Technology│Semiconductor March 17, 2015 MALAYSIA SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR NOTE Notes from the Field ————————————————————————————————————————— Mohd Shanaz Bin NOOR AZAM T (60) 3 2261 9078 E [email protected] Smooth sailing We maintain an Overweight on the Malaysian semiconductor sector as we see improving earnings visibility, driven by demand growth in the automotive and communications segments and a structural shift in the product mix. MPI is our top pick due to its attractive valuation and better growth profile following its aggressive strategy for FY15. Figure 1: Malaysian semiconductor sector P/E P/E (x) 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jul-14 Oct-14 Jan-15 Show Style "View Doc Map" P/E Contents Mean 1+Std Dev 1-Std Dev 1+ 2 Std Dev 1- 2 Std Dev SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS BACKGROUND ...................................................................3 OUTLOOK ............................................................................5 RISKS .................................................................................10 FINANCIALS ...................................................................... 11 VALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION ...........................13 ‘‘ After a record-setting 2014, the global semiconductor industry is off to a promising start to 2015, posting it’s highest-ever January sales led by impressive growth in the Americas market. Sales in 2015 are expected to stay strong across most regions and product categories.” John Neuffer, President & CEO of SIA Highlighted Companies MPI (Add, TP: RM7.50) We expect MPI to continue its growth trajectory in FY15, driven by an aggressive capex programme of RM200m. The company’s transition into higher-margin packages is progressing smoothly. Unisem (Add, TP: RM2.50) Unisem has demonstrated good earnings recovery, with strong earnings delivery in the past three quarters. Management expects 8% revenue growth in FY15, driven by higher sales volume wafer bumping, flip-chip and test services. The sector trades at 12.ox CY16 P/E, slightly below its 1-year historical mean of 12.4x. It also trades at 1.4x CY15 P/BV, about a 30% discount to the Taiwanese outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) players that trade at 2.0x. The sector benefits from a shift in the product mix to higher-margin packages, a strengthening US$ and better operating efficiency, supported by a three-year EPS CAGR of 23%. Communication is still a key driver Resilient demand growth Automotive to offer good growth potential We expect a positive outlook in FY15, driven by sustainable industry demand growth on the back of global economic recovery. Most industry research groups are projecting average growth of 6-7% in FY15. The Worldwide Semiconductor Trade Statistic (WSTS) group expects the automotive and communication segments to grow faster than the market, and the consumer and computer segments to stay flat. Communication devices, such as smartphones, are still expected to drive industry growth in the near term, on the back of rising 4G adoption in emerging markets. While smartphone sales volume is expected to moderate, MPI and Unisem should still benefit from rising content growth that requires more chips for these devices to carry out computing processes. IC Insights forecasts that automotive could be the fastest market for IC application, with a 2013-18 CAGR of 10.8%. We think this is due to higher semiconductor content being installed in all vehicles, as opposed to only luxury brands previously. For example, higher vehicle safety requirements are driving up demand for tyre pressure monitoring sensors. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES, INCLUDING ANY REQUIRED RESEARCH CERTIFICATIONS, ARE PROVIDED AT THE END OF THIS REPORT. Designed by Eight, Powered by EFA Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Figure 2: Sector comparison Company Malaysian Pacific Industries Unisem Malaysia average Advanced Semiconductor Chipbond Technology Powertech Technology Siliconware Precision Taiwan average Bloomberg Ticker MPI MK UNI MK 2311 TT 6147 TT 6239 TT 2325 TT Recom. Add Add Hold Add Reduce Hold Price Target Price (local curr) (local curr) 6.40 7.50 2.04 2.50 43.90 63.30 54.20 54.70 37.00 63.00 48.00 46.00 Market Cap (US$ m) 344 371 10,906 1,299 1,335 5,387 Core P/E (x) CY2015 CY2016 14.3 11.6 16.1 12.4 15.1 12.0 13.9 12.2 11.3 14.8 13.9 13.7 9.1 11.9 13.9 13.5 3-year EPS CAGR (%) 20.2% 25.8% 22.9% 9.8% 13.5% 3.7% 8.9% 9.3% P/BV (x) Recurring ROE (%) CY2015 CY2016 CY2015 CY2016 1.69 1.59 12.5% 14.1% 1.31 1.27 8.4% 10.4% 1.47 1.41 10.1% 12.0% 2.61 1.78 1.27 2.38 2.03 2.50 1.61 1.23 2.29 1.96 19.4% 15.2% 11.3% 16.5% 14.9% 18.7% 18.6% 10.3% 