A victim of Covid-19. Listed in the Main market since 2014, OWG Berhad (OWG) is an investment holding company that manages and operates F&B and leisure-related brands found in popular resorts and shopping malls. The group's F&B outlets, water amusement parks, and family attractions are strategically located in tourist attractions, such as Genting Highlands, Komtar Tower at Penang and Klang Valley.
As the group business is primarily involved in the tourism industry, the onset of Covid-19 has heavily affected the group's operation. The decline of business volume from its Food service operation as well as the Amusement and recreation operation has whipped 79% of its FY19 revenue of RM123m to RM25m in FY21. In turn, the group chalked into red in FY20 (the first loss-making FY since it was listed), and the loss expanded further to RM42m in FY22. Nonetheless, we see the return of tourism following Malaysia's transition toward endemicity as a turning point for OWG as it will drive more footfall to its F&B outlet and family attractions.
A comeback. As of 21 June, Malaysia has already surpassed its full-year target of 2m incoming tourist arrivals. Genting Highlands, where most of its outlets are located and made up 40% of OWG's bottom line back in 2019, has seen its footfall gaining traction supported by (i) pent-up demand for travel, (ii) the depreciation of ringgit, and (iii) the launches of GentingSkyworld theme park. We flag that the group turnaround 3QFY22 (report until 31 March) had yet to reflect the strong return of foreign tourists as Malaysia only reopened its international border on 1 April 2022. In view of solid recovery momentum (2H seasonally stronger earnings), we expect greater business volume in its F&B outlet and family attractions and thus better earnings going forward.
GenM has finally returned to black mainly driven by capacity ramp up and increase in footfall from subsided Omicron wave and foreign visitors from border reopening. Looking ahead, the recovery trajectory should continue for RWG from (i) hotel capacity ramp up (room available as at July was 7.6k vs. 6k in June); (ii) theme park capacity ramp up (3 more rides by 4Q22); and (iii) increase in foreign visitations as more countries relax their border restrictions. The current weak local currency should bode well for foreign visitations. Furthermore, the opening of SkyWorlds theme park also allows RWG to attract a large and previously untapped Muslim market which represents c.63% of Malaysia population. GenM will be able to harness the full potential of SkyWorlds in 2H22 as capacity ramps up. The increased footfall to the theme park should have a positive spillover effect to the other venues in RWG
This book is the result of the author's many years of experience and observation throughout his 26 years in the stockbroking industry. It was written for general public to learn to invest based on facts and not on fantasies or hearsay....
Orson Chin
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Posted by Orson Chin > 2022-02-25 14:20 | Report Abuse
Wow……….wow……..