Monday, September 30, 2013

OSPL - Good Morning S'pore - Central Dealing Desk

Stock Name: HPH Trust US$
Company Name: HUTCHISON PORT HOLDINGS TRUST
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.84

Stock Name: Semb Corp
Company Name: SEMBCORP INDUSTRIES LTD
Research House: DBS VickersPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 5.60

Stock Name: UMS
Company Name: UMS HOLDINGS LIMITED
Research House: OSK-DMGPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.71




Market Compass


30 September 2013~ Good Morning Singapore!


Singapore Idea Snippets:
30 Sept 2013 ~ Good Morning Singapore!

Central Execution Team - The Excellence of Execution

This product is made available by your Central Execution Team, for you as TRs of OCBC Securities to help you with your business and therefore it is confidential and only for internal circulation. It is not intended for onward circulation to non-OSPL TRs, clients or any other third party in this or any other version. Neither is this intended to be relied upon as a sole basis for any recommendation. TRs must also consider their clients' investment objectives, financial position and needs when intending to make or making any recommendation. For the front desk, by the front desk. All feedback to make this a better product is welcome.

Global Flash: While You Were Sleeping

Source: Marketwatch



Quote for the day : The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
- SAINT AUGUSTINE
Singapore: The Day Ahead

SINGAPORE DAYBOOK :Tuning out the noise to hit the bullseye. Not distracted by disturbance in the market, top analysts navigated through volatility.

[SINGAPORE] One guy sneezes, and someone else catches a cold. Decoupling is no longer a buzzword, as events around the world over the past few years have shown.
At the start of the year, it was the US fiscal cliff; before that, it was the long- drawn eurozone debt crisis - both of which continue to cast a long shadow on world markets. And then came a slowdown in the economic juggernaut, China.
Amid such constantly shifting sands, the 10 best analysts in Singapore remained focused on the fundamentals of the companies they covered and did not allow themselves to be distracted by the "noise" generated by these bouts of economic volatility.
This helped them beat their peers in making stock calls and hitting the bull's eye in their earnings estimates, and ultimately let them take home the top accolades in the 2013 StarMine Analyst Awards.
CLSA's Saurabh Chugh, who covers the industrials sector, was No 1 stock picker for Singapore. His most lucrative call was keeping a "buy" on Ezion Holdings from Aug 6 last year through June 30 this year as its share price shot up by 114 per cent, outperforming the industry benchmark by 104 per cent.
"(Equities research) is not for somebody who's looking for more of a work- life balance," Mr Chugh said. "You should be prepared to put in long hours. It's a 14-hour day, and that's a norm for the industry."
Among the challenges that analysts face is that economic cycles are getting shorter - which makes spotting and pricing in longer- term trends trickier, said DBS Vickers' vice-president Tan Ai Teng. She is the top earnings estimator for the technology sector.
Slightly over a year ago, the second round of the US Federal Reserve's quantitative easing (QE) came to an end and Greece was being bailed out. Instead of moving on, the market revisited the same themes again this year.
Ms Tan said: "Keeping a 12-month outlook is probably a good period fundamentally, but along the way, you do have to change your calls along with the market dynamics."
OSK/DMG's analyst Jason Saw, who covers stocks in the offshore marine sector, emerged Singapore's top earnings estimator as well as tops in the Asia awards' machinery & materials category.
Mr Saw, who won for his accurate estimates for Sembcorp Marine, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings, Vard Holdings and Hutchison Port Holdings Trust, said: "Estimates are the basis for where valuations would be. You try to get it as right as possible. But in this industry, I think stock picks matter more than estimates.
"It's an industry where you try to make money for your clients, and it's all about the performance."
Adds transportation analyst Derrick Heng, who was No 2 stock picker and top earnings estimator for the resources and infrastructure sector: "It's important to think independently for yourself. In the process, you have to stay sober and not be led by the market."
Mr Heng left Phillip Securities and joined Maybank Kim Eng Research in May.
The annual awards, given by Thomson Reuters company StarMine, rank equity analysts on the returns of their "buy" and "sell" calls, and the accuracy of their earnings estimates. Only analyst calls on Singapore-based companies are included in the awards calculations.
The 2013 awards track their performance for the period from July 1 last year to June 30 this year. BT is the media partner for the Singapore awards.
For the stock-picking awards, analysts are ranked according to their industry excess return computed from a portfolio simulation that measures each analyst relative to an industry-based benchmark.
For comparison purposes, StarMine has built a non-leveraged portfolio for each analyst based on his or her recommendations. For each "buy" recommendation, the portfolio is one unit long the stock and simultaneously one unit short the benchmark. The result gives the analyst credit for the amount by which the stock outperformed the benchmark.
"Sell" calls are the reverse: long the benchmark and short the stock. The resulting portfolio is rebalanced each month and whenever the analyst adds coverage, drops coverage or changes a rating.
For the earnings estimates award, StarMine measures the relative accuracy of each analyst's earnings forecasts against his or her peers and comes up with a single-stock estimate score.
The score takes into account many factors: the analyst's absolute forecast error; the analyst's error compared to other analysts; the variance of the analysts' errors; the timing of the estimates; and the absolute value of the actual earnings for the stock.
The top broker awards go to the three brokerage firms that have accumulated the greatest number of individual analyst awards in Singapore. If an analyst has changed firms during an awards year, performance is attributed to the firm where the analyst worked for most of the year.
This year, OSK/DMG Partners is the top brokerage firm, bagging a total of five individual analyst awards.
In a three-way tie for second place are BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research, CLSA and DBS Vickers as they got four awards each.
(Source: The Business Times)

MARKET SCOOP

Singapore's SATS says exploring cargo joint venture in Oman
World's largest container ship sails into town
JTC offers sites in Tai Seng St, Tuas South
LionGoldsays in very early discussions to buy gold assets
Tritech plans stock split, bonus warrants
(Source: The Business Times)

OCBC Securities says...

HPH TRUST | BUY | TP: S$0.84

Since we initiated on Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPHT) on 4 Sep, HPHT's unit price has climbed 9.0% to US$0.790 from US$0.725
We believe the increase is chiefly due to: 1) the Fed's decision to delay tapering its bond purchases, which has given a general boost to the equity markets, and 2) positive economic data points from both Europe and the US
The service industries in the US expanded in August in the fastest pace in close to eight years (Institute for Supply Management's non-manufacturing index, 6 Sep)
Markit's flash Eurozone PMI for Sep was a 27-month high (released 23 Sep)
We are currently maintaining our forecasts of 0% and 2% YoY growth in 2013 throughput for HPHT's ports in Kwai Tsing, HK (including the increase in TEU from the acquisition of Asia Container Terminals in Mar) and Yantian, Shenzhen respectively
Aug container throughput at Kwai Tsing was 1.478m TEU, down 1.7% MoM and up 1.5% YoY, while Aug container throughput at Yantian was 2.093m TEU, up 0.9% MoM and up 1.1% YoY
We believe that if the US and European economies continue to strengthen, there is potential for better volumes in 2014
According to Dow Jones, HPHT has secured a US$3.6b refinancing loan which comprises three tranches - a US$1b one-year loan, a US$1.6b three-year loan and a US$1b five-year loan
The one-year tranche is at an interest rate of 0.6% above Libor, while the three-year and five-year tranches are 1.1% and 1.4% above Libor respectively
On a blended basis, we estimate that the interest rate cost for this loan is ~1.5%,
dramatically lower than the 2.5% rate which management had previously guided
Updating our model to reflect the lower future interest expense, we raise our DDM-based FV to US$0.84 from US$0.76 and maintain a BUY rating on HPHT
We estimate that HPHT is currently trading at an attractive FY14F dividend yield of 7.9%

DBS Securities says ...

