Reflections on Volume

Big volume without further upside equals distribution
Big volume without further downside equals accumulation

Volume tends to peak at turning points
Volume often precedes price movement
Volume is a relative study


Saturday, January 30, 2010

TM reveals HSBB access rates

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) (4863), the country's dominant fixed-line operator, has finally revealed the pricing for its High Speed Broadband (HSBB) access to industry players, more than one year after the project was first announced.

This means that service providers, including mobile operators, broadband service providers and pay-TV operators will now know how much it will cost them to ride on TM's fibre optics network to offer services like video-on-demand, Internet protocol television (IPTV), voice call and Internet surfing.

TM met with some 100 industry players in Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening, which lasted over two hours. Besides revealing the prices, TM also made its indicative terms and conditions (ITC) documents available to the players.

Read more...

Friday, January 29, 2010

Gadang May Rise, 2Q Net Profit +84% On Year

2356 GMT [Dow Jones] Construction firm Gadang (9261.KU) may rise to 14-day moving average at MYR1.17, on stronger 2Q earnings, says dealer with local brokerage. Company reports 2Q net profit +84% on year to MYR3.5 million; cites higher construction margins as reason for better earnings; expects FY10 earnings to be better than FY09. "The improved results and positive guidance should fuel interest in the stock," says dealer; adds company will also benefit from rollout of more infrastructure projects by government. Stock ended +4.8% at MYR1.10 yesterday. (ECH)

Standard & Poor's Increases Supermax's 2009 & 2010 Margin Assumptions

January 28, 2010 18:31 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services has increased Supermax Corporation's 2009 and 2010 margin and associate contribution assumptions, resulting in new net profit forecasts.

In a research report, Standard & Poor's said in view of continued strong glove demand, it upgraded Supermax's 2009 and 2010 net profit forecasts to RM121.1 million (from RM118.7 million) and RM141 million (from RM134.6 million) respectively.

Increasing sales and expanding margins over the medium term, according to the report, will provide catalysts for Supermax's share price outperformance.

"2009 have been a strong year for Supermax and this positive momentum will likely carry through into 2010, when the group brings on-stream an additional 1.7 billion glove pieces in new capacity," said Standard & Poor's.

"Cost-wise, latex pricing has also been rising but we believe the recent rise to almost RM7 per kg is due to wintering and monsoon period and should normalise when the season ends in March," it said.

Risks to Standard & Poor's recommendation and target price include a sudden upturn in latex prices and an appreciating ringgit, as revenue is predominantly derived from exports.

-- BERNAMA

AmResearch keeps overweight call on steel sector

Ann Joo is AmResearch's top pick to cash in on the rising steel prices, with a buy call at RM4.50

AmResearch maintained its overweight stance on the steel sector, saying the industry is at the early stages of a steel price upcycle.

Steel consumption is expected to pick up significantly from the first quarter onwards, it noted, as governments within Asia intensify pump-priming initiatives to boost their respective economies.

A weak US dollar is another structural driver for steel demand, while the renewed merger and acquisitions newsflow is another booster.

Ann Joo is AmResearch's top pick to ride on the rising steel prices. It has a buy call on Ann Joo (6556) with a RM4.50 target price.
Ann Joo's structural repositioning as an integrated steelmaker puts it in a sweet spot as an early beneficiary of accelerated infrastructure spending, it noted.

AmResearch is also starting to cover Lion Industries Bhd with a buy call. The stock's fair value is pegged at RM2.50.

"Despite a strong run-up in its share prices of late, Lion Industries is the cheapest stock within our steel sector universe at three to four times price earnings of financial year 2010 and 2011," according to a January 26 AmResearch note.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Mulpha Seeks Approval To Start Talks To Buy Stake In EON Capital - Report

KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones)--Malaysian property group Mulpha International Bhd. (3905.KU) is seeking Bank Negara'a approval to start talks to buy a stake in EON Capital, the Star newspaper reported Wednesday.

"Mulpha a few days ago sought the central bank's permission to speak to EON Capital's shareholders to buy a stake in the bank. The decision is pending," the daily said, citing an unnamed source.

According to the daily, Mulpha may be interested in a 20% stake in EON Capital, a subject of takeover by Hong Leong Bank Bhd. (5819.KU), which is offering MYR7.10 a share for EON Capital.

HLI May Rise On Better 2Q Net; Improved Outlook

0016 GMT [Dow Jones] Hong Leong Industries (3301.KU) may rise to MYR4.76 (yesterday's intraday high) vs yesterday's close at MYR4.67 (down 1.5%) says dealer; this after company says 2Q net profit to December 31 rises more than three-fold to MYR50.5 million from MYR16.0 million a year earlier. Revenue grows to MYR717.2 million from MYR683.3 million previously. HLI says better earnings due to profit improvement in semiconductor business, higher revenue; expects a satisfactory performance for fiscal year ending June 30. For 1H, company posted net profit of MYR91.0 million vs MYR63.2 million previously. Dealer says HLI's better results in line with improved outlook for computer chip industry that has "brightened significantly"; "there are clear signs that demand has picked up... new products and still low inventory levels will likely continue to keep chip demand buoyant," dealer adds. (KPL)

DRB-HICOM up in a bear market

DRB-HICOM Bhd's (1619) shares rose amid a sharply lower market yesterday after the company confirmed that it was in early talks to sell its stake in Bank Muamalat to Bahrain-based lender Al Baraka.

The shares rose by 1 per cent to RM1.05 yesterday. There was a jump in volumes traded to 5.3 million shares, its highest in a day since September last year.

Its performance stood out amid a 1.1 per cent drop in the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, to 1,283.02 points.

DRB, essentially an automotive and property group, owns 70 per cent of the local Islamic lender while state investment firm Khazanah Nasional Bhd owns the rest.

Merrill recommends specific stock picking

By Chong Pooi KoonPublished: 2010/01/27

MERRILL Lynch Wealth Management, which rates China and Hong Kong as its top markets for stocks this year, says it sees limited upside potential for Malaysian shares although selected companies like rubber glove makers can outperform.

"We think Malaysia is rather fully valued, so the strategy has to be specific stock picking," its chief investment officer for Asia Pacific, Stephen Corry, said in a media interview in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said banks with exposure to the improving capital market activities as well as rubber glove makers are likely to perform this year. He did not name the stocks due to the bank's policy.

Merrill Lynch, now a unit of Bank of America following a merger, believes that overall, stocks and commodities will give better returns than bonds and cash this year.



A muted recovery in developed economies will lead to low core inflation and steep yield curves this year, acording to Merrill Lynch.

In contrast, rising longer-term interest rates will make government and corporate bonds less attractive.

"Retail investors are pursuing two strategies as we can see. They believe there could be deflation, so they bought fixed income, specifically A-grade corporate papers. They also thought there could be inflation, that's why they like emerging stocks and commodities.

"People are buying inflation and deflation but they are not buying low inflation and equity, so that's where we see opportunity. That's part of reasons why we think the MSCI All-Country World Index could reach 350 this year, roughly 15 to 20 per cent upside," Corry said.

The combination of huge policy stimulus from governments, a steep yield curve and low volatility are factors that contribute to its bullish view on shares.

Merrill Lynch likes stocks from Europe, Asia as well as emerging market consumer shares.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

SapuraCrest Petroleum Indian project secured!

SapuraCrest announced last week that their 40% owned associate company
Offshore International FZC (OIFZC) received an award from Larsen & Toubro
Limited to provide works and services for the transportation and installation of four platform jackets in Mumbai High North Field. Work is to commence in November 2010 lasting till January 201I with contract worth c.USD75m (c.RM225m @ RM3.4:USD1).

-LTS3000 likely candidate to perform works , given that the barge is co -
owned by both parties via OIFZ. Scheduled for delivery by Q1FY10,
expectations are for the barge to be utilised for the RM3b Petronas
Umbrella project, but bearing in mind the Malaysian monsoon season, the
barge will be free to work other waters in Q4 and Q1, in line with the period they have announced (November 2010- January 2011).

-Project value small, but underlying potential remains immense .
Assuming net margins of 5%, the project will contribute about RM5m to
associate earnings (40% of RM12.8m). Although nothing to shout about, it
does signify Sapuracrest’s increasing exposure to the Indian market and its
continual aspirations of 40%-50% of foreign revenue contribution in the
next 3 years. They await another pipe-lay barge, also co-owned with another
Indian party (Quippo Prakash MDL) which will avail Sapuracrest to more
prospects in Indian market. We leave our esti mates unchanged as the contract value is minimal.

-Maintain forecast and BUY at unchanged target price of RM3.06
based on FY11EPS of 17sen and PER of 18x. We continue to like the
group’s “cream of the crop” order book (estimated to be worth more than
RM7b (excluding SapuraAcergy’s 50% share of the order book)), their vast
international presence (India, Australia, Japan) and strategic assets. While sustained drilling charter rates will provide a base for higher earnings going forward, the heightened oil and gas sector prospects and improve contract flows in 2010 will provide additional rerating catalyst.

More here...

We upgrade our recommendation on Supermax to Strong Buy

• We upgrade our recommendation on Supermax to Strong Buy (from
Buy) with a higher 12-month target price of MYR6.50 (from MYR4.60).
• We utilize a target PER of 12x (from 9x) against our projected 2010
EPS for Supermax and add our estimated tax exempt net DPS for
2010 of 9.9 sen. The higher target multiple is due to a higher peer
average and is a reflection of the strong demand-supply outlook of the
industry.
• In addition to a healthy demand outlook for gloves, Supermax’s OBM
products, which carry higher margins, have expanded in terms of
revenue contribution (to 63.9% from 60% in mid-2009). As such, we
believe increasing sales and expanding margins over the medium term
will provide catalysts for Supermax’s share price outperformance.
• Risks to our recommendation and target price include a sudden upturn
in latex prices and an appreciating MYR, as revenue is predominantly
derived from exports.

More here...

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Rubberex 4Q net profit up 55% to RM5.61m

Written by Joseph Chin
Friday, 22 January 2010 16:03

KUALA LUMPUR: Rubberex Corp (M) Bhd posted net profit of RM5.61 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2009, up 55.5% from the RM3.61 million a year ago due to sales contribution from its China subsidiaries and better profit margins and the company expects China to provide the bulk of the earnings this year.

It said on Friday, Jan 22 revenue rose 16.2% to RM91.72 million from RM78.9 million. Earnings per shares were 6.71 sen compared with 4.56 sen.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009, net profit nearly doubled to RM16.56 million from RM8.63 million a year ago. Revenue was RM325.44 million compared with RM274.51 million.

"Such commendable achievement is mainly contributed by the strong demand of disposable gloves produced by its China operations. The board and management foresee that demand for disposable gloves will show further growth in 2010," it said.

