Showing posts with label AMMB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AMMB. Show all posts

April 16, 2012

AMMB ' Staying focused

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.75



AMMB ' Staying focused                                                                                                Market Perform
Visit Note
-          AMMB remains focused on growing loans in profitable and viable segments. We gather that the loan approval pipeline looks good thus far, thanks to the ETP. Nevertheless, management still expects the group to post sub-system loan growth, dragged by the retail segment. 
-          Fair value of RM6.75 and Market Perform call maintained.


Source: RHB Research - 16 April 2012

April 13, 2012

AMMB - Kurnia deal will give AmG lead in general and motor insurance

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: HWANGDBSPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.80



AMMB Holdings; Hold; RM6.35
Price Target: RM5.80; AMM MK

Transaction valued at RM1.6bn (2.0x BV). Will enlarge general and motor insurance market share, customer base, and agency force. Will boost recurring fee income over medium term.

Source: HwangDBS Research - 13 April 2012

AMMB Holdings: Maintain Hold - Kurnia cost lower than expected

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: MAYBANKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.30



Neutral on the deal. The P/BV of 2x for Kurnia Insurans Malaysia (KIMB) is lower than what we had estimated of 2.2-2.4x. Positively, AMMB will emerge as the largest general insurer in the country with an estimated 13% overall market share of gross written premiums (GWP). In the short term, however, we see little impact to AMMB's financials and we are wary at this stage of the large motor exposure. Our Hold call and RM6.30 TP (1.6x CY12 P/BV, ROAE: 13.5%) are maintained.

Click here for full report

Source: Maybank Research - 13 April 2012

AMMB Holdings - Better cover through M&A

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: CIMBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.22




Target RM6.22

AMMB's AmG Insurance will emerge as the largest general insurer in Malaysia following its acquisition of Kurnia Insurans, which was sealed by the execution of S&P agreement yesterday. The deal will provide cost synergies and cross-selling opportunities in longer term. But the earnings accretion for AMMB will initially be minimal at only about 1% for FY3/14. We retain our valuation basis of 10% discount to DDM value and Neutral rating given the below-industry loan growth.

AMMB (FV RM6.20- NEUTRAL) Corporate News Flash: Kurnia Joins The Stable

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: OSKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.20




THE BUZZ
AMMB announced that it has entered into a conditional saleand  purchase agreement with Kurnia AsiaBhd for the proposed acquisition by AmG Insurance Bhd for a total cashconsideration of RM1.55bn, or 2.05x Kurnia's book value as at 30 June 2011.

OUR TAKE
Ties in with plans to boost motor, general insurance marketshare. The acquisition will raise AmG's general insurance market share inMalaysia from 5% to 13%, making it the largest general insurer in Malaysia withclear dominance in the motor insurance business and a market share of 22%. This ties in  with  its strategy to build scale and leverage onthe expertise of its partner, Insurance Australia Group, to deliver cost and revenuesynergies on a broader platform and enhance the standalone profitability of itsinsurance unit. Post acquisition, the group will have the largest insuranceagency force in Malaysia, with which it can maximize any cross-sellingopportunities.

Marginal earningsimpact.  Based on AMMB's 51%effective stake in AmG Insurance Bhd, and assuming: i) zero revenue and costsynergies in the first year of acquisition, ii) acquisition to be 100% fundedby borrowings at 5% interest, and iii)  an  estimated average FY12/13 net profit  from Kurnia  of  RM72.2m p.a, the  impact on AMMB's bottomline  in the  first year of acquisition isestimated at  'RM2.7m, implying a very marginal've 0.16% impact on group earnings. Assuming that the deal is funded equally byinternal funds and borrowings, the impact on the group's earnings is estimatedat +ve 0.57%. As such, the deal should be earnings neutral at best while thecosts at the initial stages of integration may in fact be a slight drag onearnings before the group starts to reap the target revenue and cost synergies.

