- We reiterate our HOLD recommendation on Sunway Bhd (Sunway), with our fair value kept at RM2.60/share - based on a 25% discount to our sum-of-parts value of RM3.50/share.
- Sunway reported a strong sequential growth in core earnings (21% QoQ) to RM114mil in 4QFY12, on the back of a 38% growth in turnover.
- This brings its FY12 core earnings to RM351mil, which is broadly in-line with our and street's estimates, coming in at +2% and 4% higher, respectively.
- The group declared a first and final dividend of 6 sen/share, which translates into a payout ratio of about 22% - just a tad higher than our assumption of 20%.
- As expected, the property division, i.e. both development & investment, was the key driver to earnings, contributing 64% to group's operating profit.
- The bulk of the development's revenue was driven by progress billings from Sunway Nexis, Velocity & South Quay. Meanwhile Singapore projects contributed to strong EBIT margins.
- Meanwhile, the construction unit was affected mostly by one-off provisions for indirect taxes in India amounting to RM7.7mil and bonus provisions. However, tail-end contributions from Rihan Heights more than compensated for the provisions.
- Going forward, Sunway's earnings would be driven by a strong outstanding order book of RM3.2bil (2.5x FY12 construction revenue) and property unbilled sales of RM2.4bil (2.6x property development turnover), providing solid earnings visibility in the medium term.
- From what we gather, the group plans to launch about RM1.5bil for FY13F with a new sales target of RM1.3bil. This appears conservative compared to other property players.
- From a valuation standpoint, Sunway Bhd appears cheap, currently trading at an FY13F PE of 8x supported by clear earnings visibility in the near- to medium-term.
- While the stock continues to trade at a cheap PE multiple (8x FY13F earnings), we expect its shares to trade sideways in the near term due to lack of appetite for property and construction counters amid election risks.