Rubberex said additional production capacity has been installed in China which would increase the output by more than 25% to 5.6 billion pieces annually.

"Even though the industrial gloves segment of our Malaysian operation is showing improvement in orders intake amid encouraging signs of an economic recovery in the US, the management foresees that overall group's earnings growth for this year will continue to be derived mainly from its China operations.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the group’s performance for financial year 2010 will be significantly better than the previous year," it said.

PLUS To Acquire 74 Per Cent Stake In India's Highway Concessionaire

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- PLUS Expressways Bhd on Friday entered into a share purchase cum shareholders agreement (SPSA) for a proposed acquisition of up to 74 per cent equity interest in Indu Navayuga Infra Project Private Limited for RM74 million.

Indu Navayuga is the concessionaire of the existing two lane portion from Km285 (near Padalur) to Km325 (near Trichy) on National Highway No.45 in Tamil Nadu, India.

The 25-year concession agreement, signed on May 30, 2006, includes widening the existing two lanes stretching to 38.55 kilometres into four lanes.

The existing shareholders are Navayuga Engineering Company Limited, Indu Projects Limited and Abhishek Developers.

"The project, being the last section of National Highway No.45, is currently 95 per cent completed. Out of the 38.55 kilometres, 33 kilometres have been fully completed.

"The company (Indu Navayuga) is working towards completing the remaining works by the end of first quarter 2010," Plus said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

It said the acquisition would be carried in two tranches with the first amounting to 49 per cent of the stake for RM57.3 million upon fulfillment of the conditions precedent and the project's full commercial operation while the balance 25 per cent for RM16.7 million on the third anniversary of the commercial operation.

"The acquisition is in line with PLUS's strategy for expansion into other markets particularly in India which is one of the group's focus countries for expansion.

"This acquisition signifies the group's serious intention to further grow in India, as well as taking a step towards becoming a premier global expressway group," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, January 22, 2010

RHB Research keeps outperform on Proton, FV 5.67

KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Research Institute believes Proton Holdings is closer to the next phase of transformation to achieve better economies of scale and improvement in quality.

In a research note issued on Friday, Jan 22, it said Proton could see a strategic tie-up; consolidation of the two existing plants; contract manufacturing; and expansion of export market.

"Maintain Outperform and fair value of RM5.67," it said.

RHB Research said Proton was one of the companies presenting at its recent GLC (government-linked companies) Day.

Itsaid Proton's management said bookings, since launching for the Exora in April 2009, Saga (January 2008) and Persona (August 2007) were 24,000, 165,000 and 100,000 units respectively.

"We note that the balance to be delivered for Exora, Saga and Persona stand at 10,000, 32,500 and 7,500 respectively. Hence, we estimate waiting period of 1-2 months given the current capacity of 3,500 per month, 7,000 and 3,000 for Exora, Saga and Persona respectively," it said.

SapuraCrest unit bags US$75b India job

SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd's 40 per cent-owned unit, Offshore International FZC (OIF) has been awarded a sub-contract worth US$75 million (US$1.00 = RM3.39) by Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T).

In a statement today, the company said the sub-contract was for the transportation and installation of four platform jackets for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) in MHN Field, offshore Mumbai.

"It is part of the main engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) contract which L&T had won from ONGC," SapuraCrest said.

The statement was released after the sub-contract signing ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is on a four-day working visit to India.



SapuraCrest Executive Vice-Chairman Datuk Shahril Shamsuddin said OIF expected to start the offshore work around mid-November this year using a 160-metre derrick lay vessel called LTS3000.

Its oil and gas ventures in Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan and Russia as well as in India have so far netted contracts worth over US$500 million.

"The latest job will swell our orders in India alone to US$250 million over the past 10 years," he said, adding that it had spent about US$110 million in the country.

Shahril said the venture in India particularly was primed for high growth as it was embarking on joint ventures with local parties there, as part of the company's regionalisation strategy.

"We are upbeat on India. Its oil and gas industry is poised to grow further as regional demand for energy soars, with crude oil and gas output expected to increase.

"The deepwater exploration activities in India and neighbouring countries are also expected to heighten driven by higher oil prices," he said.

Shahril said the company would leverage on the alliance with L&T particularly to leapfrog its presence into the lucrative Middle East market.

He said the catalysts moving forward would be the further deployment of LTS 3000, Sapura 3000 and Quippo Prakash, the 2,000-tonne barge co-owned with Quippo Prakash Marine.

The latter vessel is due for delivery next month.
SapuraCrest started its foray in India in 2001 by providing soil investigation and hydrographic survey services off the country's shores. -- BERNAMA

US firm ups stake in Green Packet

SMALLCAP World Fund Inc, a US-based investment firm, has emerged as a substantial shareholder of Green Packet Bhd (0082), a software developer and wireless Internet service provider.

It bought 33.9 million shares, or 5.2 per cent on January 11, Green Packet said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia.

Smallcap continued to buy more shares, and as on Wednesday, held 6.02 per cent, or 39.29 million Green Packet shares.

REDtone seeks WiMAX licence for peninsula

TELECOMMUNICATIONS service provider REDtone International Bhd (0032)remains hopeful of securing a broadband wireless spectrum licence for Peninsular Malaysia.

REDtone, which has a WiMAX 2.3Ghz spectrum licence for Sabah and Sarawak, said it has proven its success in rolling out the services for consumers there and would like to replicate the success targeting corporate clients in Peninsular Malaysia.

"We believe we should be given a chance in Peninsular Malaysia as customers are demanding for more such services to be offered here," its group chief executive officer Zainal Amanshah told reporters during a media briefing in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, yesterday.

He said the company had exceeded the 25 per cent population coverage in Sabah and Sarawak as set by the authorities, but decline to elaborate further, citing regulatory stipulations.
"We are in the process of applying for the licence (for Peninsular Malaysia) and are still in talks with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission," he said.

It is understood that licence application will be for the spectrum range between 2.5Ghz and 3.5Ghz.

Meanwhile, the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday that it made a second quarter net profit of RM1.58 million against a revenue of RM21.2 million for the quarter ended November 30 2009.

This was a reversal from a year ago, when it posted a net loss of RM 719,000 against revenue of RM21.6 million for the same period.

The stronger performance for its recent second quarter results was driven by the local growth in its broadband services and uptake for its discounted call offerings in China.

"The business from China currently contributes 30 per cent to the overall group's revenue. We hope to increase this to 50 per cent next year," said group managing director Wei Chuan Beng.

This will be done via organic growth for its discounted voice services in Shanghai targeting the consumer segment. It currently has one million customers and sees growth of 2 per cent each month.

REDtone International also wants to venture into the distribution of mobile Internet device and 3G related services in China. It plans on doing so via acquisitions and is now in talks with several potential parties.

China has some 600 million 2G users and the three dominant telcos there are targeting to have some 30 million to 40 million 3G users in 2010, Wei added.

The group aims to achieve a net profit of RM7 million, against revenue of between RM88 million and RM90 million for its fiscal year ending 2010.

Meanwhile, the company will continue to spend RM10 million as part of its annual capital expenditure and plans to raise some RM41.5 million from its rights issues exercise, to be used mainly to set-up broadband infrastructure.

SapuraCrest expands investment in India

SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd (8575) is poised to seal a multi-million dollar contract in Chennai with an Indian partner today.

It is learnt that the deal is related to the use of SapuraCrest's new derrick lay vessel for an oil and gas major.

The latest job will swell SapuraCrest's orders in India, which amount to US$200 million (RM674 million) over the past few years.

The signing ceremony of the contract is due to be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is on his final leg of a five-day working visit to India.

Meanwhile, SapuraCrest said in a statement that it had for the past 10 years invested US$110 million (RM370 million) in the Indian oil and gas sector.
The investment comes in the form of building two derrick lay barges, the LTS3000 and QP2000. The vessels are expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2010.

SapuraCrest now has joint ventures with two local firms there, Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) and Quippo Prakash Pte Ltd.

"Our venture in India is important to us because we consider India as a major international market for our future," SapuraCrest executive vice chairman Datuk Shahril Shamsuddin said in the statement released in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said India has recently embarked on major oil and gas exploration and development projects to reduce dependence on foreign oil. This creates a major opportunity for companies in the oil and gas services sector.

"Tapping onto this opportunity is in line with SapuraCrest's main objective of expanding its operations beyond Malaysian shores and becoming a global oil and gas services provider," he added.

To date, SapuraCrest provides services such as offshore facilities maintenance and upgrading, and soil investigation and survey works in India.

Its major clients there include Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Reliance, Shipping Corp of India and Cairns Energy.

Shahril said the Indian operation will ensure higher utilisation of SapuraCrest's marine assets, which otherwise would be idle during the monsoon season in Southeast Asia.

The monsoon season in India is opposite to that of Southeast Asia.

He also said India will lead SapuraCrest to more lucrative markets, especially the Middle East.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Faber – Concession agreement – Likely to be renewed

Faber – Concession agreement – Likely to be renewed Outperform Visit Note- Faber recently spoke at our GLC Day. In Oct 2009, the company had submitted its application for arenewal for the concession and is currently waiting for the reply from the Government, which would only beknown some time in October this year. We see little risk of Faber losing the concession given its politicallinks as well for its size and geographical reach.- Faber plans to expand in the healthcare sector, and is positioning itself for new opportunities includingowning or managing hospitals to broaden its income stream. Faber is already managing non-medicalservices in hospitals across Malaysia, India and United Arab Emirates, and therefore management believesthe company has the capability of moving up the value chain in the hospital business.- Faber is currently on track to launch new property projects in 2010, which consists of three propertylaunches, with total estimated GDV of approximately RM495m.- We maintain our earnings forecast for now. Our SOP fair value has been raised to RM2.94 (from RM2.69previously), after upgrading our target CY10 PER for the non-concession IFM business to 14x from 9xpreviously, in line with our target FY10 PER for KPJ Healthcare. Maintain Outperform.

REDtone to launch Chinese-centric IPTV service ‘DETV’

Written by Cindy Yeap
Thursday, 21 January 2010 14:35

KUALA LUMPUR REDTONE INTERNATIONAL BHD [] is set to launch Malaysia’s first Chinese-centric Internet-based TV early next week with 27 channels, in-line with its bid to generate more revenue from services other than discounted voice.

The service, dubbed DETV, is marketing itself as “a smart and revolutionary way” of watching one’s favourite Chinese entertainment programmes from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, without having to first download the content, legally or otherwise.