2.02x PBV valuationfair.  From recent M&As in theinsurance industry, we noted the following: i) MAA Holdings sold its insurancebusiness for 1.36x PBV, ii) PacificMas Bhd sold its insurance business for1.71x PBV, iii) Jerneh Asia sold its insurance business for 2.25x PBV, whileiv) Berjaya Corp hived off its 40% stake in Berjaya Sompo Insurance at 3.35xPBV. Benchmarking the deal to our findings, we deem the 2.05x PBV fair.

Revenue cross-sellingsynergy may take time. Management  highlighted  the cross selling synergies including thepotential of marketing a full suite of banking products within the AMMB groupto urnia's 4m customer base, particularly the smaller ticket loan products like personal loans. GivenKurnia's relatively higher risk customer profile  - as reflected in the group's relatively poorclaims ratio  versus  AMMB's more stringent risk culture - we thinkthat the upside benefits from such cross selling opportunities may take time asthe group may have to restructure and transform Kurnia's portfolio and customerbase. That said, Kurnia has to a certain extent successfully restructured itsportfolio over the past few years, with the benefits beginning to flow throughin the form of an improvement in its claims ratio from 76% to 71%.

More optimistic onimmediate cost synergies. AmG's general insurance portfolio is similar toKurnia's but its claims ratio  -currently at 64.9%  - is significantlybetter than Kurnia's 71%. As such, there may be great scope for improvement inthe areas of risk management and cost enhancement.

Funding in place.The acquisition is expected to be fully funded by AmG, with fresh capitalraised from a combination of borrowings and internal funds injectedproportionately by AMMB Group (51%) and Insurance Australia General GroupLimited (49%). The group has said that the there is no need for  any equity fund raising to pay for theacquisition since its core capital ratios will remain intact post acquisition. MaintainNEUTRAL. We are maintaining our NEUTRAL recommendation and fair value ofRM6.20  (13.2% ROE, FY12 PBV of 1.61x).Despite  there being  scope for revenue and cost synergy upsidefrom the acquisition over the longer term, it is not expected to be materiallyaccretive to the group's bottomline in the immediate to medium term as theearnings contribution is expected to be NEUTRAL for the group at best for thenext two years.

Source: OSK188

AMMB Holdings (Company Update): No impact from acquisition of Kurnia Insurans

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: ECMLIBRAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.70



Maintain HOLD, TP: RM5.70

AMMB is acquiring Kurnia Insurans to have the largest general insurance and motor insurance company in Malaysia. Estimating the borrowing cost to be incurred to fund the acquisition, and AMMB's share of net profit from Kurnia Insurans, we find that the net impact on AMMB's earnings is immaterial. Hence, we are not revising our earnings forecasts, valuation nor HOLD recommendation for AMMB. (refer to report for details)

April 9, 2012

AMMB Holdings - OUTPERFORM: Targeting Kurnia Insurance

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 6.70




AmG Insurance Bhd (AmG), a 51%-owned general insurancesubsidiary of AMMB Holdings Bhd (AMMB) said it had on 4 April 2012, receivedBank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) notification (dated 3 April 2012) that theMinister of Finance had granted approval to it pursuant to section 67 of theInsurance Act 1996 for it to commence talks to acquire the 100% equity interestheld by Kurnia Asia Bhd (KAB) in Kurnia Insurans (Malaysia) Bhd (the Proposal).We are mildly positive on the move although there are no details available at thisjuncture. We continue to maintain our OUTPERFORM rating on AMMB with an unchangedtarget price of RM6.70 (based on 1.6x its FY13 BV of RM4.16). 

To acquire KurniaInsurance?  No details are availableon the Proposal until probably the signing of a definitive agreement betweenAmG and KAB later if talks are successful.  We are mildly positive on the move. The acquisition makes strategic sense with a market share enhancementand AmG will become a dominant player in the motor and general insurancebusiness post acquisition.

Potential acquisitionprice? At this juncture, the group has not revealed any details on thispotential acquisition. However, KAB is now trading at 2.24x BV with a marketcap of RM900m and at the higher end of recent transacted acquisition multiple rangeof 1.4x-3.4x BV.  

