Olam International
SINGAPORE
MITA No. 013/06/2008
Company Report
12 March 2009
Olam International Ltd
Gravity-defying growth
Resilient to recession. Olam International Ltd (Olam) has been delivering consistent revenue and earnings growth since its listing in 2005, and growth momentum is expected to sustain despite the global recession. Management has guided for 16% to 20% topline CAGR and 25% to 30% earnings CAGR over the next three years. These goals are achievable, given that demand for food is relatively inelastic and earnings are therefore less vulnerable to the global economic downturn. Olam has already proven its resilience by delivering a 32.9% growth in 1H09 core earnings despite the recent collapse of commodity prices, demonstrating its ability to perform under difficult conditions. Growth opportunities abound. The global economic turmoil has presented Olam with organic and inorganic growth opportunities. The group has been expanding its market share at the expense of weaker competitors who have been ousted as a result of the credit crunch and economic downturn. At the same time, distressed assets have emerged following the financial meltdown, presenting the group with M&A opportunities. Management has articulated its interest to pursue bite-sized acquisitions, but remains cautious to contain its gearing levels. But gearing is relatively high. Olam's key weakness, in our view, is its high gearing ratio. It is more heavily geared than its peers, with total debt to equity ratio of 4.67x, substantially higher than its peers, whose gearing ratios range from 0.48x to 1.38x. Even after adjusting for its hedged inventories and receivables, gearing remains above that of its peers'. The group's reliance on debt could pose refinancing risks in the event of a protracted credit crunch. Rising interest costs could also erode profit margins should the group find itself unable to pass on these higher costs to its customers. Valuations near historical trough; initiate with BUY.
MITA No. 013/06/2008
Company Report
12 March 2009
Olam International Ltd
Gravity-defying growth
Resilient to recession. Olam International Ltd (Olam) has been delivering consistent revenue and earnings growth since its listing in 2005, and growth momentum is expected to sustain despite the global recession. Management has guided for 16% to 20% topline CAGR and 25% to 30% earnings CAGR over the next three years. These goals are achievable, given that demand for food is relatively inelastic and earnings are therefore less vulnerable to the global economic downturn. Olam has already proven its resilience by delivering a 32.9% growth in 1H09 core earnings despite the recent collapse of commodity prices, demonstrating its ability to perform under difficult conditions. Growth opportunities abound. The global economic turmoil has presented Olam with organic and inorganic growth opportunities. The group has been expanding its market share at the expense of weaker competitors who have been ousted as a result of the credit crunch and economic downturn. At the same time, distressed assets have emerged following the financial meltdown, presenting the group with M&A opportunities. Management has articulated its interest to pursue bite-sized acquisitions, but remains cautious to contain its gearing levels. But gearing is relatively high. Olam's key weakness, in our view, is its high gearing ratio. It is more heavily geared than its peers, with total debt to equity ratio of 4.67x, substantially higher than its peers, whose gearing ratios range from 0.48x to 1.38x. Even after adjusting for its hedged inventories and receivables, gearing remains above that of its peers'. The group's reliance on debt could pose refinancing risks in the event of a protracted credit crunch. Rising interest costs could also erode profit margins should the group find itself unable to pass on these higher costs to its customers. Valuations near historical trough; initiate with BUY.