SEMBCORP INDUSTRIES | BUY | TP: S$5.60

The IPO offering of 33.4m shares (~35% of share capital) was comfortably oversubscribed with strong demand from investors. Shares are expected to commence trading on 10 Oct 2013
The gain is higher than our S$109m estimate and comprises S$37m divestment gain from the sale of its 20% equity interest and a revaluation gain of S$80m for SCI's remaining 40% equity interest in SCI Salalah
We believe the variance could be due to higher projection on cost of asset value on our end and possibly forex differences
This divestment would boost SCI's FY13 PATMI to S$864.8m
Stripping out these exceptional items, FY13 core profits would be S$772.8m versus S$753.3m in FY12
The impact on SCI's balance sheet is moderate as the divestment of its 20% stake would be offset by revaluation of the remaining 40% stake
While positive, this development has no impact on our fair value for SCI because these divestment gains would be recorded as part of FY13 earnings while our Utilities valuation is pegged to FY14F
However, it would add to total returns of investors if SCI were to pay out some of these gains as special dividends
This year, we expect SCI to pay DPS of 16 Scts, translating to 3% yield at current price
In conclusion, we maintain Buy on SCI for ~10% total return with potential for dividend upsides

DMG OSK Securities says...

UMS HOLDINGS | BUY | TP: S$0.71

We believe Applied Materials (AMAT)'s acquisition of Tokyo Electron Ltd (TEL) will make it a dominant industry player, which will in turn benefit its suppliers
While we do not expect UMS to immediately gain from this, we see it as the sole Singapore proxy to ride on this landscape-changing event
Maintain BUY, with our DCF-based TP unchanged at SGD0.71 (WACC: 10.9%, terminal growth: 0%)
Largest customer makes major move
UMS' largest customer AMAT, which contributes close to 90% of the group's revenue, has made a major move by acquiring its rival, TEL
Gartners ranks AMAT and TEL No.1 and No.3 respectively in the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry in terms of worldwide market share last year
The combined entity could potentially boast a market share of 25.5%, twice as much as that held by AMAT's second largest competitor, ASML
The deal is expected to wrap up in the middle or second half of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals
The deal will enlarge AMAT's customer base, drive product innovation and give rise to cost saving opportunities, thus helping it to achieve its ambitious profit growth target
This is likely to benefit UMS in view of the duo's co-relation in terms of financial performance
We expect this to boost demand for UMS' components as: i) overall demand for AMAT products will naturally increase, and ii) UMS has cost advantage over Japanese component suppliers
One concern is whether UMS' assembly of AMAT's Endura system would be disrupted in view of the potential overlapping in AMAT and TEL's product lines
We view this as unlikely since TEL's CEO Tetsuro Higashi has said that there is limited overlapping in both companies' products
Secondly, while both companies have their respective wafer deposition products - eg TEL's Triase+ vs AMAT's Endura system - a key competency of AMAT is its wafer handling platform, which is also UMS' sole product line
As such, it is likely that UMS' wafer handling platform will be refined and kept in AMAT's future product innovations



SG: MARKET PULSE: FCOT, SATS, CapitaLand (30 Sep 2013)

Stock Name: Frasers Comm
Company Name: FRASERS COMMERCIAL TRUST
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 1.45

Stock Name: SATS
Company Name: SATS LTD.
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 3.35

Stock Name: Capitaland
Company Name: CAPITALAND LIMITED
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 3.77




MARKET PULSE: FCOT, SATS, CapitaLand
30 Sep 2013
KEY IDEA

Frasers Commercial Trust: On accelerated growth mode

Summary: Frasers Commercial Trust (FCOT) has essentially locked in robust growth for FY14 with lower interest costs and the redemption of its 321.9m Series A Convertible Perpetual Preferred Units (CPPUs) this year. In addition, we expect FCOT to gain from its growth initiatives embarked over the past year. For one, FCOT has completed the Precinct Master Plan and asset enhancement works for the office tower at China Square Central, and is likely to benefit from improved occupancy and higher secured rentals going forward. Moreover, FCOT has successfully completed the renewal of 511,000 sqft of the underlying leases at Alexandra Technopark and has achieved positive rental reversion of 17.4% at the property. According to the latest report by DTZ, we also note that sequential rental increments were seen within the CBD in 3Q13 on the back of better occupancy rates. This is consistent with our view that office leasing activity is likely to remain healthy. We maintain our BUY rating on FCOT with a revised fair value of S$1.45 (S$1.58 previously). (Kevin Tan)

MORE REPORTS

SATS Ltd: Cruise control

Summary: SATS will acquire Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) from Temasek for S$110m. This acquisition will complement SATS's existing cruise services at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and give it control of the ferry terminals at Tanah Merah, Pasir Panjang, and HabourFront Centre, which has an anchor client in the form of the popular Star Cruises. We view the deal favourably as it is cash generative (SCC had revenue of S$45m and PBT of S$16.7m in FY13), should enhance SAT's FY14F EPS by at least 5%, and will provide growth opportunities for its gateway and food solution businesses. We raise our fair value estimate to S$3.35 (S$3.10 previously) but maintain our HOLD rating on the counter as we foresee limited upside at this point. (Lim Siyi)


CapitaLand Limited: A strong launch at Sky Vue

Summary: Over the weekend, CapitaLand (CAPL) launched the 694-unit Sky Vue condominium project near the Bishan MRT station, and saw a strong sales performances with 430 units sold out of 505 units released for sale. The average selling price of the units sold was ~S$1,500 psf - which was 5% to 10% lower than those at the adjacent 509-unit Sky Habitat project. We like that the group has taken a rational approach, in terms of pricing, to move units during the Sky Vue launch. The strong sales performance will significantly reduce the group's unsold exposure in the locality from over a thousand units at Sky Habitat and Sky Vue to ~600 units currently. We continue to favor large-cap developers with strong balance sheets and diversified exposure across regional real estate markets. Maintain BUY on CAPL with an unchanged fair value estimate of S$3.77. (Eli Lee)

For more information on the above, visit www.ocbcresearch.comfor the detailed report.


NEWS HEADLINES

- US stocks declined on Fri, with the S&P 500 index and Dow industrials recording their first weekly drop in four, as Wall Street remained unsettled over the lack of progress in budget negotiations on Capitol Hill, with a deadline just days away.

- Tritech Group is planning to raise up to S$77.31m to help fund future expansion of its engineering and water-related businesses, including potential mergers and acquisitions.

- City Developments' subsidiary Millennium and Copthorne Hotels New Zealand has increased its investment in an associate company by US$33.42m in response to a capital call.

- Khong Guan Flour Milling registered a net profit of S$14.7m for the full year ended 31 Jul as it realised its gain from its quoted investment in a property development company.

Friday, September 27, 2013

OSPL - Good Morning S'pore - Central Dealing Desk

Stock Name: SuperGroup
Company Name: SUPER GROUP LTD.
Research House: Maybank Kim EngPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 6.00

Stock Name: SV3U
Company Name: SOILBUILD BUSINESS SPACE REIT
Research House: DBS VickersPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.87

Stock Name: Yangzijiang
Company Name: YANGZIJIANG SHIPBLDG HLDGS LTD
Research House: Credit SuissePrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 1.30




Market Compass


27 September 2013~ Good Morning Singapore!


Singapore Idea Snippets:
27 Sept 2013 ~ Good Morning Singapore!