Financial impacts.Based on FY12/13 consensus PAT estimate of RM69m, and assuming total investmentcost of RM900m with a 75% debt financing structure at a financing rate of 4%,our calculation shows that this acquisition will only enhance AMMB's FY13earnings by 1% (see figure 1). Hence, we believe the deal will have a neutralimpact to AMMB's profit. However, we do not rule out the possibility of capitalinjection post acquisition. Recall that Zurich Financial injected a further RM516minto MAA's business in order to bring its capital level up to the regulatoryrequirements after it bought over MAA for RM344m in September 2011.

Valuation unchanged.  Given that  the  proposal is  still  in  theprogress of negotiation and our mildly positive view on the move above toacquire Kurnia Insurance, we continue to maintain our OUTPERFORM rating on AMMBwith an unchanged target price of RM6.70 based on 1.6x FY13 BV of RM4.16.  

Source: Kenanga

April 5, 2012

Maybank keeps 'hold' call on AMMB

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: MAYBANKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.30



Maybank Research kept its hold call on AMMB Holding Berhad after the government gave it's unit the green light to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Kurnia Insurance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian insurer Kurnia Asia.

AMMB holds a 51 per cent stake in AmG Insurance Bhd, which is spearheading the deal. Insurance Australia Group owns the rest.

"Our initial assessment points to little impact on AMMB's earnings and fundamentals," said the broker in a research note today.

Maybank maintained its target price unchanged at RM6.30 (US$2.06) per share.

Maybank said that AMMB's general insurance division could jump from its current fifth position to among the top three in terms of total premiums following the acquisition.

As of 9.49am in Kuala Lumpur trading, AMMB's shares fell 0.16 per cent, compared to the Malaysian benchmark stock index KLCI which dropped 0.41 per cent. -- Reuters

AMMB: Gets nod to buy Kurnia

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: ECMLIBRAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.70




The proposed sale of Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd to AmG Insurans Bhd takes another step forward. AMMB Holdings Bhd (AMM MK, Hold, TP: RM5.70) announced yesterday that it had received the Finance Ministry's approval, through Bank Negara, for the acquisition of a 100% equity interest in Kurnia Insurans by AmG. AMMB has 51% stake in AmG, while Kurnia Insurans is wholly owned by Kurnia Asia Bhd. (StarBiz)

Comment: Although the details have yet to be revealed, we ran through some preliminary estimates to gauge the impact on AMMB. Kurnia Asia's current market cap is RM952m on a P/BV of 2.4x and consensus PE of 15x. AMMB's share of the acquisition is 51% or RM485m which is just 2.6% of AMMB's market cap of RM19bn, so there should be no significant impact on AMMB. Furthermore, AMMB is only acquiring Kurnia's Malaysia general insurance subsidiary, and we think unlikely to pay more than 2x P/BV, so AMMB's share of the acquisition cost is likely to be less than RM485m. At 2x P/BV, the acquisition will be on a PE of 12.5x which is in line with AMMB's PE and hence neutral on its valuations. (Hon Sze)

April 2, 2012

RHB Research - Banking Sector Update

Stock Name: PBBANK
Company Name: PUBLIC BANK BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 16.07

Stock Name: MAYBANK
Company Name: MALAYAN BANKING BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 10.11

Stock Name: CIMB
Company Name: CIMB GROUP HOLDINGS BERHAD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 8.05

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.75

Stock Name: AFFIN
Company Name: AFFIN HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 3.33

Stock Name: HLBANK
Company Name: HONG LEONG BANK BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 12.11

Stock Name: AFG
Company Name: ALLIANCE FINANCIAL GROUP BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 3.85



