News by Hong Leong Investment Bank

The take-up rate for Matrix Concept’s ongoing projects remains encouraging. Suriaman phase 1 and 2’s take-up rates have increased from 58% to 73% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q), while the recently launched Hijayu 3 saw an encouraging take-up rate above 51%.

In 2015, new launches (in unit) dropped 19% as developers delayed their launches after a fall in take-up rate from 45% to 41%. Despite the rise in number and value of unsold units (which increased 16% and 56% respectively), it still remains manageable as the total of unsold units only represents about 1.6% of existing housing stock.

MRCB-Quill REIT’s first quarter of financial year 2016 (1QFY16) gross revenue of RM32.7 million, up by 75.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), was translated into a normalised net profit of RM15.24 million (84.1% higher y-o-y), accounting for 26.2% and 26.8% of Hong Leong Investment Bank Research and consensus full-year forecasts respectively. There were no dividends in the quarter as its dividends are usually declared semi-annually.

Rental reversion rates are likely to be lower for upcoming expiring net lettable areas (NLAs) with slower year-on-year store sales growth.

Salcon is currently bidding a total tender book of over RM2.2 billion with management’s target of a 20%-30% success rate. These jobs include the Langat 2 WTP Phase II contracts, new alternative water supply jobs in Selangor and the projects from 11MP (11th Malaysia Plan) to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) to 25% from 36.6% in 2013.

Based on 1Q16 data alone, 2016 is already a record year for job flows. 1Q16 contract awards have already surpassed the previous full-year high of RM28 billion in 2012.

WCT Holdings Bhd has been awarded a RM133.9 million contract from Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) to redevelop the police quarters in Gombak.

We understand that Tambun Indah Land has secured advertising permits and developer licences (APDL) for Raintree Park 2 and Avenue Garden early this month, after delays of more than half a year.

We estimate that the disposal of Menara Shell will reduce MRCB’s net gearing from the current 113% to 86% on a pro forma basis.

The gross revenue improved mainly due to the completion of the acquisition exercise of Tropicana City Mall and Office Tower, as well as higher rental at East Coast Mall following an asset enhancement exercise.