• Maintain BUY (TP: RM27.00). Dutch Lady's (DLM) FY23 core net profit jumped by +26.4% YoY to RM131.5mn (excluding transition-related one-off costs of RM59.1mn), which is above our expectations, accounting for 132%. The deviation from our expectations was mainly due to lower-thanexpected operating costs, primarily driven by low raw material as well as distribution and marketing costs. DLM's 4QFY23 core net profit surged to RM54.7mn (+55.9% QoQ), driven by a softening in dairy raw materials prices, lower other operating costs, and a lower effective tax rate. We are positive on DLM's outlook, underpinned by robust demand for dairy products, stabilizing dairy raw material costs, and improving operational efficiency. We maintain our forecast at this juncture, with a BUY call and TP of RM27.00, based on DDM valuation (WACC: 7.5% and TG: 1.5%).

• Key Highlights. DLM’s 4QFY23 revenue fell to RM364.5mn (-2.2% QoQ, 0.8% YoY) primarily due to an unfavourable product and channel mix. However, core net profit surge to RM54.7mn (+55.9% QoQ, +119.6% YoY), driven by softening in dairy raw materials prices, effective cost containment (especially promotional expenses) and a lower effective tax rate of 12.9% (-20.7 ppts QoQ). Consequently, the core net profit margin increased to 15% (+5.6ppts QoQ, +11.5 ppts YoY).

• Earning Revision. Maintain forecast at this juncture.

• Outlook. We are optimistic on DLM for its stable revenue growth driven by consistent demand, stabilizing dairy raw material costs, and improving operational efficiency. Dairy raw material prices have been trending downwards since reaching their peak in mid-2022 (dropping by c.30%-40% for skim and whole milk powder prices), and we project prices to remain at their current lower levels. Additionally, DLM demonstrates its capability to manage rising costs through price adjustments, thanks to its strong brand equity in the market.

Source: BIMB Securities Research - 21 Feb 2024