“All you need is a broadband connection with 1 Mbps and a TV set. TV programs with superior quality will be transmitted directly to you through the Internet by just clicking the remote control that comes with y our DETV Internet home gateway. No computer is needed… You can bring your DETV box to anywhere you wish in Malaysia, as long as you have an internet service for your DETV service (should you move house),” according to data from the DETV website.

The service is also expected to compliment REDtone’s WiMAX-based wireless broadband offering that’s currently available in Sabah and Sarawak. REDtone, which has asked for licence to also offer WiMAX services in the Peninsular, also sells mobile phone services targeting the Chinese community as well as SMEs, riding on Celcom (M) Bhd’s network.

DETV’s current portfolio of 27 channels include China’s CCTV4, CCTV9, CCTV Entertainment, CCTV Traditional Operas Channel as well as provincial channels such as Beijing BTV, Zhejiang International Channel and Fujian Straits TV.

Others include the China Movie Channel, TVS (Southern Television), Chongqing TV International Channel, China Yellow River TV, JSBC International Channel, Taiwan’s DiMoTV, Taiwan MAC TV, Da Ai Channel, Sun TV, Hakka TV, Golden Eagle and Dragon TV.

It also carries Channel NewsAsia, AlJazeera English, AlJazeera Arabic, Bloomberg TV, Arirang TV that are already available in Malaysia as well as Malaysia’s five free-to-air terrestrial channels RTM1, RTM2, TV3, NTV7 and 8TV.

Its entry packages starts at RM39.90 a month, while its premium Great Wall Plus package with all channels is sold at RM79.90 a month. The premium package is currently available at RM60 a month during the promotional period, its website said.

It is charging RM100 refundable deposit per set up box (usual RM400) with no contract but customers will need to pay a non-refundable three months advance subscription fee. There is also a RM10 basic fee.

DETV is managed by REDtone’s wholly-owned subsidiary DE Multimedia Sdn Bhd.

REDtone’s ICULS, warrant conversion price fixed at 25 sen

Written by The Edge Financial Daily
Thursday, 21 January 2010 00:24

KUALA LUMPUR: REDTONE INTERNATIONAL BHD [] has fixed the conversion price of its irredeemable convertible unsecured loan stocks (ICULS) and warrants under a rights issue at 25 sen. It has proposed a renounceable rights issue of up to RM41.52 million 10-year 2.75% ICULS, with up to 166.09 million free detachable warrants on the basis of 10 ICULS of 10 sen each with four warants for every 10 shares of 10 sen each held.

In a statement yesterday, REDtone said the entitlement date for the rights issue was Feb 4. It is targeting a a March listing and quotation for its ICULS and warrants on Bursa.

REDtone hoped to raise up to RM41.52 million, utilising up to RM39.12 million for its broadband business infrastructure over a three-year period as it intensified the rollout of its services to meet growing demand, said its group managing director Wei Chuan Beng.

“We continue to receive positive feedback on our broadband offering and judging from the interest of customers towards our ability to offer customised solutions, we are optimistic of achieving a 50% to 100% growth in the number of broadband customers over the next one year,” he said.

Wei said customers from the business and government sector had doubled to 1,000 over the last 12 months, bringing REDtone customers to a total of 500,000. Meanwhile, REDtone’s Shanghai-based operations in collaboration with state-owned China TieTong Telecommunications Corporation Shanghai Branch Company saw growth of about 2% monthly for its discounted voice service, bringing its customer base to over one million.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

HDBSVR maintains Buy on Gamuda, TP RM4.20

KUALA LUMPUR: Hwang DBS Vickers Research (HDBSVR) is maintaining its Buy on Gamuda with a target price of RM4.20 as it capitalises on government's mega projects.

It said on Wednesday, Jan 20 Gamuda is hopeful of clinching 10% to 15% of the RM16 billion to RM17 billion worth of mega projects in the pipeline.

HDBSVR said the proposed projects are within its assumed FY10 orderbook win of RM1.6 billion.

The most immediate win could be the RM700 million Hulu Terengganu dam project, where Gamuda is among two shortlisted contractors.

The official award will likely be in February. Other potential wins are the runway portion of the LCCT worth RM400 million to RM500 million and the tenders will open in February.

Others are the RM7 billion to RM8 billion LRT extension, RM2 billion to RM3 billion Klau dam which tender will close in March and the RM3 billion to RM4 billion Langat 2 water treatment plant.

"We think Gamuda is a strong contender for the LRT extension works as a third of the two 34-km stretch will run through its highway concessions," it said.

Leader gets US$107m job in Cambodia

LEADER Universal Holdings Bhd's unit, Cambodian Transmission Ltd, today entered into a 25-year build-operate-transfer power transmission agreement with Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) to develop a 230 kilovolt power transmission system from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham for US$107 million.

EDC is Cambodia's state-owned limited liability firm.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, Leader said the project would be funded by internally generated funds and bank borrowings.

The project would be commissioned in three stages with the first being the construction of the Kampong Cham substation which was expected to be completed by July 2011.

The second would be the new North Phnom Penh substation and this was expected to be completed by March 2012.

"The completion of the entire project with the commissioning of the approximately 110km transmission line from North Phnom Penh substation to Kampong Cham substation, from whence the commercial operation date of the project commences.

"This is expected by Dec 31, 2013," Leader said.

The project fulfils part of the planned development of the Cambodian grid system and provides for future 230 kV extension to other parts of the country around Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Currently, Leader through its 60 per cent-owned subsidiary in Cambodia, Cambodia Utilities Pte Ltd, owns and operates a 35-megawatt power generation plant in Phnom Penh and supplies electricity to EDC under a 18-year power purchase agreement.

This power plant has been in operation since 1997.

Leader is also developing a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant project in Sihanoukville through its 80 per cent-owned subsidiary, Cambodian Energy Limited. Electricity generated will be supplied to EDC under a 30-year power purchase agreement.

BERNAMA

Baswell secures US$100m contract

BASWELL Resources Bhd has secured a US$100 million sub-contract to manufacture and install furniture and fittings at the Al Reem Island.

In a note to Bursa Malaysia today, the company said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong's Metroplex Resources Ltd to collaborate with the Al-Amry Group on the Al Reem Island mixed development.

Al Reem Island is a residential, commercial and business project to be built on the natural island of Al Reem Isle, located off the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi city.

The company added that the MOU would remain in effect for two years and could contribute postively to Baswell's future earnings.



BERNAMA

RHB ups Dailog target price to RM1.80

Dialog Group Bhd, an oil and gas services provider, rose 1.4 per cent to RM1.47, heading for the highest close since June 2, 2008.

The share price forecast for the stock was raised to RM1.80 from RM1.58 at RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd on the prospects of “stronger” earnings growth. - Bloomberg

Sunway Holdings RM1.49: Buy

Sunway Holdings RM1.49: Buy
- New RM500m property project
New property development in Gombak. Sunway’s latest residential
property project in Gombak is larger than its existing Sunway
Rydgeway in Melawati, with a GDV of RM500m vs RM165m. Earnings
contribution, however, is only expected post-2011. The latest
acquisition is in line with Sunway’s strategy to develop niche residential
units within its local property development segment to diversify group
earnings. Maintain Buy with a TP of RM1.90.

STEEL – INTEGRATED LONG PRODUCERS (OVERWEIGHT)

STEEL – INTEGRATED LONG PRODUCERS (OVERWEIGHT) Sector Update: Seeking the New Sweet Spot
With steel counters back on the limelight, we made a fundamental review and found ourselves looking at a much improved environment of: (i) rising steel prices and expectation of expanding margins, particularly for iron making, (ii) demand set to surge after the Chinese New Year celebration, driven by real demand and improved buying sentiment on positive price trends, (iii) new yearly benchmark prices for iron ore and coking coal likely to increase by 20% to 30%, which will support ASP, (iv) implementation of stimulus packages worldwide have just begun to spur long steel requirements, (v) huge untapped semi finished steel market in SEA region, and (vi) generally still undemanding valuations. These factors prompt us to maintain our OVERWEIGHT stance on the steel sector and raise fair values across the board. We have BUY calls on Lion Industries, Southern Steel and Masteel, a Trading BUY on Perwaja, but a NEUTRAL call for Kinsteel and a SELL on Ann Joo.

MRCB – Property the key driver

MRCB – Property the key driver going forward Trading Buy
Visit Note- MRCB re-confirmed that it is keen on the Federal land parcels but acknowledged that “it is up to theGovernment to decide on which entity it will award the land to”. We maintain our view that MRCB’sproposed 1-for-2 rights issue is a prelude to these land deals.- MRCB expects its property turnover to increase from 30-40% of group turnover in FY12/09-10, to in excessof 50% by FY12/11, with the construction work on several components of KL Sentral gaining momentum.We believe the “transformation” of MRCB from a largely construction-dependent group to a largelyproperty-dependent group will be made easier with new property projects on the Federal land.- FY12/10-11 EPS are reduced by 12-13%, having reflected dilution from an enlarged share base.- Fair value is rationalised down by 3% from RM1.71 to RM1.66 (ex-rights), having reflected the dilution fromthe rights issue, mitigated by the change in our valuation methodology for KL Sentral from PER to DCF.

Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas
New oil sands investments suggest renewed confidence by oil majors Overweight- Platts and The Canadian Press reported that ConocoPhillips will start work on phase 2 of Surmont oilsands project in Alberta lifting bitumen production from 27,000 to 110,000 barrels/day by 2015. Surmont isa 50:50 joint venture between ConocoPhillips and France’s Total SA. There were no financial details in thenews report.- Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU), another big oil sands player, is starting up Phase 3 of its Firebag oil sandsproject, which had been put into "safe mode" during the recession.

The revival of these oil sands investments suggest that oil majors have renewed confidence in the long term trend for crude oil prices, and thus in non-conventional E&P projects where the investment hurdle rates are higher.
- We highlight that we are looking at US$80-100/barrel crude oil prices in 2010.
- The beneficiaries of increased E&P activity in non-conventional projects include the process equipment andcompression equipment players (KNM, Wah Seong) and technical services providers (Dialog).

Corporate Highlights
Dialog : Potential upside to TLP’s earnings contribution in FY11 Outperform Visit Note
- According to management, the company is in advanced stages of discussion with customers for additionalstorage capacity, which would either be an expansion of T1 (from the current 400k m3 strorage capacity) or development of T2. We view this positively as this would further enhance its recurrent earnings base (i.e.around 70% of its FY09 revenue). We highlight that our back-of-envelope calculations based on the additional 200k m3 storage capacity, suggest our FY11-12 EPS forecasts could be enhanced by 11.3%and 11.1% respectively.

- We understand from management that current E&C orderbook now stands at around RM500m (vs.RM400m previously). These include 56% of the RM600m construction value of Tanjung Langsat Port (TLP)project and Vopak’s terminal in Singapore as well as other smaller EPCC jobs. Management expects 50%of its current orderbook to be recognised in FY10 and the balance in FY11.

