Tuesday 3 September 2013

Raffles Medical Group

OCBC on 2 Sept 2013

Raffles Medical Group’s (RMG) share price has fallen ~5% since the start of Jul, and we believe this may have been caused by concerns over the impact of the weakening IDR on RMG’s Indonesian patient visits, coupled with the broad market weakness. RMG updated us that it has not felt any significant effects of this on its medical tourism figures. We believe this is because a larger proportion of its foreign patients come to RMG for the treatment of more acute illnesses rather than elective procedures. Meanwhile, RMG would recognise a net gain of ~S$21.4m from the disposal of Raffles Medical Management (which owns the Thong Sia commercial podium) for S$120m, and this would bolster its cash balances. Maintain BUY and S$3.42 fair value estimate on RMG.

Concerns over weakening IDR overdone
Raffles Medical Group’s (RMG) share price has fallen ~5% since the start of Jul, and we believe this may have been caused by concerns over the impact of the weakening IDR on RMG’s Indonesian patient visits, coupled with the broad market weakness. RMG updated us that it has not felt any significant effects of this on its medical tourism figures. We believe this is because a large proportion of its foreign patients come to RMG for the treatment of more acute illnesses. Demand for these cases tends to be more price inelastic in nature. However, there could still be some negative impact on elective surgeries done, in our view, as patients may choose to delay such procedures. A mitigating factor could be RMG’s competitive pricing vis-à-vis its local peers, which may allow it to capture some market share from its competitors for foreign patients who decide to proceed with their treatment but prefer a cheaper alternative in Singapore without compromising on quality.

Sale of property to bolster cash pile
RMG recently entered into a sale and purchase agreement for the disposal of Raffles Medical Management (which owns the Thong Sia commercial podium) for S$120m. This represents a 30.3% and 22.4% premium over its purchase price (acquired in Apr 2011) and latest valuation (as at 31 Dec 2012). Proceeds would be used for RMG’s expansion plans as it is negotiating on a collaboration for a possible integrated international hospital development in Shenzhen, China, which requires ~S$150m of capex (spread over three years). We also do not rule out the possibility of RMG paying a special dividend or increasing its ordinary final dividend payout as a means of rewarding its shareholders.

Reiterate our BUY rating
RMG would recognise a net gain of ~S$21.4m upon the completion of sale of this asset (expected on 31 Oct 2013), which would boost its earnings for FY13. However, this does not affect our valuations on the group as we view the gain as a non-recurring item. We maintain our BUY rating and S$3.42 fair value estimate on RMG.

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