Maybank IB Views

ECONOMICS
US FOMC Preview
Expecting something...

The latest round FOMC meeting was originally scheduled for a day (20 Sep) but was extended to two days (20-21 Sep) to allow a fuller discussion on the economic development and outlook, as well as the Fed's policy responses. No QE3 is expected amid the lack of consensus at Fed on such policy. Instead, we are looking at the formal announcement of the "Operation Twist" where Fed will lengthen the average maturity of its securities holdings to extend the commitment to very low interest rate on the short end of the interest rate spectrum to the long end. Recall that Fed pledged to keep the fed fund rate at 0%-0.25% until at least mid-2013 at the previous FOMC meeting (9 Aug).

SECTOR UPDATE
Power: Neutral
Projek Lekas, what it means to us

Get ready for higher tariff. This report aims to quantify the impact of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) when PETRONAS' re-gasification plant (LEKAS) is ready (expected July 2012). The imported LNG will be costlier than Tenaga's current gas supply - which is subsidized - hence, power tariff must rise to reflect this. On the flip side, Tenaga will have greater certainty of supply and avoid further incidence of having to burn costly oil and distillates, like the episode experienced in 3QFY11.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI tumbled 17.81-points to close at 1,413.12 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,413 and 1,440 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,382 and 1,400. Due to the US markets’ weaker tone last night; we may see a volatile tone for the index today. Some persistent foreign liquidation activities may depress the markets’ today.

Trading Idea is a Take Profit call for SIME, PCHEM and IJM.

Other Local News
Sime Darby: In talks to buy Bucyrus’ distribution assets. Sime Darby Industrial Sdn Bhd (SDI) is in talks to buy the distribution assets of Bucyrus International Inc. Sime Darby might announce the deal by end of the year, adding that the acquisition would enable Sime to extend the range of its products to cover both surface and underground mining equipment. SDI expects to remain busy for the next three years with an order book of RM3b. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

AirAsia: Thai AirAsia puts off IPO to 1Q11. The Thai unit of Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd has delayed the initial public offering (IPO) of its shares to the 1Q12 from 4Q11. The delay is because it needs more time to restructure its organisation and conduct due diligence. (Source: Business Times)

Hartalega: MD to buy Budi Tenggara. Hartalega Holdings Bhd’s MD Kuan Kam Hon plans to buy 100% of Budi Tenggara Sdn Bhd, which has a direct 4.99% stake in Hartalega and a 13.9% stake in Hartalega Industries Sdn Bhd, which in turn has a 50.6% in Hartalega. If the deal goes through, Kuan will control 51.5% of Hartalega and Securities Commission has granted a waiver from making a mandatory general offer. (Source: Business Times)

BRDB: To sell four assets for RM914m. Bandar Raya Development Bhd (BRDB) has decided to part with four investment properties including Bangsar Shopping Centre , Menara BRDB, CapSquare Retail Centre and Permas Jusco Mall for a cash consideration of RM430m with net liabilities of RM484m to be assumed by the buyer, valuing the entire transaction at RM914m. Following the disposal, BRDB will distribute part of the proceeds to its shareholders via a net cash dividend of 80 sen per share. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

Plantation: Another vote against Aussie palm oil Bill. The Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling - Palm Oil) Bill 2010 was rejected by Australia's House of Representatives Economics Committee in Canberra yesterday, the second committee to do so since it was tabled in Parliament. Malaysia is awaiting the final vote from the Parliament. (Source: Business Times)

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Maybank IB Views

Plantation: Neutral
Short term fundamentals improved

Maintain Neutral, for now. Amidst the financial chaos in the past week which led to a 6% correction in CPO price to below RM3,000/t (3M Futures), we expect some short term relief as fundamentals improved on lower July inventory, rising exports over 1-10 Aug period, and lower production productivity during the fasting month. US' pledge to maintain interest rate at near-zero through mid-2013 would help to support commodity prices, CPO price inclusive. But do expect short term price volatility. Maintain Neutral on the sector. Our top Buys are SOP and TSH which offer single-digit valuations (for SOP) and strong +16 to +20% 3-year forward production CAGR.

RESULTS PREVIEW
Petronas Chemicals RM6.19: Buy
Maintenance shutdowns dampener Shariah-compliant

2Q11 will be beset by maintenance shutdowns. PCHEM is expected to release its 2Q11 results on 24 August. 2Q will be bogged down by major maintenance shutdowns and nationwide gas curtailment during the period. Product volumes will be lower but fortunately the higher product margin will help to offset this. Maintain Buy, with an unchanged TP of RM8.15 based on 13.5x 2012 PER, in line with global peers.

ECONOMICS
Industrial Production Index (IPI), Jun '11
Rebound after two months of declines

Industrial production index (IPI) rebounded in June '11 after two months of declines i.e. +1.0% YoY (revised May '11: -5.6% YoY) and +3.5% MoM (revised May '11: -1.4% MoM). Manufacturing output growth gained momentum as the Japan supply-chain effect diminished, but mining production - especially crude oil - remained a drag. Industrial output however shrank -1.6% YoY in 2Q 2011 (1Q 2011: +2.4% YoY) and -1.6% QoQ (1Q 2011: -0.3% QoQ), implying further deceleration in GDP growth. Our 2011-year real GDP growth forecast was revised downward to +5.1% at the start of 2H 2011 versus +5.5% at the start of the year. Our imputed 2Q 2011 growth was correspondingly trimmed to +3.9% YoY from +4.7% YoY. 2Q01 real GDP data will be out on 17 Aug.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI rose 8.38 points to close at 1,480.52 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,480 and 1,530 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,423 and 1,472.Due to the US markets’ plunge last night; we will see some volatile trading activities in the local bourse today. Some heavy profit-taking and liquidation activities on any rebound.

Trading idea is AIRASIA.

