 6,016 6,393
Taxation (384) (273) (291) (317) Total Assets 83,192 88,292 93,612 99,566
Minority Interests (142) (24) (29) (35) Customer Deposits 47,767 51,111 54,689 58,517
Preference Dividend 0 0 0 0 Inter Bank Deposits 15,119 15,905 16,541 17,368
Net Profit 669 795 845 918 Debts/Borrowings 4,861 4,861 4,861 4,861
Net Profit bef Except 669 795 845 918 Others 6,488 6,553 6,599 6,698
Minorities 84 108 137 172
Shareholders' Funds 7,170 7,766 8,400 9,088
Total Liab& S/H’s Funds 83,192 88,292 93,612 99,566
Profitability & Efficiency Ratios (%) Financial Stability Measures (%)
FY Mar 2008A 2009F 2010F 2011F FY Mar 2008A 2009F 2010F 2011F
Page 5
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
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Page 6
Company Focus
AMMB Holdings
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Page 7
Hong Kong / China Company Focus
China Telecom
Bloomberg: 728 HK EQUITY | Reuters: 0728.HK
187
bundling, CT is set to gain market share in the
5 .8 0 167
household, enterprises and high-end individual
4 .8 0
147 customers market and 3) a lot of synergy should be
3 .8 0
127
realized by sharing resources in marketing, customer
2 .8 0
107
87
services and networks.
1 .8 0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
67
Near term losses in CDMA. To fulfil its 100m
C h in a T e le c o m ( L H S ) R e la t iv e H S I IN D E X ( R H S )
customers target, CT intends to provide CDMA users
handset subsidies worth 30% to 40% of total
Forecasts and Valuation contract value. As CT would expense instead of
amortize the handset subsidies, it would suffer big
FY Dec (RMB m) 2007A 2008E 2009F 2010F losses in the first two years. However, we expect
Turnover 178,656 211,617 240,089 265,342 significant profit improvement in the CDMA from
EBITDA 86,808 87,727 82,618 92,676 2H09 when revenue will continue to increase while
Pre-tax Profit 30,251 30,671 22,977 32,319 expenses begin to decrease.
Net Profit 23,702 24,702 17,797 24,574
Net Pft (Pre Ex.) 23,702 24,702 17,797 24,574 Potential long-term winner. CT’s long-term
EPS (RMB) 0.29 0.31 0.22 0.30 competitiveness would be underpinned by 1) its
EPS (HK$) 0.33 0.35 0.25 0.34
EPS Gth (%) (13.0) 4.2 (28.0) 38.1
abundant fixed-line and broadband network
Diluted EPS (HK$) 0.33 0.35 0.25 0.34 resources, 2) clear and promising growth strategies
DPS (HK$) 0.09 0.10 0.07 0.10 and 3) its resolution to develop the CDMA business.
BV Per Share (HK$) 3.10 3.35 3.53 3.77 We have maintained our forecasts and target price at
PE (X) 9.2 8.9 12.3 8.9
P/Cash Flow (X) 2.9 2.8 3.1 2.7 HK$3.70. With nationwide promotion of CDMA
EV/EBITDA (X) 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.1 services since late December, we expect strong
Net Div Yield (%) 2.9 3.1 2.3 3.3 CDMA subscriber growth starting from 2009, which
P/Book Value (X) 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8
Net Debt/Equity (X) 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3
should be major catalyst to share price. Maintain Buy.
ROAE (%) 11.1 10.7 7.3 9.4 At A Glance
Issued Capital - H shares (m shs) 13,877
Earnings Rev (%): Nil Nil Nil - Non H shrs (m shs) 67,055
Consensus EPS H shs as a % of Total 17
0.32 0.27 0.31
(HK$): H Mkt Cap (HK$m/US$m) 42,604 / 5,497
Major Shareholders (%)
ICB Industry: Telecommunications China Tel Corp 70.89
ICB Sector: Fixed Line Telecommunications GD Rising Asset Mgt 6.94
Principal Business: CT is the largest fixed-line telecom operator in Major H Shareholders (%)
China, with service areas covering 20 southern China provinces. After RF S Holdings B.V . 6.54
acquiring the CDMA business, CT will become an integrated telecom J PMorgan Chase & Co. 6.03
Barclay s PLC 5.48
services provider in China.
