The Positives
+ Real-estate revenue despite construction delays. 1H21 revenue and net profit met, at 54% of our FY21e forecasts. Topline was propped up by real-estate recognition. Construction of Star Villas, a new project in Star City, commenced in December 2020. Development revenue increased 28.4% YoY from sales of a penthouse at The Peninsula Residences, Star Villas units and new projects at Pun Hlaing Estate as construction progressed. Lower revenue from City Loft was recognised due to construction delays.
+ Slashed costs. Yoma cut operating costs and deferred the bulk of its capex to conserve cash. Staff costs were slashed by more than 60% through job cuts, furloughs and pay reductions. The company also reduced inventory and monetised existing PPE stock. As such, administrative expenses declined 19.5% YoY. Interest expenses dropped 14.2% from lower interest rates. As more stringent financial management has been implemented since 1 February 2021, cost-efficiency gains should be realised in the coming months. We lower FY21/FY22e administrative expenses by 15%/20%.
The Negatives
– F&B hardest hit by Covid-19 and coup d’état. The restaurant business, which was already reeling under Covid-19, has been dealt further blows by the coup since 1 February 2021. Temporary store closures were frequent and operating hours shortened against a backdrop of weaker consumer sentiment. Operational disruptions to delivery aggregators due to trade-zone topsy-turvy, safety measures and a suspension of food-delivery apps reduced delivery channel sales. Delivery sales constituted 50% of F&B revenue during Covid-19. As a result, 1H21 F&B revenue fell 44.5% YoY.
– Motors second to F&B. Heavy equipment was equally affected by disruptions to hire-purchase financing from local banks and delays in port clearances. Despite strong sales of Ducati motorbikes, the automotive business was hit by the closure of vehicle registration offices and dealer showrooms. Consequently, 1H21 motor revenue slipped 27.1% YoY.