Sector Update
Banks ' Feb '12 system data ' Leading indicators for households improved mom                    Neutral
Sector Update
Public Bank ' Fair value at RM16.07 (from RM15.00)                                                     Outperform
Maybank ' Fair value at RM10.11 (from RM9.44)                                                           Outperform
CIMB ' Fair value at RM8.05 (from RM7.47)                                                            Market Perform
AMMB ' Fair value at RM6.75 (from RM6.23)                                                           Market Perform
Affin ' Fair value at RM3.33 (from RM3.16)                                           Market Perform (Upgraded)
HL Bank ' Fair value at RM12.11 (from RM11.18)                                                      Underperform
AFG ' Fair value at RM3.85 (from RM3.69)                                                                Underperform
MBSB ' Fair value at RM2.46 (from RM2.34)                                                           Market Perform
RCE ' Fair value at RM0.57                                                                                    Market Perform
-          Feb '12 system loan growth moderated further to +11.9% yoy but was up 0.4% mom, as compared to Jan '12 loan growth of +12.1% yoy/-0.2% mom. Loan growth for both businesses and households moderated further to 11.7% yoy and 12.1% yoy, from 11.8% yoy and 12.3% yoy respectively in Jan '12.
-          We raised our benchmark PER to 15x from 14x, which broadly lifts our fair value estimates for our coverage by 4-10%. However, our Neutral stance is unchanged with Maybank and Public Bank as our top picks for the sector.
 
Source: RHB Research - 2 April 2012

March 28, 2012

Banking - NEUTRAL - 28 March 2012

Stock Name: RHBCAP
Company Name: RHB CAPITAL BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 9.60

Stock Name: CIMB
Company Name: CIMB GROUP HOLDINGS BERHAD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 7.90

Stock Name: MAYBANK
Company Name: MALAYAN BANKING BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 10.40

Stock Name: PBBANK
Company Name: PUBLIC BANK BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 15.50

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.70

Stock Name: HLBANK
Company Name: HONG LEONG BANK BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 10.90

Stock Name: AFG
Company Name: ALLIANCE FINANCIAL GROUP BHD
Research House: KENANGAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 3.70




The banking sector has moved back towards its fair valueover last three months and in our view, can no longer simply be argued as'being cheap'. Following the recent reporting season, our picks for the sectorhave changed for 2Q2012. We continue to like banks with M&As newsflows aswell as those supported by reasonable valuations. Under this strategy, we likeRHBCAP (OP, TP: RM9.60) and CIMB (MP, TP: RM7.90). MAYBANK (OP, TP: RM10.40)and PBBANK (OP, TP: RM15.50) also remain on our OUTPERFORM ratings as the twooffer reasonable dividend yields. We have however lowered our rating for AMMB(MP, TP: RM6.70) to a Market Perform from an Outperform due to its limitedupside from its current share price. Meanwhile, we are maintaining our MARKETPERFORM ratings on HLBBANK (MP, TP:RM10.90) and AFG (MP, TP:RM3.70) onvaluations ground.

The 4Q11 result trend and outlook saw the banking sectorposting a flat QoQ earnings (1.0%) with underlying profit growth momentumclearly having stalled. Going forward, there are limited opportunities to drivethe sector earnings growth materially beyond our current expectation of a high singledigit growth, given the on-going margin headwind and limited credit chargedsurprise.  The 4Q11 reporting period wasalso somewhat uninspiring for the market. Apart from the decline in capitalmarket revenues, in our view, the flat quarterly profit growth through 2011 wasactually due to the lack of policy rate rises. Non-interest incomes continue toexperienced a material decline (-7.3% YoY). We also expect softer tradingcondition to persist in the short term due to the ongoing global economicuncertainties. 

Margins emerging signs of softness without any furtherinterest rate hike (-11bps YoY, on average). We believe the margins willcontinue to face a modest headwind in 2012. Credit demand was strong however (11-15% on average vis-''-vis nominalGDP growth of 5.0%) despite the weak external outlook. Going forward, we areforecasting just a low teens credit growth to be driven by the start of theETPrelated projects.  Provisioning on newimpaired assets has been reduced but the credit charge is already low. Capitalin the sector remains strong (Industry T-1 Cap Ratio of 12.0% and RWCR of15.9%) ' which is well positioned for Basel 3. This include PBBANK (CCR: 10.7%RWCR: 15.9%) that was previously deemed as being under-capitalised.  Going forward, the capital ratio is expectedto remain healthy in supporting lending growth.