- We have raised our FY10-12 EPS forecasts by 2.8%, 1.4% and 0.5% respectively after factoring in: 1)earnings contribution from JSB; and 2) higher revenue contribution from E&C division.- Accordingly, we have raised our SOP fair value to RM1.80 (vs. RM1.58 previously) based on 16x FY06/11PER (vs. 16x CY10 previously). Nevertheless, we highlight potential stronger earnings growth in FY11-12arising from expansion of TLP and EPCC jobs as well as sizeable catalyst handling projects.

EON Capital May Rise;Seeks Approval For Asset Sale

0012 GMT [Dow Jones] EON Capital (5266.KU) may rise to test December's peak of MYR7.10, after financial group says seeking Bank Nagara to commence asset sale talks with third parties," says dealer with local brokerage. "The statement suggests that EON is leaving its door open and won't be talking to Hong Leong Bank alone," says dealer; adds this may trigger chatter of counter bid, which should fuel interest in stock. Hong Leong Bank had earlier been given central bank nod to start talks with certain shareholders of EON Capital on possible stake buy. Stock ended +0.9% at MYR7.01 yesterday. (ECH)

Iris Corp plans 223m warrants on 3-for-20 basis

Iris Corp plans 223m warrants on 3-for-20 basis
Written by Joseph Chin
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 22:33

KUALA LUMPUR: Iris Corp has proposed a renounceable rights issue of up to 223.4 million new six-year warrants.

The company said on Tuesday, Jan 19 the new warrants was on the basis of three new warrants for every 20 shares of 15 sen each in Iris at an indicative issue price of five sen per new warrant.

Genting Singapore cut to 'hold'

Genting Singapore Plc, which is opening a casino resort in the city-state, was downgraded to “hold” from “buy” at AmResearch Sdn Bhd.

The research house said in a report today that the stock has already achieved its share price forecast of US$1.28. -- Bloomberg

KUB aims to turn food business into major earner within 3 years

CONGLOMERATE KUB Malaysia Bhd (6874) hopes to increase contribution from its food-related business from less than 10 per cent now and turn it into a major earner to the group's bottom line within three years.

It is capitalising on the steady demand from local consumers for fast food services as well as opportunities in a vast global market for halal food in order to cushion the volatility in commodities, particularly palm oil.

KUB group managing director Datuk Mohd Nazar Samad said its fast-food chain A&W (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which is undergoing a facelift to capture a wider market, is expected to break even on its investment soon, backed by aggressive expansion and opening of new outlets.

It now has 39 outlets throughout the country with the bulk of them located in the Klang Valley, but there are plans to open new outlets in Sabah and Sarawak next year.
"We are currently negotiating with related parties for openings in Sabah and Sarawak, which we intend to do simultaneously in both states to avoid unnecessary financial outflow," he told reporters after launching the new look of A&W Batu Road outlet and the A&W mobile fast-food truck in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The event was officiated by Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

KUB bought A&W from its previous franchise holder, TDM Bhd, in 2002. The fast-food chain is aiming for a single-digit net profit in 2010 and a total of 100 outlets by 2015.

Mohd Nazar said the group is spending RM39 million to refurbish all its existing A&W outlets, with RM1 million allocated for each outlet.

"We expect the refurbishment exercise to be completed within this year. Of the 39 A&W outlets, only six left to be done," he said.

The refurbishment includes outlook expansion, more food and beverage offerings and the installation of modern utensils.

Mohd Nazar also said A&W will have three trucks operating by year-end. It plans to have a fleet of 10 trucks under its expansion drive.

"Our mobile A&W trucks will drive to hotspots around Peninsular Malaysia and focus in areas without A&W's presence," he added.

KUB, which was in the red from 1999, returned to profitability in 2008.

The bulk of its revenue comes from its property, engineering and construction divisions, followed by information and communications technology and food and beverage segments.

It hopes to remain in the black as the group continues to strengthen its core businesses and add value.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

MRCB falls, right issue going ex on Jan 28

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIAN RESOURCES CORP [] Bhd's share price fell in active trade ahead of the renounceable rights issue of up to 482.27 million new shares going ex on Jan 28.

At 3.20pm, it was down eight sen to RM1.57 with 9.02 million shares done.

The FBM KLCI was up 1.2 points to 1,299.19. Turnover was 875.98 million shares done valued at RM892.2 million.

The entitlement date for the rights shares is Feb 2. The corporate exercise involved the rights issue on the basis of one rights share for every two shares held on Feb 2 at 5pm at an issue price of RM1.12 per rights share.

The rights issue is to raise gross proceeds of up to RM566 million.

Dayang unit gets RM70m charter job

Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd's wholly- owned subsidiary, DESB Marine Services Sdn Bhd, has secured a RM70 million contract for the time charter of its workboat for three years.

In an announcement on Bursa Malaysia''s website, Dayang said DESB received the Letter of Award (LOA) from Nautika Sdn Bhd yesterday, for the time charter of the Dayang Zamrud for well reservoir management to Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd.

It said the contract is expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets of the Group for the financial years ending December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2012.

There are no significant risks involved in fulilling the contract obligation, it added. -- BERNAMA

Malaysia steel producers upgraded

Ann Joo Resources Bhd and three other Malaysian steel producers were upgraded at RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd to reflect improving demand and product prices.

Ann joo was raised to “outperform” from “market perform,” while CSC Steel Holdings Bhd was upgraded to “outperform” from ‘underperform,’’ RHB said in a report today.

Hiap Teck Venture Bhd and Kinsteel Bhd were also raised to “outperform,” it said.

Kinsteel rose to a 17-month high in Kuala Lumpur trading, climbing 3.6 per cent to RM1.14 at 9:08 am local time, set for the highest level since August 8, 2008.



Ann Joo Resources gained 1.9 per cent to RM3.21, CSC Steel rose 1.4 per cent to RM1.46 and Hiap Teck added 2.1 per cent to RM1.46. -- Bloomberg

Malaysia chip stocks rated 'overweight'

AmResearch Sdn Bhd re-initiated coverage of Malaysian semiconductor stocks with an “overweight” call on the industry, saying the sector is in an early stage of cyclical recovery.

The research house said in a report today it has a new “buy” rating on Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd with an RM8.90 share price forecast.

It also has a “buy” rating on Unisem (M) Bhd with a RM3.30 share price forecast. -- Bloomberg

Kinsteel (5060.KU) at Buy

Maybank Investment Bank Research keeps Kinsteel (5060.KU) at Buy with unchanged MYR1.30 target, pegged to 8X PER for 2011, a year of expected peak demand. "Kinsteel continues to trade at a low 6.4X multiple on 2011 earnings, the year we expect the full impact of major construction works to be felt," says analyst Wong Chew Hann; adds Kinsteel set to capture the rise in demand with upgrades to its billet plant scheduled for completion in mid-2010, while its downstream plant is currently running at 50% capacity; keeps earnings estimates by assuming sales volume of 3.4 million tonnes in 2010 (+22% on-year), and 3.6 million tonnes in 2011, vs forecast 2.8 million tonnes in 2009. Stock last +4.5% at MYR1.1

MMC Corp (2194.KU) at Trading Buy

OSK Research keeps MMC Corp (2194.KU) at Trading Buy with unchanged MYR2.95 target. "Our earnings forecasts are largely unchanged as higher earnings from Gas Malaysia and Malakoff are offset by poorer margins at Port of Tanjung Pelepas and the double track project," says analyst Chris Eng; adds while MMC's long-term prospects remain good given its dominance in Malaysian infrastructure, house still hopeful of contract award to spur short term sentiment. Stock last flat at MYR2.38. (ECH)

CIMB Keeps WCT At Outperform, MYR3.92 Target

0614 GMT [Dow Jones] STOCK CALL: CIMB Research keeps WCT (9679.KU) as Outperform with unchanged MYR3.92 target; says WCT was most active among local construction companies in terms of contract awards in 2009. "After winning MYR1.7 billion worth of contracts last year, the group will continue to vie for local open tender jobs in 2010," says analyst Sharizan Rosely; thinks WCT's attention, however, will be on MYR7 billion light rail transit upgrade/extension and runway portion for new low cost carrier terminal. "There is more upside to its outstanding order book of MYR2.9 billion," says Sharizan; adds Gulf region ex-Dubai, particularly Qatar, Abu Dhabi, will be group's focus in 2010. Stock last flat at MYR2.74. (ECH)

Global demand for steel will continue to strengthen in 2010

Perwaja : Target PER raised to 12x Outperform Sino Hua-An : Target PER raised to 12x Outperform%D �nn Joo Resources : Target PER raised to 12x Outperform (up from MP) Kinsteel : Target PER raised to 12x Outperform (up from MP)Hiap Teck Venture : Target PER raised to 9x Outperform (up from UP)%D�SC Steel : Target PER raised to 9x Outperform (up from UP)- We believe the upward price momentum for steel products is likely to sustain over the next 2-3 months, as:%D�) Global demand for steel will continue to strengthen in 2010, underpinned by higher infrastructurespending and economic recovery; 2) Concerns on overcapacity are likely to be downplayed, at least fornow; and 3) Prices of inputs, in particular, iron ore fines, metallurgical coke and scraps will likely to rise%D�urther and this will lend support to steel prices.- In response to the improved outlook of the steel product sector, we are raising our 1-year target forwardPER for the steel sub-sector by 2x from 7-10x to 9-12x.- Given the improved near-term outlook, we are upgrading the steel sub-sector from neutral to Overweight.%D�orrespondingly, our rating for the overall building materials sector is also upgraded to Neutral.- Top picks for the sector are Perwaja (OP, FV = RM1.93) and Sino Hua-An (OP, FV = RM0.71). We alsolike Ann Joo Resources (OP, FV = RM3.53), Hiap Teck Venture (OP, FV = RM2.01) and CSC Steel (OP,%D�V = RM1.64).

Affin joins queue for Indonesia

Affin joins queue for Indonesia
By Chong Pooi KoonPublished: 2010/01/19

Affin has set its sights on Indonesia as its first overseas venture but garnered little attention from banking analysts

AFFIN Holdings Bhd (5185) may become the fourth Malaysian bank to buy an Indonesian lender, reflecting vast untapped opportunities in Southeast Asia's most populous nation.

Still, the lack of information available on the bank that it is buying coupled with Affin's previous track record of poor asset quality has led to lukewarm response from stock analysts.

Shares of Affin rose 3.2 per cent to RM2.55 yesterday. A total of 1.5 million shares were traded.

