KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 30): Analysts lowered their target prices (TPs) for Axiata Group Bhd, after the telecommunications company’s net loss widened to RM797.41 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (3QFY2023), from RM52.4 million a year ago, mainly due to asset impairment and lower share of results from subsidiary CelcomDigi Bhd.

The impairment of RM1.01 billion during the quarter followed the reclassification of Axiata's Nepal unit Ncell as an asset held for sale, resulting in a widened discontinuing operations loss of RM824.5 million. Quarterly revenue improved to RM5.7 billion, from RM5.37 billion previously.

In separate notes on Thursday, TA Securities lowered its TP to RM2.35 (from RM2.80), while Apex Research lowered its TP to RM3.06 (from RM3.27).

TA Securities also downgraded Axiata to “sell” after: i) revising the valuation methodology for Ncell based on its book value; and ii) attaching a higher conglomerate discount of 30% (previously 20%) to reflect the persistent risks associated with Axiata’s investments in its frontier markets.

“Our TP implies an enterprise value/earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of 6.3 times against forecast calendar year 2024 Ebitda.

“Given the stock’s unfavourable risk-reward potential, we downgrade our recommendation on Axiata to 'sell',” it added.

Meanwhile, Apex Research, which still has a "buy" call on the stock, said Axiata’s core net profit of RM255.2 million for the cumulative nine months ended Sept 30, 2023 was below house expectations, due to higher depreciation, interest cost and lower contributions from CelcomDigi.

The research house said that in view of the challenging outlook, Axiata has decided to exit Nepal, and reclassified Ncell as an asset held for sale.

To recap, Axiata bought a 80% stake in Ncell for RM5.9 billion in 2016, and was slapped with a capital gains tax of RM785 million in 2019.

The research house reduced its FY2023 earnings forecast for Axiata by 33% to adjust for the reclassification of Ncell as an asset for sale.

“We maintain our 'buy' recommendation, with a lower TP of RM3.06 (previously RM3.27), after reducing our sum-of-parts valuation of Ncell.

“Axiata continues to face geopolitical, macroeconomic and regulatory risks, as well as a strengthening US dollar and rising interest rates,” it said.

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Axiata’s 3Q loss widens on impairments, lower CelcomDigi contribution