H Shares-F ree F loat (%) 81.95
Av g Daily V olume (m shrs) 157.8
In Singapore, this research report or research analyses may only be distributed to Institutional Investors,
Expert Investors or Accredited Investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore.
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed-LM / sa- GL
Company Focus
China Telecom
Industry evolution in favor of CT amortized), handset subsidies would mainly affect CDMA
profit in the next one to two years, and 3) CT’s abundant
Intensifying competition in mobile phone market. After the fixed-line and broadband network resources should give it a
industry restructuring, all the three telecoms operators will winning edge in offering bundled services and acquiring
become full telecom service operators in the long run. During CDMA users.
the Jan08-Nov08 period, mobile telecoms accounted for
54.8% of the total revenue of the telecoms market in China. CT to regain double-digit earning growth in two years’ time.
Hence, we believe the mobile telecom market would see the CT might suffer decline in earnings over the next two years
fiercest competition given its huge market potential. As of due to potential big losses from CDMA business. However,
Nov08, China’s mobile phone users penetration was still at a we expect rapid recovery starting from 2H10, which would be
relatively low level of 47.3%, which should imply sustainable underpinned by 1) stabilizing fixed-line business thanks to
growth at double-digit in the number of mobile phone users bundling services, 2) rapidly growing broadband business,
over the next couple of years. Though mobile phone ARPU and 3) significant improvement in CDMA business. We also
would continue to decline in the near term due to expect CT to become the most competitive full telecoms
competition, we believe it would be back on uptrend in two service operator in the long run in view of its abundant fixed-
years to be driven by 3G-related data revenue. line and broadband network resources.
Page 2
Company Focus
China Telecom
Peers comparison
Latest Reported
Price EBITDA Div
(Local$) Mkt cap FY08 FY09 FY10 EV/EBITDA margin ROE yield
Code Company CNY (USD) PE PE PE PB (x) (T12M) (%) (%) (%)
T US AT&T INC USD 28.50 167,951 10.0 9.7 9.1 1.6 5.9 35.3 10.4 5.0
941 HK CHINA MOBILE* HKD 81.20 210,063 11.7 10.0 8.7 3.8 7.9 55.2 25.1 2.8
VOD US VODAFONE GROUP GBp 138.20 109,618 11.0 10.2 9.7 0.8 6.6 37.0 9.2 0.1
VZ US VERIZON COMMUNIC USD 33.90 96,292 13.2 12.4 11.8 1.7 5.5 32.1 11.1 4.9
TEF SM TELEFONICA EUR 16.07 97,272 10.0 9.1 8.2 4.2 5.3 40.4 47.8 4.7
DTE GR DEUTSCHE TELEKOM EUR 10.83 60,738 14.7 13.1 12.0 1.2 5.5 26.3 1.3 7.2
FTE FP FRANCE TELECOM EUR 20.03 67,369 9.9 9.5 9.1 1.8 4.4 36.3 22.2 6.5
9437 JP NTT DOCOMO INC JPY 176,400 82,200 15.5 14.9 16.2 1.5 4.1 33.6 11.6 2.7
S US SPRINT NEXTEL CO USD 1.83 5,228 26.1 n.a. n.a. 0.3 4.8 25.6 (78.7) 5.5
TIT IM TELECOM ITALIA S EUR 1.16 28,862 10.0 10.2 9.6 0.7 5.4 37.1 9.4 6.9
TLS AU TELSTRA CORP AUD 3.85 30,679 12.9 12.4 10.5 4.3 6.7 41.0 30.3 7.3
728 HK CHINA TELECOM-H* HKD 3.07 32,055 8.9 12.3 8.9 0.9 4.2 50.0 11.1 2.9
BHARTI IN BHARTI AIRTEL LT INR 707.70 26,856 21.0 15.9 13.0 5.7 14.1 42.5 38.6 0.0
ST SP SINGAP TELECOMM SGD 2.55 26,784 10.2 11.8 11.2 2.0 13.0 29.6 18.9 4.9
BCE CN BCE INC CAD 25.13 16,295 11.3 11.2 11.2 2.0 7.1 39.0 30.0 5.8
9433 JP KDDI CORP JPY 635,000 29,577 13.0 10.4 11.0 1.5 4.1 21.1 13.6 1.7
MTN SJ MTN GROUP LTD ZAr 11,012 20,396 13.0 9.6 8.2 3.1 n.a. 43.9 24.7 0.0
TLKM IJ TELEKOMUNIKASI IDR 6,900 11,449 11.4 10.7 9.8 3.4 4.4 64.1 41.6 5.2
762 HK CHINA UNICOM HON*^ HKD 10.12 31,031 11.2 11.5 10.7 1.2 2.9 41.3 12.3 3.1
SCMN VX SWISSCOM AG-REG CHF 339.50 15,093 9.7 9.3 9.0 3.4 5.5 37.4 41.4 5.0
017670 KS SK TELECOM KRW 210,000 11,367 11.2 9.9 8.7 1.4 4.9 35.7 15.8 4.5
2412 TT CHUNGHWA TELECOM TWD 53.50 18,622 12.1 12.1 12.2 1.6 5.3 54.0 12.1 6.6
Q US QWEST COMMUNICAT USD 3.64 6,200 9.1 9.5 10.9 12.7 4.3 30.6 n.a. 2.2
032390 KS KT FREETEL CO KRW 29,550 3,709 n.a. n.a. n.a. 1.3 4.3 21.7 5.7 0.0