16.8% 14.8% EV/EBITDA (x) Dividend Yield (%) CY2015 CY2016 CY2015 CY2016 4.1 3.4 3.8% 4.9% 5.1 4.3 4.4% 5.6% 4.5 3.8 4.1% 5.3% 6.4 5.7 3.0 5.7 4.8 6.2 4.3 2.6 5.1 4.3 4.5% 5.2% 5.3% 5.5% 5.5% 4.6% 6.9% 5.0% 5.8% 5.7% SOURCE: CIMB RESEARCH, COMPANY Calculations are performed using EFA™ Monthly Interpolated Annualisation and Aggregation algorithms to December year ends 2 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Smooth sailing BACKGROUND 4Q14 review The Malaysian semiconductor sector recorded 10.7% yoy revenue growth in 4Q14, driven by better sales volume from higher-margin packages and a stronger US$. Following the stronger revenue growth, the sector’s core net profit rose to RM51.6m vs. RM13.2m in 4Q13. This is attributable to a better transition to higher-margin packages and better operating efficiency following various cost-saving exercises carried out over the past few years. The sector’s EBITDA margin expanded by 4.2% pts from 21.7% in 4Q13 to 25.9% in 4Q14. Figure 3: Malaysian semiconductor sector core net profit and EBITDA margin (RM m) 60.0 30.0% 50.0 25.0% 40.0 20.0% 30.0 20.0 15.0% 10.0 10.0% 5.0% (10.0) (20.0) 0.0% 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 Net profit 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 EBITDA margin SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Reversal from Unisem The stronger earnings performance was partly due to a reversal in Unisem’s performance, which recorded a stronger RM25.8m core net profit compared to a RM3.1m core net loss in 4Q13 on the back of rising utilisation rates from its wafer-level packaging (WLCSP), bumping and test services which command higher margins. Figure 4: MPI and Unisem core net profit and EBITDA margin trend (RM m) 30.0 30.0% 25.0 25.0% 20.0 15.0 20.0% 10.0 15.0% 5.0 - 10.0% (5.0) 5.0% (10.0) (15.0) 0.0% 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 MPI net profit 4Q12 1Q13 Unisem net profit 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 MPI EBITDA margin 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 Unisem EBITDA margin SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS 3 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Communications still a key growth driver The communication segment’s revenue grew by 22% yoy (11.8% qoq), driven by higher shipment volume following resilient smartphone demand globally. Apart from that, the sector is also benefiting from higher communication package demand from rising 4G mobile adoption in China. While smartphone volume growth is expected to moderate in the coming years, the outsourced semiconductor assembly and test service providers like MPI and Unisem could still benefit from an exponential increase in mobile applications that require more chips for these devices to carry out computing processes. Figure 5: Communications segment revenue gaining more sales (RM m) 700 36% 35% 600 34% 500 33% 32% 400 31% 300 30% 29% 200 28% 100 27% 0 26% 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 Sector revenue 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 Communication revenue 3Q14 4Q14 ratio SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Automotive is gradually gaining traction The automotive segment’s revenue grew by 12.6% yoy (1% qoq), driven by stronger demand for tyre pressure sensors and wheel speed sensors. This is expected to grow further with rising infotainment and safety demand. We like MPI and Unisem’s strategy to grow the automotive segment due to the long-term nature of automotive packages. Moreover, this also helps to reduce the impact of the cyclical nature of the communications segment. Figure 6: Gradual increment from the automotive segment (RM m) 700 22.0% 600 21.0% 500 20.0% 400 19.0% 300 18.0% 200 17.0% 100 16.0% - 15.0% 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 Sector revenue 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 Auto revenue 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 ratio SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS 4Q14 results were ahead of expectations The 4Q14 results for Malaysian semiconductors were above expectations following the recovery in industry demand and a better product mix. MPI and Unisem also benefited from a stronger US$ and better operating efficiency. 