Other Local News
Mah Sing: To buy potential lands yielding RM7b GDV. Mah Sing Group Bhd is targeting land acquisitions which could potentially yield RM5b to RM7b in gross development value (GDV) compared to 10 landbanking transactions in 2010 with combined GDV of approximately RM4b. (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)

AirAsia: AirAsia X picks IPO adviser. AirAsia X has chosen Morgan Stanley as its adviser for its proposed initial public offering (IPO) for which listing plans, targeted for next year, were underway. Khazanah Nasional Bhd's proposed plan to take up a 10% stake in AirAsia X would be executed "very quickly" with issuance of new shares in AirAsia X. (Source: The Star)

Maxis: Partners Alcatel-Lucent to deploy first 100G core transmission network in Asia Pacific. Maxis Bhd, with Alcatel-Lucent as a strategic supplier, will be deploying the first 100G single carrier with optical coherent energy network solution commercially deployed in the Asia Pacific. With that, Maxis will be able to address growing bandwidth requirements and data usage driven by smartphones, tablets, modems and fiber-to-the-premises services. (Source: Bernama.com)

Aviation: Airport tax hike. Malaysian Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is raising tax to cover rising operating costs and finance airport expansion. The airport operator has proposed that the tax at the country's 39 airports it manages, excluding low cost carrier terminals (LCCT), be raised by RM14 for international travelers from Sept 15. The travelers will have to pay RM65 from RM51 (RM45 for airport tax and RM6 for security charge) now. (Source: The Sun)

Plantation: Planters see minimal impact by pay rise. The cost of production (COP) and profit margins among oil palm plantation companies will be minimally affected by the Malayan Agricultural Producers Association's (MAPA) decision to increase the wages of some 157,270 general plantation workers nationwide. (Source: The Star)

Construction: RM2b cable car link. The country's first proposed mainland-to-island cable car will be built in Port Dickson as part of the RM2b PD Waterfront project. The cable car project, spanning 750m, will link the new PD Waterfront township with Pulau Arang, an uninhabited island to boost tourism. (Source: The Star)

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Maybank IB Views

SECTOR UPDATE
Media: Neutral
May 2011 adex: Growth momentum slows

Slowing down. While May 2011 total gross adex was up 10% YoY, it was below expectations as it was only up 4% MoM when we expected it to be 10% to 15% higher MoM. This was likely due to weakening consumer sentiment dealt by inflation which will only be aggravated going forward by the recent 7% electricity tariff hike. Furthermore, total gross adex growth YoY will decelerate in 2H11 due to the high base effect of 2H10. Only Media Prima remains a Buy.

COMPANY UPDATE
Petronas Chemicals Group RM7.08: Buy
Retracement, but largely expected Shariah-compliant

Beset by headwinds. PCHEM's product margin in May 2011 was USD1,222/ton (+42.1% YoY, -1.7% MoM), we estimate. The year-to-date product margin of USD1,157/ton is 25.8% higher YoY. Product prices are retracing from a super run over the past three months. This is largely expected, and we are unperturbed as our 2011 earnings forecast is based on a realistic USD1,027/ton. Maintain BUY with an unchanged target price of RM8.15/share.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI closed higher by 1.60 points at 1,560.79 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,562 and 1,576 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,540 and 1,560. Due to the US markets’ rebound tone last night, we will see some initial low volume buying activities in the local bourse today.

Trading idea for today is a Take Profit call on TIMECOM.

Other Local News

MAHB: Secures Eurocopter as anchor tenant of Subang airport. Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd has signed the 30-year lease with an option for an additional 30years. Eurocopter is looking to build a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services facility on a 7,000 sq m plot of land in the MAHB helicopter centre in Subang. (Source: The Edge Daily)

MAS: Orders 10 more 737-800s. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has exercised an option to buy 10 Boeing 737-800s valued at some USD800m (RM2.4b) at curret list prices. MAS still has purchase rights for an additional 10 737-800s remaining from its initial 2008 contract. (Source: The Sun)

Auto: Car sales impacted by amended Act. Stakeholders in the automotive sector say the recent amendments to the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 (HPA) will hurt the car retail trade. Some said the amended Act is confusing and overly protected consumers to the detriment of car retailers. (Source: The Star)

Mining: Vale turns focus to Malaysia. Vale SA has forgone plans to build a distribution centre in China and will focus on making Malaysia its main hub for Asian sales. Vale is investing USD1.37b (RM4.16b) to set up a maritime terminal in Malaysia with capacity to dock its Valemax vessels and handle up to 30m tonnes of iron ore a year starting in the first half of 2014. (Source: Business Times)

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Maybank IB Views

COMPANY UPDATE
KNM Group RM1.90: Hold
Brace for further headwinds Shariah-compliant

Cut forecasts, downgrade to Hold. Our initial forecasts are too optimistic and management is guiding for lower profits as earnings could remain weak over the next few quarters. This is disappointing for we had expected earnings to rebound on the new orders secured in the past 12 months. The financing for the Peterborough project is still unresolved. We lower our target price to RM2.00 based on reduced PE multiple target of 10x (previously 14x) as we also cut earnings forecasts.

Petronas Chemicals RM7.06: Buy
Missed the first party, but there is another one coming Shariah-compliant

Power tariff hike impact negligible. We have imputed the impact of the electricity tariff hike by Tenaga Nasional which is rather negligible at only ±RM20m p.a. This does not change the Company fundamentals at all and we remain bullish with the high product prices and strong demand. Our concern lies with the uncertainty of gas supply due to the on-going maintenance work from its supplier. We rollover valuations to 2012 earnings and maintain BUY with a higher TP of RM8.15 (+2%), based on 13.5x PER - in line with industry's historical average PER.

ECONOMICS
Economic Transformation Programme (ETP)
Update #6…

PM announced additional 15 projects, initiatives and enablers in the sixth ETP update, involving RM63.38b investments under 11 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) in seven National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) that will generate RM66.31b in gross national income (GNI) and create 63,531 new jobs. The biggest project is the RM60b Refinery And Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) in Pengerang, Johor. So far, execution of ETP has seen confirmation of 65 EPPs (49.6% of the targeted 131) under 11 NKEAs with investment value of RM169.78b (21.4% of the targeted RM794.5b EPP investments) that are expected to raise RM220.15b in GNI (49.6% of the targeted RM1.1tr) and create 362,396 jobs (11% of the targeted 3.3m). ETP rollout is having visible positive impact on actual investment as per the data on business loans growth, PDS issuance and FDI int he first three to four months of 2011.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI fell 10.31 points and ended at 1,545.88 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,545 and 1,565 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,527 and 1,540. Due to the world markets' quiet tone last night, we will see some boring and low volume-trading activities in the local bourse today. We expect the FBM KLCI to remain benign today, as the local market could remain lacklustre.