2332 HK HUTCHISON TELECO HKD 2.10 1,303 8.1 8.9 7.0 0.2 7.3 25.4 196.9 0.0
8 HK PCCW LTD HKD 3.68 3,215 11.8 11.0 10.3 13.5 8.2 31.1 151.7 5.4
315 HK SMARTONE TELECOM HKD 5.75 414 12.0 14.5 12.6 1.2 2.4 26.7 8.6 8.3
Page 3
Company Focus
China Telecom
Page 4
Company Focus
China Telecom
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
* Share price appreciation + dividends
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg (DBSR
GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole certifies that the views about the companies and
their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is,
or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. The analyst and DBS Vickers (Hong Kong)
Limited (“DBSVHK”) certify that no compensation or benefits in connection with this research report is received from the listed corporation or other
rd
3 party. DBSVHK and the research analyst will not be held responsible if this investment research, or recommendation is published or otherwise
reproduced in whole or in part by the mass media without the relevant disclosures.
This document is published by DBSVHK, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd. (“DBSVH”). The research is based
on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or
correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation
contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific
addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees,
who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVHK accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use
of this document or further communication given in relation to this document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an
offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons
associated with any of them may from time to time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVHK, DBS Vickers Securities
(Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”), DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions
in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
As of the latest available date and information, DBSVHK, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or its affiliates, including of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc
("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered broker-dealer, have not beneficially owned a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the
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including of DBSVUSA, within the past 12 months, have not received compensation and/or may within the next 3 months seek to obtain
compensation for investment banking services from the subject company.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction as a
manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in
this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively. DBS Vickers Securities (UK)
Ltd is an authorised person in the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Research
distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
Page 5
Hong Kong / China Company Focus
Parkson
Bloomberg: 3368 HK Equity | Reuters: 3368.HK
1 9 .8 0
1 7 .8 0
519 due to these cities’ stronger reliance on export growth.
1 5 .8 0 419
Tougher environment. As overall consumer sentiment
slows in conjunction with deteriorating global economic
1 3 .8 0
1 1 .8 0 319
9 .8 0
219
environment, selective peers have elevated their
7 .8 0
5 .8 0
promotional strategies of late and offer steeper discounts
3 .8 0
119
to attract sales. With current market expectations for a
1 .8 0
2005 2006 2007 2008
19
more challenging market in 1H09, management could
possibly be guiding a slightly lower growth rate for
November 2008 to June 2009, against earlier SSS growth
P a rk so n (L H S ) R e la t iv e H S I IN D E X ( R H S )
In Singapore, this research report or research analyses may only be distributed to Institutional Investors,
Expert Investors or Accredited Investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore.