4 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Figure 7: Malaysian semiconductor: 4Q14 results were above expectations Semiconductor 4Q14 EPS vs CIMB Key variance MPI Above expectations Better product mix, lower material cost and stronger US$ Unisem Above expectations Higher utlisation, better product mix and stronger US$ SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS OUTLOOK Continuous growth in FY15 We expect the sector to maintain its positive outlook in FY15, driven by sustainable industry demand growth on the back of global economic recovery. Most industry research groups are projecting the global semiconductor industry to grow by an average of 6-7% in FY15. The Worldwide Semiconductor Trade Statistic (WSTS) group expects the automotive and communication segments to grow faster than the market, and the consumer and computer segments to stay flat. Although industry demand is projected to grow slower compared to FY14, Gartner expects the industrial segment to outperform overall semiconductor growth, with 9.1% revenue growth driven by LED lighting applications for industrial, residential and smart city projects on the back of the rising Internet-of-Things (IOT) adoption. Apart from that, wireless semiconductor sales are expected to stay robust, driven by a shift in consumer demand from mobile phones to smartphones and increasing 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) adoption worldwide. One of the more aggressive forecasts in the industry was provided by an independent research group, Semiconductor Intelligence, which projects stronger growth of 11% in FY15 (vs. 10% in FY14), based on the assumption of a stronger recovery in global economic growth this year. This reflects the latest IMF data which expect the global economy to grow by 3.5% in FY15, driven by a stronger recovery in the US and a boost from lower oil prices. Apart from that, WSTS expects the Americas segment to overtake Asia Pacific as the growth driver in the global semiconductor sector, with 5.3% growth projected compared to 3.8% for Asia Pacific. Figure 8: Global semiconductor sales forecast by region US$ bn Americas Europe Japan Asia Pacific Total 2012 54 33 41 163 292 2013 61 35 35 174 306 Years 2014 66 38 35 194 333 2015F 69 38 35 202 345 2016F 71 40 35 209 355 2012 -4.0% -11.0% -2.0% -1.0% -2.7% 2013 13.1% 5.2% -15.2% 7.0% 4.8% Growth 2014 6.9% 8.7% 1.3% 11.4% 9.0% 2015F 5.3% 1.5% -0.3% 3.8% 3.4% 2016F 3.1% 3.2% 0.9% 3.5% 3.1% SOURCES: CIMB, WSTS Figure 9: 2015 global semiconductor sales forecast Source Gartner, Oct WSTS, Dec Mike Cowan, Dec Semiconductor Intelligence, Dec IC Insights Simple average 2014 7.2 9.0 9.7 10.0 7.1 8.6 Figure 10: Global and regional GDP growth forecast 2015 5.4 3.4 4.2 11.0 7.5 6.3 GDP growth (%) Global Advanced Economies United States Euro Area Japan Emerging Market and Developing Economies China SOURCES: CIMB, VARIOUS 2012 3.1 1.4 2.8 –0.7 1.4 5.1 2013 3.3 1.3 2.2 -0.5 1.6 4.7 2014 3.3 1.8 2.4 0.8 0.1 4.4 7.7 7.8 7.4 2015F 2016F 3.5 3.7 2.4 2.4 3.6 3.3 1.2 1.4 0.6 0.8 4.3 4.7 6.8 6.3 SOURCES: CIMB, IMF WSTS estimates IC sales to grow by 3.1% in FY15, led by analog and memory ICs. Demand for medical/health electronics, LED lighting systems and green energy management systems (lighting, temperature, security, etc.) for homes and commercial buildings are expected to keep analog unit growth much more robust than other IC product categories throughout the forecast period. 5 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Figure 11: WSTS forecast data US$ bn Discrete Semiconductors Optoelectronics Sensors Integrated Circuits - Analog - Micro - Logic - Memory Total 2012 19 26 8 238 39 60 82 57 292 2013 18 28 8 252 40 59 86 67 306 Years Growth 2014 2015F 2016F 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F 20 21 22 -10.5% -4.9% 12.3% 4.4% 3.0% 29 31 32 13.4% 5.3% 7.0% 4.9% 3.3% 9 9 10 0.5% 0.3% 7.4% 6.1% 5.2% 275 283 292 -3.6% 5.7% 9.1% 3.1% 3.0% 44 47 49 -7.2% 2.1% 10.2% 7.3% 3.7% 62 63 64 -7.6% -2.6% 6.0% 1.5% 1.7% 90 91 94 3.7% 5.2% 4.2% 2.2% 2.7% 79 81 84 -6.2% 17.6% 17.3% 3.1% 4.1% 333 345 355 -2.7% 4.8% 9.0% 3.4% 3.1% SOURCES: CIMB, WSTS Moderate equipment spending SEMI expects worldwide semiconductor capital spending to grow by 8% in FY15, driven by new fab construction projects and the ramping up of new technology nodes. Meanwhile, fab equipment spending is projected to grow stronger at 15%, largely due to rising investments from foundries and memory companies driving growth in FY15. According to Gartner, worldwide semiconductor equipment capital spending is expected to grow by 5.6% in FY15 from US$38.9bn to US$41.1bn as manufacturers turn their focus to ramping up new capacity instead of building new fab. In addition, we believe the demand for packaging and assembly services from OSAT players should remain resilient as wafer-level packaging and assembly equipment is expected to grow by 8.9% in FY15. The momentum from strong 4Q14 sales has been carried forward through to Jan this year. SEMI expects the equipment market to continue to grow this year given the positive industry outlook. Overall, the long-term outlook is for continued investments in leading-edge logic as foundries and major integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) move