Earnings growth islimited.  Given our view thatresponsible finance will promote a healthy household lending growth, momentumof the loan growth will hence be lower for a period. As such, our base case forthe system loan growth is broadly in the low teens only.  Together with theon-going margin headwinds and limited provisioning surprise, there are limitedopportunities to drive the sector's earnings growth materially beyond ourcurrent expectations of high single digit.  

Current valuations.  Current valuations of the sector have gone upand the upside from here seems tight after rising 18% as measured by the KLFinancial Index from the October 2011's low. With earnings growth in the rangeof high single-digit to low teens, together with the already tight valuation,we
believe valuation multiple expansions are thus unlikely.Hence, we are increasingly looking to other factors to drive our rating recommendationssuch as M&As opportunities instead of organic growth.

The major bank valuations are 'at the middle of the ranger'of their historical mean valuations, which has typically represented their'fair values' and this will also somewhat cap their absolute performance apart fromthe current uncertain external economic outlook.  

To ride on 2Q2012news flows. For stocks, although our Target Price for RHBCAP has beenreduced (due to relative weak earnings), its discount valuation remainssupported by better growth prospects for the year ahead from its potentialmerger with OSK. Following the reporting season and the strong rebound of a fewanchor banks from their October 2011's low i.e. MAYBANK (+5%), PBBANK (+8%), AMMB(+2%), our pecking order has now changed to 1) RHBCAP and 2) CIMB withpotential M&A news flows to rerate these stocks' valuations. Meanwhile,thus far, the foreign shareholding of CIMB is still at its 18-month low despitethe increasing foreign net buying on Bursa Malaysia.

Source: Kenanga 

February 15, 2012

AMMB - Slower quarter

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: HWANGDBSPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.80



AMMB Holdings; Hold; RM6.11
Price Target: RM5.80; AMM MK

3QFY12 net profit of RM357m takes 9MFY12 profit to RM1,168m (78% of FY12F profit); in line. Loans
grew 2% q-o-q; CASA grew 21% but total deposit only inched up 1%; NIM improved. Management still
cautious of a weaker 4QFY12. Maintain Hold and RM5.80 TP.

Source: HwangDBS Research 15 Feb 2012

AMMB Holdings: Maintain Hold - Guidance turns cautious

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: MAYBANKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.30



Within expectations. While 9MFY12 net profit of RM1.17b (+14% YoY) was 79% of our full-year forecast and 77% of consensus, 4Q is typically a weaker quarter. Management is cautious ahead and has trimmed growth and ROE guidance. Our earnings are nevertheless raised by 3-10% for FY12-14 but with little to excite for now, our Hold call is maintained along with our TP of RM6.30 (2012 P/BV of 1.6x, 14.2% ROE).


Maybank Research 15 Feb 2012

Click here for full report

HLIB Research 15 Feb 2012 (Banking; AMMB; Traders Brief)

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: HLGPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.45



Banking (OVERWEIGHT)

Indonesia ' No Ownership Cap / Aabar To Sell RHB Cap?

'''' News #1 ' Indonesia will not implement a planned regulation to limit ownership in domestic banks.

'''' News #2 - Aabar (owns 25% in RHB Cap) is exploring the sale of its stake with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Carp.''

'''' News #1 would improve sentiment on both CIMB and Maybank, especially the former.''

'''' However, there are no fundamental changes as Indonesia's original plan is difficult and will need time to implement.'' Thus, no changes to our forecasts for CIMB and Maybank as we have not factored in any changes in stakes.

'''' It will clear the path for RHB Cap and Affin to re-commence their proposed acquisitions. The impact will be more positive for RHB Cap as it will help to achieve its aspiration of 5-10% international earnings contributions.

'''' News #2 likely to re-ignite merger speculation in RHB Cap as Aabar is unlikely to part with its stake below its entry cost of RM10.80.

'''' Maintain Overweight.