Central Execution Team ' The Excellence of Execution

This product is made available by your Central Execution Team, for you as TRs of OCBC Securities to help you with your business and therefore it is confidential and only for internal circulation. It is not intended for onward circulation to non-OSPL TRs, clients or any other third party in this or any other version. Neither is this intended to be relied upon as a sole basis for any recommendation. TRs must also consider their clients' investment objectives, financial position and needs when intending to make or making any recommendation. For the front desk, by the front desk. All feedback to make this a better product is welcome.

Global Flash: While You Were Sleeping

Source: Marketwatch



Quote for the day : I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.
- AYRTON SENNA
Singapore: The Day Ahead

SINGAPORE DAYBOOK :Shell plans groundbreaking pilot plant on Jurong Island. The group's diphenyl carbonate facility expected to start up next year.

SHELL aims to start up its diphenyl carbonate (DPC) demonstration plant on Jurong Island next year. The plant will produce one of the key intermediates used to make polycarbonates.
The product is the largest-volume thermoplastic used for various engineering applications ranging from optical media to automotive glazing of windscreens and lamp lenses to electronics and sheeting film.
The Singapore demo plant marks a "scaled-up" project from the technological process first developed at the oil giant's laboratories, and it precedes a potential investment by Shell in a world-scale DPC plant once the project proves successful.
Disclosing this at a press conference at the Shell Malaysia Innovation Summit in Kuala Lumpur this week, Matthias Bichsel, Shell's projects and technology director, said the company's patented process for producing DPC at the 500 tonne-per-year (tpy) demo plant in Singapore exemplifies how the oil giant is using innovative engineering to reduce the waste by-products of what it brings to market.
(Source: The Business Times)

MARKET SCOOP

Singapore tycoon Oei sues Goldman Sachs for currency losses
TTJ FY profit falls 11%, plans 0.9ct/shr dividend
Singapore's SATS to buy terminal operator for S$110m
S'pore bonds were Asia's 2nd worst performer Jan to July
Global IPO activity down in Q3: EY
Singapore factory output up 3.5% in August
Prof Tommy Koh awarded Great Negotiator 2014
(Source: The Business Times)

KIM ENG Securities says...

SUPER GROUP | BUY | TP: S$6.00

Super recently launched its coffee products in China, where it used to just sell instant cereals
The new products and brand identity were unveiled to the media on 18 August, along with endorsement from famous Chinese actress and singer Wang Luodan
In the accompanying trade fair, more than 1,000 regional distributors turned up
We understand from management that sales orders and reception were very positive
Admittedly, China is a tea-drinking country with no coffee culture
But coffee consumption is picking up, driven mainly by a younger audience influenced by the Starbucks Culture and patient marketing by market leader Nestle
From a low base, consumption of instant coffee is expected to grow at 12% CAGR over the next five years and we believe the time is ripe for Super to capitalise on this expected growth without overinvesting
A major marketing thrust is the introduction of a new instant cup format that will be sold mainly through convenience stores
In recent years, companies like XiangPiaoPiao (香飘飘) have generated huge sales from bubble tea in instant cup formats, and Super hopes to achieve the same results for coffee
In our view, being remembered as an early mover in a popular product category does wonders for building brand equity
Super recently announced a 40:60 JV in China with a local company, Shanghai Shang Heng
The JV will undertake the manufacturing of liquid glucose syrup solid, a key ingredient for non-dairy creamer
Super's cash investment is estimated at USD3m
With its non-dairy creamer production facilities and existing distribution network in Jiangsu Province, we believe the execution risk for its China branded consumer strategy is lower
China branded consumer sales currently make up less than 5% of Super's total revenue (through cereal), but we believe this segment has the potential to become a significant contributor in the next 2-3 years
We raise our FY14-15F estimates by 1-2%, but our DCF-based TP of SGD6.00 is unchanged, implying 28.3x FY14F PER
Catalysts include faster-than-expected traction into new growth markets

DBS Securities says ...

SOILBUILD BUSINESS SPACE | BUY | TP: S$0.87

Soilbuild Business Space REIT ("SB REIT") offers exposure into a modern portfolio of business park/industrial properties in Singapore with a valuation of S$935m
Compared to existing industrial S-REITs, its portfolio is the youngest, with an average age of 3.1 years (by GFA), backed by long land lease tenure of c.51 years
SB REIT will derive 42-43% of its net property income from master leases, with tenures ranging from 5-15 years, and this will offer strong income visibility to the REIT
At 43.2% of asset value, SB REIT will have one of the highest exposures in the business park space segment (peers have approximate exposure ranging from 7.9%-20.6% of value), which we believe will remain relevant in the face of Singapore's growth towards a knowledge-based, value-add manufacturing economy
This augurs well for the performance of the portfolio in the medium term
The Sponsor is Soilbuild Group Holdings Ltd. ("Sponsor"), a leading property group with end-to-end integrated real estate capabilities
The Sponsor has given SB REIT a right of first refusal (ROFR), which currently covers four industrial properties
When acquired and developed completely, the ROFR properties possess the potential to increase the REIT's GFA by 72%
In addition, SB REIT can extract a further 0.8m sq ft (25% of current GFA) through maximising unutilized GFA from its portfolio
At a FYP13F-15F yield of 7.8%-8.7%, SB REIT offers one of the highest yields amongst the S-REIT space, which is attractive
Our DCF TP of S$0.87 implies a total return of 24%

CREDIT SUISSE Securities says...

YANGZIJIANG SHIPBUILDING | BUY | TP: S$1.30

At the launching ceremony of Yangzijiang's first 10,000 TEU containership, management expressed confidence that Seaspan is likely to exercise options for further vessels in the coming months
The company is also looking to move further up the value chain to secure contracts for 14,000 TEU containerships
The first 10,000 TEU containership is expected to take 16 months to complete and be delivered in 1Q14, slightly ahead of schedule
The second unit is expected to be launched in October and delivered in 1Q14, with a shorter construction period of 14 months
Yangzijiang is expected to deliver eight 10,000 TEU containerships in 2014 in total
Management noted continued strong enquiries for newbuild orders
As of September 2013, Yangzijiang has US$2.87 bn of options for 29 bulkers and 22 containerships
We expect Yangzijiang to secure US$2 bn of contracts in 2013, and improving order momentum to drive a re-rating
We reiterate our OUTPERFORM rating and target price of S$1.30



SG: MARKET PULSE: Raffles Medical, Hutchison Port HT (27 Sep 2013)

Stock Name: RafflesMG
Company Name: RAFFLES MEDICAL GROUP LTD
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 3.61

Stock Name: HPH Trust US$
Company Name: HUTCHISON PORT HOLDINGS TRUST
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.84




MARKET PULSE: Raffles Medical, Hutchison Port HT
27 Sep 2013
KEY IDEA

Raffles Medical Group: Looking for overseas opportunities
Raffles Medical Group (RMG) recently announced that it has entered into a framework agreement to collaborate on the proposed development of an integrated international hospital with more than 300 beds in Shanghai, China. Negotiations on the finalisation of terms will likely take place over a timeframe of six months to a year, while relevant regulatory approval is also required. Recall that RMG is also in the process of exploring an integrated international hospital collaboration in Shenzhen, China. Should these negotiations be successful, it would allow RMG to expand its operations overseas. We are positive on RMG's decision to explore business expansion opportunities in China given the immense growth prospects, although regulatory uncertainties would likely be the largest risk, in our view. We roll forward our valuations on RMG to 29x FY14F EPS, which consequently bumps up our fair value estimate from S$3.42 to S$3.61. ReiterateBUY. (Wong Teck Ching Andy)

