Comment on Results PPB’s 1Q08 revenue grew 17.4% y-o-y due mainly to higher specialty flour prices and stronger property sales. However, 1Q08 EBIT was down 34.4% y-o-y following the disposal of plantation assets to Wilmar in 2Q07. PPB’s 1Q08 pretax profit of RM417m was mainly supported by RM277m associate contribution from Wilmar (18% stake), that recorded a six-fold increase in 1Q08 core profit following the merger with Kuok group and improved merchandising & processing (M&P) margins for both oilseeds & grains and palm & lauric. Q-o-q, 1Q08 net profit of RM383m grew 220% q-o-q due to stronger Wilmar contribution. PPB’s 1Q08 net profit accounts for 32% of our FY08F net profit. Nevertheless, we maintain our FY08-09 forecast as we expect lower flour contribution over the next few quarters as a result of rising wheat cost, with an estimated y-o-y increase of 18%. In addition, we expect lower 2H08 associate contribution from Wilmar due to moderation of M&P margins. Overall, 1Q08 results came in within our expectation. Recommendation PPB’s share price performance is positively correlated to Wilmar. It is also a cheaper proxy to Wilmar with FY09 PE of 14x against Wilmar’s 21x. Wilmar’s share price appreciated 14% over the last month but PPB lags behind with an appreciation of only 3%. We believe PPB’s share price has yet to reflect its strong fundamentals with upside from Wilmar and growth from its sugar and flour divisions. The group’s financials remain strong with net cash of RM0.62 per share as at 1Q08. Maintain Buy for PPB with SOP-derived target price of RM12.90. Our SOP valuation for PPB assumes Wilmar’s fair value at S$4.50 per share, at 20% holding company discount to Wilmar’s target price of S$5.65 per share.
[ 本帖最后由 小巴菲 于 31-5-2008 10:55 PM 编辑 ] |