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PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY NON-US BROKER-DEALER(S): BNP PARIBAS - SINGAPORE (PI) THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR U.S. DISTRIBUTION. ANALYST CERTIFICATION AND IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES CAN BE FOUND AT APPENDIX ON PAGE 57
EQUITIES RESEARCH SINGAPORE TELECOMS
Picking the next potential outperformer
■ We have a non-consensus BUY rating on Starhub, and it is our top pick for the Singapore telecom sector. We initiate coverage on M1 with a HOLD rating on valuation grounds. We recommend HOLD for SingTel, given the absence of significant near-term catalysts.
■ We see substantial scope for Starhub to reverse its previous relative underperformance, following recent mobile tariff increases and accelerated LTE network deployment over the course of 2014. We are optimistic this will drive above-industry growth in 2015 and provide a re-rating catalyst for the stock.
■ We believe M1 will continue to benefit from improving mobile sector dynamics, but the related upside potential looks largely priced in. The increasingly assertive smaller operators could encroach on M1’s addressable broadband market, constraining earnings upside. Long term, we are concerned about the competitive impact of potential new mobile entrants.
Wei Shi Wu [email protected] +65 6210 1925
Our research is available on Thomson One, Bloomberg, TheMarkets.com, Factset and on http://eqresearch.bnpparibas.com/index. Please contact your salesperson for authorisation. Please see the important notice on the inside back cover.
10 OCTOBER 2014
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
To find out more about BNP Paribas Equities Research:
Visit : http://eqresearch.bnpparibas.com/ For ipad users : http://appstore.apple.com/BNPP-equities/
2
Picking the next potential outperformer
n Non-consensus BUY rating on Starhub (STH); initiate coverage of M1 at HOLD; SingTel HOLD
Recent weak operational trends have caused STH to be the worst performing Singapore telco ytd. We
think the market is still focusing on muted mobile trends and competitive pressures in broadband, and
that scope for an operational turnaround has been overlooked. The recent re-alignment of STH’s
businesses could reverse its operational underperformance, accelerate earnings growth and support
a re-rating. Our forecasts are up to 13% above consensus. We see limited upside potential for M1,
given emerging competition risks, and recommend HOLD for the yield. We also rate SingTel HOLD.
n Market expectations for STH seem low, but we see opportunities for a turnaround
We see significant opportunities from sector-wide mobile tariff increases, particularly STH’s most
aggressive re-pricing. With STH likely to catch up with competitors on LTE coverage by end-2014, we
believe a timely tariff increase could drive above-industry mobile gains in 2015. While M1 should
continue to benefit from improving mobile sector dynamics, intensifying broadband competition could
weigh on incremental growth. We anticipate relative stability for SingTel’s domestic operations, but
view competition in Australia as a persistent pressure point for Optus.
n STH is our top pick for its strong 2015 growth outlook and subsequent re-rating potential
While 2014 results will likely be fairly flat for STH, we expect an operational turnaround to drive the
fastest 2015 earnings growth in the sector and provide a re-rating catalyst. At about 10x 1-year
forward EV/EBITDA, STH is trading in line with M1 and at a slight premium to SingTel. But we view
STH’s improved near-term earnings profile as a differentiator. With expectations for M1 already fairly
high, we see limited scope for positive surprises and see further share price upside being constrained
by emerging competition risks. We rate SingTel a HOLD given a lack of near-term catalysts.
BNPP recommendations
Company BBG code Rating Share price Target price Upside/downside
StarHub Ltd STH SP BUY 4.09 4.75 +16.1%
M1 M1 SP HOLD 3.53 3.75 +6.1%
SingTel ST SP HOLD 3.80 3.94 +3.7%
Source: BNP Paribas
10 OCTOBER 2014
SECTOR REPORT
SINGAPORE TELECOMS
Wei Shi [email protected]+65 6210 1925
3
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Investment thesis
The Singapore mobile sector should continue to be buoyed
by improving data monetisation and moderating handset
subsidies. The recent sector-wide tariff increases, coupled
with ongoing LTE network expansion, should support ARPU
gains. STH could deliver above-industry growth in 2015,
having addressed both pricing and network deployment.
