We view the recent goodwill impairment announcement as a way for SMRT’s new management to turn the page on its past overseas ventures although the timing did take us by surprise. While the Shenzhen ZONA venture failed to yield the desired results, its performance only turned negative over the past two quarters. Nonetheless, we feel that management review of existing operations is still ongoing, and we could see further impairments – particularly on the SG bus business – down the line. In the interim, we expect to see a net loss in excess of S$4.3m for 4QCY13, and a possible halving of FY12’s final dividend. As we roll our valuations forward to include FY15, our fair value declines to S$1.51 from S$1.62 previously with higher operating expenses and a lack of growth opportunities to blame. We maintain HOLD on SMRT and reiterate our view that an inflection point is unlikely anytime soon.
First ever profit guidance issued
SMRT Corp issued its first ever profit guidance for 4Q13, attributing the expected net loss to higher operating expenses and an impairment of the S$17m in goodwill for its Chinese associate, Shenzhen ZONA Transportation Group.
Time to wipe the slate clean
We view the goodwill impairment as a way for SMRT’s new management to turn the page on its past overseas ventures although the timing did take us by surprise. While the Shenzhen ZONA venture failed to yield the desired results, its performance only turned negative over the past two quarters. On the other hand, SMRT was willing to wait out eight quarters of much larger operating losses on its SG bus operations before making a goodwill impairment in 4QFY12.
Further impairments to come
In our view, the review of SMRT’s business segments by the new management is still ongoing and we could see further impairments with regards to the SG bus business. Its operations continue to suffer from growing operating expenses and a write-down of assets could materialise in the coming quarters if operating losses persist and widen beyond the current losing streak of nine consecutive quarters.
Lower final FY13 dividend
For now, our 4QFY13 estimates call for a loss in excess of $4.3m, and this should reduce FY13’s reported profit to around S$90m. Assuming an unchanged 60% PATMI payout – last seen in FY04/05 – investors can expect a halving of last year’s dividend payout.
Valuation lowered
As we roll our valuations forward to include FY15, our fair value declines from S$1.62 to S$1.51 as higher operating expenses and lack of growth opportunities continue to bite. This undesirable combination will likely override any cheer from the upcoming fare increase in mid-CY2013. We reiterate that SMRT is unlikely to see an inflection point anytime soon. Maintain HOLD.
SMRT Corp issued its first ever profit guidance for 4Q13, attributing the expected net loss to higher operating expenses and an impairment of the S$17m in goodwill for its Chinese associate, Shenzhen ZONA Transportation Group.
Time to wipe the slate clean
We view the goodwill impairment as a way for SMRT’s new management to turn the page on its past overseas ventures although the timing did take us by surprise. While the Shenzhen ZONA venture failed to yield the desired results, its performance only turned negative over the past two quarters. On the other hand, SMRT was willing to wait out eight quarters of much larger operating losses on its SG bus operations before making a goodwill impairment in 4QFY12.
Further impairments to come
In our view, the review of SMRT’s business segments by the new management is still ongoing and we could see further impairments with regards to the SG bus business. Its operations continue to suffer from growing operating expenses and a write-down of assets could materialise in the coming quarters if operating losses persist and widen beyond the current losing streak of nine consecutive quarters.
Lower final FY13 dividend
For now, our 4QFY13 estimates call for a loss in excess of $4.3m, and this should reduce FY13’s reported profit to around S$90m. Assuming an unchanged 60% PATMI payout – last seen in FY04/05 – investors can expect a halving of last year’s dividend payout.
Valuation lowered
As we roll our valuations forward to include FY15, our fair value declines from S$1.62 to S$1.51 as higher operating expenses and lack of growth opportunities continue to bite. This undesirable combination will likely override any cheer from the upcoming fare increase in mid-CY2013. We reiterate that SMRT is unlikely to see an inflection point anytime soon. Maintain HOLD.
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