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
sa- GL
Company Focus
Parkson
Page 2
Company Focus
Parkson
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
* Share price appreciation + dividends
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg (DBSR
GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole certifies that the views about the companies and
their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is,
or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. The analyst and DBS Vickers (Hong Kong)
Limited (“DBSVHK”) certify that no compensation or benefits in connection with this research report is received from the listed corporation or other
rd
3 party. DBSVHK and the research analyst will not be held responsible if this investment research, or recommendation is published or otherwise
reproduced in whole or in part by the mass media without the relevant disclosures.
This document is published by DBSVHK, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd. (“DBSVH”). The research is based
on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or
correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation
contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific
addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees,
who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVHK accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use
of this document or further communication given in relation to this document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an
offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons
associated with any of them may from time to time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVHK, DBS Vickers Securities
(Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”), DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions
in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
As of the latest available date and information, DBSVHK, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or its affiliates, including of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc
("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered broker-dealer, have not beneficially owned a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the
subject company mentioned in this document. As of the latest available date and information, DBSVHK, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or its affiliates,
including of DBSVUSA, within the past 12 months, have not received compensation and/or may within the next 3 months seek to obtain
compensation for investment banking services from the subject company.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction as a
manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in
this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively. DBS Vickers Securities (UK)
Ltd is an authorised person in the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Research
distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
Page 3
Hong Kong / China Company Focus
TVB
Bloomberg: 511 HK EQUITY | Reuters: 0511.HK
213
advertising unit for 4Q08. Revenue dropped more
substantially in November and December, by mid-teen
6 2 .2 0
5 7 .2 0 193
5 2 .2 0
4 7 .2 0
173
percentages. The biggest drop was from finance &
banking, which was among the top five advertising
153
4 2 .2 0
133
3 7 .2 0
3 2 .2 0
113 product categories for TVB. Other products such as
2 7 .2 0
93
skincare and F&B are still holding up, but we are not
hopeful revenue from these will be sustainable given the
2 2 .2 0 73
1 7 .2 0 53
T V B (L H S ) R e la t iv e H S I IN D E X (R H S )
In Singapore, this research report or research analyses may only be distributed to Institutional Investors,
Expert Investors or Accredited Investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore.
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed-SGC / sa- GL
Company Focus
TVB
Page 2
Company Focus
TVB
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
* Share price appreciation + dividends
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg (DBSR
GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole certifies that the views about the companies and
their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is,
or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. The analyst and DBS Vickers (Hong Kong)
Limited (“DBSVHK”) certify that no compensation or benefits in connection with this research report is received from the listed corporation or other
rd
3 party. DBSVHK and the research analyst will not be held responsible if this investment research, or recommendation is published or otherwise
reproduced in whole or in part by the mass media without the relevant disclosures.
This document is published by DBSVHK, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd. (“DBSVH”). The research is based
on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or
correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation
contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific
addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees,
who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVHK accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use
of this document or further communication given in relation to this document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an
offer to buy or sell any securities. DBSVH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons
associated with any of them may from time to time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVHK, DBS Vickers Securities
(Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”), DBS Bank Ltd and their associates, their directors, and/or employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions
in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.
As of the latest available date and information, DBSVHK, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or its affiliates, including of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc
("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered broker-dealer, have not beneficially owned a total of 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the
subject company mentioned in this document. As of the latest available date and information, DBSVHK, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or its affiliates,
including of DBSVUSA, within the past 12 months, have not received compensation and/or may within the next 3 months seek to obtain
compensation for investment banking services from the subject company.
DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it participated in any investment banking transaction as a
manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain further information, including any clarification on disclosures in
this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document should contact DBSVUSA exclusively. DBS Vickers Securities (UK)
Ltd is an authorised person in the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Research
distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
Page 3
Thailand Company Focus
True Corporation
Bloomberg: TRUE TB | Reuters: TRUE.BK
3 . 00
62 shares at Bt1.95 apiece. The stock goes XR today (5 Jan),
while the share subscription form would be distributed
42
1 . 00 22
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
around mid-Jan and the subscription period is expected
around early Feb.