MORE REPORTS

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust: Refinancing an important boost
According to Dow Jones, Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPHT) has secured a US$3.6b refinancing loan which comprises three tranches - a US$1b one-year loan, a US$1.6b three-year loan and a US$1b five-year loan. The one-year tranche is at an interest rate of 0.6% above Libor, while the three-year and five-year tranches are 1.1% and 1.4% above Libor respectively. On a blended basis, we estimate that the interest rate cost for this loan is ~1.5%, dramatically lower than the 2.5% rate which management had previously guided. Updating our model to reflect the lower future interest expense, we raise our DDM-based FV to US$0.84 from US$0.76 and maintain a BUY rating on HPHT. We estimate that HPHT is currently trading at an attractive FY14F dividend yield of 7.9%. (Sarah Ong)

For more information on the above, visit www.ocbcresearch.comfor the detailed report.


NEWS HEADLINES

- US stocks rose on Thu, with the S&P 500 rebounding from its longest losing streak this year, as a larger-than-expected drop in jobless claims mostly overrode worries about a budget standoff on Capitol Hill.

- Singapore's 3Q GDP may fall by as much as 5%, warn economists as they take stock of the latest industrial production numbers, which revealed a continuing weakness in the key electronics sector.

- Demand in all segments of the property market slumped in Jul following the introduction of the total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) framework in late Jun.

- SATS Ltd and its subsidiaries are extending their hold over the local cruise industry by buying Singapore Cruise Centre from Temasek Holdings for S$110m.

- Structural steel specialist TTJ Holdings reported an 11% fall in net profit to S$14.87m for the full year ended Jul 31.

- Sysma Holdings has won a S$7.5m contract to build a two-storey Good Class Bungalow at Jervois Hill. Work starts next month and will take 18 months to complete.




Thursday, September 26, 2013

SG: MARKET PULSE: Sheng Siong, CRCT, LMIRT (26 Sep 2013)

Stock Name: Sheng Siong
Company Name: SHENG SIONG GROUP LTD
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.78

Stock Name: CapitaRChina
Company Name: CAPITARETAIL CHINA TRUST
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 1.58

Stock Name: LippoMalls
Company Name: LIPPO MALLS INDO RETAIL TRUST
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 0.44




MARKET PULSE: Sheng Siong, CRCT, LMIRT
26 Sep 2013
KEY IDEA

Sheng Siong Group: No new stores not a concern
Although 3Q13 is coming to a close, we are unconcerned by the lack of new store additions by Sheng Siong Group (SSG). While this development means that SSG will be unable to achieve its 10% gross floor area target for the year, the group should still experience decent top-line growth for 3Q13 from full-quarter contributions of new stores added last year. Furthermore, expected margin stability and a conducive macro environment - more dining-in of consumers and relatively subdued supermarket competition - provide price support for SSG's share price at current levels. Favouring the counter for its defensive qualities and healthy balance sheet, we maintain BUY with a slightly lower fair value estimate of S$0.78 (S$0.80 previously). A potential catalyst for the counter exists in the form of its pilot e-commerce initiative, which is likely to commence in 4Q13. (Lim Siyi)

MORE REPORTS

CapitaRetail China Trust: Outcome of Distribution Reinvestment Plan
CRCT has announced that ~6.0m new CRCT units have been allotted and issued at an issue price of S$1.447 per unit to eligible unitholders of CRCT who have elected to participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan in respect of the distribution of 4.69 cents per unit for 1H13. The new units will commence trading on the SGX-ST today. With the issue of the new units, the number of issued units has increased by ~0.8% to 756,140,024. Since 3Q13 results will be announced soon, we will hold off on adjusting our model for this development. We maintain our fair value of S$1.58 FV and BUY rating on CRCT. (Sarah Ong)

Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust: S$150m of notes issued under MTN programme
Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust (LMIRT) has priced S$150m 4.25% notes due 2016. The notes will be issued under its S$750m Guaranteed Euro Medium Term Note Programme. The fundraising does not come as a surprise since management had indicated during the 2Q13 analyst conference call that LMIRT may refinance the S$147.5m term loan due June 2014 as early as late 2013. We maintain our DDM-based FV of S$0.44 on LMIRT and HOLD rating for now. (Sarah Ong)

For more information on the above, visit www.ocbcresearch.comfor the detailed report.


NEWS HEADLINES

- US stocks dropped on Wed, with the S&P 500 index recording its longest decline since Dec, as a possible government shutdown overrode better-than-forecast economic reports.

- The wealthy in the Asia Pacific trust their wealth managers more than high net worth individuals in the rest of the world, a wealth report has found.

- OUE Limited is mulling over establishing yet another REIT to be listed on the Main Board of SGX.

- Asiaphos Limited, a Singapore-based explorer and miner of phosphate in China, hopes to raise about S$24.4m in an IPO on the Catalist board.

- Asia Fashion Holdings assured the market that a RMB461.5m (S$94.6m) compensation it is making to customers will not render the company "insolvent immediately".

- OKH Global has entered into a placement agreement in which it will issue up to 60m new ordinary shares at 68 S cents apiece.





OSPL - Good Morning S'pore - Central Dealing Desk

Stock Name: Tat Hong
Company Name: TAT HONG HOLDINGS LTD
Research House: Maybank Kim EngPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 1.00

Stock Name: Marco Polo
Company Name: MARCO POLO MARINE LTD.
Research House: OSK-DMGPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.61




Market Compass


26 September 2013~ Good Morning Singapore!


Singapore Idea Snippets:
26 Sept 2013 ~ Good Morning Singapore!

Central Execution Team - The Excellence of Execution

This product is made available by your Central Execution Team, for you as TRs of OCBC Securities to help you with your business and therefore it is confidential and only for internal circulation. It is not intended for onward circulation to non-OSPL TRs, clients or any other third party in this or any other version. Neither is this intended to be relied upon as a sole basis for any recommendation. TRs must also consider their clients' investment objectives, financial position and needs when intending to make or making any recommendation. For the front desk, by the front desk. All feedback to make this a better product is welcome.

