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Hong Leong Asia - UOB Kay Hian 2021-08-17: 1H21 In Line With Expectations; Partnership To Develop Electric Vehicles

HONG LEONG ASIA LTD. (SGX:H22) | SGinvestors.io HONG LEONG ASIA LTD. (SGX:H22)

Hong Leong Asia - 1H21 In Line With Expectations; Partnership To Develop Electric Vehicles

  • Hong Leong Asia's 1H21 earnings of S$41m (+110% y-o-y) were in line, meeting 57% of our full-year estimate. The building material unit (BMU) outperformed in 1H21, with a PBT of S$14m vs zero in 1H20. The diesel engine segment’s revenue increased 32% y-o-y but PBT declined 17% y-o-y mainly due to investments in R&D.
  • Building material unit's orderbook remains strong, but diesel engines’ demand should reduce. Development of new energy powertrains and electric vehicles (EV) should drive long-term growth.
  • Maintain BUY on Hong Leong Asia with a target price of S$1.38.



Hong Leong Asia's 1H21 results within expectations.

  • Hong Leong Asia (SGX:H22)’s 1H21 earnings of S$41m (+110% y-o-y / +49% h-o-h) were in line, meeting 57% of strategic partnership with Sunlong Bus to develop EVs in Jun 21.


STOCK IMPACT

  • Diesel engine segment to benefit from Singapore resume. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) projects total construction demand in 2021 is expected to be S$23b-28b, up from S$21bn in 2020, while 2022-25 construction demand is anticipated to reach S$25b-32b. In tandem with the sector recovery, we expect the building materials segment to clock in revenue growth of 30% and earnings growth of 55% y-o-y for 2021.


EARNINGS REVISION/RISK

  • Expect robust growth in 2021, restructuring completed for loss-making segment. Given the strong growth for both the building materials segment and China Yuchai, we expect Hong Leong Asia’s earnings to grow 52% y-o-y for management to concentrate on the profitable segments.
  • Risks include:
    • stringent lockdown measures due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in core markets;
    • labour crunch in the construction industry;
    • slower-than-expected recovery in demand for building materials; and
    • economic slowdown which could result in a lower demand for diesel engines.


VALUATION/RECOMMENDATION



SHARE PRICE CATALYST

  • Earnings surprise due to better-than-expected engine sales and building materials sales.
  • Better-than-expected dividend.
  • Value unlocking activity of China Yuchai International Ltd (CYD US).





John Cheong UOB Kay Hian Research | https://research.uobkayhian.com/ 2021-08-17
SGX Stock Analyst Report BUY MAINTAIN BUY 1.380 SAME 1.380



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