Trading Idea for today is a Take Profit call on MPHB

Other Local News
Banking: Maybank's proposal for RHB stake soon. Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) will be making a proposal to acquire RHB Capital Bhd before the end of this month, according to Maybank's chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor. (Source: The Star)

RHBCap: ADCB in need of cash. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank's (ADCB) plans to hive off its 25% stake in RHBCap to Aabar Investments could be due to need of cash to settle some of its debts that will be due soon. (Source: The Star)

Alam Maritim: Wins RM52m job. Alam Maritim Resources Bhd (AMRB) has been awarded a contract valued at RM52m from Samsung Engineering Malaysia Sdn Bhd to supply engineering work, supply of materials, fabrication, load-out and commissioning of two units of single point mooring buoy for Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal project. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

KFC: RM23m for 25 new outlets in the country. KFC Holdings (Malaysia) Bhd will spend around RM23m to open 25 new outlets in Malaysia by year-end. Around 10 outlets will be in the form of "drive-thru", and the balance will be normal outlets. (Source: Business Times)

Sime: To invest RM280m in two new hospitals. Sime Darby Bhd's healthcare unit will invest RM280m in two new hospitals in the Klang Valley under the government's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). The segment is expected to contribute about 20% of the company's revenue in next three to five years. (Source: Business Times)

MMC: Malakoff Clinches 1,000MW tender. Malakoff Corp Bhd which is 51% owned by MMC has won the tender to build a 1,000MW coal-fired facility at its existing site in Tanjung Bin, Johor. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

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RHBInvest Research

Top Story: Oils & Gas - Overweight

Sector Update

Highlights From 16th Asia Oil And Gas Conference (AOGC)


Petronas Chemicals Outperform (FV: RM8.92)

Dialog Outperform (FV: RM3.50)

P Gas Outperform (FV: RM13.95)


Energy demand fundamentals have recovered and global crude oil prices are set to remain in positive territory above US$75/bbl which will support our view that capex for conventional developments (both shallow and deepwater) will continue and drive contract awards. Only beyond US$125/bbl will there be potential demand destruction.

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RHBInvest Research

Top Story: Penang Property Update

• Sector Update
• Property sector is the key beneficiary of all the infra developments and strong capital investment flow in Penang.
• IJM Land and E&O, which are the prime beneficiaries of the upcoming major infra developments and strong capital investment flows into the Penang state.
• Our estimated fair value for E&O is RM1.91,we maintain our Overweight stance on the sector. Our top picks are IJM Land and Mah Sing.

Sector Call

Banking:

Sector Update

1QCY11 report card
Low loan impairment allowances provides relief to slow start
No change to our Overweight stance on the sector.

Media:

Sector Update 1Q11

1. Apr Adex For TV and Print Grew 17.8% YoY
2. Media Prima remains our preferred pick given its position as the largest integrated media player in Malaysia. In addition, we believe there is still scope for further synergies to be unlocked across its different platforms.
3. No change to our Overweight call on the sector.

Building Material:

Sector Update

• Impact of electricity and natural gas tariff review
• Maintain Underweight for the sector.

Corporate Highlights

TNB:

Briefing Note

• TNB’s outlook received a boost after receiving an average tariff hike of 7.12% effective 1 Jun and the formalisation of a fuel cost pass-through (FCPT) formula.
• Fair value raised to RM8.00 (previously RM5.60). Upgrade to Outperform from Underperform.

CBIP:

Results / Visit Note

• Benefitting from plantation arm
• Raise target price to RM4.90 (from RM4.65), after updating for CBIP’s latest net debt figure.
• No change to our Market Perform recommendation on CBIP.

MCIL:

Results Note

• FY11 Ends On A High Note
• Fair value is raised to RM1.43 (from RM1.38), which is based on unchanged target CY11 PER of 13x.
• We reiterate our Outperform call on the stock.

Petronas Gas:

News Update

• Minimal Impact From Government’s Gas Price Hike
• We maintain our RM13.95/share fair value and Outperform call on the stock.

Petronas Chemicals:

News Update

• Minimal Impact From Government’s Gas Price Hike
• Fair value for the stock decreases slightly to RM8.92/share (from RM9.02/share previously). We maintain our Outperform call on the stock.

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RHBInvest Research

Top Story: Benchmarking –

Market Update (published 27 May 2011)

• The review of the FBM indices will be based on 31 May share prices.
• YTD, the FBM KLCI has risen by just 1.4%. Looking ahead, notwithstanding concerns about the strength of US and EU economic growth, we believe the market will be driven by M&A, corporate restructuring and to some extent the follow-through from earlier-announced ETP projects. This is further supported by decent market earnings growth of 11.3% and 12.0% for 2011-2012.

Corporate Highlights

WCT :

Briefing Note

• Still Confident About RM2bn New Jobs In FY12/11
• Maintain Underperform. Fair value is RM2.37.

Petronas Chemicals :

Briefing Note

• Product Prices, Fertilisers And Methanol Division Capacity Utilisation Keep Earning Intact
• We maintain our Outperform call and RM9.02/share fair value.

MMHE :

News Update
Signing MOU For Sime Darby’s Pasir Gudang Yard Acquisition

Sime Darby :
3QFY11 Results/Briefing Note

• In 3QFY11, Sime recorded a net EI loss of RM7.9, comprising forex gain RM0.5m, the RM98.5m writeback for the Maersk Oil project, a RM73.9m impairment on biodiesel and bioganic assets and a RM33m impairment loss on a property project, bringing total EI for 9MFY11 to a loss of RM11m.

Fair value has been reduced slightly to RM10.60 (from RM10.70). Now that the sale of the O&G division has been announced, we believe Sime would need to gain further ground by being more focused on its other divisions to improve operational efficiencies, to improve its market value and standings in the different industries it operates in.

We maintain our Outperform recommendation on the stock.



IJM Land :

Results / briefing note
The value has yet to be fully appreciated
We maintain our Outperform call with an unchanged FV of RM3.28, IJMLD continues to be our top pick for the sector.



IJM:
FY03/11 Performance Weighed Down By Construction Losses In 4Q
Maintain Underperform. Fair value is RM6.12.Sime Darby :

3QFY11 Results/Briefing Note

• In 3QFY11, Sime recorded a net EI loss of RM7.9, comprising forex gain RM0.5m, the RM98.5m writeback for the Maersk Oil project, a RM73.9m impairment on biodiesel and bioganic assets and a RM33m impairment loss on a property project, bringing total EI for 9MFY11 to a loss of RM11m.
• Fair value has been reduced slightly to RM10.60 (from RM10.70). Now that the sale of the O&G division has been announced, we believe Sime would need to gain further ground by being more focused on its other divisions to improve operational efficiencies, to improve its market value and standings in the different industries it operates in.
• We maintain our Outperform recommendation on the stock.

IJM Land :

Results / briefing note

• The value has yet to be fully appreciated
• We maintain our Outperform call with an unchanged FV of RM3.28, IJMLD continues to be our top pick for the sector.

IJM:

• FY03/11 Performance Weighed Down By Construction Losses In 4Q
• Maintain Underperform. Fair value is RM6.12.

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Stocks to watch: MRCB, DRB-Hicom, Genting, PetChem

KUALA LUMPUR: The big capitalised stocks, especially GENTING BHD and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd would be in focus on Friday, May 27 following their sharply improved earnings in the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Other companies which would also see trading interest would be MALAYSIAN RESOURCES CORPoration Bhd (MRCB), DRB-HICOM BHD and MyEG Services Bhd.

SIME DARBY BHD is also scheduled to announce its third quarter results for the period ended March 31.

Genting Bhd’s net profit surged 254% to RM824.17 million in the first quarter ended March 31 from RM232.43 million a year ago when the net profit then was affected by net impairment losses. Revenue rose 57.2% to RM4.89 billion from RM3.11 billion while earnings per share were 22.25 sen compared with 6.29 sen.

