RESEARCH FIRMS REMAIN POSITIVE ON DRB-HICOM DUE TO PROTON'S GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) remained positive on DRB-HICOM Bhd’s long-term outlook on potential growth driven by Proton subsidiaries amid increasing market competition.

In a research note today, HLIB said Proton is targeting to achieve 2024 sales of 160,000 units versus 151,000 units in 2023, through new models introduced and attractive promotional campaigns. 

“Proton has recently launched the updated X50 RC with good discounts and is expected to launch another X70 facelift soon, along with introducing a new electric vehicle (EV) model by the end of the year in line with management’s target of one new model launch per annum,” it said. 

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HLIB said the DRB-HICOM management brushed aside the potential market competition from Zeekr’s entry into the Malaysian market, given the different market segment, where Zeekr would be positioned as a higher premium segment than Proton’s e.MAS EV.

Zeekr is a publicly listed Chinese automobile company, and the brand is owned by Geely Automobile Holdings. 

HLIB also said that Bank Muamalat and CTRM would continue supporting DRB-HICOM 2024’s performance.

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“We reiterate our ‘buy’ rating with an unchanged target price (TP) of RM1.65 based on a 20 per cent discount to sum-of-parts (SOP) RM2.04,” said the research firm. 

Separately, Kenanga Research also maintained its ‘market perform’ call on DRB-HICOM with a SOP-derived TP of RM1.40. 

The research house said it likes the company for being the second largest player in the local automotive sector, second only to Perodua, with a market share of about 30 per cent, and its strong Proton and Honda franchises, as well as its improving banking franchise under Bank Muamalat.

“However, its (DRB-HICOM) outlook has weakened with rival Perodua turning up the heat with aggressive new launches, coupled with earnings drags from certain non-performing units,” it said. 

Kenanga Research said the risks to its call include consumers cutting back on discretionary spending (particularly big-ticket items like new cars) amidst high inflation and persistent disruptions (including chip shortages) in the global automotive supply chain.

“Other risks also include a slowdown in capital market activities (Bank Muamalat) and a global recession hurting the demand for transport and aviation services,” it added.

-- BERNAMA