'''' While the latest news has no fundamental impact, we believe they could ignite trading interest in banks given that the sector has generally been lagging behind the market.'' ''We are not changing our top picks of Maybank and AFG.'' However, we believe that re-emergence of trading interest will be focus on CIMB and RHB Cap.

''

AMMB Holdings (HOLD)

Lower FY13-14 KPIs ' Pressure On Top Line

'''' 9MFY12 results in line with HLIB and consensus.''

'''' 3QFY12 results were characterized by continued improvement in NIM and lower loan loss provision.'' The latter help sustain yoy profit growth.''''

'''' FY12 KPIs was maintained.''

'''' However, FY13-14 net profit growth and ROE KPIs were lowered as global economic downturn will exert pressure on revenue growth rather than deterioration in asset quality.

'''' It maintains that asset quality (which continued to improve) will be intact.'' Internal stress tests show it is able to absorb the potential extreme trauma.

'''' Capital ratios well positioned for BNM's guidelines on BASEL III, no impact on dividend policy of 40-50% payout.''

'''' Despite new lending guidelines, it is confident of own position and has not seen material impact at the moment.

'''' Despite new lending guidelines, it is confident of own position and has not seen material impact at the moment.

'''' Maintain Hold.

'''' Target price unchanged at RM6.45 based on Gordon Growth (ROE of 13.7% and WACC of 10.5%).

''

KLCI: More sideways consolidation''

'''' We remain cautiously optimistic of KLCI resuming its uptrend after a mild profit taking consolidation as hourly chart is showing signs of bottoming up (FIG#2).

'''' If the KLCI is able to sustain its posture above last week's high of 1565 pts for the next 2-3 days amid heavy deliveries following last week's average daily volume of 3.7bn shares, then the index is likely to retest our envisaged resistance targets near 1570-1580. Supports are 1561 (5-d SMA), 1550 and 1544 (10-d SMA).

AFG: Getting oversold''''''

'''' We advocate buy on weakness as the daily chart momentum and trend indicators are getting oversold (FIG#4) whilst the hourly chart indicators are showing signs of bottoming up (FIG#5). Hence, after a brief profit taking consolidation, AFG could test higher grounds to RM3.88 (mid Bollinger band) and RM3.99 (upper Bollinger band).

'''' A more bullish outlook would only appear if AFG manages to close consistently above the Immediate supports are mid Bollinger band. The next upside targets is RM4.05. ''RM3.66 (38.2% FR) and RM3.54 (50% FR). Cut loss below RM3.54.

''

3QFY12: In line

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: ECMLIBRAPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.70



February 14, 2012

Aiming For Slight Deceleration

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: OSKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.20



February 13, 2012

RHBInvest Research Highlights 13th February 2012

Stock Name: PBBANK
Company Name: PUBLIC BANK BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 15.00

Stock Name: MAYBANK
Company Name: MALAYAN BANKING BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 9.47

Stock Name: CIMB
Company Name: CIMB GROUP HOLDINGS BERHAD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 7.41

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.23

Stock Name: HLBANK
Company Name: HONG LEONG BANK BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 11.01

Stock Name: AFFIN
Company Name: AFFIN HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 3.10

Stock Name: AFG
Company Name: ALLIANCE FINANCIAL GROUP BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 3.56

Stock Name: MBSB
Company Name: MALAYSIA BUILDING SOCIETY BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 2.32

Stock Name: RCECAP
Company Name: RCE CAPITAL BHD
Research House: RHBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 0.57



13th February 2012
 
Malaysia Equities
Top Story
Banks ' Easing Headwinds + YTD Underperformance = Sector Upgrade              Neutral (Upgraded)
Sector Update
Public Bank ' Fair value at RM15.00 (from RM14.10)                                                     Outperform
Maybank ' Fair value at RM9.47 (from RM7.33)                                          Outperform (upgraded)
CIMB ' Fair value at RM7.41 (from RM6.20)                                          Market Perform (upgraded)
AMMB ' Fair value at RM6.23 (from RM4.99)                                        Market Perform (upgraded)
HL Bank ' Fair value at RM11.01 (from RM9.90)                                                        Underperform
Affin ' Fair value at RM3.10 (from RM2.37)                                                                Underperform
AFG ' Fair value at RM3.56 (from RM3.25)                                                                Underperform
MBSB ' Fair value at RM2.32 (from RM1.95)                                                           Market Perform
RCE ' Fair value at RM0.57 (from RM0.50)                                                              Market Perform
 