The group’s profit before tax in 1QFY11 was RM1.9 billion compared with RM200.0 million in 1QFY10.

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd reported net profit of RM932 million in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 5.7% from the RM881 million a year ago.

Its revenue rose 8.9% to RM4.353 billion from RM3.996 billion while earnings per share were 12 sen. It proposed dividend of 19 sen per share totaling RM1.52 billion.

For the financial year ended March 31, its net profit increased by 36.1% to RM2.994 billion from RM2.199 billion. Revenue rose 19.5% to RM14.586 billion from RM12.203 billion supported by higher prices and volume addition.

MRCB posted a 120% increase in its earnings to RM21.60 million in the first quarter ended March 31, from RM9.84 million a year ago, boosted by its on-going property development projects.

MRCB was upbeat on its outlook for the next two years where it expected progressive completion of the on-going CONSTRUCTION projects and property development within KL Sentral which works had commenced since 2009.

“Two major developments planned on strata sales at Kuala Lumpur Sentral comprising Q Sentral office block at Lot B and condominium residences at Lot D with combined gross development value in excess of RM2 billion will commence construction works in 2011,” it said.

DRB-Hicom’s earnings were 72% lower at RM72.39 million from RM259.36 million a year ago due to the absence of exceptional gains of RM211.43 million from the disposal of estates.

Its revenue rose 25.1% to RM1.99 billion from RM1.59 billion a year ago. It proposed a final dividend of four sen per share.

MyEG recorded its best-performing quarter in 3Q11, boosted by the public’s growing adoption of e-Government services via its MyEG portal.

Its revenue rose 20% on the back of an increased Highway Code test-tasking, increased online, increased online payment of traffic summonses an encouraging growth for online renewal of road tax and automobile insurance.

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Maybank IB Views

Banking: Overweight
Bouncing back in March

Loan growth stronger than expected. System loan growth in March was stronger than expected and on an annualized basis, is up 12.9% YTD (13.2% YoY). On a YTD basis, non-household loan growth was higher at 13.6% versus 12.3% YTD for consumer loan growth. We raise our system loan growth forecast, and maintain our Overweight stance on the banking sector, with Buys on RHB Capital and CIMB.

COMPANY UPDATE
Petronas Chemicals Group RM7.22: Buy
April high to take a breather Shariah-compliant

Supply disruption boost. PCHEM's product margin in April 2011 was USD1,243/ton (+44.7% YoY, +3.2% MoM), we estimate. The year-to-date product margin of USD1,138/ton is 32.2% higher YoY, and above our 2011 estimate of USD1,027/ton. The advance of chemical prices has stagnated in certain segments but overall it has been a mixed bag with gainers and losers almost neutralizing each other. Maintain Buy; there is no change to our earnings forecasts and RM8.00 target price.

RESULTS REVIEW
Sunway REIT RM1.09: Buy
On track Shariah-compliant

Maintain Buy. SunREIT's RM126.2m 9MFY11 realised net profit was within expectations. Its proposed 1.7 sen DPU for 3QFY11 was also in line. We continue to like SunREIT as we believe it will benefit from the 5-6% p.a. growth in the local retail market and rising consumerism. We see a potential upside from its recently-acquired Putra Place, though a major makeover may be required for the building before it starts contributing to the trust. We maintain our earnings forecasts with an unchanged RM1.15 DCF-based target price.

Eastern Pacific Industrial Corp RM2.40: Hold
No surprises, no catalyst Shariah-compliant

No catalyst in sight. 1Q11 results were in line, on stronger YoY performance. EPIC remains a Hold. We see no immediate catalyst to warrant a re-rating. Moreover, the development of Tanjong Agas in Pahang will pose a challenge to its competitiveness in the long term. Our RM2.55 target price remains unchanged, based on 8x 2011 PER.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI closed 3.48 points lower at 1,531.47 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,531 and 1,548 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,514 and 1,529. We expect further range trading for the FBM KLCI. As such, invest with a short-term time horizon.

Trading idea for today is a Buy call on E&O.

Other Local News
Axiata: Dialog, Firstsource in JV. Sri Lanka-based Dialog Axiata, a subsidiary of Axiata, announced a business process outsourcing (BPO) joint venture with India's Firstsource Solutions. Firstsource Solutions and Dialog will hold a 74% and a 26% stake respectively in Dialog Business Services (DBS). The JV will manage Dialog's customer contact management operations across its mobile, fixed line, pay television and broadband businesses. (Source: Business Times)

RHBCap: ADCB eyes 2 times book value for RHB stake. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is looking at two times book value, or about RM10 per share, for its 25% stake in RHB Capital Bhd. (Source: The Star)

EonCap: Restraining order unlikely by Primus as such move may result in legal suit by HLB. Primus Pacific Partners Ltd, which last week lost its legal case against EON Capital Bhd's (EON Cap) directors and shareholders, is unlikely to file a restraining order or injunction to stop the sale of EON Cap's assets to Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) for fear of opening itself up to a legal suit. (Source: The Star)

KPJ: To raise RM500m for projects. KPJ Healthcare Bhd has launched its Islamic commercial papers/Islamic medium-term notes (ICP/IMTN) programme to raise RM500m to finance hospital and healthcare projects. (Source: The Star)

Ramunia: Unveils plan to bring the group out of PN17 status. Ramunia Holdings Bhd has unveiled a regularisation plan to address its PN17 status that involved a proposed capital reconstruction, rights issue and business rejuvenation plan. (Source: The Star)

TRC Synergy: Bags RM45m contract. TRC Synergy Bhd's unit, Trans Resources Corp Sdn Bhd has won a RM45m job from Boustead Penang Shipyard Sdn Bhd to build submarine safety conditioning facilities. (Source: Business Times)

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RHBInvest Research

Top Story: Utilities

• Sector Update
• TNB lacks catalysts going forward.
• YTL Power may lose a bit of shine since the key investment thesis for the stock has historically been high dividend yields.
• The restructuring of the water sector in Selangor is expected to remain in a deadlock situation.
• We maintain our Underweight stance on the sector due to lack of catalysts.

Sector Call

Oil & Gas:

• Sector Update
• Improvement seen for vessel market
• Petra Perdana (OP, FV = RM1.39) thus reflects the expected rise in valuation for the company’s vessel assets.
• We maintain our Overweight call on the sector in light of the positive bias on the sector’s outlook. Our top picks are Petronas Chemicals (OP, FV = RM9.02) and SapuraCrest (OP, FV = RM4.37).

