SINGAPORE (April 28): DBS is maintaining its “buy” recommendation on Sheng Siong Group with a higher target price of $1.04, driven by new stores as the company continues to meet growth targets.
DBS lead analyst Alfie Yeo said in a Thursday report that Sheng Siong is “on track towards attaining its 50-store target, while long term margin is expected to track to our expectations”. It is expected to add another four stores in the second quarter.
In addition, Sheng Siong benefitted from government grants in the form of wage credit and special employment credit schemes, which accounted for $2.2 million out of a record-high $3.8 million in other operating income.
“Our core numbers for FY17F are unchanged, except for higher government grants going forward. We see wage credits increasing in line with a higher store count, which lifts our earnings by 5%,” says Yeo.
In 1Q16, Sheng Siong’s earnings jumped 17% y-o-y to $16.4 million.
At 2.55pm, Sheng Siong shares are trading flat at 89 cents.