Global Flash: While You Were Sleeping

Source: Marketwatch



Quote for the day : These critics with the illusions they've created about artists - it's like idol worship. They only like people when they're on their way up... I cannot be on the way up again. - JOHN LENNON
Singapore: The Day Ahead

SINGAPORE DAYBOOK :Tharman warns of China reform's global effect. He says it would be naive to think that the major act is going to be smooth

[SINGAPORE] Growth below 6.5 per cent in China will significantly impact everyone else even if the world's second-largest economy can quickly address a slowdown, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said yesterday. "Anything below 6.5 per cent has major implications for the rest of the world, and especially for Asia and emerging markets generally . . . It can happen, for some period of time, not by intent, but it can happen."
Although China remains fundamentally robust, the country is now undertaking far-reaching structural reform that carries real execution risks, Mr Tharman said as he described major global themes in a speech at the SkyBridge Alternatives (Salt) Asia Conference.
"Each reform carries risk, and the risks in individual reforms are not uncorrelated with the risk in the other reforms. So mistakes can happen. And it would be naive to think that this major act of structural reform in the Chinese economy is going to be a smooth one."
In essence, Chinese policymakers need to juggle a number of interrelated, dynamic parts.
"You can't just do financial reform without changing your tax and fiscal structures, particularly those related to local government. You can't do financial reforms and fiscal reforms without SOE reforms - state-owned enterprise reforms . . . (and) you can't do economic and financial reforms without social reforms."
Mr Tharman does not believe that China is headed for a hard landing because policymakers there "understand the issues well and deeply", and politically the country is able to move quickly and decisively.
China is "set on the right path, but it's extremely complicated". "Mistakes can happen, and although they can be corrected, the ripple effects on the rest of the world are significant," he said.
Mr Tharman also highlighted the still-unanswered problem of demographics in mature economies, which he expects to be a persistent problem for the next decade and beyond. "If you have a continuing stagnation of the middle in mature economies, it's going to change the global economy."
The problem of middle-class stagnation manifests itself not just in falling competitiveness relative to the growing middle class of emerging economies, but also domestically in the form of inter-generational tension as the younger populace struggle to match the wealth and growth enjoyed by older segments, Mr Tharman said.
Mature economies need to figure out "a new social compact", because commitments made when societies were more rapidly growing "are now found to be unaffordable, either because they were unfunded or because they were funded through debts which are now unsustainable", he pointed out.
"Major social and political challenges (are) not being addressed, honestly. And there is as of now no philosophical, political solution on offer."
After the speech, a Monetary Authority of Singapore spokesman told BT that Mr Tharman was not referring to Singapore in his mention of mature economies.
(Source: The Business Times)

MARKET SCOOP

AsiaPhos seeks about $24m in IPO
Asia Fashion Holdings says it is "likely to remain a going concern"
M1, StarHub oppose SingTel ownership of fibre network
Singapore's Falcon Energy jumps on broker report
No need for retail banks here to be ring-fenced:MAS
UOB launches FDI advisory unit in Vietnam
MOM raps 10 firms for unfair hiring
(Source: The Business Times)

KIM ENG Securities says...

TAT HONG HOLDINGS | HOLD | TP: S$1.00

We met with management to assess the outlook on the company's respective markets
Tat Hong's core market, Australia, is expected to remain weak on the back of a change in the country's political leadership, while earnings from China are supported by reasonable growth from nuclear plant construction works
Historically, share price is dependent on Australia activities; therefore, until we see concrete beginnings on Australia's infrastructure projects, we deem it too early to turn positive on Tat Hong just yet
We raise our TP to SGD1, pegged to 12.3x FY6/14F PER, in line with its 5-year mean and adjust our earnings forecasts by 2%
Upgrade to HOLD
While we expect earnings from Australia to remain weak, we find the overall commitment on infrastructure from the Coalition Party to be positive for Tat Hong
The party has committed approximately AUD20.4b to infrastructure projects; the question now is execution
We forecast a 8% drop in Tat Hong's revenue from general equipment rental in FY6/14 as a halt in public works has been affecting the local construction sector, especially in
Queensland and New South Wales
Catalysts to watch out for would be the start of infrastructure projects and possible signs of a revival in utilisation rates
The weakness in Tat Hong's FY6/14 earnings will be offset by crane rental revenues from ASEAN and China
With economic activity in China showing signs of bottoming out, this could support construction activities in China
This was validated from China's September PMI rising to the highest since March
Tat Hong is focused on cost-cutting measures to soften the impact of depreciation costs from recent crane purchases
We expect Tat Hong to consolidate some operations in Singapore and move into Iskandar
It has secured a 22-year lease from JTC for a 16,100sqm plot in Tuas, which would allow its 11 Gul Crescent site to be divested through a public tender by Mar 2014
We estimate it could book in around SGD20-25m from this
Since our downgrade to SELL from 1QF6/14 disappointing results, Tat Hong has fallen 16%, which we think reflects the abrupt slowdown in infrastructure works in Australia
Upgrade to HOLD, for we think the share price will find support at this level, given it trades in-line with its 5-year historical P/B of 0.8x

CIMB Securities says ...

KEPPEL T & T | OUTPERFORM | TP: S$1.65

We factor in contributions from the new logistics parks in China and Singapore, which raises FY13-15 EPS by 2-6%
Our SOP-based target price inches up to S$1.65
We maintain our Outperform call, with new logistics facilities and data centre additions as catalysts
Historically, Keppel T&T has relied on its associates' contributions to drive earnings growth; 71-82% of its earnings come from its 20% stake in M1
With the addition of four new logistics facilities and a third data centre in FY14-15, we believe the company's core logistics and data centre operations can contribute to 31-40% of PBT in FY13-16, a significant increase from its historical 17-29% since FY07
In the long term, we believe Keppel T&T's holding company discount can narrow from its historical 20-25% to 10-15% when it builds up its core
We estimate that the four new logistics facilities will add 144,000sm of warehouse space to the current 229,000sm of space owned by Keppel T&T and its subsidiaries
Given the sheer size of these new facilities, we forecast yoy logistics revenue growth of 16-30% in FY14-15 and we expect the logistics segment to contribute to 39-45% of our earnings growth forecasts for FY14-15
The third data centre, Keppel Datahub 2, will add 6,000sm to the current 12,300sm of data centre space that Keppel T&T runs in Singapore
We expect data centres to contribute to 31% of our earnings growth forecasts in FY14-15
Keppel T&T is currently trading at 10.1x rolling forward P/E, 1 s.d. below its historical mean of 11.8x
We believe these valuations are undemanding given the 12-18% earnings growth we forecast for FY13-15 with the addition of new logistics and data centre facilities
Our SOP-based target price of S$1.65 implies 13.2x forward P/E (1 s.d. above mean), which we believe is warranted given the strong earnings growth

DMG OSK Securities says...

MARCO POLO MARINE BUY | TP: S$0.61

Last week, we brought a group of investors to MPM's Batam yard
We saw all three drydocks busy with repair operations, and the construction of a third-party 8,000bhp AHTS vessel and two similar vessels for its own fleet. In preparation for better shipbuilding times, a new slipway is almost complete
Investors were most interested in the company's 20% net margins
We maintain our BUY call, SGD0.61 TP
In short, this is a yard still busy enough to employ 1,000 workers today
The optimal shipyard strategy is to utilise available space for shipbuilding during times of boom, and make facilities improvements during downturns
We see this strategy being executed with a new slipway almost complete
The recent upturn in commercial shipbuilding is relieving the pressure on offshore asset prices, which should induce a recovery in offshore building prospects
MPM and associate PT BBR are on the cusp of renewing their AHTS charters, with current contracts expiring in September to November
With AHTS supply still trailing far demand in Indonesia, we are highly confident that each vessel will be re-chartered immediately at prevailing market rates, which are 33% higher
The most common questions for management centered on MPM's very high margins and their sustainability
Management said its AHTS charter margins are "easily 40%", supporting the findings in our 21 June report, Taking Another Bite Out of The Indonesian Pie
With future growth coming from more AHTS vessels joining the fleet and being re-chartered at higher rates, MPM is likely to maintain its high margins
No reason for high-return asset-driven company to trade well below book value
MPM is trading at 0.8x P/BV, clearly undervaluing its 15% ROE. FY14F P/E is a mere 5x
We believe that MPM's quality assets are worth much more, and maintain our BUY call and SGD0.61 TP



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

OSPL - Good Morning S'pore - Central Dealing Desk

Stock Name: Starhill Gbl
Company Name: STARHILL GLOBAL REIT
Research House: UOB KayHianPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.93

Stock Name: Genting SP
Company Name: GENTING SINGAPORE PLC
Research House: NomuraPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 1.52

Stock Name: Yangzijiang
Company Name: YANGZIJIANG SHIPBLDG HLDGS LTD
Research House: DBS VickersPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 1.32




Market Compass


25 September 2013~ Good Morning Singapore!


Singapore Idea Snippets:
25 Sept 2013 ~ Good Morning Singapore!

