Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Market Roundup | 9 July 2012

FBM30 1620.31  -0.24 points (-0.01%) Volume 1,266mil Value 1,293mil      

1) KLCI ended mixed trading in a tight band of 4 points as regionals were markedly lower following sluggish US job data last week while China's Premier Wen JiaBao commented that China's economy faces further downward pressure with CPI easing to a 29months low in June. Construction-0.59% underperformed the market led by MRCB-2%, WCT-1.6% and ZELAN-3.7%. Market breadth was negative with decliners outpacing gainers 423:319. Futures closed 1620pts ( parity). 

2) Heavyweights: GENTING-0.91% RM9.76, GENM-1.9% RM3.61, IOICORP-0.76% RM5.24, PPB-1.87% RM15.78, HLBANK+2.68% RM13.04, CIMB+0.52% RM7.74, UMW+2.17% RM9.90, MAYBANK+0.35% RM8.70

3) DBT: MPHB 11.9mil @ RM3.59 (0.8% PUC), RPB 10mil @ RM0.38 (1.1% PUC, 7.3% discount)

4) Situationals:

LIONIND+2.4% RM1.28: Share price was firmer after news reported Flat steel producers will meet with the MITI this week to discuss some policy changes that could possibly shape a new landscape for the sector. This is following consultation by MITI from Boston Consulting Group to conduct an in-depth study on the sector.

5) LPI Cap: HY 06/12 Rev+20% RM511.1m Net+3% RM71.9m EPS 32.64s Div 15s Results 20% behind cons RM179m.

For 6 mths yoy, revenue was higher largely contributed by the general insurance segment which registered a significant growth of 21.5% to RM494.7m. The revenue from investment holding was lower at RM16.3m, mainly due to reduced dividend income & interest income received during the period. Consequent to the improved revenue, the group maintained it's PBT of RM92.4m, +0.4% over the previous period. The increase in PBT was contributed by the general insurance but offset by the lower earnings from the investment holding segment. Qoq, PBT+44%, mainly attributable to the significant improvement of underwriting profits contributed by it's wholly owned subsidiary Lonpac Insurance Bhd.

Ahead, the consolidation of the insurance industry has brought about many new challenges. The industry is on track to see intense competition & further rate erosion. However, LPI is expected to sustain it's faster than industry organic growth & it's cash generation remains one of the strongest in the industry. It remains a compelling dividend play with 6-8% yield for FY12-14 - BOW.

6) Market - will consolidate after the recent outperformance especially with cautious sentiments on equities due to persistent weak economic data and the continued flight-to-safety trades as seen by the weakening euro vis-à-vis the USD.