into the FinFET era. In memory, the outlook for NAND flash is especially strong as it starts to become a major presence in data centres. The result could be steady growth in spending for semiconductor equipment through to FY18, with only a minor dip in FY16 due to cyclical weakness as DRAM spending responds to the anticipated oversupply situation before returning to growth through to FY18. Figure 12: Worldwide semiconductor equipment spending 2013-18 forecast Item (US$ bn) Semiconductor capital spending Growth Capital equipment Growth Wafer fab equipment Growth Wafer-level manufacturing equipment Growth Wafer-level packaging and assembly equipmet Growth Die level packaging and assembly equipment Growth Automated test equipment Growth 2013 58 -12% 33 -16% 27 -19% 29 -8% 1 0% 3 -3% 2 -3% 2014 65 13% 39 16% 32 16% 33 16.1% 2 19% 3 14% 2 24% 2015 66 1% 41 6% 34 7% 36 7% 2 9% 3 -4% 2 2% 2016 66 0% 40 -2% 34 0% 36 0% 2 -1% 3 -16% 2 -12% 2017 70 7% 45 11% 37 10% 39 11% 2 23% 3 12% 2 18% 2018 75 7% 47 6% 39 6% 42 6% 3 14% 3 5% 3 5% SOURCES: CIMB, GARTNER Mobile devices and applications are still major drivers Mobile computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets (S&T), should still be the key growth drivers for the sector due to the increasing demand from emerging markets and higher content growth from the continuous development of mobile device applications. Gartner forecasts worldwide device shipments to rise by 3.8% yoy from 2.38bn units in FY14 to 2.47bn units in FY15. Overall growth should be driven by mobile phone and tablet shipments, which are expected to expand by 4.3% and 4.2% in FY15 and FY16 (vs. 3.8% in FY14), respectively. Despite the moderate forecast in mobile phone shipments, IDC expects smartphone sales volume to grow by 12.2%, reaching 1.4bn units in FY15. 6 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Figure 13: Worldwide device shipments volume by segment Worldwide shipment (mil) Device Type PC (Desktop & Notebook) Ultrabook Tablet Mobile Phone Total 2013 299 17 180 1804 2300 Sales 2014 2015F 279 259 39 62 216 233 1844 1915 2378 2469 2016F 248 85 259 1980 2572 Growth (%) 2013 2014 2015F -12.3 -6.8 -7.2 84.0 126.8 59.0 50.2 20.3 7.9 3.3 2.2 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.8 2016F -4.2 37.1 11.2 3.4 4.2 3-year CAGR -6.1 70.3 13.0 3.1 3.8 SOURCES: CIMB, GARTNER While S&T shipment volume growth is expected to slow down due to a higher base and saturation in developed markets. We still see decent growth prospects, led by improving smartphone penetration in the emerging markets, which is expected to drive demand over the next five years. IDC is projecting a 9.8% 2014-18 CAGR for smartphone shipments, driven by higher volumes for mid- to low-end smartphone models. The Asia Pacific region should be an important region for the smartphone market as its market share is expected to grow from 14% in FY13 to 24% in FY18. Nevertheless, we understand that the decent growth volume may come with lower average selling prices (ASP) due to intense competition. On a worldwide basis, IDC expects the ASP for smartphones to fall by about 5% annually, from US$297 in FY14 to reach US$241 by FY18. Figure 14: Smartphone shipments by operating system Figure 15: Smartphone market share forecast for 2013-2018 90% 80% Title: Source: 40.0% 80% 78% 35.0% Please fill in the values above to have them entered in your report 70% 30.0% 60% 25.0% 50% 20.0% 40% 15.0% 30% 10.0% 15% 14% 20% 10% 4% 5.0% 6% 1% 0% 1% 2% Blackberry Others 0.0% 0% Android iOS Windows Phone 2014 Asia Pacific (exJapan & China) 2018 2013 China 2014F 2015F USA Western Europe Rest of the world 2016F 2017F SOURCES: CIMB, IDC 2018F SOURCES: CIMB, IDC Overall, we are not overly concerned about the potential slowdown in smartphone shipment growth given the higher penetration rate in developed markets and higher user base. However, we believe components manufacturers still have decent growth opportunities from higher content growth within S&T given the ongoing development of mobile device applications. Qualcomm has highlighted that, each year, more and more sensors are integrated into smartphones in order to enable various tasks for enhancing user experience. For example, the first Samsung GALAXY S1, which was launched in FY10, had only three sensors compared to 12 sensors in the GALAXY S5. Therefore, we think that smartphones could remain a key driver for the sector given the higher content growth opportunity apart from increasing demand for higher mobile computing power in emerging markets. Automotive to emerge as a new industry driver While the communications segment should remain a key growth driver for the sector, we are seeing the automotive segment playing a bigger role in driving industry growth following IC Insights’ projection that automotive will be the fastest market for IC application with a 2013-18 CAGR of 10.8%. 