While residential broadband competition has been intense,
we see indications that pressure could ease in 2015,
potentially resulting in a slight sector recovery. On the other
hand, we expect competitive pressure to accelerate, in
particular, constraining the upside potential on M1.
Longer term, we have concerns about escalating mobile
competition, with smaller operators potentially entering the
market. Clearly, the success of new entrants is predicated
upon a number of regulatory/ commercial conditions being
met and the related challenges are well documented.
However, we think it would be hasty to dismiss the threat of
new operators from the outset. In the scenario of a more
crowded mobile market, we would favour operators with
established bundling strategies (e.g. SingTel, STH).
Stock recommendations
We have a non-consensus BUY rating on STH and it is our
top pick in the sector. Following a period of relative
operational underperformance, we believe growth could
accelerate in 2015, with the company having re-aligned its
mobile and fixed businesses.
With expectations for M1 already fairly high, we see limited
scope for positive surprises and therefore view further share
price upside as relatively constrained. We are also
concerned about potential competition risks over the longer-
term. However, we initiate coverage with a HOLD rating, for
the dividend yield.
We expect relative stability at SingTel’s Singapore
operations, but see competition as a persistent pressure
point for Optus. Associate contributions should be supported
by strong fundamentals, although FX remains a key risk. In
the absence of significant catalysts, we recommend HOLD.
Key risks
Key sector risks include more intense than expected
mobile/broadband competition, leading to margin erosion;
slower than expected data revenue gains, accelerated
competition around handset subsidies, and higher than
expected capex.
CONTENTS Executive summary ....................................................................... 5
Valuations ....................................................................................... 6
Relatively benign mobile market competition ......................... 7
Post-paid subscriber growth fairly stable; pre-paid should recover ............................................................................... 8
Strong momentum in mobile data monetisation should continue........................................................................................... 9
Roaming revenues showing signs of stabilising .................... 10
Recent tariff adjustments supportive of further ARPU expansion ...................................................................................... 11
Measured approach towards handset subsidies ................... 12
Potential longer-term competition risks in mobile .............. 13
Small players driving residential broadband competition . 15
Near-term pay-TV outlook is stable ......................................... 18
Sector revenue outlook .............................................................. 19
Sector EBITDA and margin outlook .......................................... 20
Sector capex outlook .................................................................. 21
Regional telco comps .................................................................. 22
Company reports ......................................................................... 23
STH expected to deliver fastest revenue growth in 2015
Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Accelerated revenue growth should boost EBITDA gains for STH
Source: BNP Paribas estimates
7
5 4
4 5
4
(1)
6
5
(2)
(1)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2014E 2015E 2016E
(%) M1 SingTel STH
10
6 5
2
5 5
(0)
8
6
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2014E 2015E 2016E
(%) M1 SingTel STH
4
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Executive summary
We are generally positive on Singapore’s mobile sector outlook and expect growth to
be supported by continued data monetisation (with a further near-term boost from
recent tariff increases), LTE network expansion and moderating handset subsidies.
Near-term competition among the major operators should remain relatively benign,
supporting continued revenue expansion and fairly stable margins. We see scope for
STH to recover from a position of relative weakness, as of the three incumbents it
has made the sharpest upward adjustments to tariffs (see Exhibit 15, p11) and has
accelerated LTE network deployment in recent months.
Following a period of relatively intense residential broadband price competition led by
smaller operators, we think things could get better. My Republic (not listed), one of
the smaller retail service providers (RSPs), is looking to expand its presence outside
of Singapore. We are cautiously optimistic that this company’s regional aspirations
could mean greater financial discipline and a more restrained pricing strategy
domestically. This would be positive for the entire sector, although it is possible any
rebound would be more pronounced for STH given its relative exposure to the
broadband (and pay-TV) sector.