Timber:

• Sector Update
• It’s a “sellers” market now for plywood given the anticipated increase in demand from Japan, low inventory level, limited increase in supply, and disruption in Japan domestic plywood production.
• We downgrade our call on WTKH to Market Perform (from outperform previously) due to the limited upside to our fair value. WTK share price has rallied by 65% since the Japan earthquake on 11 Mar.
• We reiterate our Overweight call on the sector. Top picks are Jaya Tiasa (OP, FV = RM7.84) and Ta Ann (OP, FV = RM7.99).

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Maybank IB Views

ACQUISITIONS / DISPOSAL
RHB Capital RM8.72: Buy / AMMB Holdings RM6.57: Hold
Merge AMMB & RHB Cap? Why not....

Could it, should it, would it? Could the merger take place? We think it is plausible, for it would tie in with aspirations for further consolidation in the industry and the creation of larger banks. Should AMMB and RHB Capital merge? We believe such an exercise could be earnings accretive and synergistic. Would it happen? That's the billion Ringgit question .... that we will have to leave open-ended. We maintain a Buy on RHB Capital with a marginally higher TP of RM9.50 (from RM9.40) and a Hold on AMMB (TP: RM6.80) for now.

COMMENTS ON NEWS
IJM Corporation RM6.35: Hold
Two new toll concessions Shariah-compliant

Lacking details. Two toll concessions, given the go-ahead by the government last Friday, should positively boost IJM Corporation's construction order book, which stands at approximately RM4.1b now. We estimate order book could easily double. The impact on valuations cannot however be assessed in the absence of further information. We maintain our Hold call on IJM for now, with an unchanged RM6.50 RNAV target price, which implies 21x 2011 earnings multiple.

Technicals
FBM KLCI rose 39.83-points and closed at 1,555.38 last Friday. The fine support areas for the FBM KLCI are located in the 1,498 to 1,555-zone. The firm resistance zone of 1,558 and 1,576 will see heavy liquidation activities.

Trading idea for today is a Buy call on PCHEM.

Other Local News
TNB: Unit signs deal for Manjung plant. Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) unit TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd (TNBJ) has signed an engineering, procurement and construction agreement with a consortium led by Alstom Power System SA for the 1,000 MW Manjung coal-fired power plant project. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

YTL Power: Japanese partner to bid for RM9b Java project. YTL Power International Bhd has teamed up with a Japanese consortium to bid for a 2,000MW coal-fired power plant project in Central Java worth USD3b (RM9b). YTL Power and its Japanese partner have agreed to a 20:80 debt equity ratio, with the Japanese consortium assuming the larger portion of the risk. (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)

Kenanga-ECM Libra: Merger in the works? ECM Libra Financial Group and K&N Kenanga Holdings Bhd are believed to be exploring a potential merger with a possibility of ECM's shareholders selling out to Kenanga. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Boustead: Eyeing majority stake in Esso M'sia with LTAT. Boustead Holdings Bhd and its parent company Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) are believed to be eyeing Exxonmobil International Holdings Inc's 65% stake in Esso Malaysia. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Plantation: World Bank lifts palm oil moratorium. The World Bank last Friday lifted an 18-month global moratorium on lending for new palm oil investments, endorsing a strategy that focuses on supporting small farmers that dominate the sector. (Source: Business Times)

Plantation: Felda Global plans sweet IPO. Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd plans to list some of its businesses starting with its sugar operations this year. The initial public offering (IPO) of wholly-owned Malayan Sugar Manufacturing (MSM) may raise more than RM1b. Felda Global plans to list five companies and it is already in talks with a few investment banks. (Source: Business Times)

Construction: Three foreign players in race for Pudu Jail redevelopment. Three foreign players are among the 10 companies shortlisted by the master developer, UDA Holdings Bhd for the redevelopment project of the Pudu Jail site. The companies are Dubai-based Damac Group teaming up with UEM Land, state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corp that has tied up with Kumpulan Jetson Bhd and Keppel Land Ltd. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

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Maybank IB Views

Kencana Petroleum RM2.58: Buy
Bags Petrofac's Cendor Phase 2 gig Shariah-compliant

Maintain Buy; 20% upside. Kencana is on course to meet its job win targets for FY11. The RM216m Petrofac EPCC gig takes its outstanding orders to 69%, with 4 months to go. Our forecasts are unchanged, which implies a 3-year net profit CAGR of 26%. We value Kencana at RM3.10, based on 20x CY12 EPS. Our 20x PER target is validated in a capex-fueled, order book-driven upcycle.

Top Glove Corporation RM5.28: Hold
Stretching valuations Shariah-compliant

Sentiment driven. Latex cost has rebounded to the pre-Japan earthquake level of RM10.35/kg. We reduce our FY11 EPS forecast by 8% after we trim our sales volume assumption by 3%. Though Top Glove is trading at 15x CY12 PER (above its 5-year historical average of 13x), we think short-term interest on the stock will sustain owing to expectation of a falling latex cost in May. Reiterate Hold, TP is adjusted upward to RM5.10 (from RM4.55) as we roll forward our DCF valuation.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI rose higher by 5.84 points to 1,520.09 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,521 and 1,538 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,505 and 1,520.

Trading idea for today is a Buy call on COASTAL.

Other Local News
MISC: To gain from sale and charterback of vessels. MISC Bhd's subsidiary, AET Inc. Ltd., entered into the sale and charterback of four tankers, namely two Aframaxes and two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). The total net cash proceeds from the transaction is USD167m for a gain on disposal of USD33m. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

MRCB: Inks deal with Ekovest. Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad has entered into a joint venture with Ekovest Berhad and KL Bund Sdn Bhd in relation to the River of Life Project. MRCB would have 40% equity in JV company while Ekovest would hold 60% stake. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

DRB-HICOM: VW to make Pekan regional hub, plans to make 30,000 vehicles by 2018. DRB-HICOM Bhd's tie-up with German automotive giant Volkswagen AG (VW) to manufacture VW cars at the former's plant in Pekan, Pahang is expected to produce more than 30,000 (VW) vehicles at the plant by 2018. Pekan will become the regional automotive hub for VW. (Source: The Star)

Perisai: To buy Garuda Energy for RM210m. Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd plans to buy all of Garuda Energy (L) Ltd, an oil and gas concern, for RM210m. Garuda Energy currently owns a jack-up rig that is being converted into a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU) at Jurong Shipyard, Singapore, by May 2011. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

Metro Kajang: To beef up plantation, property units. Metro Kajang Holdings Bhd is buying more land in Kalimantan, Indonesia and in the Klang Valley to beef up its core plantation and property development divisions to drive earnings. Metro Kajang was looking to buy 20,000ha of plantation land from a local landowner in east Kalimantan. (Source: Business Times)

Petrolchemical: Petronas and BASF mull RM4b joint investment to set up petrochemical plant in Malaysia. Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and BASF SE are considering a potential joint investment sum of RM4b to set up a plant to produce petrochemical products in Malaysia. (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)