 
Sector Update
Plantation ' Only Time Can Resolve The Indonesian Tax Structure Problem                    Overweight
Sector Update
-          The seasonal decline in production continued in Jan as CPO production fell 13.8% mom. Exports fell by a slightly smaller 13.2% mom also due to seasonal factors, post-festive season. Despite the lower CPO stock levels, annualised stock/usage ratio rose to 11.1% (up from 10.5% in Dec), mainly due to the smaller export volume in Jan.
 
Corporate Highlights
SEG International ' No Signs of Slowing Down                                                            Outperform
Visit Note
-          The management expects total student population of 35k (vs. our previous assumptions of 37k) by end-2012, implying yoy growth of almost 30% from the current 27k.
 
Gamuda ' PDP Terms For Klang Valley MRT Announced                                        Market Perform
Company Update
-          The agreement between MRT Co and project delivery partner (PDP) for the Klang Valley MRT project MMC-Gamuda JV has been signed with key terms being: 1) The PDP will be paid a fee equivalent to 6% of total contract value; 2) If the actual project cost exceeds the target cost by up to 15%, the PDP fee will be reduced in accordance with an agreed formula; 3) The PDP will have to shoulder the balance if the actual project cost exceeds the target cost by 15%; and 4) The PDP is liable to a liquidated and ascertained damage (LAD) for late delivery of RM500,000/day.
 
MPHB ' Sells down stake in Associate, Philippine Racing Club                                       Outperform
News Update
-          MPHB has sold a 13.1% stake in Philippine Racing Club Inc. (PRCI) at an average price of Peso 9.50/share, for Peso 722.4m (RM51.64m). Post-disposal, MPHB will own 19.9% of PRCI, and will no longer equity account it as an associate. MPHB will record a dispoal gain of RM17.34m.
 
CSC Steel ' 4QFY12/11 in the red on inventory writedown                                             Trading Buy
Results Note
-          FY11 net profit exceeded our full-year forecast by 42%, but missed the full-year market consensus by 22%. The variance against our forecast largely came from a lower-than-expected writedown of inventories. CSC Steel also declared a 7sen single tier dividend (net yield of 4.9%).
 
 
Regional Equities
Indonesia Banks : Opportunity To Accumulate                                                             Overweight
Sector Update
Bank Rakyat ' Fair value IDR8,200                                                                               Outperform
Bank Mandiri ' Fair value IDR7,900                                                                             Outperform
BCA ' Fair value IDR7,500                                                                                     Market Perform
Bank Danamon Fair value IDR5,500                                                                             Outperform
 
Macro
GDP ' Resilient GDP Growth In 4Q 2011, Odds Of An Upgrade Improving
Economic Update (published 10 Feb 2012)
-          The country's real GDP growth is estimated to have softened to 5.4% yoy in the 4Q, after bouncing back to +5.8% in the 3Q. The moderation in real GDP growth is expected to persist into 2012, due to global economic slowdown amidst a lingering sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone.
 

December 21, 2011

AMMB in cautious mode

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: HWANGDBSPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 5.80



Larger Smaller Reset AMMB Holdings Bhd
(Dec 21, RM5.90)
Maintain hold with target price RM5.80 from RM6.70: Competition for deposits remains intense, and we expect further pressure in funding costs.

AMMB's portfolio re-balancing appears to be biased towards a rate hike ' variable rate loans were 53% of total loans as at September compared with 47% a year ago. However, this strategy to better position itself for a rising interest rate environment could work against AMMB, as we expect Bank Negara to shift to an easing mode and cut overnight policy rate by 50 basis points to 2.5% (from 3%) by end of 1Q12 to pre-empt any slowdown in the economy.