However, we see enterprise broadband competition as potentially escalating, given
smaller RSPs (e.g. My Republic and Superinternet (not listed) are looking to
aggressively target the SME segment. Clearly, this would hurt SingTel, given its
relative dominance in this segment. But we believe the financial impact on SingTel
could be slight and fairly gradual. Likewise, there should be limited impact on STH,
especially given management’s recent shift in strategic focus away from SMEs
towards the corporate segment. We are, however, concerned that assertive action
from the smaller operators will limit potential upside for M1, given its greater overlap
with this group of operators.
We have slight concerns around escalating mobile competition over the longer term
(see p13-14). While we recognise the success of new entrants into a mature market
will be predicated upon a number of regulatory/commercial conditions being met, it
would be hasty to dismiss related threats from the outset. In a scenario of an
increasingly crowded mobile market, we would favour operators with strong bundling
strategies; this dovetails with our 12M relative preference for STH.
Stock recommendations
We recommend BUY on STH with a SGD4.75 TP, as our top pick in the Singapore
telecom sector, supported by our optimism that earnings growth will accelerate post
re-alignment of its businesses. We project the fastest 2015 earnings growth for STH
within the sector. Our BUY rating is a contrarian call and our FY14-16 forecasts are
up to 13% above Bloomberg consensus.
We like M1 for its nimbleness and technology focus, but rate it HOLD as we believe
related upside is largely priced in at current levels. Although M1 should deliver a
fairly strong finish to 2014, market expectations are already high and there is limited
scope for further positive surprises, in our view. We are also concerned increasing
broadband competition will crimp revenue upside for this company, while the
company’s less established bundling strategy vs peers renders it vulnerable to
longer-term mobile competition risks, in our opinion. Our TP is SGD3.75.
SingTel’s Singapore operations should continue to benefit from improving mobile
sector dynamics. However, we view competition as a persistent pressure point for
Optus and do not assume significant growth within the near term. Group underlying
net profit should be supported by robust fundamentals across SingTel’s key
associates, although FX remains a risk, with the SGD up y-y versus most associate
currencies during Apr-Sep. With SingTel’s stub PER trading in line with its long-term
average, we see few significant potential catalysts over the near term and
recommend HOLD with a SGD3.94 TP.
5
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Valuations
STH has been the worst performing Singapore telco over the past 12 months. We
believe this has been a function of the company’s fairly lacklustre operational
performance in recent quarters. Expectations for this company are low, with the
market focusing on muted mobile trends and competitive pressures in broadband.
But as we argue in this report, we think STH has re-aligned its businesses, which
could potentially drive accelerated growth and a subsequent re-rating of the stock.
On the other hand, we see limited scope for M1 to operationally surprise to the
upside, especially given potential competition risks. And given M1’s share price has
outperformed peers ytd, further share price upside potential looks constrained.
At current levels, STH is trading close to M1 in terms of 1-year forward P/E and
EV/EBITDA and at a premium to SingTel. But we project the fastest 2015 earnings
growth for STH and view this as a key differentiator and potential re-rating catalyst.
At current levels, all three Singapore telcos are offering fairly undifferentiated
dividend yields of approximately 5%. We flag SingTel and STH as having larger
headroom than M1 for potential dividend increases, relative to projected FCF (please
see respective company sections).
EXHIBIT 1: YTD relative share price performance EXHIBIT 2: 1-year forward dividend yield, by operator
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
Ja
n-1
4
Fe
b-1
4
Ma
r-1
4
Ap
r-1
4
Ma
y-1
4
Ju
n-1
4
Ju
l-1
4
Au
g-1
4
Se
p-1
4
Oc
t-1
4
M1 ST STH FSSTI
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0J
an
-11
Ap
r-1
1
Ju
l-1
1
Oc
t-1
1
Ja
n-1
2
Ap
r-1
2
Ju
l-1
2
Oc
t-1
2
Ja
n-1
3
Ap
r-1
3
Ju
l-1
3
Oc
t-1
3
Ja
n-1
4
Ap
r-1
4
Ju
l-1
4
(%) M1 ST STH
6
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Relatively benign mobile market competition
At 154% penetration (as at Jun 2014), the Singapore mobile sector is relatively
saturated. Singapore’s three-player structure in an addressable market of 5.5m
means it has one of the lowest populations per operator within the region, although
this is still above the ratio for Hong Kong.