Property: Malaysia to allocate land for affordable homes. The government will allocate a portion of its landbank for the construction of affordable housing, especially for Malaysians eligible for the My First Home Scheme. The affordable housing project, which will likely be stratified properties or apartments, will either be built by the government or through joint ventures with the private sector. (Source: Business Times)

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Maybank IB Views

Gamuda RM3.79: Buy
Earnings uptrend intact Shariah-compliant

Above our expectations. 1HFY11 results included a RM16m positive accounting adjustment at SPLASH post-IC12 implementation, which was not reflected in our forecast. RM183m net profit (+20% YoY) made up 51% of our pre-revision RM355m full-year forecast. We raise our FY11-13 net profit forecasts by 8-9% p.a. to reflect this adjustment. Being non-cash in nature, our DCF valuation for SPLASH is unchanged and this too, has no impact on our RM4.45 RNAV-based target price for Gamuda. The stock remains our top pick in construction. Maintain Buy.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI rose marginally by 1.87 points to 1,513.84 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,515 and 1,529 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,497 and 1,513. Due to the DJIA’s rebound tone last night, we will see the FBM KLCI in a slightly firmer mode today.

Daily Trading idea is a Short-Term Buy call on PCHEM.

Other Local News
Wah Seong: To make fans, blowers. Wah Seong Corp Bhd will set up a joint venture with PT Agrindo Prima Lestari (PTA) to manufacture industrial fans and blowers for the palm oil industry and other industries utilizing similar products in Indonesia. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

SEGi: Plans 50% dividend payout. SEG International Bhd (SEGi) has announced a dividend policy to distribute a minimum of 50% of its group net profit to shareholders with effect from the financial year ending Dec 31, 2011. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Transmile: Gets RM200m from aircraft sale. Transmile Group Bhd has completed the disposal of four of its aircraft to Federal Express Corp for USD67m (RM200m), paving way for the company to pare down its long term borrowings that totaled RM531.6m as at Dec 31, 2010. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Autos: Toyota to restart hybrid vehicle output in Japan. Toyota Motor Corp would restart production of three hybrid models (Prius, Lexus HS250h and CT200h) on Monday after a massive earthquake this month disrupted output across the industry. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

SCORE: Nine companies investing RM20b in Score so far. Nine companies have to date confirmed investments totalling RM20b in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score). This does not include the RM2b investment by a Taiwanese company in the halal industry hub. (Source: The Star)

Plantation: 'Abolish windfall tax' call. Four national oil palm associations which represents over 80% of the country's oil palm fraternity has submitted a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, urging the Government to seriously re-consider abolishing or reviewing the imposed crude palm oil (CPO) windfall profit tax (WPT) for the sector. (Source: The Star)

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Maybank IB Views

SECTOR UPDATE
Automotive: Neutral
On course, no pick-up ...

Maintain Neutral; in search of catalysts. Tepid sales in the Jan-Feb period concurs with our and market's assessment of Malaysia's auto growth trend for 2011. We remain Neutral on the sector, anticipating a mere 2-3% TIV growth as market reaches saturation. Stock-wise, we have upgraded Proton to a Hold following a 15% fall in share price post-our Sell call downgrade in Feb. MBM and TCM remain a Buy on inexpensive valuations whilst UMW is still a Hold.

COMPANY UPDATE
Petronas Chemicals Group RM6.74: Buy
Strong February Shariah-compliant

It only gets better. PCHEM's product margin in Feb 2011 was USD1,122/ton (+27.8% YoY, +10.5% MoM), we estimate. The year-to-date product margin of USD1,062/ton is 23.1% higher YoY and above our 2011 estimate of USD1,027/ton. Things are looking very positive for PCHEM to deliver record profits in 2011. Maintain Buy; there is no change to our earnings forecasts and target price of RM8.00.

S P Setia RM6.15: Buy
A golden opportunity to buy Shariah-compliant

FY11 to be a record year. The recent sell down on S P Setia (SPSB) shares represents a golden opportunity to buy the stock given SPSB's excellent sales performance and earnings growth prospects. SPSB will very likely exceed its RM3b sales target for FY11, a new record, given strong bookings and responses to its KL Eco City (KLEC) offices and residential tower. We fine-tune our earnings forecasts and tweak down our TP to RM7.10 (-1%) based on unchanged 10% premium to our new RM6.47 RNAV post-placement. SPSB stays our top buy for the sector.

ECONOMICS
Japan: Aftermath of 3/11
Hope vs Fear...

The casualties and damages of the Tohoku quake-tsunami on 11 Mar make it teh worst in Japan's modern history. Still, the hope is that of a localised and transitory effect, affecting growth in 1Q and/or 1H before recovery in 2H on rebuilding and resumption of business and industrial activities. The fear is that of a broader and prolonged impact due to the additional dimension of the disaster arising from the damaged nuclear power plant, risking radtioan leaks and contamination. Japan is Malaysia key trading partner and major source of FDI. Most immediate and visible impact is likely on commodities such as natural gas, timber and oil, and on manufacturing industries such as automotive and E&E.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI was marginally higher by 0.22 points to 1,509.10 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,510 and 1,529 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,490 and 1,508. Due to the DJIA’s softer tone last night, we will see the FBM KLCI in lack lustre mode today.

Trading Idea for today is a Short-Term Buy call on PETDAG

Other Local News
TNB: To build gas-fired power plant in Sabah. Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) plans to build a 300MW gas-fired power plant in Sabah. TNB has received in-principle approval to build the plant. The plan to build a gas-based plant comes after Malaysia's federal and Sabah state governments scrapped a plan to build a coal-fired power plant. (Source: Business Times)

Genting Plantations: ACGT Aims to Reduce Oil Palm Breeding cycle by 50%. ACGT Sdn Bhd, a unit of Genting Plantations Bhd, aims to reduce oil palm long breeding cycle by 50% to six years from 12 years via its genomics-based marker-assisted selection technology. The breakthrough would accelerate development and commercial release of oil palm seeds without any genetic modification. (Source: Bernama.com)

MAHB: Penang airport upgrade going smoothly. The RM250m upgrade of the Penang International Airport is 15.7% complete, while the target date for the whole project to be completed remains June next year. (Source: Business Times)

Benalec: Beachfront land for sale. Benalec Holdings Bhd is shaping up to be a major landowner and developer, as it will receive some 177.3 acres of land in Melaka in exchange for reclamation works. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Ta Ann, Jaya Tiasa: To increase plywood output. Ta Ann Holdings Bhd and Jaya Tiasa Holdings Bhd, will increase plywood production by 15% and 50% respectively after winning orders from Japan to help with the country's reconstruction following its earthquake and tsunami. (Source: Business Times)

Utilities: Syabas invests in new pipe network. Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) has invested around RM115m in the alternative pipe network system to cope with rising demand for water supply. The new network would connect the water distribution system to the Sungai Semenyih and Sungai Langat water treatment plants and the first, second and third phases of the Selangor water distribution plant. (Source: The Star)

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Maybank IB Views

Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad :

Samuel Lee has upgraded his PT on Petronas Chemicals Group (PCG) to RM7.80 from RM6.80 previously. PCG is his top pick in the region and he continues to like the company for its earnings outlook especially in the high crude oil price environment. PCG is also one of the few petrochemical companies with volume expansion in 2011.

