SHENG SIONG GROUP LTD (SGX:OV8)
Sheng Siong Group - New Stores Will Support Growth
- SHENG SIONG GROUP LTD (SGX:OV8)'s 4Q18 revenue and earnings met our expectations. Headline PATMI in 4Q18 was hurt by a S$2.3mn decline in government grants.
- Gross margin is stellar but some revenue drag from contraction in same-store sales.
- Expect strong revenue momentum following the 23% jump in retail space in FY18.
- We have kept our forecast unchanged. As we roll-over our target price to FY19e valuation, we raised our target price to S$1.30 (previously S$1.13) or 25x PE. Maintain ACCUMULATE.
The Positive
Gross margins still healthy.
- Sheng Siong Group's 4Q18 gross margin was 27.1%. This is shy of the high of 27.5% in 4Q17. Margin benefited from a higher mix of fresh products.
Record store openings.
- In 2018, Sheng Siong Group opened 10 new stores. This is the highest on record. There was less clarity on new stores opening for 2019 due to the release of fewer shops by the authorities.
The Negative
Same-store sales a worry.
- Sheng Siong Group's same-store sales shrunk 2.7% in 4Q18. This is the largest contraction in more than two years.
Longer to break-even.
- The break-even period for new stores will be longer. Competition from surrounding supermarkets is intensifying.
Outlook
- We expect three drivers for Sheng Siong Group's revenue growth next year:
- The 10 new stores rolled out in 2018 (or 23% jump in store footprint to 496,200 sft);
- Reduced base effect and drag from the two large store closures in 2017 (i.e. Verge and Woodlands);
- Rising revenue per feet of the stores (+3.4% to S$1,971 psft in 2018).
- The downside risk to our forecast will be the drag on same-store sales which will be dependent on economic condition and competition.
Maintain ACCUMULATE with Target Price at S$1.30 (previously S$1.13).
- Our Target Price is based on an estimated 25x PE multiple.
- Sheng Siong Group is expanding stores, increasing market share, expanding margins and enjoys a 25% ROE business with a S$87mn net cash balance sheet.
Paul Chew
Phillip Securities Research
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https://www.stocksbnb.com/
2019-03-01
SGX Stock
Analyst Report
1.30
UP
1.130