EXHIBIT 3: Mobile population penetration, selected markets EXHIBIT 4: Population per operator, selected markets
As at June 2014 Sources: Telegeography; BNP Paribas
Note: Population as at 2013. Sources: Telegeography; BNP Paribas
Despite this, the competitive environment in Singapore is stable and fairly benign.
While growth has slowed with narrowing margins in recent years, this is more a
function of reduced profitability from data substitution than punitive price competition.
In fact, EBITDA margins are showing signs of improvements as the industry moves
towards more sustainable data pricing models.
EXHIBIT 5: Mobile subscriber share, by operator EXHIBIT 6: Sector EBITDA and EBITDA margin trends
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Ho
ng
Ko
ng
Sin
ga
po
re
Ma
lay
sia
Th
aila
nd
Ta
iwa
n
Ind
on
es
ia
Ja
pa
n
Ko
rea
(%)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Ho
ng
Ko
ng
Sin
ga
po
re
Ta
iwa
n
Ma
lay
sia
Ko
rea
Th
aila
nd
Ja
pa
n
Ind
on
es
ia
(m)
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
(%) M1 SingTel STH
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
2,900
2,950
3,000
3,050
3,100
3,150
3,200
3,250
3,300
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
(%)(SGD m) EBITDA (LHS) EBITDA margin (RHS)
7
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Post-paid subscriber growth fairly stable; pre-paid should recover
While post-paid subscriber growth has generally slowed, quarterly net adds remain
healthy, supported by increasing penetration of multiple/secondary SIMs. We expect
2H14 to be stronger than 1H14, driven by seasonality and the recent iPhone 6
launch. The pre-paid subscriber base has been impacted by regulatory reduction of
SIMs per user to three, from 10, effective Apr 2014. In response, some operators
have undertaken voluntary rationalisation of their pre-paid bases. We expect pre-
paid net adds to have remained weak in 3Q14, before stabilising or slightly
recovering in 4Q14.
EXHIBIT 7: Sector post-paid mobile net adds EXHIBIT 8: Sector pre-paid mobile net adds
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1Q
10
2Q
10
3Q
10
4Q
10
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
('000)
(200)
(150)
(100)
(50)
0
50
100
1Q
10
2Q
10
3Q
10
4Q
10
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
('000)
8
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Strong momentum in mobile data monetisation should continue
Following a general deceleration in revenue growth over the past few years, the
Singapore mobile sector is experiencing a slight revival, as better data monetisation
drives re-accelerated growth. With data economics now well understood by
operators, the relatively benign competitive landscape has provided scope for a
reduction in data allowances over the years and, more recently, an upward
adjustment in tariffs.
EXHIBIT 9: Sector mobile service revenue y-y chg EXHIBIT 10: Sector voice and data revenue split
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
At the same time, increasing smartphone penetration, coupled with expanding LTE
network coverage, has driven accelerated data usage growth. For example, we
estimate 12% of post-paid subscribers in the sector exceeded their data allowances
in 2Q14, up significantly from 3% a year ago. For reference, excess data is charged
at SGD10.70 per GB, up from SGD5.35 per GB a year ago. As such, advanced data
revenue growth has been robust. We expect this trend will continue, supported by
operators’ rollout of LTE Advanced networks and associated demand for data
services. As an aside, it is worth noting that, over the past 12 months, STH appears
to have caught up with its competitors in terms of the proportion of subscribers
exceeding data allowances.