Central Execution Team - The Excellence of Execution

This product is made available by your Central Execution Team, for you as TRs of OCBC Securities to help you with your business and therefore it is confidential and only for internal circulation. It is not intended for onward circulation to non-OSPL TRs, clients or any other third party in this or any other version. Neither is this intended to be relied upon as a sole basis for any recommendation. TRs must also consider their clients' investment objectives, financial position and needs when intending to make or making any recommendation. For the front desk, by the front desk. All feedback to make this a better product is welcome.

Global Flash: While You Were Sleeping

Source: Marketwatch



Quote for the day : The iPod completely changed the way people approach music.
- KARL LAGERFELD
Singapore: The Day Ahead

SINGAPORE DAYBOOK :Reit flotations shore up Q3 property investment sales. Third-quarter tally of more than $13b highest since Q3 2007

[SINGAPORE] Property investment sales - which refer to big-ticket transactions of at least $10 million - have crossed $13 billion this quarter, roughly double the previous quarter and the strongest showing since Q3 2007.
This quarter's figure has been buoyed by three real estate investment trust flotations (involving nearly $5.7 billion in asset sales), two government land sale sites (at Telok Ayer Street and in Yishun totalling $2.35 billion to Frasers Centrepoint) and the $1.16 billion sale of Grand Park Orchard hotel (including Knightsbridge mall) to Bright Ruby Resources, controlled by a Du family from China.
Industry observers are not counting on a repeat performance next quarter.
Figures from Savills Singapore show that investment sales have risen to $13.4 billion from $6.4 billion in Q2 and $8.7 billion in Q3 last year.
(Source: The Business Times)

MARKET SCOOP

Geo Energy units ink mining related deals
Ley Choon bags 4 contracts worth S$30.6m this month
Singapore casinos trump Macau with tourism aces
Singapore industrial output seen edging up in Aug: poll
Smaller pre-school operators to receive S$40m boost over 5 years
NTU, 360ip launch S$5.6m centre to promote SME growth in S'pore
(Source: The Business Times)

UOB KAY HIAN says...

STARHILL GLOBAL REIT | BUY | TP: S$0.93

Upgrade to BUY (from HOLD) with a marginally higher target price of S$0.93 (from S$0.92)
Starhill is offering the highest yieldsfor a Singapore-centric retail REIT with a forward yield of 6.4%, which is 40-100bp above comparable retail S-REITs and is 60bp above the sector average yield of 5.8%
P/B for Starhill is also the lowest amongst its retail S-REIT peers at 0.89, 20bp below the sector average of 1.09
Locking in long-term financing following the drawdown of S$422m 3-year and 5-year loans and ¥700b (S$88m) 3-year loans
All-in-cost of debt for the new loans is a favourable 2.4%, compared with an average interest rate of 3.03% as at 2Q13
Following the refinancing, Starhill Global REIT (Starhill) will not have any refinancing requirements until 2015
Building sustainability for the long termas although the new loans will only result in marginal cost savings, due to the lower proportion of yen-denominated loans (11% of outstanding loans from 19%), the refinancing enables Starhill to extend its debt maturity (3.5 years from 1.2 years in 2Q13) and lock in the current low financing costs
In addition, Starhill has also fixed or hedged 94% of its debt via interest rate swaps and caps, limiting cost upside
The new loans are also unsecured, enabling Starhill to raise the proportion of unencumbered assets to 79% from 42%
This, coupled with the credit rating upgrade by Standard and Poor's (to BBB+), will mitigate the impact of rising interest rates on Starhill's distributions

NOMURA Securities says ...

GENTING SINGAPORE | NEUTRAL | TP: S$1.52

Action: Upgrade to Neutral; Street expectations more realistic
Following a 40% cut in street FY13F EBITDA estimates since 2012, we feel that our revised FY13/14F EBITDA estimates of S$1.26bn/1.4bn are a much more realistic assessment of Singapore's baseline gaming revenue potential, taking into account a volatile win % and seasonal fluctuations
With Singapore tourist arrivals moderating to single digits (YTD arrivals up 8% y-y), and this being reflected in Sentosa traffic, we forecast a mid-high single digit growth in RWS's top-line
We argue that our and consensus earnings have limited downside risks now, and this should support the share price at current levels
We tweak our FY13F/14F EBITDA estimates by -7%/+5% to build in a weak performance in 1Q13F due to a lower win rate
However, we now value GENS at mid-cycle, as we no longer see a reason for it to trade at a discount given limited earnings downside
We raise GENS to Neutral, with a TP of S$1.52/share (5% upside)
Valuation: Target 12.5x adj FY14F EV/EBITDA, historical average
Following a transfer of coverage, we ascribe a 12.5x adj multiple to FY14F EBITDA to value GENS, which is its historical average
This implies a 25% discount to Macau-listed names' average multiple
Macau stocks have seen a re-rating driven by mass market volumes, which are unlikely to occur in Singapore, and are additionally supported by better yields, RoE
Catalysts: Upside possible through overseas ventures (eg Japan)
With Singapore's market maturing, upside in GENS's earnings is possible either through a sharp upswing in VIP volumes / win rate (difficult to forecast) or a deployment of its huge cash balance in overseas ventures, like Japan, where there are uncertainties on timing and competition

DBS Securities says...

YANGZIJIANG SHIPBUILDING | BUY | TP: S$1.32

Yangzijiang is hosting a yard visit on 25 Sept in conjunction with the launching ceremony of its first 10k TEU containership
Launching is the most important stage of construction, marking the birth of a new ship
All the blocks are mounted and joined, and the vessel should be ready to "float" at this stage
The on-track construction progress of Yangzijiang's first large containership is a confidence booster
The first batch of seven 10k TEU containership orders will likely yield better gross margins of 15-20% vs earlier expectation of low teens, in the light of favourable steel cost and forex as well as smooth execution
As such, we are lifting FY14F shipbuilding gross margins by 2ppts to 18%
We are also raising order win assumption for FY14 to US$2.5bn (from US$2bn), on the back of active shipbuilding enquiries and the sizeable US$2.87bn worth of options that could be exercised in the coming quarters
Taking these into account, our FY14F net profit is raised by 6.3% to Rmb2.2 bn
We have also introduced FY15 earnings and have incorporated property income from FY15
We have changed our valuation methodology from price to book, to SOTP, to better reflect valuation for the various segments of shipbuilding, investment and property
While some investors have concerns regarding Yangzijiang's investment segment, it is a supplementary business for Yangzijiang and its weighting should fall as the shipbuilding segment recovers
Bad debts have been minimal with proper evaluation processes and risk management procedures in place
As one of the most cost efficient yards in China, Yangzijiang is the best proxy to the shipbuilding recovery



Monday, September 23, 2013

SG: MARKET PULSE: SIA, Hyflux (23 Sep 2013)

Stock Name: SIA
Company Name: SINGAPORE AIRLINES LTD
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: SELLTarget Price: 9.50

