• Clinched RM82m M&E contract for a semiconductor project in Johor

• This is a significant milestone, representing its first major entry into Johor and its largest contract win to date

• Maintain BUY rating and target price of RM1.65

Secured semiconductor M&E contract

Critical announced that it has secured a mechanical & electrical (M&E) contract with a US- based MNC. This contract involves M&E related fit-out, cleanroom and interior design works for a 3-storey office building, 1-storey production and warehouse facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru. The work is expected to begin in Nov24, and is slated for completion within 4 months.

Orderbook grows to RM204m; more contract wins to follow

We are positive with this contract announcement being Critical’s single largest win to date and marking its expansion into Johor, broadening its geographical reach beyond Penang. This is its first announced contract win since listing, bringing the total orderbook to RM204m. Given Critical’s role as a M&E main contractor, we believe the profit after tax margin for this project to be higher. Critical’s total tender book stands at RM780m, with 70% in the semiconductor sector and 30% in data centres. Critical is pursuing several semiconductor projects, if materialize, could serve as near-term catalysts. Aside from semiconductor segment, we believe that M&E contractors like Critical are likely to see a stronger uptick in data centre related job wins, especially following recent contract awards to the main contractor.

Maintain BUY with target price of RM1.65

With this contract win, Critical is on track to meet our FY25 revenue forecasts. We are keeping our earnings forecasts unchanged, with this award falling under our order book replenishment target. We reiterate our BUY rating and target price of RM1.65, based on 20x PE multiple on FY25 EPS. We expect valuation to further re-rating supported by its healthy order visibility, and encouraging tender outlook, which we believe have yet to be fully reflected in the current share price. Key downside risks include: slower-than-expected contract replenishment, any unforeseen project delays, and margin pressure.

Source: Philip Capital Research - 1 Oct 2024