EXHIBIT 11: Data usage trends over past 12M EXHIBIT 12: Advanced data revenue trends
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
(%)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1Q
09
2Q
09
3Q
09
4Q
09
1Q
10
2Q
10
3Q
10
4Q
10
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(%) Voice Data
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
M1 SingTel STH M1 SingTel STH
(%) % post-paid subscribers on tiered plans
% post-paid subscribers exceeding data allowance
2Q13 2Q14
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14
(y-y %)(SGD m) Advanced data revenues (LHS)
Change (RHS)
9
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Roaming revenues showing signs of stabilising
So far, M1 has been the most successful in driving post-paid ARPU growth among
the Singapore telcos. Specifically, it is the only operator that has consistently grown
quarterly ARPUs over the past year. In our view, M1’s technology focus has been a
contributing factor to this trend – for instance, it was the first operator in Singapore to
roll out a nationwide 4G network.
On the other hand, we believe the impact of roaming revenue decline (a function of
both decreasing volumes and tariffs) has been more pronounced for SingTel and
STH, reflecting their relative exposures to higher-end/corporate customers. We
estimate roaming accounts for 25-27% of SingTel’s mobile revenues and up to 15%
of STH’s mobile revenues. In comparison, M1’s roaming contribution is
approximately 10%. Coupled with generally decreasing voice and SMS, the roaming
revenue decline has effectively negated any positive impact from rising data usage
on SingTel’s and STH’s ARPUs.
EXHIBIT 13: Post-paid ARPU y-y chg, by operator EXHIBIT 14: Roaming contribution to mobile revenues
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Note: Estimated as at 2014 Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
Positively, recent management commentary across the three telcos suggests
roaming revenues could stabilise. There have been various initiatives to address
roaming usage decline – for example, through the introduction of daily cap plans. A
slight positive to the declining roaming trend is that inter-operator costs have also
come down, effectively holding associated margins steady.
(12)
(10)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(%) M1 SingTel STH
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
M1 STH SingTel
(%)
10
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Recent tariff adjustments supportive of further ARPU expansion
A significant positive is the recent upward tariff adjustments introduced by the telcos.
Specifically, post-paid mobile tariffs were raised by an average 3-5% across the
sector, effective September. This should support post-paid ARPU expansion over the
coming quarters.
STH has introduced the sharpest percentage tariff increases in the lower price plans
– a move we view positively. For instance, its new entry-level plan is priced 13%
above the previous plan. This compares with 5% and 8% price increases by M1 and
SingTel, respectively. Given the relative maturity of this market segment and the fact
that the new pricing levels are fairly comparable across all operators, the likelihood of
resulting subscriber churn from STH is low, in our view. In fact, we believe this could
drive faster near-term ARPU growth for STH versus its competitors.
EXHIBIT 15: Change in entry-level post-paid mobile tariffs EXHIBIT 16: Comparison of new entry-level post-paid plans
M1 SingTel STH
Price (SGD) 41 42.9 42.9
Talktime (mins) 200 200 150
SMS/MMS 1,000 1,000 1,000
Data (GB) 3 2 3
Wi-Fi (GB) n/a 2 n/a
Note: Slight adjustments in voice/SMS/data allowances in new price plans Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Note: SingTel also has a SGD27.90 plan, while M1 has a SGD28 plan Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Potential for STH to play catch up
In tandem with the price adjustments above, STH has also been addressing its
previous network issues. Specifically, the operator initially lagged competitors with its
LTE network rollout. We believe this could have contributed to STH’s less impressive
ARPU performance, especially versus M1. Recent feedback from management
suggests this issue could soon be resolved, with the company accelerating LTE
network deployment over the course of 2014. The company is targeting nationwide
LTE network coverage, offering 300Mbps, by end 2014. This would bring STH’s
network on a par with competitors, effectively eliminating STH’s previous
technological disadvantage. When considered within the context of higher tariffs, we
are optimistic this could accelerate ARPU gains for STH.