He has raised his earnings by 18% and 28% for FY11E and FY12E to reflect:
1) Higher PX and MEG spreads expected in 2011 due to higher cotton prices;
2) Higher Fertiliser & Methanol product prices on the back of stronger fertiliser demand and positive agricultural sector outlook;
3) Higher Naphtha price assumption which will lift product prices and spreads; and
4) Accelerating associate Income growth mainly from its 40% owned BASF/Petronas JV.

Further upside risk to our FY10-12 EPS CAGR of 20% is likely given :
1) our current PX-Naphtha spread assumption which remains below the YTD average of $700/ton;
2) higher utilisation as the company is targeting 90% consolidated operating rate vs 81.3% achieved during 9MFY11;
3) higher volumes if production at its Methanol 1 plant is ramped up faster than expected

JPM's Dec 2012 PT of RM7.80 is based on 2.5X FY12E P/B, which is at a 10% premium to regional peers.
Plantation :

Just to highlight that the Bursa Palm Oil Conference will held in KL for the next two days (8th-9th March). As with previous years, I expect CPO prices to be relatively firm as the market watches out for guidance from industry experts such Dorab Mistry, James Fry and Thomas Mielke.

Just to remind you of our view on CPO. We are positive on CPO prices in the 1H11 with CPO prices expected to peak in the 1Q11. We are cautious on outlook in the 2H11 given expectations of a production pick up and weakening CPO prices as a result. CPO price discount to soy-oil has widened to US$100/t from US$20/t in Jan-11 vs historical mean discount of US$160/t. Our CPO forecast for 2011E is RM3,400/t and for 2012E is RM3,200/t.

Our only OW call in the sector is Sime Darby Our positive view on SIME is NOT driven by stronger CPO prices BUT because of :
1) very low hanging fruits in the plantation division;
2) extremely low expectations by investors. Therefore, if they are able to meet consensus forecasts, analysts will need to upgrade their estimates;
3) oil and gas is no longer a drag after the provision;
4) it is at quite a sweet spot. Besides plantation, each of its other business segments including motor, heavy equipment and property are expected to perform better.

JPM's PT of RM11.00 offers an upside of 20%.

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Maybank IB Views

COMPANY UPDATE
Petronas Chemicals RM6.59: Buy
Optimistic amid external turmoil Shariah-compliant

Truly OPTIMAL. We visited Petronas Chemicals Group's 88% owned OPTIMAL Olefins production plant at Kerteh (Terengganu) on 10 March, and returned impressed with its state-of-the-art facilities. This production plant makes up roughly 6% of PCHEM's total capacity. There is no change to our earnings forecast and target price of RM8.00 based on 14.4x 2011 - which is the long-term industry mean PER.

SECTOR UPDATE
Construction: Overweight
Tracking the rail connection

MRT-LRT progresses, positive domestic catalyst. The start of pre-qualification (pre-Q) for the Sg Buloh-Kajang MRT elevated works, and tender for the LRT Package B, are positive developments for the market, amid a very weak external environment. That the MRT pre-Q is being called while public feedback on the track alignment is ongoing (it ends in mid-May) implies that the government remains committed to kick-start construction the soonest. We continue to Overweight Construction, which offers a domestic focus amid external turmoil.


Technicals
The FBM KLCI plunged 11.21 points yesterday to close at 1,484.14. Market breadth was quite negative, as the gainer-to-loser ratio was 126 to 812 while 160 counters were unchanged. Its resistance areas of 1,484 and 1,515 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,445 and 1,474. Due to the DJIA’s bearish and the Nikkei’s very poor tone last night, we will see the FBM KLCI in a much weaker mode today, with persistent selling activities on rallies.

Trading Idea for today is a Take Profit call on CIMB

Other Local News
Axiata: Celcom's new deal to cut site cost by half. Celcom Axiata Bhd signed a contract with Ericscon and Huawei worth USD1m (RM3.1m) that will lead to savings in its site cost by half. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

KYM: Eyes RM500m GDV for Teluk Batik land. KYM Holdings Bhd's plans to take full control of its subsidiary Harta Makmur Sdn Bhd would steer the latter towards commercial and housing development in Teluk Batik, Perak, with an estimated gross development value of RM500m. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Faber: Bullish on renewal of contracts. Faber Group Bhd is positive that its 15-year concession for government hospital support services, which expires in October, will soon be renewed for another 15 years based on the group's experience and track record. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Handal Res: To diversify into rig building. Handal Resources Bhd, an offshore crane manufacturing and service provider, wants to diversify into the construction of rigs for marginal oil fields. The rights and bonus issue approved by shareholders will provide funds to finance the RM30m investments. (Source: Business Times)

Telco: U Mobile ropes in ZTE Corp to extend network. U Mobile Sdn Bhd and ZTE Corp of China signed an agreement which would see the local 3G mobile service operator extending its 42 Mbps network in Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan and the northern region by 2H11. The three year deal also provides for the installation of LTE platforms in line with the plan to bring 100 Mbps wireless network across key cities in Malaysia. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

Autos: Honda Malaysia expects no immediate interruption in supply of cars. Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd sees no immediate interruption in the supply of its models in Malaysia from the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week. The inventory for the four complete knock-down models of Accord, CR-V, Civic and City and other four completely built-up models in Malaysia was sufficient for the next one to two months. (Source: Bernama.com)

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RHBInvest Research Sector Call

Sector Call

Oil & Gas: Petronas 3QFY11 Results
Overweight

Petronas Chemicals: Fair value at RM7.27
Outperform

Dialog: Fair value at RM2.82
Outperform

Petronas Gas: Fair value at RM13.76 Outperform

SapuraCrest: Fair value at RM4.37 Outperform

KNM: Fair value at RM3.45 Outperform
RH Petrogas: Fair value at S$1.55
Outperform

Dayang: Fair value at RM2.60 Outperform

Petra Perdana: Fair value at RM1.16

• Outperform

Kencana: Fair value at RM2.85

• Market Perform
  

Wah Seong: Fair value at RM2.0

• Underperform
• Maintain Overweight as we expect the domestic sector to remain vibrant.

Corporate Highlights

SP Setia: Outperform

• Showing presence in Cyberjaya
• Maintain Outperform. However, in view of the prevailing weakening equity market sentiment, we take a more prudent valuation and lower our fair value to RM7.30.