7 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 We think this is partly due to higher semiconductor content in all vehicles that was previously only associated with luxury vehicles. For example, since Nov 2014, the European Union has mandated that new cars are equipped with tyre-pressure sensors. This should help to drive up semiconductor demand growth in automotive. Meanwhile, the independent market research group, IHS iSuppli, indicated that the automotive semiconductor market recorded 10% revenue growth in FY14 due to higher chip content and robust vehicle production following new vehicle emission regulations and higher vehicle safety requirements. iSuppli expects the automotive semiconductor market to grow by 7.5% in FY15, driven by strong growth from hybrid electric vehicles, telematics and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In addition, another market research group, Strategy Analytics, expects the trend in rising electronic content in cars to continue, both in terms of dollar value and content volume. It is important to highlight that IC automotive application is not limited to safety as IC Insights also highlighted the rising demand for vehicle infotainment system, driver-assistance systems and connectivity in driving future semiconductor demand in automotive. Figure 16: 2014 IC market by end use application ($US bn) 120 107.4 103.7 100 80 60 35.3 40 21.7 17.0 20 2.0 0 Communication Computer Consumer Automotive Industrial Military SOURCES: CIMB, IC Insights Figure 17: Automotive is projected to lead the IC growth rate Computer 3.3% Consumer 4.1% Military 4.1% Total Ics 5.5% Industrial 5.7% Communication 6.8% Automotive 10.8% 0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00% 2013-18 CAGR SOURCES: CIMB, IC Insights 8 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 IOT is a long-term driver The Internet of Things concept is the latest buzzword in today’s technology industry given its vast potential to impact billions of lives globally. The concept is gaining better traction given that it no longer stems from the consumer end of the market, but is also being driven by the business world. Cisco predicts that the number of connected devices could far exceed the global population by 2020, with 50bn connected objects by that year. These connected devices could possess one or more sensors that would monitor specific locations, vibration, motion and temperature. Through IOT, these sensors would connect to a system that can understand and analyse the data to provide new information to an organisation’s system and to individuals. IC Insights projected total industry sales by IoT communication and sensor subsystems to grow from US$48.3bn in FY14 to US$103.6bn in FY18, or a four-year CAGR of 27%. In terms of market segments, connected cities, which include “smart” electric grids, roads and streetlights and other public infrastructure applications, are expected to remain the largest semiconductor segment with IOT exposure at a 2013-18 CAGR of 15%. However, the industrial internet segment is expected to catch up to the connection cities segment due to high growth in factories, logistics and healthcare application. Figure 18: IOT revenue projection by internet communication and sensor systems ($US bn) 120 103.6 100 79.8 80 70.0 57.7 60 48.3 39.8 40 33.1 20 0 2012 2013 2014E 2015F 2016F 2017F 2018F SOURCES: CIMB, IC Insights Figure 19: IOT semiconductor sales by segment 2014E (US$3.9bn) Connected homes 7% Figure 20 IOT semiconductor sales by segment 2018F (US$11.5bn) Wearable systems 3% Connected homes 10% Wearable systems 4% Connected vehicles 8% Connected cities 37% Connected vehicles 13% Industrial internet 29% Connected cities 53% Industrial internet 36% SOURCE: CIMB, IC Insights SOURCE: CIMB, IC Insights 9 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Hence, this is where we see the long-term value for domestic semiconductor players, which are beginning to delve into manufacturing these sensor components. We see this as a very positive long-term driver for the sector given that it opens new end markets for semiconductor components. We also agree with IC Insights which highlighted that the next big thing in the industry could be many products serving many markets instead of one or two huge growth drivers. RISKS Decline in consumer spending Another potential risk for the sector is a decline in consumer spending. Despite the improving labour market condition and lower energy price, US consumer spending has been lacklustre due to a mix of bad weather conditions and cautious outlook by consumers. Based on data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, US consumer spending fell below 4% between Dec 2014 to Feb 2015. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan’s consumer confidence data for Mar 2015 recorded 91.2, which is lower than 98.1 in Jan 2015. Nevertheless, in the long-term, consumer confidence has steadily grown from a low of 73.2 in Oct 2013. Overall, we expect the depressed global crude oil price and positive trend in US consumer spending to continue to support the recovery in semiconductor industry demand. Figure 21: US consumer spending growth (% yoy) Figure 22: University of Michigan US consumer confidence % 8 120 6 100 4 80 2 60 0 40 -2 20 -4 Jan-04 Jan-06 Jan-08 Jan-10 Jan-12 0 Jan-04 Jan-14 US Consumer spending Jan-06 Jan-08 Jan-10 Jan-12 Jan-14 Consumer confidence SOURCE: BLOOMBERG, CIMB SOURCE: BLOOMBERG, CIMB 10 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 FINANCIALS Stronger free cashflow generation The strength of earnings recovery in the sector is illustrated by the higher free cashflow (FCF) generation. Both MPI and Unisem have been conserving cash and staying cautious about their capex spending over the past two years given the slowdown in industry demand aside from the communications segment. We expect the sector’s FCF to trend higher given the minimal capex requirements in the near- to medium-term as the sector still has excess structural capacity to meet the rising industry demand. Moreover, the sector’s FCF level is expected to exceed the FY13 high of RM300m from FY14 onwards. Furthermore, we believe the stronger FCF generation could provide more flexibility for companies to increase dividend payouts. Figure 23: Strength in earnings recovery is reflected in rising FCF trend RM m 500 400 300 200 100 0 -100 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F Sector Free Cash Flow SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Figure 24: MPI FCF trend gradual pick-up in 2015 due to RM200m capex programme Figure 25: Steady growth in FCF with limited capex RM m RM m 250 250 200 200 150 150 100 50 100 0 50 -50 -100 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2010 2016F 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F Unisem Free Cash Flow MPI Free Cash Flow SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS SOURCE: CIMB COMPANY REPORTS 11 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Positive impact from a strengthening US$ We expect the sector to benefit from robust US economy and strengthening in US$ against the ringgit which appreciates by 5.6% ytd. We understand that nearly 100% of the sales by Malaysian semiconductor companies are denominated in US$, compared to about 70-75% of cost that are mainly related to raw materials. Based on our estimates, every 1% appreciation in US$ would translates to 3-4% increase in MPI and Unisem FY15 core net profit. Overall, the stronger US$ is positive for the domestic semiconductor players. Healthy balance sheet position We also like the sector due to its healthy balance sheet position as its overall gearing level has been trending down since FY09, except during the slowdown in 2011-12. In FY14, the sector recorded a 10.4% gearing ratio, which is below its historical mean of 20.8%. We expect the sector’s gearing to decline and become net cash by the end of this year as the sector continues to reduce its borrowings while staying cautious about new capital spending, instead focusing on ramping up new capacity for advanced packages. Figure 26: Sector gearing is trending down 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20% 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F Sector Gearing SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Figure 27: MPI is in net cash position as at Dec 2014 Figure 28: Unisem gearing stands at 19% as at Dec 2014 60.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 40.0% 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% -20.0% -20.0% -40.0% -60.0% -40.0% 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2001 2015F 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015F Unisem Gearing MPI Gearing SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS 12 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 VALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION Maintain Overweight Figure 29: Malaysian semiconductor sector earnings forecasts Core net profit (RM m) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F 2017F MPI 82.6 19.6 (6.0) 34.5 73.1 94.2 115.4 127.0 Unisem 181.9 19.7 (4.6) (17.1) 62.8 85.5 110.9 125.2 Sector 264.5 39.3 (10.6) 17.4 135.9 179.8 226.3 252.2 2014-17 EPS CAGR 22.9% Core net profit growth (%) 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015F 2016F 2017F MPI (76) (131) 672 112 29 22 10 Unisem (89) (123) (270) 468 36 