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
M1 SingTel STH
(SGD) Old New
+8% +13%
+5%
11
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Measured approach towards handset subsidies
We continue to see operator discipline around handset subsidies. The telcos have
selectively cut iPhone 6 handset subsidies, although the reductions are generally
slight. Regardless, we view this as indication that operators are taking an
increasingly measured approach towards subsidy-based competition, which should
be supportive of sector margins.
EXHIBIT 17: Average change in iPhone subsidies in past 12M, by price plans
Note: Tier 1 plans: SGD41-42.90; Tier 2 plans: SGD61-62.90; Tier 3 plans: SGD101-102.90; Tier 4 plans: SGD208-239.90; comprison based on iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 models Sources: Company data; Channelnewsasia, BNP Paribas
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4
(%) 16GB 64GB
12
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Potential longer-term competition risks in mobile
The Infocomm Development Authority’s eagerness to facilitate greater competition in
mobile is well demonstrated. For example, spectrum was specifically set aside for
potential new entrants in the past two spectrum auctions, although there were
eventually no takers. Earlier this year, the IDA initiated a public consultation on the
potential entry of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). In response,
broadband retail service providers, My Republic and Superinternet, indicated their
interest in entering the mobile space.
The challenges surrounding the MVNO business case are well documented. Any
scepticism around a late new entrant into a highly penetrated mobile market with
three established players is also valid. However, we think it may be hasty to dismiss
the MVNO threat from the outset.
Market may not be too small to accommodate a fourth player
It is possible to construct an argument that the addressable market in Singapore is
too small to support four operators. After all, the launch of Virgin Mobile Singapore in
2001 and its subsequent exit from the market a year later may still be fresh in some
investors’ minds. But given the current landscape, we think there is merit in
considering the potential for a data-only fourth operator.
My Republic has indicated plans to offer basic mobile data access, subject to certain
commercial/regulatory conditions being met. Under this model, content and
applications (including voice) will be offered via third-party OTT platforms.
Management believes the company can realistically achieve 10% mobile market
share based on this framework.
In our view, it could be relatively easy for My Republic to cross-sell a mobile data
offering to its existing fixed broadband subscribers. A competitively-priced pure
access product could be attractive to an IT savvy, price sensitive user – a profile we
believe may be well represented in My Republic’s existing base.
Issues around wholesale access and spectrum
Clearly, any new entrant into the market would require some form of wholesale
access from incumbents, at least in the initial stages. The key issue is whether
mobile wholesale access should be regulated (as proposed by some of the smaller
operators), given the significant investments already made by the three incumbents.
In its response to the IDA’s consultation paper, My Republic indicated a wish to
acquire spectrum of its own. The 800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrum will be up for
renewal in March 2017. We do not rule out the possibility of My Republic obtaining
some spectrum when these become available. In the table below, we summarise the
status of selected spectrum bands that could become available within the next five
years.
EXHIBIT 18: Status of selected spectrum bands
Spectrum band Current assignments Amount of spectrum available Expiry of existing assigned uses
700 MHz Terrestrial broadcasting 90 MHz After Analogue Switch Off
800 MHz Trunked radio / short range devices / 2G To be determined 31 Mar 2017 (10 MHz for 2G)
900 MHz 2G / 3G / 4G Up to 50 MHz 31 Mar 2017
2.3 GHz Unassigned 50 MHz No existing uses
2.5 GHz (TDD) Partially assigned for WBA/4G 50 MHz 30 Jun 2015
Source: IDA
13
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Differentiated strategy and favourable regulations are key to MVNO success
There are few examples of successful MVNOs globally. Tesco Mobile (UK), Lyca
Mobile (UK), Virgin Mobile (UK and US) and TracFone (US) (all not listed) are among
those. The critical success factor for these MVNOs has been a differentiated and
niche strategy. For example, Lyca Mobile has a SIM-only product, offering the lowest
international calling rates to the Asian community. Similarly, TracFone has achieved
success in offering national/international calls at local rates.
