STI Market Live

Sembcorp Industries: Not your typical utilities company Summary: Sembcorp Industries (SCI) is a major industrial group primarily involved in the businesses of 1) utilities, 2) marine and 3) urban development. The nature of its utilities business is relatively stable, while growth is driven by asset acquisition and construction. SCI's marine arm is also well-positioned to capitalise on demand from the offshore oil and gas industry, given its market-leading position. Finally, the urban development segment possesses growth potential with its focus on emerging markets. The long-term outlook for its businesses look bright, though the Singapore utilities business may, in the short term, be impacted by an expected increase in competition. The group has been consistent in paying out dividends of at least S$0.15/share each year since 2009, implying a minimum dividend yield of 3.1% at current prices. Initiate with BUY and S$6.48 (based on sum-of-parts method) fair value estimate. MORE REPORTS Tat Hong Holdings: Time to take profit Summary: Since our last upgrade on Tat Hong Holdings ("Poised for Recovery", 9/1/2012), the group's crane fleet grew by ~20% (in tonnage), utilization rate by 5 ppt and rental rates by an estimated 10-15%, resulting in a 66% jump in FY13 PATMI. In our view, the easy money has already been made. Investors who have heeded our call would have made 45% return in 1.5 years and should now consider taking some profit. Looking ahead, the macro environment looks increasingly uncertain with sluggish data points coming out of China. Tat Hong's crane fleet expansion is also expected to slow after a 79% surge in crane tonnage over the past five years. Finally, there is a possible share overhang resulting from private equity AIF Capital's conversion of convertible preference shares to 53.3m ordinary shares. Downgrade to HOLD with lower FV estimate of S$1.31 (previously S$1.75). (Chia Jiunyang)

NEWS HEADLINES

- AusGroup is suing Karara Mining Limited for A$54.7m for works carried out in Western Australia. - Baker Technology has divested its entire 20.29% stake in Discovery Offshore SA for NOK199m (S$41.9m). - Swissco has secured contracts worth S$8.24m for three of its crew boats. - Yongnam Holdings has secured two new specialist civil engineering subcontracts worth HK$166m (S$27m). - Z-Obee's FY13 net income fell 17% to US$4.26m as impairment losses from the group's asset portfolio wiped out an increase in fair value gains.