Stock Name: Hyflux
Company Name: HYFLUX LTD
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 1.215




MARKET PULSE: SIA, Hyflux
23 Sep 2013
KEY IDEA

Singapore Airlines: Not taking off yet

Summary: We believe optimism over Singapore Airlines's (SIA) Aug 2013 operating statistics is premature as the slight improvements are likely to be temporary in nature. Passenger demand growth should remain tepid in the coming quarters and the persistence of promotional activities will depress passenger yields. In addition, capacity additions from new routes have continued to outpace passenger growth and jet fuel price increases show little signs of abating, which will put further pressure on the carrier. As for its recent Indian JV announcement, we envision execution difficulties and the lack of adequate airport infrastructure. Maintain our SELL rating in SIA with an unchanged fair value estimate of S$9.50. Investors should take advantage of gains by the stock off recent lows and look to re-enter at price points nearer our valuation. (Lim Siyi)

MORE REPORTS

Hyflux: Time to look for other projects

Summary: Hyflux Ltd has officially launched Singapore's second and largest reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant on 18 Sep. According to management, the desalination plant is not only a showcase of its membrane technology but also strengthens Hyflux's international track record in large-scale desalination plants, putting the company in a strong position to provide clean, affordable and sustainable water solutions to meet worldwide demand. During the Tuaspring launch, we also had a short chat with management and it appears that Hyflux is slowing but surely turning its focus back to the MENA region. But until we see the award of a sizable contract from any of the above mentioned markets to replenish its order book, we opt to maintain our HOLD rating and S$1.215 fair value (still based on 20x blended FY13/FY14F EPS). (Carey Wong)


For more information on the above, visit www.ocbcresearch.comfor the detailed report.


NEWS HEADLINES

- US stock markets finished the week higher despite a Friday pullback. How Congress and President Barack Obama deal with the debt ceiling is likely to determine market volatility for the rest of the year.

- YHM Group has secured a contract with a value of up to approximately US$183m over a 3-year period with an additional 2 year extendable option to provide a semi-submersible rig to be used by a Southeast Asian based national oil company to support its oil and gas activities in the Andaman Sea.

- Keppel entered into a sale and purchase agreement with KazStroyService Global Engineering B.V. for the sale of two shares, representing 100% of the issued and paid up capital of Berich Enterprises Limited, at a consideration of US$16.25m per share.

- Rex International's 41% indirectly owned subsidiary HIREX Petroleum Sdn Bhd., has entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Bass Strait Oil Company Ltd to participate in exploration opportunities in the Gippsland Basin in Australia.


OSPL - Good Morning S'pore - Central Dealing Desk

Stock Name: Genting HK US$
Company Name: GENTING HONG KONG LIMITED
Research House: UOB KayHianPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.49

Stock Name: Capitaland
Company Name: CAPITALAND LIMITED
Research House: OCBCPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 3.77

Stock Name: Nam Cheong
Company Name: NAM CHEONG LIMITED
Research House: OSK-DMGPrice Call: BUYTarget Price: 0.38




Market Compass


23 September 2013~ Good Morning Singapore!


Singapore Idea Snippets:
23 Sept 2013 ~ Good Morning Singapore!

Central Execution Team - The Excellence of Execution

This product is made available by your Central Execution Team, for you as TRs of OCBC Securities to help you with your business and therefore it is confidential and only for internal circulation. It is not intended for onward circulation to non-OSPL TRs, clients or any other third party in this or any other version. Neither is this intended to be relied upon as a sole basis for any recommendation. TRs must also consider their clients' investment objectives, financial position and needs when intending to make or making any recommendation. For the front desk, by the front desk. All feedback to make this a better product is welcome.

Global Flash: While You Were Sleeping

Source: Marketwatch



Quote for the day : We don't stop going to school when we graduate.
- CAROL BURNETT
Singapore: The Day Ahead

SINGAPORE DAYBOOK :Tapering: Fed seen playing bait-and-switch game. More volatility than usual expected from gap in market communication.

LAST week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tested new records near 16,000 until Federal Reserve president James Bullard spoiled the party by saying the central bank may have just postponed "tapering" plans for a few weeks.
The Dow surged to as high as 15,700 after Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's apparent change of heart on the first step of a planned gradual retreat from quantitative easing. Stock and bond traders had considered a September "taper" a fait accompli.
Then, on Friday, Mr Bullard said that the decision not to taper was a "close call", adding that he would not be surprised if the board made its move at the next meeting in October.
Mr Bullard and Mr Bernanke both noted that the swing vote in the policy-setting board's decision would go to economic data.
That raises the stakes on data this week, which include reports on factories, home prices and home sales. The housing market data is particularly pertinent because the central bank postponed the taper largely because of weak July home-sales numbers.
The housing market is still an integral part of all aspects of the US consumer economy, providing employment, a store of wealth, and a market for raw and processed goods.
The Fed's assumption was that a June spike in mortgage rates "as would almost certainly be repeated in the case of a taper" had crimped demand for homes and cost builders their jobs. If this week's reports show that home prices continued to rise in July and that demand for new homes revived in August, the Fed board might feel more confident that the housing market is ready for reduced central bank support in six weeks.
Lennar and KB Home will reveal the view from inside the construction industry of demand for new homes when they report earnings this week.
Economists at major brokerages such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs expect a pick-up in economic growth in the second half of the year and into 2014, even if the Fed reduces bond buys in October. That's partly because global trade, which had slumbered during the last six months, is now reawakening.
Factory surveys in China and Europe have indicated an uptick in production after a slowdown in the summer. The latest round of Apple phones may not have met with the critical rapture as of old, but analysts at Piper Jaffray and elsewhere still expect the first weekend of sales to exceed those of past models.
"Stronger domestic demand and waning uncertainties around tax and regulatory policies should encourage businesses to expand by drawing down substantial cash reserves built over the past several years," said analysts at brokerage Morgan Stanley, in a research note.
This week's August durable goods orders report should echo surveys of the manufacturing sector from the Institute for Supply Management, which show activity at a two-year high.
"The pace of improvement in the past three months has historically only been seen when the economy has just been emerging from recession . . . or seeing a meaningful mid-cycle inflection higher in growth," said economists at Morgan Stanley in a research note.
With this economic backdrop and the seasonal strength of the market in the fourth quarter, the outlook should be bright for stocks.
One reason to expect more volatility than usual is a breakdown in communication between the markets and the central bank. Dissenters such as Dallas Federal Reserve president Richard Fisher insist that Mr Bernanke presides over a uniquely civil, non-political data-driven institution.
But the Fed is hardly speaking with one voice on the issue of tapering. There has been an unofficial contract between the central bank and Wall Street since the tenure of Alan Greenspan. When markets are wildly misconstruing the outlook for Fed policy, the chairman or other board members clarify the position at one of their many meetings.
Mr Bernanke may not have promised Wall Street there would be a tapering in September, but some Fed watchers say he betrayed that he allowed market participants to believe that "Septapering" was a sure thing.
"It was telegraphed not once but twice," said Quincy Krosby, investment strategist at Prudential Financial. "We're getting a sense that they want to change goal posts."
The Fed's previous position was that it would be done with stimulus altogether when unemployment rate hit 6.5 per cent. With unemployment now at 7.3 per cent and the gradual retreat not yet even begun, this now looks unlikely.
"It's almost as if you've got 'bait and switch'," said Ms Krosby, referring to the retailers' trick of advertising one thing and giving the consumer another.
(Source: The Business Times)

MARKET SCOOP

Hong Kong: Stock market to delay Monday open due to Typhoon Usagi
S'pore Aug inflation seen accelerating for 4th straight month: poll
Sideline income for property agentshit by cooling moves
F1 draws huge public, corporate response
Property investment seminars on CEA radar
(Source: The Business Times)

UOB KAY HIAN says...