Affin, owner of the second smallest among nine banks in Malaysia, said last Friday that it had Bank Negara Malaysia's green light to enter talks to buy a controlling stake in Indonesia's PT Bank Ina Perdana.

Affin said it has set its sights on Indonesia as its first overseas venture due to the country's big population and low banking penetration, but gave no further details on Bank Ina Perdana.

The announcement garnered little attention from banking analysts, most of whom do not track Affin's stock.

"It is a natural progression to move out since the domestic market is already crowded. But it is probably a very small lender that it's buying. There's no information available out there on Bank Ina Perdana," an analyst who has a "buy" call on Affin said.

The industry is fragmented in Indonesia, which has 121 commercial banks even after consolidation pushed by its central bank in recent years. Apart from the top 10 banks, other lenders are mostly very small with limited branches.

"From a partial list that I have, which ranks Indonesian banks by asset size, I can't find this bank even down to the rank of 91," the analyst, who asked not to be named, said, adding that a smaller target is probably easier for Affin to manage.

Affin has about RM700 million excess cash that it can spend, according to the analyst, sufficient to buy a bank with up to RM450 million in assets.

According to the central bank website, Bank Ina Perdana had total assets of RM314 million as at the end of September last year. It made a profit after tax of RM4.3 million in the nine months to September 30 2009, but its retained earnings were in deficit of RM6.4 million.

The bank, which has no website, operates seven branches - five in Surabaya and two in Jakarta - according to unofficial information.

A fast-growth economy, population of 230 million, and banking market still dominated by basic products means that prospects are bright for the industry, and banks in Indonesia have been a highly sought-after asset.

Global banks, including HSBC, have scrambled to get a slice of the market there, while Malaysia's top lenders - Malayan Banking Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and RHB Capital Bhd - have all scooped up assets there.

Last year, the Indonesian economy fared better than most others in the region during the economic slump when countries like Malaysia and Singapore slipped into recession.

Indonesia's US$514 billion (RM1.7 trillion) economy is estimated to have expanded 4.3 per cent last year, and projected to grow as much as 5.5 per cent this year, according to its government. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said earlier this month that it was targeting an average of 6.6 per cent annual growth over the next five years.

Evergreen – Dividend payment to continue Outperform

Evergreen – Dividend payment to continue Outperform
Visit Note- 4Q09 capacity utilisation is estimated to be at 78% (+5% qoq) while its current capacity utilisation stands%D�bove 80%. The improvement was due to rising demand mainly from supply shortages. Evergreen remains%D�onfident of achieving more than 80% capacity utilisation in FY10.- Average selling prices increased by US$5/m3 from 4Q09 for 1Q10 orders. Average selling prices for orders received in Dec 09 increased by US$5/m3, which implies that 1Q10’s average selling prices could hover%D�round the US$245/m3 to US$250/m3 levels. Given the current outlook, management is confident thatprices would hold firm at current levels.- Rising commodity prices not a concern. Evergreen expects rubber wood log and glue prices to remain firm%D�uring the year, as historically, these raw materials have generally been relatively stable.- Currently dormant Indonesian plant would restart its operations in 2Q10 given that Evergreen is in final negotiations with its 49% JV.

MRCB's rights issue to go ex on Jan 28

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIAN RESOURCES CORP [] Bhd's renounceable rights issue of up to 482.27 million new shares will go ex on Jan 28.

Its submitting merchant bank, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, said on Jan 18 the entitlement date for the rights shares is Feb 2.

The corporate exercise involved the rights issue on the basis of one rights share for every two shares held on Feb 2 at 5pm at an issue price of Rm1.12 per rights share.

The rights issue is to raise gross proceeds of up to RM566 million.

Monday, January 18, 2010

HDVR maintains buy on Public Bank at RM12.20

KUALA LUMPUR: Hwang DBS Vickers Research is maintaining its Buy call on Public Bank with a RM12.20 target price as it expects the bank to meet its loan growth target.

It said on Monday, Jan 18 the FY09 net profit, which should be announced this week, could come in at 2% to 3% above its and market projections.

"The result should reinforce the Group as among the most leveraged to an economic recovery - strongest loans growth (14%), top 3 market share in mortgages and HP, and lowest NPL (0.9%)," it said.

Hwang DBS Vickers Research said the projected final 46 sen DPS translates into 4.0% gross dividend yield. Full year net yield of 5.0% is highest in the sector.

"Maintain Buy. In our opinion, concerns about the new Basel rules are excessive. The rules are still being discussed and scheduled to be finalized only at end-2010. Our RM12.20 target price implies 5% capital appreciation and 5% dividend yield for a total return of 10%," it said.

Tan Chong Motor - Regional drive on fast gear

KUALA LUMPUR: OSK Investment Research says Tan Chong Motor's management has guided that Tan Chong will be expanding regionally hand in hand with Nissan, with the former becoming the motor giant's strategic partner in expanding its presence in the still untapped ASEAN market.

"Tweaking our earnings higher by 22%-43% for FY10-FY11 on the back of better vehicle sales given the brighter prospects ahead and lower yen forecast, we derive a new target price of RM4.12 and upgrade our call to BUY from NEUTRAL previously," it said on Monday, Jan 18.

OSK Investment Research said it was raising its FY10 and FY11 revenue forecast by 22% on a 7% increase in volume. We see fresh demand for vehicles in 2010, which will be centered on Nissan's existing and new CBU line-ups, commercial vehicles, its upcoming CKD version of the Nissan Teana and the Nissan Livina X-Gear.

"We derive much comfort from Management's confirmation that Nissan Motors remains committed to making TCM a key strategic partner in embarking its regional ambitions while Nissan will intensify its focus more on the lucrative India, Thailand and China markets.

"This will see Tan Chong Motor being transformed into an export hub for not only the supply of complete vehicles but also the sourcing of critical auto parts and components from 2014 onwards," it added.

RHB Research maintains Outperform on Affin

KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Research Institute is maintaining its Outperform rating on Affin Holdings with a fair value of RM3 based on unchanged 11 times CY10 EPS (5 times discount to sector and benchmark price-to-earnings of 16 times to account for its weakest asset quality under the research house's coverage).

Last Friday, Jan 15, Affin said Bank Negara had granted it approval for the company to commence negotiations with the existing shareholders of PT Bank Ina Perdana, Indonesia for a possible acquisition of a controlling stake.

"This move is a natural progression to seek higher growth opportunity overseas given the crowded and relatively more matured market place in Malaysia," it said

On Affin's outlook, RHB Research said with consistency in earnings over the last four quarters, improvement in asset quality (albeit some relapse in 3Q) and strong loan growth, its prospects are improving.

The research house said Affin Holdings' high capital ratios suggest that there could be more special dividend ahead.

"Although the legacy issue (i.e. traditionally bad asset quality) and the latest spike in NPLs (non-performing loans) could still deter investors' interest, its valuations (single-digit PER and 20% discount to book) remain the lowest in its banking universe," it said.

Maybank Research initiates coverage on Notion, TP RM4.20

KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Investment Research initiates coverage on NOTION VTEC BHD [] (NVB), which manufactures hard disk drive and camera barrel components, with a Buy and RM4.20 target price.

The research house said on Monday, Jan 18 it was projecting earnings growth of 28% per annum for the next two years and the stock is currently attractively valued. NVB is a leveraged play on rising outsourcing opportunities in the HDD and digital camera markets.

"Our target price is based on a 5 times FY11 EBITDA and 10x earnings. This is eminently achievable for a growth stock with superior ROEs (more than 20%) and margins but justified for a small cap stock currently with limited institutional following.

"Prospects are excellent for the PE multiple expansion, once shareholding is institutionalised and NVB is able to exploit multiple avenues for business expansion," it said.

AE Multi rallies after saying it can repay loans

KUALA LUMPUR: Shares of AE Multi rallied on Monday, Jan 18 as traders picked up the shares following the company's announcement that it had the repayment capability in meeting all its debt obligations.

At 3.34pm, AE Multi shares rose 20 sen to RM1.10. There were 14.26 million shares done.

It said the company had the repayment capability in meeting all its debt obligations.

AE Multi also said the placement price for the private placement was fixed at 50.5 sen and it was expected to be carried out in one tranche.

It also said it was in the midst of finalising the details of the debt issuance which includes the terms for the conversion of the debt to equity and the basis in arriving at the conversion price.

"The announcement for the debt issuance will be made at a later date by an adviser to be appointed by the company. Proceeds from the debt issuance will be utilised to reduce the company's bank borrowings and to upgrade its production facilities," it said.

Genting Singapore Plc is ready

Genting Singapore Plc is ready to start operating Singapore’s first legal casino as soon as the city state’s government issues its gaming licence, the company said today.

Genting Singapore’s stock added as much as 4 per cent this morning on speculation gambling may begin at the company’s Resorts World Sentosa complex as soon as February’s Chinese New Year holiday.

“We are ready,” Robin Goh, a spokesman for Resorts World, said. “We can open the casino as soon as we have the licence.”

Four hotels and 10 restaurants within the US$4.5 billion Sentosa island complex will begin accepting guests from January 20. A Universal Studios theme park in the complex is also waiting for a licence to operate, and will open as soon as that is issued, Goh said.



A second casino resort, the Marina Bay Sands, being built by Las Vegas Sands Corp, will open later after encountering construction delays. Singapore announced in April 2005 it was overturning a ban on casinos that had been in place since independence. Resorts World and Marina Bay are the only two casino developments approved so far.

“We believe they, Resorts World, will get their gaming licence before Chinese New Year,” Aaron Fischer, a gaming analyst at CLSA Asia Pacific Markets in Hong Kong, said in a telephone interview. “We expect gaming revenues to be bigger. There is a huge gaming market in Southeast Asia.”

In a report published last month, CLSA Asia Pacific Markets said it estimates Resorts World’s gaming revenue to rise from US$2.5 billion this year to US$3.8 billion by 2013. The Singapore casino market will generate US$3 billion in revenue this year, growing to US$6 billion in 2013, CLSA said in the report.

Genting Singapore gained 3.2 per cent to S$1.29 as of 2:30 pm in Singapore. The stock climbed 200 per cent in the past year, compared with a 67 per cent gain for the benchmark Straits Times Index. -- Bloomberg

Public Bank '09 earnings may beat forecast

Public Bank Bhd, Malaysia’s third biggest bank, may report 2009 earnings that exceeded “market projections,” HWANGDBS Vickers Research said in a report today.

“The results should reinforce the group as among the most leveraged to an economic recovery,” the research house said in a report today. Public Bank will likely meet its loan growth target, it said. -- Bloomberg

KLCI Index to 1,450 from 1,350

AmResearch Sdn Bhd raised its forecast for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index to 1,450 from 1,350 after increasing its projection for 2010 corporate earnings.

