CHINA SUNSINE: Incredible start to the year, TP now $1.97

Excerpts from Phillip Securities Research report

Analyst: Chen Guangzhi

GPM and NPM at historical highs in 1Q18: The respective GPM and NPM were reported at 34.9% and 17.4% in 1Q18 (1Q17: 24.4% and 10%, 4Q17: 33.3% and 15.1%). The significant improvement in of margins was attributable to the growth in ASP and reduction of tax rates.

According to the Aniline Price Index, 1Q18 price level increased by 26% YoY. Meanwhile, the group was granted “High-tech Enterprise” status, leading to a reduction of tax rate (from headline rate of 25% to concessionary rate of 15%).

Maintain BUY with a higher TP of S$1.97  We revise upwards FY18e EPS to 23.3 SG cents (previously 16 SG cents) and FY19e EPS to 22.4 SG cents (previously 17.7 SG cents), on higher margins. We maintain our BUY recommendation with an increased target price of S$1.97 (previously S$1.60). -- Chen Guangzhi (photo), Analyst, Phillip Securities Research

Negatives
- Trial run status: pending for approval: The trial run of the respective 10k-tonne newly-added capacity of accelerator TBBS and Insoluble Sulphur plant is expected to get approval by 2Q18. Each trial run could last for 1 to 3 months. 

Optimistically, both plants could commence full operation by 4Q18. It is expected that the new capacities will have a full year contribution in FY19.

Outlook
The enforcement of environmental protection policies and regulation will be strengthened moving forward.

Thus, we expect more rubber chemical plants to shut down before new capacity from large companies enter the market. As a result, the shortage of supply will persist in FY18 and benefit Sunsine.

Full report here.