True Corporation ( LHS ) Relative SET INDEX ( RHS )
www.dbsvickers.com
Refer to important disclosures at the end of this report
ed: LM/sa: CS
Company Focus
True Corporation
Page 2
Company Focus
True Corporation
Bloomberg Mkt Price Target Upside PE EV/EBITDA Dividend Yield ROE Rcmd
US$m (Bt) (Bt) 08F 09F 08F 09F 08F 09F 08A 09F
ADVANC TB 6,760 79.50 103.00 29.4 11.6 12.2 5.3 5.0 8.6 8.6 26.9 25.8 B
DTAC TB 2,178 32.00 42.00* 30.3% 7.6 8.7 4.5 4.0 3.9 3.5 17.7 13.9 B*
TRUE TB 232 1.79 1.90 6.3% nm nm 3.8 3.4 - - (38.1) (15.2) H
Note: Under revision
Source: DBS Vickers
Page 3
Company Focus
True Corporation
Turnover 61,641 62,883 63,858 64,958 Fixed assets 74,683 70,081 64,659 59,497
EBITDA 20,229 21,292 22,144 22,306 Other LT Assets 24,626 24,968 25,354 25,784
Depr/Amort (12,824) (14,288) (15,095) (14,840) Cash/ST Investments 6,884 23,503 23,221 33,148
Opg Profit 7,405 7,004 7,049 7,466 Other Current Assets 18,525 15,136 15,401 15,704
Asso & Other Inc (220) 185 174 178 Total Assets 124,718 133,688 128,636 134,133
Interest (Exp)/Inc (6,883) (6,869) (7,104) (6,718) ST Debt 6,965 4,875 6,000 8,000
Pre-Tax Profit 302 320 119 925 Other Current Liabilities 25,728 26,463 27,471 28,490
Tax (999) (1,940) (1,504) (1,657) LT Debt 80,070 94,987 89,187 92,396
Minority Interest (24) 1,199 367 43 Minority Interests 1,346 147 (220) (263)
Extra & Forex 2,419 (2,973) - - Shareholders' equity 10,610 7,215 6,197 5,509
Net Profit 1,697 (3,395) (1,018) (689) Total Capital 124,718 133,688 128,636 134,133
Sales Growth (%) 18.6 2.0 1.5 1.7 Share Capital (m) 4,503 4,503 4,503 4,503
Net Profit Gr (%) nm. nm. nm. (32.3) Net cash/(debt) (76,353) (72,372) (67,779) (62,852)
EBITDA Mgn (%) 32.8 33.9 34.7 34.3 Working capital 7,203 11,327 12,070 12,786
Tax Rate (%) 316 572 1,121.9 176.7 Gearing (%) 696 1,302 1,522 1,830
EBITDA 20,243 21,311 22,159 22,318 ROE (%) 19.5 (38.1) (15.2) (11.8)
Change in W/C (3,719) 3,497 86 25 ROA (%) 1.4 (2.6) (0.8) (0.5)
Taxes paid (2,989) (4,052) (3,707) (3,774) Net Margin (%) 2.8 (5.4) (1.6) (1.1)
i) Operating FCF 13,534 20,756 18,538 18,569 Div. Coverage (x) nm. nm. nm. nm.
