Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Hovid | Co. Meeting | 19 Dec 2012



Institutional Sales Department
 
HOVID (7213)
 
 
RM0.26
Market Cap:
RM194.3mil
Major Shareholders
 
Shares Outstanding
762.1mil
Sue San Ho
41.52%
Free Float
57.4%
 
 
Book Value
RM0.14
 
 
Key Highlights from Meeting with Andrew Goh (CFO):
-   Pharmaceutical portfolio covers more than 350 different types of generic drugs, OTC and dietary supplements which are exported to more than 45 countries and is a supplier of UNICEF and UNRWA.
-   60% of its revenue comes from manufacturing of tablets and capsules with no single product commanding more than 5% of revenue. 
-   Malaysia contributes 40% of revenue, with next highest from Nigeria (15.5%), Singapore (6.4%).
-   Malaysia growth has been stable with last FY growing at 7%, but management sees greater potential in overseas markets with Asia sales excluding Malaysia (+20%) and Africa (4%). Africa saw a slower growth partly due to capacity constraint which management has addressed.
-   On average, 60 products are in the R&D pipeline with 10 new products being registered with the MOH. Hovid’s strength lies in its distribution network and product ranges. On average only 6-7 products gets approved per year thus it requires around 15 years before a pharmaceutical manufacturer hits economic of scale in a particular country. Countries such as HK (126 products), Cambodia (122 products), Singapore (71 products), Nigeria (67 products) has given Hovid the scale and capability to provide a one-stop solution. 
Financial Performance
Chart1: Pharmaceutical Division
-   Over the last 3 years revenue grew 13%, with Ebitda up 16% and net profit +21%. Improvement in bottomline is due to increase in revenue and also operational optimisation. Hovid has undergone “Lean manufacturing” over the past 3-4 years where less staff is required and more machineries are automated.
-   1QFY13 saw pharmaceutical PBT 9.5% lower due to an RM1.2mil swing in FOREX. Management do not hedge its USD exposure as their raw material which constitutes 40-45% of total cost is imported. Government’s plan to set a minimum wage is likely to see less than 5% impact in the short term as management intend to pass on the cost.  
-   Since 22 Dec 2011, Carotech no longer contributes to Hovid after management’s decision to distribute carotech shares as dividend in specie.
 
Growth Prospect
-   Phase 2 of Palm Tocotrienols research and clinical trials is almost complete with significant results seen. This patented product reduces brain damage from stroke and reduction in fatty liver. Phase 3 will start next year with human trials on 300-400 subjects. This is expected to be completed in 2-3years. This would give Hovid a significant boost as Tocotrienols will be sold as a medical product prescribed by doctors instead of being sold as Vitamin E at current stage. This would also allow Hovid to penetrate the US market.
-   Over the next 5 years, USD500bn in patented products are coming off patent. This allows Hovid to penetrate and produce greater scale of products.
Conclusion
Hovid continues to be a market leader in Malaysia for producing off patented products through its R&D. Hovid could be a M&A target given its international network while MNC seek to acquire generic drug producers to protect its margins from patented products going off patent. Currently trades at 8xJunFY13PE compared to Pharmaniaga at 11.5x. Management has also guided for a dividend by mid June 2013. We believe 10-12xPE is reasonable given its expected double digit growth for coming years. Buy in a defensive sector with TP: RM0.36