30 13 Sector (85) (127) 264 680 32 26 11 SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Following the strong earnings recovery in FY14, we expect Malaysian semiconductor sector to continue growing and benefiting from demand shift towards mobile computing and connectivity. We believe that both MPI and Unisem have taken the right strategy in shifting their portfolio mixes, albeit gradually, towards higher-margin segments, such as communications and automotive. Moreover, we saw these companies recovering over the past year as sector profitability improved on the back of expansions in EBITDA margin. We now expect the sector’s earnings to record a 2014-17 CAGR of 23%, mainly driven by higher sales from new packages and better operating efficiency. In our coverage, we prefer the companies leveraged to S&T products given the strong demand forecasts for the segment. Our sector top pick is MPI. We prefer MPI to Unisem because of its attractive valuation and aggressive growth strategy. MPI has a higher exposure to the communications segment at 36% of revenue, while Unisem has about 29% revenue contribution from the segment. MPI and Unisem trade at 14.3x and 16.1x CY15 P/Es, respectively. The current valuation level is still below the sector historical mean of 19x during the recovery cycle in 2005-2010. We currently have Add ratings on both stocks. Figure 30: Stronger earnings recovery forecast driven by portfolio shift (RM m) 300.0 16.0 14.0 250.0 12.0 200.0 10.0 150.0 8.0 100.0 6.0 4.0 50.0 2.0 - - (50.0) (2.0) 2010 2011 2012 2013 Sector core net profit (RMm) 2014 2015F 2016F 2017F Sector ROE (%) SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS In terms of the sector as a whole, it trades at a 12.0x CY16 P/E, slightly below its 1-year historical mean of 12.4x and 13% discount to its Taiwanese peers. In addition, the sector also trades near to a 30% discount to its Taiwanese OSAT peers, at 1.4x CY15 P/BV, which is still below its historical mean of 1.5x. 13 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Therefore, we think the sector’s valuation is still compelling as it benefits from a transition to higher-margin packages, strengthening in the US dollar and better operating efficiency, that is supported by a three-year EPS CAGR of 23%, which is higher than Taiwanese OSAT peers’ 9%. Hence, we maintain an Overweight rating on the Malaysian semiconductor sector as we see improving earnings visibility for the companies in the sector, led by rising automotive content and mobile computing demand in emerging markets and increasing connectivity and communication between objects based on the Internet of Things concept. Figure 31: 1-yr forward sector P/E (x) P/E (x) 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 Jan-14 Apr-14 P/E Mean Jul-14 1+Std Dev Oct-14 1-Std Dev Jan-15 1+ 2 Std Dev 1- 2 Std Dev SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Figure 32: 1-yr forward sector P/BV (x) P/BV (x) 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Mar-04 Mar-05 Mar-06 Mar-07 Sector P/BV Mar-08 Mar-09 Mean Mar-10 Mar-11 1+Std Dev Mar-12 Mar-13 Mar-14 Mar-15 1-Std Dev SOURCES: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS 14 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 Figure 33: MPI’s 1-yr forward P/E (x) Figure 34: Unisem’s 1-yr forward P/E (x) P/E (x) P/E (x) 18.0 20 16.0 18 14.0 16 14 12.0 12 10.0 10 8.0 8 6.0 6 4.0 4 2.0 2 0 Sep-13 Jan-13 Apr-13 Jul-13 Oct-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jul-14 Oct-14 Jan-15 Dec-13 Mar-14 Jun-14 Dec-14 P/E Mean 1+Std Dev P/E Mean 1+Std Dev 1-Std Dev 1+2 Std Dev 1-2 Std Dev 1-STD Dev 1+2 Std Dev 1-2 Std Dev SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Mar-15 SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS Figure 35: MPI’s 1-yr forward P/BV (x) Figure 36: Unisem’s 1-yr forward P/BV (x) P/BV (x) P/BV (x) 5.0 1.8 4.5 1.6 4.0 1.4 3.5 1.2 3.0 1.0 2.5 0.8 2.0 0.6 1.5 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.5 Jan-05 Sep-14 0.0 Jan-05 Jan-07 P/BV Jan-09 Mean Jan-11 1 + Std Dev Jan-13 Jan-07 Jan-09 Jan-11 Jan-13 Jan-15 Jan-15 1 - Std Dev SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS P/BV Mean 1 - Std Dev 1 + 2 Std Dev 1 + Std Dev 1 - 2 Std Dev SOURCE: CIMB, COMPANY REPORTS 15 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 #03 DISCLAIMER This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. 