Net interest payment (4,779) (4,758) (4,901) (4,601) Interst Coverage (x) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1
ii) Net FCF 8,756 15,998 13,638 13,968 Asset Turnover (x) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Investing cashflow (5,054) (9,044) (9,045) (9,042) Asset/Debt (x) 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4
iii) Residual cashflow 3,702 6,954 4,593 4,926 Gearing (%) 696 1,302 1,522 1,830
Cashflow fr equity 3,217 (2,973) - 1 Net Gearing (%) 639 983 1,134 1,198
Change in net cash 6,919 3,981 4,593 4,927 Debt/EBITDA (x) 4.1 4.5 4.1 4.3
Ending net cash (76,353) (72,372) (67,779) (62,852) Debt/ Market Cap (x) 10.3 11.9 11.3 11.9
Gross CF/Shr (Bt) 3.3 2.4 3.1 3.1 Capex/Debt (x) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
CF Opera/Shr (Bt) 3.5 5.2 4.8 4.7 Capex/Sales (x) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Net FCF/Shr (Bt) 1.7 3.5 3.1 3.2 EV (Btbn) 86 81 76 71
CF Int. Cover (x) 1.9 3.0 2.6 2.7 EV/EBITDA (x) 4.2 3.8 3.4 3.2
Turnover 15,893 15,940 15,084 15,044 -Basic wireline 9,307 8,586 7,938 7,549
EBITDA 3,260 5,660 4,569 6,305 -Payphone 983 715 668 637
Depr/Amort (2,046) (3,065) (3,006) (5,034) -Other fixed line 654 958 1,029 875
Opg Profit 1,215 2,595 1,562 1,271 -DDN Service 2,074 1,673 1,746 1,844
Asso & Other Inc (27) 48 (4) 72 -PCT Services 786 603 423 338
Interest (Exp)/Inc (1,586) (1,663) (1,754) (1,699) -PCT Handset Sales (6) - - -
Pre-Tax Profit (398) 980 (195) (356) -Asia Multimedia 300 63 54 52
Tax 603 (85) (825) (508) -Asia Infonet 5,027 6,314 6,753 6,821
Minority Interest 10 (615) 833 425 -UBC 8,785 9,251 9,562 9,959
Extra & Forex 567 2,458 (2,485) (788) -TrueMove 33,420 31,580 32,545 33,711
Net Profit 781 2,738 (2,672) (1,228) -Others 1,365 3,140 3,140 3,171
Sales Growth (%) 19.3 11.6 (5.7) (2.8) Total Revenues 61,641 62,883 63,858 64,958
Net Profit Gr (%) (133.9) 561.8 284.1 (202.5)
EBITDA Mgn (%) 20.5 35.5 30.3 41.9 SG&A/Sales 21.3 19.5 18.8 18.3
Tax Rate (%) 152.3 8.7 (427) (143) Other Inc./Sales 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.8
Page 4
Company Focus
True Corporation
DBSV recommendations are based an Absolute Total Return* Rating system, defined as follows:
STRONG BUY (>20% total return over the next 3 months, with identifiable share price catalysts within this time frame)
BUY (>15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, >10% for large caps)
HOLD (0-15% total return over the next 12 months for small caps, 0-10% for large caps)
FULLY VALUED (negative total return i.e. > -10% over the next 12 months)
SELL (negative total return of > -20% over the next 3 months, with identifiable catalysts within this time frame)
DBS Vickers Research is available on the following electronic platforms: DBS Vickers (www.dbsvresearch.com); Thomson
(www.thomson.com/financial); Factset (www.factset.com); Reuters (www.rbr.reuters.com); Capital IQ (www.capitaliq.com) and Bloomberg (DBSR
GO). For access, please contact your DBSV salesperson.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole certifies that the views about the companies
and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation
was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.
This document is published by DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ("DBSVT"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Vickers Securities
Holding Pte Ltd. The research is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or
warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared for
general circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial
situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in
substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. DBSVT accepts no liability
whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or further communication given in relation to this document.
This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. DBS Vickers Securities Holdings Pte Ltd is
a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd. DBS Bank Ltd along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to
time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. DBSVT, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”). DBS Bank Ltd and
their associates, their directors, and/or employees may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also
perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies. DBSVT, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or
other affiliates of DBS Vickers Securities (USA) Inc ("DBSVUSA"), a U.S.-registered broker-dealer, may beneficially own a total of 1% or more of
any class of common equity securities of the subject company mentioned in this document. DBSVT, DBSVS, DBS Bank Ltd and/or other affiliates of
DBSVUSA may, within the past 12 months, have received compensation and/or within the next 3 months seek to obtain compensation for
investment banking services from the subject company. DBSVUSA does not have its own investment banking or research department, nor has it
participated in any investment banking transaction as a manager or co-manager in the past twelve months. Any US persons wishing to obtain
further information, including any clarification on disclosures in this disclaimer, or to effect a transaction in any security discussed in this document
should contact DBSVUSA exclusively. DBS Vickers Securities (UK) Ltd is an authorised person in the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets
Act and is regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Research distributed in the UK is intended only for institutional clients.
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) – 989 Siam Tower, 9th ,14th –15th Floor,
Rama1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok Thailand 10330
Tel. 66 (0) 2657 7831, Fax: 66 (0) 2658 1269
Page 5