GENTING HONG KONG | BUY | TP: US$0.49

We upgrade Genting Hong Kong (GENHK) to a BUY, raising our target price to US$0.49, factoring in NCL's sustained values and longer term fundamentals, and imputing a narrower 10% discount (previously 20%) to our revised RNAV US$0.55
The current share price weakness presents good upside potential to our revised SOTP target price, and we expect a resurgence of interest in GENHK with Travellers revisiting its IPO plans soon
Although Travellers could be seeking a much lower IPO market capitalisation of US$4b-6b (previous IPO attempt thought to be US$6b-8b), fetching such a potential valuation still creates significant shareholder value to GENHK
Travellers could revisit its IPO plans soon, to capitalise on its market leadership in the Philippines' casino market and recovery in investor sentiment
While we remain conservative in our forecasts and valuation for Travellers, valuing the entity at US$2.2b (around 9x 2013F EV/EBITDA - broadly in line with valuations accorded to Genting Malaysia), we acknowledge that upon listing, Travellers could command a market valuation above that of Bloomberry (which currently has a market capitalisation of just under US$3b), given RWM's higher profitability and larger facilities (particularly with its on-going expansion plan which should come on-stream starting from mid-15)
Nevertheless, we continue to err on the conservative side, in expectations of tightening competition as industry capacity flourishes again in 2014
NCL: capacity expansion fuels multi-year earnings growth
Recall that NCL will receive one more new Breakaway and two more BreakawayPlus-class vessels from 2014-17, following the delivery of the 4,000-berth Norwegian Breakaway in Apr 13
Cumulatively, these new vessels will add an estimated 50% to NCL's annual passenger capacity by end-17 (see RHS)
We gather the new vessels are able to command premiums on ticket prices of around 20% vs older vessels on similar routes
We note that NCL's advanced ticket sales had reached a record high of US$542m as at 30 Jun 13
Meanwhile, while its Asian cruise operations continue to face various challenges, it should deliver a stronger 2H13 after the disappointing 1H13 (which was dragged by a handful of one-off costs pertaining to the refurbishment and marketing costs)
We gather that StarAsia's new routes have garnered encouraging responses, judging from rising advance ticketing trends
We maintain our earnings forecasts, noting that we remain cautious in our outlook for Manila
While RWM has not been significantly impacted by competition from Solaire, we are cautious that the latter's recent issues (ie the termination of Global Gaming Asset Management's (GGAM) management services by Bloomberry Resorts, and ensuing arbitration) may not pan out in RWM's favour if Solaire, without GGAM's regional connections, shifts its focus to the local VIP and premium mass markets
Beyond this, there will be added competition once Melco-Crown Philippines' casino takes off by 2H14
We do not expect the group to dole out significant dividends yet, as it would probably opt to reserve its resources for a potential greenfield casino bid in Taiwan, and also given its interest in raising its stake in Australia's Echo Entertainment Group
Upgrade to trading BUY, with a higher target price of US$0.49 (previously US$0.42)
We nudge up our assessed RNAV/share for GENHK to US$0.55, valuing NCL at 10x 2014 EV/EBITDA (previously 9.5x) to account for strong earnings growth through 2015, and applying a narrower discount of 10% (previously 20%) to arrive at our new target price
The upside to our revised target price warrants an upgrade to BUY, noting NCL's sustained values, longer term fundamentals, and GENHK's ability to cash in on its investment in NCL, as well as the likelihood of Travellers renewing its IPO bid
However, we are still cautious that tougher competition is still on the horizon in Manila, and await clarity on its investment strategy in Australia's Echo Entertainment

OCBC Securities says ...

CAPITALAND LTD | BUY | TP: S$3.77

Yesterday, CAPL priced its proposed S$750m 2023 convertible bond issue at 1.95% yield to maturity with a conversion price of S$4.212 (30% premium over the last traded price)
Given the pricing and the fact that the group increased the issue size from S$600m to S$750m during the book building, we believe this points to firm demand for the issue
The group announced that they will use approximately 95%-100% of the proceeds to refinance its existing indebtedness and has set up an invitation to repurchase for cash its existing CBs due in 2016 and 2018
We see this to be a positive move that would further optimize the group's debt structure, which will have impact in reducing its interest payments and lengthening its average debt expiry
We also look forward to CAPL's new condominium launch - the 694- unit Sky Vue in Bishan, Singapore
CapitaLand holds a 75% equity stake in the project, with the remainder held by Mitsubishi Estate Asia Pte. Ltd
Sky Vue opened for previews last weekend and is priced at S$1.38k - S$1.55k psf
This is about 5%-10% lower than the adjacent Sky Habitat project (also owned by CapitaLand) and we like that the group has taken a realistic approach by pricing this project to move
While we estimate, as a result of lower pricing, fairly slim profit margins for Sky Vue - in the low teens - we believe that a strong launch would be taken positively by the market, particularly now that the group has a total unsold exposure of over a thousand units in the Bishan locality in Sky Habitat (340 units unsold) and Sky Vue (694 units unsold)
In light of the subdued outlook for the domestic residential sector, we favor large-cap developers with strong balance sheets and diversified exposure across regional real estate markets
Maintain BUY on CAPL with an unchanged fair value estimate of S$3.77

DMG OSK Securities says...

NAM CHEONG | BUY | TP: S$0.38

NCL said it has entered into a JV with PT Bahtera Niaga Internasional to own and operate OSVs in the lucrative Indonesian market
This will boost its high-margin recurring charter income, thus providing a new
source of orders and shipbuilding profits
NCL remains one of our Top Picks in the O&G sector, which we have upgraded to
OVERWEIGHT
Sailing into lucrative Indonesian offshore supply vessel (OSV) charter market
The JV will allow NCL to charter vessels in Indonesia, where the enforcement of cabotage law has led to charter rates spiking up 33% last year
We calculate that a 5,150bhp anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel in Indonesia today can fetch net margins of 41% net margins
At 30% equity financing, the ROE on each vessel is 44%
Assuming three new 5,150bhp AHTS per year
As capital is the main constraint for Indonesian partners of OSV JVs, we are assuming that this JV will own the smaller 5,150bhp AHTS vessels as well as a low growth rate of three vessels per year starting from FY14F, relative to NCL's large building capability
More shipbuilding orders on the horizon
NCL will be able to recognize 51% of each AHTS vessel's shipbuilding revenue and 49% of the charter profit at the associate-income level
We understand that the shipbuilding programme does not include these vessels
As such, we add three vessels per year to our S-curve revenue recognition model
NCL can deliver 34%/19%/15% growth
With these additions, we raise FY13-15F estimates by 1.7%/5.1%/3.2%
Further upside is possible as NCL has not yet to unveil its FY15F shipbuilding programme, which would boost FY14F/FY15F shipbuilding revenue if the numbers exceed our 25-vessel assumption (including vessels not intended for charter)
With commercial shipbuilding orders recovering, the pressure on offshore O&G asset prices should be somewhat relieved
We continue to like NC's low valuation and lead as the world's largest OSV builder
Following the EPS upgrades, our TP is nudged up to SGD0.38