Profits at companies are forecast to increase by 25 per cent this year from an earlier estimate of 17 per cent, driven by “strong earnings” in automotive, airlines, banking, property, construction, technology and media industries, AmResearch said in a report today. -- Bloomberg

TCHONG (TP RM4.12–BUY) - osk

TCHONG (TP RM4.12–BUY) Company Update: Regional Drive on Fast Gear
Management has guided that Tan Chong (TCM) will be expanding regionally hand in hand with Nissan, with TCM becoming the motor giant’s strategic partner in expanding its presence in the still untapped ASEAN market. Tweaking our earnings higher by 22%-43% for FY10-FY11 on the back of better vehicle sales given the brighter prospects ahead and lower yen forecast, we derive a new TP of RM4.12 and upgrade our call to BUY from NEUTRAL previously.

More...

Affin Holdings (5185.KU) may rise

Affin Holdings (5185.KU) may rise to psychological MYR2.50 vs Friday's close at MYR2.47 (down 1.2%), says dealer; this after owner of Malaysia's second smallest bank says received Bank Negara approval to start talks with shareholders of PT Bank Ina Perdana about acquiring controlling stake in Indonesian lender. Company says Indonesia chosen as group's first overseas venture as "banking penetration remains low." Dealer says although talks haven't started yet, investors will be encouraged that Affin is venturing beyond Malaysia to countries where higher growth can be attained. "Bank Ina Perdana is not a large bank but it has a good niche business and will provide the platform for the group to grow its Indonesian operations if the talks are successful," dealer adds.(KPL)

Buyouts bubbling, focus on tech stocks, glovemakers

Investors may look for more privatisation targets this week, semiconductor stocks could extend gains, while shares of rubber glove makers may continue sliding as investors temper optimism over their prospects.

Last week, Hume Industries (Malaysia) Bhd (3328), a maker of concrete products, and MBF Holdings Bhd, a trader and credit card issuer, received buyout offers from their owners.

On January 14, Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan made an offer to buy the rest of Hume for RM4.30 a share, a 7.5 per cent premium over the price before the offer was made.

This bolstered Hume shares as they crept up 2.4 per cent to RM4.25 the next day.

On January 11, Tan Sri Dr Ninian Mogan Lourdenadin offered 65 sen apiece to buy the rest of MBF Holdings. The stock closed 0.8 per cent up at 62 sen on Friday.

However, dealers said both offers may draw resistance from minority shareholders.

"The offers appear to be a bit low. They may have to revise if the take-up is not good," said a dealer, who declined to be named.

At RM4.30, Quek's offer for Hume is below the group's net assets per share of RM5.04 as at September 30 2009.

MBF's net assets per share, 95 sen at end-September 2009, is also higher than the offer price of 65 sen.

Semiconductor stocks may continue their rise this week as investors bet that they may benefit from recovering global demand for computers, mobile phones and liquid crystal display televisions.

Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, forecast higher first quarter revenue than analysts estimated as demand for notebook computers rebounded. Its fourth quarter net income increased more than ninefold to US$2.28 billion (RM7.6 billion), the company said in a statement.

RHB Research expects a stronger recovery for the semiconductor sector this year, backed by a stronger outlook for key product segments, it said in a report on Friday.

Chipmaker Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd gained 7 per cent on Friday, extending a 40 per cent rise for the year so far. Unisem Bhd also rose, adding 6 per cent to close at RM2.49 on Friday.

Stocks of rubber glove makers may be in for a bumpy ride this week after their recent surges led to concern that they were getting expensive.

They tumbled on Friday, giving up some of their gains after a sizzling run as analysts think the stocks are still cheap relative to their future earnings.

Industry leader Top Glove Corp Bhd fell 3.1 per cent to close at RM11.38 on Friday, while second-ranked Supermax Corp Bhd shed 8 per cent to end at RM5.56.

Investors may also focus on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) this week as its engineering unit is set to announce a deal to do maintenance work for India's SpiceJet.

MAS did not provide details, but a signing ceremony is due to be held today. MAS shares closed at RM2.96 on Friday.

Shares of builder IJM Corp Bhd may continue benefiting from an upgrade by UBS last week.

The research house now rates the stock a "buy" from "neutral" before.

IJM gained 2 per cent to close at RM4.70 on Friday.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

PJI Unit Gets RM30.6 Million Contract From Blackstone Seven

PJI Unit Gets RM30.6 Million Contract From Blackstone Seven

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- PJI Holdings Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, Kejuruteraan Trolka Sdn Bhd (KTSB), has secured a RM30.66 million contract from Blackstone Seven Sdn Bhd for piling and building works.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, PJI said the contract was for the proposed commercial building project in Kelana Jaya, Selangor.

It said KTSB would be the main contractor for construction works of the proposed project.

"The project is expected to enhance the earnings but not expected to have any significant impact on the net asset per share, gearing and share capital of PJI," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Leader Universal

In a Bursa announcement yesterday, Sarawak Energy Bhd said it has awarded a LoA
to Naim Holdings for the construction of Package B Part I and II of the 275KV
Overhead Transmission Line Projects for Bakun-Similajau Transmission System.
Since Leader is likely to be the lead supplier of wires and cables to this project, the
company is poised to gain both directly and indirectly. Hence, given improving
earnings visibility, we ascribe a higher PER of 8x against 6x previously to the
company’s cable and wire division in our Sum-of-Parts valuation. This results in an
upgrade on Leader’s target price to RM1.16 from RM0.93 previously. BUY call
maintained.
Project in hand? Our checks with sources indicate that this transmission line is part of the
second phase of the Bakun-Similajau Transmission System (BSTS). In fact, Leader had
previously supplied cables and wires for the first phase of the BSTS, which was awarded
by the same party. As such, we believe the cable and wires supply contract for the second
phase could well land on Leader’s lap.

AE Multi hit limit-up on fresh corporate developments

AE Multi hit limit-up on fresh corporate developments
Written by Joseph Chin
Thursday, 14 January 2010 09:31

KUALA LUMPUR: AE Multi's share price hit limit-up in early trade on Thursday, Jan 14 after the company announced its corporate plans to place out 10% stake and seek new funding.

At 9.21am, the share price was up 30 sen to RM1.05 with 6.64 million shares done.

The FBM KLCI rose 1.08 points to 1,290.59. Turnover was 178.79 million shares valued at RM137.85 million.

The company said on Wednesday that due to the change in the dynamics in the printed circuit boards industry, it will embark on an exercise to upgrade, improve its current production capabilities and explore new viable businesses to improve the company's performance.

AE Multi also said the company has identified a placee for the 10% private placement at 50 sen which is 10% over the last closing price.

It has also negotiated with an interested party to provide funding for up to RM15 million for two years at an interest rate of 6% per annum subject to the funder having a right to convert debts or any part to equity at 55 sen.

KPJ Healthcare and its warrants surged

KUALA LUMPUR: The shares for KPJ Healthcare and its warrants surged in early trade on Friday, Jan 15 when they resumed trade after its corporate exercise.

At 9.02am, KPJ shares rose 15 sen to RM2.75 and the warrants jumped 78 sen to RM1.68.

The FBM KLCI rose 1.84 points to 1,296.55. Turnover was 41.4 million shares valued at RM36.25 million.

OSK Investment Research said in a recent report there was more upside to the share price as the stock then was still trading at a discount to its regional peer average PER of 18.5 times.

"At 18.5 times PER on the fully diluted FY10 EPS, we arrive at a TP of RM2.95 and maintain our BUY recommendation.

"We reiterate our view that KPJ is an excellent choice for long term investment and portfolio balancing in view of its resilient business and steady dividend payout as well growth potential in a defensive sector," it said.

DAYANG ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS BHD

KUALA LUMPUR: DAYANG ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS BHD [] is teaming up with Brunei's Alphaone Engineering Sdn Bhd to seek oil and gas projects in the oil-rich sultanate.

Dayang said on Friday, Jan 15 it had inked a JV agreement with Alphaone to cooperate in the preparation of technical and commercial proposals and project execution of projects in the O&G sector in Brunei.

"This joint venture provides an opportunity for Dayang to venture into the overseas market in its effort to reinforce its competitive edge in the O&G industry," it said.

Alphaone's core business is trading in oil field and mining equipment, pipelines, communication equipment for the industry.

Dayang and Alphaone will each hold a 50% stake in the JV company.

P1 Obtains RM50 Million Loan From Malaysia Debt Ventures

P1 Obtains RM50 Million Loan From Malaysia Debt Ventures

PETALING JAYA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1) has obtained a RM50 million loan from Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) for further expansion of its 4G WiMAX network infrastructure services nationwide.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Lai said the financing was part of P1's total capital expenditure of RM200 million for 2010.

"This funding from MDV will further boost our progress towards becoming the country's leading wireless broadband provider," he told reporters after the signing ceremony between P1 and MDV here on Friday.

The RM50 million loan is to be repaid over 48 months.

Lai said the company would allocate about RM1.0 billion in capital expenditure for the next three years as it aimed to achieve 65 per cent coverage nationwide by end of 2012.

In 2009, P1 spent around RM400 million in rolling out its WiMAX programme.

Lai said the company hoped to increase its WiMAX coverage in West Malaysia to 45 per cent by year-end from 35 per cent last year.

P1 targets to double its subscriber base this year to 200,000 and has plans to expand WiMAX services to Sabah and Sarawak by the second half of 2010.

The company will also introduce embedded devices this year.

The subsidiary of Green Packet Bhd was awarded a Malaysian WiMAX licence in March 2007. Last year, it secured a licence to deploy WiMAX service in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Lai said P1 would eye for a listing on Bursa Malaysia in two years.

"However, it would depend on market conditions," he said, adding that the decision for listing would be made by Green Packet.

P1 WiMAX represents the first large-scale commercial deployment of mobile WiMAX in Southeast Asia, and the first large-scale deployment of an 802.16e 2.3 gigahertz WiMAX network outside Korea.

MPI and Unisem

KUALA LUMPUR: MPI and Unisem were among technology stocks that gained at midday Friday on the local bourse after Intel Corp beat street estimates with a 65% gross margin growth for its fourth-quarter earnings.

The estimates by analysts were for a 60% growth in gross margins.

While technology stocks in Asia were up, markets in the region were mixed at midday with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 marginally lower at 12.30 pm and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index down a quarter of a percent at 21,664.38.

The FBM KLCI ended the first session of trade still a shade below the 1,300-mark while Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained a fifth of a percent to 2,915.44.

Shanghai’s A share index added half-a-percent to 3,231.69 and Seoul’s Kospi Index was up 0.45% to 1,693.44.