Management relayed a cautious tone post 2Q12 results. We raised operating expenses as AMMB invests and improves its core banking platform and FY12-14F cost-to-income ratio assumptions were adjusted to 42%/42%/41% (from 40%/40%/39%), in line with management's guidance.

We also raised provisions in FY12 in anticipation of a more proactive provisioning stance in 2HFY12. Other growth levers were unchanged ' FY12F loan and deposit growth targets were maintained at 8%. AMMB's non-interest income will remain susceptible to capital market flows as more than half (52%) stem from market-related activities.

We expect fund raising activities in the small-to mid-market segment (AMMB's captive market) to remain weak in the near term, given the cautious market outlook.

Maintain 'hold', target price cut to RM5.80 based on the Gordon Growth Model, after earnings revisions and assuming 14.5% return on equity (from 15.5%), 6% growth and 11.5% cost of equity. Our RM5.80 implies 1.4 times CY12 book value, which is equivalent to +1 standard deviation from mean. ' HwangDBS Vickers Research, Dec 21


This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, December 22, 2011.

December 20, 2011

AMMB-Kurnia deal likely earnings neutral for bank

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: CIMBPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.26



Larger Smaller Reset AmBank Group
(Dec 20, RM5.70)
Maintain neutral with target price RM6.26: We do not view AMMB's proposed acquisition of Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd as a re-rating catalyst as it is unlikely to boost its earnings in the near term. Based on our estimate, the deal is expected to be largely earnings neutral for AMMB.

Given AMMB's keen interest in expanding its insurance business, we are not surprised by its proposal to acquire Kurnia. We continue to value AMMB at a 10% discount to its discounted dividend model (DDM) value and rate the stock a 'neutral'. We prefer Malayan Banking Bhd.

AmG Insurance, AMMB's 51%-owned general insurance unit, has submitted an application to Bank Negara to enter into an agreement to acquire 100% of Kurnia Insurans from Kurnia Asia. No details on the pricing were given by the company but it was reported that Kurnia is likely to sell at 2.5 to three times book value, valuing it at RM1.8 billion to RM2.2 billion.

Kurnia is one of the major general insurers in Malaysia, with total gross premiums of RM814.6 million in 9MFY11. It recorded a net profit of RM36.8 million in the nine-month period.

AmG will emerge as the second largest general insurer in Malaysia following the acquisition of Kurnia. It was the fifth largest in 2010. However, this will have minimal impact on earnings in the near term.

We estimate the impact on the bottom line to be between -RM4 million and +RM3 million (or 0.2% of FY13 net profit) based on the assumptions of: (i) a purchase consideration of RM1.8 billion to RM2.2 billion; (ii) financing cost of 5%; and (iii) an FY12 net profit of RM73.7 million for Kurnia based on consensus estimates.

However, this is in line with its plan to increase exposure to motor insurance. The reported valuation range of 2.5 to three times price-to-book value is on the high side compared with previous transactions ' 1.6 times for Pacific Insurance Bhd and 2.2 times for Jerneh Insurance Bhd.

We do not advise investors to buy AMMB given the poorer prospects for the investment banking business and loan growth, which overwhelm the benefits from the continuous group revamp. Also, the proposed acquisition of Kurnia will not act as a catalyst in the near term. ' CIMB IB Research, Dec 20


This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, December 21, 2011.

AMMB Holdings (Hold): To review proposal on Kurnia Insurans

Stock Name: AMMB
Company Name: AMMB HOLDINGS BHD
Research House: MAYBANKPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 6.30



Still early days. That AMMB could potentially acquire Kurnia Insurans Malaysia Bhd (KIMB) is a very preliminary consideration. Much depends on how negotiations develop and depending on pricing. Our scenario below points to little impact (+1%) on AMMB's earnings. We maintain our Hold call on AMMB with an unchanged TP of RM6.30 (1.6x CY12 P/BV, ROAE: 13.5%)

Maybank research (20 December 2011)

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