ISDN Holdings - CGS-CIMB Research 2019-06-28: More Could Be Done To Unlock Value

ISDN HOLDINGS LIMITED (SGX:I07)

ISDN Holdings - More Could Be Done To Unlock Value

We hosted a lunch NDR for ISDN HOLDINGS LIMITED (SGX:I07) on 28 Jun 2019 that was attended by seven institutional clients. The session focused on understanding ISDN’s business model.
We have an ADD call on ISDN, with a Target Price of S$0.32.

ISDN’s core business is motion control solutions. The company adds value by offering solutions that incorporate its principals’ motors to customers, rather than selling them the motors on a standalone basis. The company does not compete in the mass market, price-competitive motor space.
ISDN has a strong partnership with Maxon Motor AG. In Dec 2018, ISDN expanded this partnership with a joint venture company to market Maxon’s products in Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Switzerland, Maxon supplies high-precision drive systems to more than 55 countries.
ISDN’s other key motor principal is Yasakawa Electric Corporation (6506 JP).

Given that ISDN has more than 30 years’ experience in serving over 10,000 customers’ motion control requirements, we opine that ISDN could improve its profit margins and provide Industrial 4.0 solutions by offering a master software solution that would enable its customers to monitor their machinery remotely.
We read its 8 May 2019 announcement on the incorporation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, ISDN Software Business Pte Ltd, as corroboration of our view. See ISDN's announcements.

The renewable business (plants in Indonesia) contributed S$1.9 revenue.
As at end Mar-2019, ISDN’s hydropower business is recognised on the balance sheet as service concession receivables amounting to S$31.9m.
ISDN’s three mini-hydropower plants (phase1) have a combined capacity of capacity once phase 1 is completed.
Given the funding requirements, we think ISDN’s options for this business are:
1. spin energy business, or
2. achieving a business.

The ongoing US-China trade war is a global economic growth and influence on corporate spending.
We forecast ISDN to report 2Q19 net profit of S$4.3m (+2.3% q-o-q, -10.4% y-o-y). ISDN is scheduled to report its 2Q19 results on 7 Aug 2019.
We have an ADD rating on ISDN, with a Target Price of S$0.32.
Potential catalysts include the structure and earnings.
Risks are prolonged US-China trade war and operational missteps in its hydropower pants.

William TNG CFA CGS-CIMB Research | https://research.itradecimb.com/ 2019-06-28

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