In the regional economic front, China’s commerce ministry said in a briefing today that foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 103% to US$12.1 billion last December compared to a year ago.

FDI however fell 2.6% to US$90.03 billion last year compared to 2008.

At Bursa Malaysia, 351 counters were up, 351 were down while 254 were traded unchanged. There were 1.01 billion shares done at a total value of RM1 billion.

Technology solution provider Pentamaster was among the more actively traded counters, gaining 21.5 sen to 63 sen while another technology solution provider, Dataprep gained 5 sen to 42.5 sen.

MPI, a chipmaker, rose 39 sen to RM7.40, Unisem advanced 20 sen to RM2.55 and Hong Leong Industries added 19 sen to RM4.92.

LKT gained 19 sen to RM2.30, Mesiniaga climbed 21 sen to RM2.06 and Notion Vtec was 17 sen higher at RM3.49.

Among the glove makers, Top Glove tumbled 36 sen to RM11.38, Kossan fell 14 sen to RM6.70 and Adventa dropped 18 sen to RM3.93.

Nymex crude oil was down 44 cents to US$78.95 per barrel.

Crude palm oil for March delivery fell RM46 to RM2,484 per tonne.

The ringgit was quoted at 3.339 to the US dollar.

Friday, January 15, 2010

KLCI +0.3% at 1298.88 in heavy volume

KLCI +0.3% at 1298.88 in heavy volume of 1.1 billion shares traded. Dealer says some counters starting to succumb to profit taking, index off intraday high of 1300.89, could slip further in afternoon ahead of weekend; "having had a good run for more than a week, latex glove stocks particularly are noteworthy for being lower today," dealer adds. OSK Research chartist Shin Kao Jack says 1300 resistance key level for "a break at this level could potentially prompt the market to go up faster." Adds, uptrend seems intact; "the longer the KLCI consolidates steadily just below 1300-mark, the greater the chance of this formidable level being taken out soon." Tips next resistance at 1305, support at 1288, then 1269 (50-day moving average). Advancers are Nestle (4707.KU) +0.9% at MYR34.10, MPI (3867.KU) +5.6% at MYR7.40. Decliners include Latexx (7064.KU) down 6.6% at MYR4.37, Top Glove (7113.KU) down 2.7% at MYR11.42. (KPL)

Dayang

Dayang (5141.KU) off 1.0% at MYR1.99; dealer says share price of oil, gas support firm may rebound, rise to MYR2.07 (Thursday's high) in next few days after company says in midday stock exchange filing entered into 50:50 JV with Brunei firm Alphaone Engineering to cooperate in preparing technical, commercial proposals for oil, gas projects in Brunei. "This joint venture provides an opportunity for Dayang to venture into the overseas market in its effort to reinforce its competitive edge in the Oil and Gas industry," it says; adds, likely to contribute positively to future earnings. Dealer says given Dayang's experience, expertise in supporting Petronas, oil majors in East Malaysia Sarawak state; "chances of them winning jobs in Brunei are quite high." Adds, company will likely also benefit from Malaysia government's renewed focus on energy projects in East Malaysia. (KPL)

Buy investment holding firm KUB (6872.KU) based on charts for 65-sen target

MIMB says Buy investment holding firm KUB (6872.KU) based on charts for 65-sen target; notes stock stopped its downtrend since April 2009 and now appears slowly accumulated by aggressive speculators. "The stock is also in the process of forming its bullish flag pattern with a final target towards 65-sen," says MIMB; tips immediate support at 40-sen, resistance at 55-sen. "RSI is at positive territory area with very firm up-pointing arrow. MACD has shown bullish cross in six month time. Volume is superb with several bullish white candles," says MIMB; adds has high potential to make an explosive movement in longer term. Stock last +1.9% at 53 sen. (ECH)

Alam Maritim (5115.KU) at Buy

Hwang-DBS Vickers Research keeps Alam Maritim (5115.KU) at Buy with unchanged MYR2.30 target, pegged to 9.0X CY10F earnings. "Alam's strategy of securing long term contracts has worked well for them, especially in 2009 when oil majors were slow in awarding new contracts," says Hwang; expects more projects for Alam in 2010, such as Petronas's MYR3 billion transportation and installation contract, after a relatively slow 2009. "Alam remains our top pick for the oil and gas sector due to its good earnings delivery track record as well as the stronger EBIT margin of 36% (against peer's average of 19%," says Hwang; adds valuation also undemanding at 7.4X CY10F PE against local peers' average of 9.5X. Stock last down 0.5% at MYR1.90. (ECH)

Gamuda (5398.KU) at Buy

Hwang-DBS Vickers Research keeps Gamuda (5398.KU) at Buy with unchanged MYR4.20 target; says construction firm's 1QFY10 net profit of MYR63 million (+46% on-year) within house expectation but below consensus. Notes 1QFY10 construction margin showed recovery inching up to 4% vs 2.6% in 4QFY09. "Property sales in 1QFY10 remained robust at MYR250 million, in spite of the reintroduction of real property gains tax, bringing unbilled sales to MYR700 million," says Hwang. Keeps net profit forecast of MYR278 million for FY10 (ending July 31), MYR446 million for FY11, MYR448 million for FY12. "At current levels, Gamuda's CY10 PE of 13.9X is at discount to rival IJM's 14.4X, a reversal from the recent 10-15% premium it used to command," says Hwang; "we see this as a buying opportunity as visibility of contract flows pick up in 2010". Stock last down 1.5% at MYR2.62.

Supermax (7106.KU) at Buy with MYR6.41

Affin Research starts glove maker Supermax (7106.KU) at Buy with MYR6.41 target pegged to CY10 PE of 11X (30% discount to rival Top Glove's target PE of 16X); notes Supermax, despite being world's second largest rubber glove manufacturer after Top Glove, is only trading at 2010 PE of 6.9X vs 14.6X for Top Glove (7113.KU) and 7.4X for Kossan (7153.KU). "Historically, the valuation gap between Top Glove and Supermax has averaged around 4.3X. The current gap is a steep 7.6X, which we believe is unjustifiable in view of Supermax's stronger earnings growth trajectory and more attractive dividend yields," says Affin; projects Supermax earnings to grow at a FY09-11 CAGR of 42%, ahead of Top Glove's 20% and 29% for Kossan. Stock last +1.5% at MYR4.02. 16.12.09. noted.

Adventa (7191.KU) at Buy

Maybank Investment Bank Research rates Adventa (7191.KU) at Buy based on charts for long-term target of MYR6.10; notes glove maker made major Wave 2 low of 90-sen in July 2009, with grossly oversold signals. "The stock is in a firm Wave 3 uptrend, confirmed by the positive crossover from the CCI, DMI, MACD, Stochastic and Oscillator indicators," says chartist Lee Cheng Hooi; notes stock broke all-time high of MYR3.91 and has potential to move up toward MYR4.98, then MYR6.10. Pegs support at MYR3.88, then MYR3.42, with stop-loss at MYR3.40. Stock last +3.4% at MYR4.01. (ECH)

Unisem (5005.KU) to Outperform from Trading Buy

CIMB Research upgrades Unisem (5005.KU) to Outperform from Trading Buy, after increasing sector's rating on recovering economy, improving fundamentals; keeps earnings forecast for Unisem unchanged, but raises target price to MYR2.70 from MYR2.29 after updating house 5-year historical average price-to-book to 1.0X, valuing stock at 30% premium vs 10% discount earlier in light of positive outlook for industry, also firm's strong growth potential. "Unisem remains the top pick in the sector," says CIMB; adds potential share price triggers include quarterly improvement in earnings, more sustained pace of economic recovery, a revival of consumer spending. Stock last +4.8% at MYR2.20. KLCI down 0.4%. (ECH

OSK Research keeps Sino Hua-An (2739.KU) at Buy

OSK Research keeps Sino Hua-An (2739.KU) at Buy with unchanged 87 sen target on optimism over prospects. Analyst Ng Sem Guan says although company's 4Q09 numbers may fall short of house expectations on temporary pullback in coke prices at end of last year, expects a good start to 2010, bolstered by aggressive steel demand from China's stimulus package, particularly after Chinese New Year and recent escalation in raw materials prices, including iron ore and coke. "These have in turn boosted sentiment in the sector," says Ng; adds strong correlation of 0.67X between its share price and coke price offers some form of comfort on quantitative front. Stock last +4.8% at 54.5 sen.
Although we suspect the company’s 4QFY09 numbers may fall short of our expectations on a temporary pullback in coke prices at the end of last year, we expect a good start to 2010, bolstered by aggressive steel demand from China’s stimulus package, particularly after Chinese New Year and the recent escalation in
raw materials prices, including iron ore and coke. These have in turn boosted sentiment in the sector. Our optimism on Sino Hua-An’s prospects prompts us to maintain our Buy call at RM0.87. In addition, the strong correlation of 0.67x between its share price and coke price offers some form of comfort on the quantitative front.

Gamuda's earnings to rebound strongly

Hwang-DBS Vickers Research says despite having highest executable orderbook in industry at MYR5.7 billion, Gamuda (5398.KU) not resting on its laurels, actively bidding for some MYR3 billion projects in Middle East, MYR1 billion locally, on top of 3 mega projects worth MYR17 billion-MYR18 billion. "There could be a flurry of contract wins in 1H10," says analyst Chong Tjen-San; expects Gamuda's earnings to rebound strongly with 3-year EPS CAGR of 30%, driven by large orderbook, revival in local property sales. Notes Gamuda's balance sheet continued to strengthen, with net gearing improving to 12% from 16% in 3QFY09, as payments continued to be prompt for its double-tracking project. Keeps at Buy with unchanged MYR4.20 target. Stock last +1.4% at MYR2.85. (ECH)

Daibochi Plastic & Packaging

Maybank Investment rates Daibochi Plastic & Packaging (8125.KU) at Accumulate based on charts with upside targets at MYR3.33, MYR3.83. Technical analyst Lee Cheng Hooi says stock made minor Wave 4 low of MYR2.00 in November, with grossly oversold signals. "The stock is in a firm major Wave 3 uptrend, confirmed by the positive crossover from the CCI, DMI, MACD, Stochastic and Oscillator indicators," says Lee; adds, stock will continue to rise, test next resistance at MYR3.25, towards target levels. Stock +1.4% at MYR2.98. On downside, support seen at MYR2.94, then MYR2.48; stop loss at MYR2.46. (KPL)

Buy call on IGB Corp (IGB)