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Distribution of stock ratings and investment banking clients for quarter ended on 31 December 2014 1586 companies under coverage for quarter ended on 31 December 2014 Rating Distribution (%) Investment Banking clients (%) Add 58.4% 6.0% Hold 29.4% 4.3% Reduce 12.2% 1.0% Corporate Governance Report of Thai Listed Companies (CGR). CG Rating by the Thai Institute of Directors Association (Thai IOD) in 2014. AAV – Very Good, ADVANC – Very Good, AEONTS – not available, AMATA - Good, ANAN – Very Good, AOT – Very Good, AP - Good, ASK – Very Good, ASP – Very Good, BANPU – Very Good , BAY – Very Good , BBL – Very Good, BCH – not available, BCP - Excellent, BEAUTY – Good, BEC - Good, BECL – Very Good, BGH - not available, BH - Good, BIGC - Very Good, BJC – Good, BLA – Very Good, BMCL - Very Good, BTS - Excellent, CCET – Good, CENTEL – Very Good, CHG – not available, CK – Very Good, CPALL – not available, CPF – Very Good, CPN - Excellent, DELTA - Very Good, DEMCO – Good, DTAC – Very Good, EA - Good, ECL – not available, EGCO - Excellent, GFPT - Very Good, GLOBAL - Good, GLOW - Good, GRAMMY - Excellent, HANA Excellent, HEMRAJ – Very Good, HMPRO - Very Good, ICHI - not available, INTUCH - Excellent, ITD – Good, IVL - Excellent, JAS – not available, JUBILE – not available, KAMART – not available, KBANK - Excellent, KCE - Very Good, KGI – Good, KKP – Excellent, KTB - Excellent, KTC – Good, LH - Very Good, LPN – Very Good, M - not available, MAJOR - Good, MAKRO – Good, MBKET – Good, MC – Very Good, MCOT – Very Good, MEGA – Good, MINT Excellent, OFM – Very Good, OISHI – Good, PS – Very Good, PSL - Excellent, PTT - Excellent, PTTEP - Excellent, PTTGC - Excellent, QH – Very Good, RATCH – Very Good, ROBINS – Very Good, RS – Very Good, SAMART - Excellent, SAPPE - not available, SAT – Excellent, SAWAD – not available, SC – Excellent, SCB - Excellent, SCBLIF – Good, SCC – Very Good, SCCC - Good, SIM - Excellent, SIRI - Good, SPALI - Excellent, STA – Very Good, STEC - Good, SVI – Very Good, TASCO – Good, TCAP – Very Good, THAI – Very Good, THANI – Very Good, THCOM – Very Good, THRE – not available, THREL – Good, TICON – Good, TISCO - Excellent, TK – Very Good, TMB - Excellent, TOP - Excellent, TRUE – Very Good, TTW – Very Good, TUF - Good, VGI – Very Good, WORK – not available. 19 Semiconductor│Malaysia March 17, 2015 CIMB Recommendation Framework Stock Ratings Definition: Add The stock’s total return is expected to exceed 10% over the next 12 months. Hold The stock’s total return is expected to be between 0% and positive 10% over the next 12 months. Reduce The stock’s total return is expected to fall below 0% or more over the next 12 months. The total expected return of a stock is defined as the sum of the: (i) percentage difference between the target price and the current price and (ii) the forward net dividend yields of the stock. Stock price targets have an investment horizon of 12 months. Sector Ratings Overweight Neutral Underweight Definition: An Overweight rating means stocks in the sector have, on a market cap-weighted basis, a positive absolute recommendation. A Neutral rating means stocks in the sector have, on a market cap-weighted basis, a neutral absolute recommendation. An Underweight rating means stocks in the sector have, on a market cap-weighted basis, a negative absolute recommendation. Country Ratings Overweight Neutral Underweight Definition: An Overweight rating means investors should be positioned with an above-market weight in this country relative to benchmark. A Neutral rating means investors should be positioned with a neutral weight in this country relative to benchmark. An Underweight rating means investors should be positioned with a below-market weight in this country relative to benchmark. *Prior to December 2013 CIMB recommendation framework for stocks listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, Stock Exchange of Thailand, Jakarta Stock Exchange, Australian Securities Exchange, Taiwan Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India/Bombay Stock Exchange were based on a stock’s total return relative to the relevant benchmarks total return. Outperform: expected to exceed by 5% or more over the next 12 months. Neutral: expected to be within +/-5% over the next 12 months. Underperform: expected to be below by 5% or more over the next 12 months. Trading Buy: expected to exceed by 3% or more over the next 3 months. Trading Sell: expected to be below by 3% or more over the next 3 months. For stocks listed on Korea Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange and China listings on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Outperform: Expected positive total returns of 10% or more over the next 12 months. Neutral: Expected total returns of between -10% and +10% over the next 12 months. Underperform: Expected negative total returns of 10% or more over the next 12 months. Trading Buy: Expected positive total returns of 10% or more over the next 3 months. Trading Sell: Expected negative total returns of 10% or more over the next 3 months. 20
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