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RHBInvest Research

Top Story: Market Momentum

• Market Update
• Down by not out
• Our stress test suggests that all sectors except banks may be at risk if cost inflation becomes critical. The heavyweight sectors include plantation, telecom, O&G and utilities. This also suggests that recent top outperformers could face a reversal if the macro environment remains uncertain.
• We reiterate our view that a market pull back would present an opportunity to take advantage of the value that will re-emerge. As such our Overweight calls on the banks and telecom sectors are unchanged. We also maintain our Overweight calls on plantation, oil & gas and property sectors although the cautious environment may cause continued selling pressure on these stocks in the near term.

Sector Call

Media:

• Sector Update
• Strong start to the year
• Media Prima (FV=RM3.20) remains our preferred pick given.We maintain our Outperform call on Media Chinese (FV=RM1.32) and Star (FV=RM4.23). Maintain Overweight on the sector.

Corporate Highlights

YNH:

• News Update
• YNH AEON coming to Seri Manjung
• Seri Manjung is expected to raise the property values in the township.
• No change to forecasts. Fair value kept at RM2.31

Petronas Chemicals:

• Briefing NoteBeneficiary of higher utilisation and product prices

• Maintain Outperform with new fair value of RM7.27/share (previously RM7.25).

Unisem:

• Briefing Note
• Softening in 1Q, but to bounce back after
• No change to forecasts. Fair value is RM2.65 based on 11x FY11 FD EPS.

MISC:

• Briefing Note
• Three culprits
  

• MISC cautioned that the petroleum tanker segment is “bracing itself for another difficult year ahead” as “the over-supply situation is finally hitting home”.
• Fair value is RM7.59. Maintain Underperform.

CIMB:

• 4QFY10 Results/Briefing Note
• Raising the bar for 2011
• No change to fair value of RM9.80 and Outperform call.

TM:

• 4QFY10 Results/Briefing Note
• Returns excess cash
• We revised our fair value to RM3.84 (previously RM4.05)
• Downgrade from trading buy to Underperform.

Proton:

• 3QFY11 Results/Briefing Note
• Lotus restructuring costs kick in
• Proton sales recovered to 15,806 units (+36.8% mom) in Jan 2011 helped by higher Inspira deliveries. Nonetheless, earnings going forward will be severely affected by write-offs arising from the ongoing LTP while its net cash position will remain under pressure.
• We reiterate our Underperform call and reduce our fair value to RM4.00 (from RM4.15).

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Maybank IB Views

COMPANY UPDATE
PLUS Expressways RM4.39: Hold
Inks 3rd Indian toll Shariah-compliant

Not new. The Jetpur-Somnath concession, inked yesterday, is not a new development; PLUS and its partner won the tender in Sept 2010. We expect mid-teens project IRR being a brownfield project, but no immediate impact on earnings. PLUS remains a Hold with just a 4.8% upside to UEM-EPF's RM4.60 take-over offer price.


RESULTS PREVIEW
Petronas Chemicals RM6.30: Buy
The right chemistry

Maiden quarterly result looking good. PCG is expected to release its 3QFY11 results in the third week of February. 3Q is expected to be highly profitable, buoyed by high utilisation rates, and strong product margins. No change to our forecast for a sizeable 47% expansion in FY11 net profit. Maintain Buy, with an unchanged target price of RM6.70 based on FY12 PER of 13x, in line with global peers.


RESULTS REVIEW
Fraser & Neave Holdings RM14.98: Hold
Strong volume growth

Priced in. Volume growth was much stronger than expected and we raise our FY11-12 earnings estimates by 3-5% p.a. 1QFY11 net profit made up 33% of our and consensus full-year forecast. Much, however, is priced in, with the stock trading at a prospective PER of 16.9x FY12 earnings. The immediate challenge would be in supplementing revenue loss from the Coca-Cola franchise from FY12. Net cash stays strong at RM639m or RM1.80/share. Maintain Hold with a raised target price of RM15.00, based on a prospective FY12 PER of 15x plus net cash.


Hartalega Holdings RM5.63: Buy
Playing the nitrile theme Shariah-compliant

Results support our nitrile pick. 9MFY11 net profit of RM138m (+43% YoY) was 73% of our full-year forecast and 79% of street's. We expect Hartalega's positive earnings growth momentum (3QFY11 net profit: +5% QoQ) to sustain on nitrile demand growth while the latex-focused incumbents could still post lackluster numbers in the coming quarter(s). We believe the stock will re-rate on more evidence of the ongoing structural demand shift from latex to nitrile gloves globally, due to cheaper ASP. Maintain Buy and DCF-derived TP of RM6.80.


Technicals
The FBM KLCI closed higher by 3.78 points at 1,535.60 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,541 and 1,558 will cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,515 and 1,535.

Trading ideas for today are two BUY calls on CHHB and MITRA.


Other Local News
TNB: To source coal from all over the world. Tenaga Nasional Bhd is aggressively sourcing coal from South Africa and Indonesia to overcome a shortage from its traditional supplier Australia, which has been partly swamped with floods. TNB president and CEO Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the current situation is not expected to recover in the next 2 to 3 months. Che Khalib said TNB's net profit is likely to be hurt for its financial year ending August 2011 if coal prices remain over USD100 (RM304) a tonne. Consequentially, its bottom line will dip 16% every time coal prices rise by USD10 (RM30.4) per tonne. (Source: Business Times)

Ireka: Wins RM28m contract. Ireka Corp Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, Ireka Engineering and Construction Vietnam Co Ltd, has won a RM27.6m contract from Hoa Lam-Shangri-La Healthcare LLC for the structural works package at a general hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. This will bring Ireka's current order book to about RM800m, of which about RM430m remains outstanding. (Source: Business Times)

Economy: Malaysia among top outsourcing destinations. According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), the top three slots in AT Kearney's 2011 Global Services Location Index (GSLI) are occupied by three Asian countries: India, China and Malaysia. The 3 countries have enjoyed the top 3 rankings since the inception of the GLSI in 2003, demonstrating "remarkable staying power, thanks to their deep talent pools and cost advantages". India remains the favourite back-office of the world thanks to its "first-mover advantage" and deep skill base, as per global management consulting firm AT Kearney's ranking of the best outsourcing destinations. (Source: Business Times)

Economy: Cuepacs appeals for minimum wage policy in civil service. Cuepacs is appealing to the government to implement a minimum wage policy in the civil service, which it believes is a crucial move to assist civil servants cope with the rising cost of living. Its president Datuk Omar Osman said the current salary of the workers in the support group was below the poverty line of RM720 a month. Those in Grade 1 to Grade 16 in the Support Group II are starting at RM647per month, which is below the poverty line. The basic salary should be at least RM850 or RM920 a month. (Source: Bernama)

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