AmResearch is maintaining its Buy call on IGB Corp (IGB) at revised fair value of RM2.80 per share (previously RM2) based on 30% discount (previously 50%) to its net asset value (NAV) estimate of RM4. IGB currently trades at a narrower discount of 55% to its NAV given renewed interest in property.In a research note issued on Aug 27, it said IGB posted earnings of RM43 million for 2QFY09, bringing 1HFY09 earnings to RM77 million. This accounted for 48% and 56% of the research house and consensus estimates respectively.In 1HFY09, earnings dipped 3% on-year on the back of 13% decline in turnover - mainly due to no new presales. Despite that, property development’s operating margin was stable at 19% on-year (up 1%) due to larger mix of high-end product recognised in the current quarter. Property investment and especially its hotel segment showed solid numbers with operating profit growth of 6% and 35% on-year to RM203 million and RM68 million respectively. Amresearch saud the strong performance for its hotel segment was due to its Gardens Hotel and Serviced Apartments.It added IGB's unsold stocks had fallen to RM50 million (from RM100 million to RM150 million in April) with liquidation mostly from Laman Sierramas West and Hampshire 2. All 49 units at Laman Sierramas West were sold recently for a total RM37 million - where units are priced between RM560,000 and RM800,000 per unit or at an average of RM300 psf. "Encouraged by the improved demand for residential properties, we believe IGB will be looking to launch 50-60 low-rise condo units in Ampang Hilir in early FY10F. Pricing would be between RM800 psf-RM1,000 psf and we believe demand should be strong for these niche developments normally associated with IGB," it said. AmResearch raised its estimates for FY10F and FY11F by 4% and 7% to RM179 million and RM236 million respectively because it had included its low-rise condo development in Ampang Hilir (estimated gross development value of RM80 million to RM90 million) into its model. MegaMall remains fully tenanted given its strategic location and easy accessibility with current average rental at RM9.60psf. South Tower’s occupancy remains at 90% with stronger tenancy at North Tower (circa 50%) at an average rental of RM6.00 psf-RM6.50 psf. "Our BUY call remains on conviction that IGB will soon ascend to its next growth phase - where the focus will gravitate towards realising the deep embedded value of its attractive portfolio of investment properties via an establishment of a REIT with MidValley City as cornerstone," it said.

Car Industry To Grow By 4.5 Per Cent This Year, Says Frost & Sullivan

Car Industry To Grow By 4.5 Per Cent This Year, Says Frost & Sullivan

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's motor vehicle total industry volume (TIV) is expected to rebound strongly this year with a 4.5 per cent growth to a historic high of 555,000 units due to improved economic outlook and rising consumer sentiment, said Frost & Sullivan.

Its partner and head of the automotive and transportation practice for Asia Pacific, Kavan Mukhtyar, said the sales would also be driven by replacement car buyers amid low interest rates.

He said multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) would be the fastest growth segment, increasing by 12.7 per cent year-on-year in 2010 to 68,000 units due to the intense competition among Proton Exora and Perodua Alza.

"Passenger cars will be the slowest growth segment at 3.2 per cent year-on-year due to lack of mass market models as well as some passenger car customers opting for entry-level MPVs.

"However, it will remain the biggest contributor to Malaysia's total vehicle sales accounting for about 75.3 per cent," he said at a media briefing here on Thursday.

Mukhtyar said demand for commercial vehicles was expected to increase five per cent year-on-year to 52,345 units, while 4x4 sports utility vehicles were likely to grow by 7.9 per cent year-on-year to 11,210 units.

He said in case interest rates rose substantially there could be a direct impact on vehicle sales.

"The other downside factors are global economic uncertainties, lower external demand and the impact of new fuel subsidy," he said.

Mukhtyar said there would be continued interest and development in electric vehicles and hybrids by car makers but demand was expected to be negligible this year.

"If the price of hybrid is almost equal to a regular car than the take-up could be high, but right now it is not possible.

"The market for hybrid cars will be substantial when the price difference is less than 10 per cent," he said.

He expected vehicle sales for 2009 to fall by 3.1 per cent compared with 2008 at 531,000 units versus an earlier forecast of 501,500 units.

"The better-than-expected TIV for 2009 was due to the government's stimulus package, scrapping incentive scheme for Proton and Perodua and continued strong sales of Perodua's Myvi, Viva and Proton Saga," he said.

Mukhtyar said the voluntary scrapping incentive has softened the downtrend in vehicle sales in 2009 as about 31,000 new vehicles were sold due to the incentive.

Although the scrapping incentives had ended, he said, the government may put such permanent "end-of-life" policy for vehicles amid commitments to reduce emission and use more environmentally-friendly products.

"It may not happen in 2010, but over the next five years such a policy will be put in place and consumers will be encouraged either directly or via higher taxes to replace their older vehicles," he said.

Last year, he said, Proton managed to increase its market share by 1.9 per cent due to sales from Exora in the MPV segment.

Perodua, however, continued to maintain its pole position in 2009 as Malaysia's leading carmaker with an estimated 33.4 per cent with Proton following closely behind at 30.4 per cent, he said.

"It will be an interesting competition between Alza and Exora as in terms of pricing and features both are equally attractive," he said, when asked whether Perodua would continue to hold its position as the market share leader.

He said both Proton and Perodua's market shares could be at par in 2010.

Mukhtyar said in the non-national car segment, Toyota's market share was likely to decline by four per cent to 13.6 per cent in 2009 due to intense competition in the MPV and entry-level mid-sized passenger car segment.

Meanwhile, Honda's market share grew by 1.6 percentage points to 8.1 per cent due to the new Honda City launch, he said.

-- BERNAMA

ECM Libra Upbeat On Sapuracrest Petroleum's Prospects

ECM Libra Upbeat On Sapuracrest Petroleum's Prospects

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd is on an improving trend, especially with the Sapura 3,000 now turning in profit and better earning visibility for the installation of pipelines and facilities (IPF) segment, according to ECM Libra Investment Research.

The Sapura 3000 is essentially a pipe-laying vessel with the capability to go into deep and shallow water.

The orderbook for the IPF segment, which bolstered with the production sharing contractors (PSC) umbrella job, stood at RM10.8 billion, ECM Libra said in a statement on Thursday.

"The PSC job could essentially be worth up to RM7 billion and RM8 billion if the contract is fully extended for five years, hence earnings visibility for the IPF segment," it said.

The only negative with SapuraCrest's will be the marine segment which during third quarter for financial year 2010 reported a loss of RM21 million due to severe vessel under-utilisation, ECM Libra said.

SapuraCrest's management indicated that the segment would continue to see trying times for at least another two to three quarters, the research house said.

"We are projecting more losses into financial year 2011 and only recovery of earnings in financial year 2012," ECM Libra said.

At 3.10pm today, the SapuraCrest shares traded at RM2.47 each.

-- BERNAMA

Robust Demand Expected For Rubber Gloves This Year, Says OSK

Robust Demand Expected For Rubber Gloves This Year, Says OSK

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Rubber glove makers such as Top Glove Corporation, Supermax Corporation and Kossan Rubber Industries are set to gain from the robust demand for medical rubber gloves this year, due to scarce supply owing to minimal capacity expansion undertaken in 2009, OSK Research said on Thursday.

Global demand is set to grow to by about 10 billion pieces annually to 150 billion on growing hygience awareness following the H1N1 pandemic, the company said in a research update on the rubber gloves sector.

Demand was also outpacing supply given the minimal capacity expansion last year where only about five billion pieces were made versus the demand of 10 billion.

OSK said there were also constraints to new capacity expansion since no new natural gas supply was being made available for the industry in Malaysia.

According to OSK, the alternative in using biomass to generate power entails taking 12-15 months to get a biomass boiler ready for use.

"Consequently, we estimate a scarcity in gloves in the first half of the year before new capacity starts to kick in later in the second," the research house said.

It also stated that developing countries were the target growth markets due to growing hygiene awareness, citing Brazil as a good example, where demand surged after the government tightened regulations on rubber gloves entering the country.

The exceptionally strong demand from Brazil has mainly benefited Top Glove and Supermax.

Both are believed to command a market share of about 40 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, of the entire Brazilian market.

"Going forward, we believe developing countries will be the growth market for rubber gloves makers, who will now be refocussing on basic natural rubber gloves as part of their expansion," OSK highlighted.

-- BERNAMA

Strategic Partner Critical For Proton

Strategic Partner Critical For Proton

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- It is critical for national carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd, to get a strategic partner in order for it to grow further especially in terms of volume.

"It is critical for Proton to get a strategic partner or multiple alliances probably by the next 18-24 months or the earliest possible," Frost & Sullivan partner and head of the automotive and transportation practice for Asia Pacific, Kavan Mukhtyar said.

He said Proton's biggest challenge was its volume which was currently much concentrated in Malaysia.

"As it aspires to go global, it needs partners that can give it an access into new markets, give the volume it needs as well as new technology," he told a media briefing on Automotive Industry's outlook for 2010 here on Thursday.

Mukhtyar said it would also give Proton the economies of scale, which would help it increase profit and reduce cost.

"I think currently the stumbling block is the commercial terms of the agreement," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Green Packet Aims To Be World's Top WiMAX Modem Vendor

Green Packet Aims To Be World's Top WiMAX Modem Vendor

PETALING JAYA, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Green Packet Bhd, the leading developer of the next generation mobile broadband and networking solutions, aims to be the world's number one WiMAX modem vendor and connectivity solutions provider by the end of this year.

Green Packet's senior general manager, Kelvin Lee said the company is now the world's number three WiMAX modem vendor, with a 14 per cent share of the global market last year.

The company is also aiming for a 30 per cent market share this year.

At a media briefing on Green Packet's new campaign, "New Horizons", Lee said the company has target to increase its shipment volume by at least three-fold in 2010.

He also said the company planned to double its sales force and expand its presence to the United States, Central and Latin America, and Europe.

"We expect to launch more WiMAX modems, WiMAX-enabled services and carrier solutions this year," he added.

He said this year will be a year of "new horizons" for Green Packet on bullish expectations of a quantum leap in demand for its solutions,product positioning and business growth.

He also highlighted that Green Packet will strive to increase business contributions from Europe, the United States and Latin America.

Green Packet, according to Lee, has also set its goal on gaining the number two position as a leading software provider for 3G and 4G operators in the world.

"Our new market brand campaign reflects Green Packet's innovative spirit and readiness in anticipating operators' needs," he said.

He said one of the main issues in the industry was network congestion, and Green Packet is helping operators upgrade their infrastructure and capacity through more cost effective measures.

He also disclosed that in trying to achieve its goals, Green Packet has target to ship a million software licenses this year from the 300,000 in 2009.

Green Packet has begun developing its full range of indoor, outdoor and USB modems for its sister company and 4G WiMax operator arm,Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1).

Green Packet has also broadened its horizon in deploying its award-winning WiMax modems and connectivity solutions to over 35 telcos across six continents.

-- BERNAMA
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