Hi Flintstones - which two clients have they lost? They have deliberately dropped a telecommunications client that was dragging down profits. Whilst negative for 2016, this is a positive development for 2017.

Hi all,

Thought the 4Q16 result was quite commendable actually. Few thoughts from myself:-

1. 4Q16 reported net profits of RM13.4m grew by +32% year-on-year whilst FY2016 reported net profit of RM50.5m was also up 37%. How many companies in Malaysia can grow net profits by >20%. Recall that they got hit by RM15m worth of inventory impairments this year which was one-off in nature and should not recur next year again. Excluding this amount, profits would have been up 70% yoy.

2. Total cash balance of RM125m improved by +17% yoy (recall cash went to near-zero in 3Q16). In fact they had some surplus cash and actually repaid back some borrowings (RM6m). Net cash is 5% of total market capitalization now. Remember this is a distribution business model and quarterly cash balances will fluctuate given the working capital requirements however they closed their balance sheet on a clean slate.

3. Not only did they close their balance sheet on a clean slate, read their cash flow statement and consider the immense cash-generation potential of their business. FY2016A free cash flow (operating cash flow less investing cash flow) totaled RM39.2m. This is equivalent to a free cash yield of approx. 5%.

Organic growth excluding the telecommunications client for their logistics segment grew by "strong double digits" whilst marketing and distribution grew by 5.3%.

Free cash flow generation even more this year as the business grows organically (high single digits) whilst they have finished their large capital expenditure projects (shifting HQ in Petaling Jaya and East Malaysian warehouse expansion). Hence, FCF yield should be closer to 5.5-6.0% this year.

4. Those closely following the stock would tell you that several large expense and one-off items will (or should not) not recur into FY2017.

(a) One-off provisions for impairment of trade receivables of RM15m (note that you can provide for but also collect back, if you are successful).

(b) One-off office relocation costs and warehouse capex growth in East Malaysia

(c) Change in telecommunications clients would dragged down revenue and profitability.

This means that FY2016 provides a base year for an even stronger FY2017.

5. Their outlook statement also reads positively on its own and compared against FY2016:-

4Q16 outlook statement:
The Group takes a positive outlook on 2017. Market conditions remain variable but are expected
to be largely similar to 2016. Costs remain stable and no major expenses or infrastructure
upgrades are planned in 2017 as the recently improved infrastructure remains able to support
the growth currently being experienced. Revenues are expected to resume growth in 2017 as
there will no longer be an effect of the change in telecommunications client.

4Q15 outlook statement:
The Group takes a cautiously optimistic outlook on 2016. Market conditions remain challenging, particularly following the implementation of GST, which continues to effect consumer demand to a certain extent.

6. They have hired Stephen Ferraby as a Non-Executive Director. Importantly, he is part of DKSH Switzerland (parent company) management committee which tells you the Malaysian business has grown to be of significance and they will be placing a greater emphasis on the Malaysian business (i.e. not just a small tiny subsidiary). This is a net small positive.

Of greater importance, is that the parent company will have a new CEO, Stefan Butz (48 years old) whom will replace the old guard (Dr. Joerge Woller) and run the business with greater energy.

All-in-all, barring liquidity, this is arguably one of the better managed companies left in Bursa Malaysia with extremely high barriers to entry and low capital intensity with reasonable valuations. The parent company trades at 24x 2017 PER whilst the Malaysian business trades at 16.5x trailing FY2016 PER or 13-14x 2017 PER, on my estimates. Good luck to all.