Favourable regulatory conditions have also been a significant factor in the success of
MVNOs. For instance, the regulator in the EU (which hosts two-thirds of the world’s
MVNOs) closely monitors wholesale pricing offered by network providers to MVNOs.
Regulators in France and Hong Kong have facilitated MVNO entry by regulating
wholesale pricing, setting aside minimum network capacity for MVNOs and offering
incentives for network operators to host MVNOs. In line with global precedents, the
IDA has proposed that regulatory, spectrum, licence and voluntary conditions could
be introduced to encourage MVNO-hosting in Singapore.
14
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Small players driving residential broadband competition
Unlike the mobile market, where competition has remained relatively benign so far,
the broadband sector has experienced deteriorating competition in recent years. The
emergence of new entrant retail service providers (RSPs) over the National
Broadband Network (NBN) has contributed to declining ARPUs across the sector.
My Republic noticeably disruptive
My Republic is a fibre broadband operator riding on the NBN. The company recently
secured SGD34m of funding from the telecommunications arm of Sinar Mas Group
(not listed) and Iliad (ILD FP; NR) founder, Xavier Niel, and has ambitions to enter
the mobile market in Singapore (we discuss this later in this report).
According to My Republic’s management, the company’s uniquely lean cost structure
has allowed it to be significantly competitive in its fibre broadband pricing. For
example, My Republic’s 1Gbps fibre plan, priced at SGD49.99, is at an almost 30%
discount to comparable plans offered by SingTel and STH. M1 recently launched a
SGD49 1Gbps plan in response, although this is for a limited promotional period. My
Republic’s pricing strategy has contributed to significant declines in broadband
ARPUs across the sector.
EXHIBIT 19: Selected fibre broadband plans (SGD), by operator
100Mbps 200Mbps 300Mbps 500Mbps 800Mbps 1Gbps
M1 29
39
49
My Republic
49.99
SingTel
49.9 59.9 79.9 69.9
STH 39.9
49.9 69.9
ViewQwest
65 89.95
149.95
Note: Shaded cells denote promotional pricing for limited period; ViewQwest (not listed) plans include Apple TV or ViewQwest TV Source: Company data
EXHIBIT 20: Broadband ARPU declines, by operator EXHIBIT 21: Sector broadband revenue trends
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
STH more impacted by disruptive pricing so far
Disruptive pricing led by the smaller RSPs has disproportionately impacted STH. The
operator’s 2Q14 broadband revenues plunged 17% y-y, compared with a 9% decline
for SingTel and 14% increase for M1. We believe STH has had to respond to the
competition, in order to defend its legacy businesses. Consumer broadband
accounts for 10% of STH’s total revenues – the highest among the incumbents.
Furthermore, there is a need for STH to protect its pay-TV business, which is linked
to its broadband business by virtue of its hubbing strategy. It is not difficult to
understand STH’s broadband competitive strategy when we consider that broadband
and pay-TV together account for 26% of its revenues.
(25)
(20)
(15)
(10)
(5)
0
M1 SingTel STH
(%) ARPU decline vs 1 year ago ARPU decline vs 2 years ago
(12)
(10)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
110
115
120
125
130
135
2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14
(y-y %)(SGD m) Broadband revenues (LHS)
Change (RHS)
15
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
EXHIBIT 22: Broadband revenues, by operator EXHIBIT 23: Revenue breakdown, by operator
Note: Comparable data not available for ST before 2Q12 Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Note: Broadband refers to consumer broadband revenues Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Near-term residential broadband competition could ease
We are cautiously optimistic that broadband competition could stabilise within the
near term and potentially ease going into 2015. Our recent checks with management
across the incumbents and smaller RSPs suggest limited near-term downside from
current pricing levels. In fact, we believe there may be attempts by operators to move
to a less competitive pricing regime, although this may not necessarily result in an
absolute tariff increase. Importantly, My Republic’s stated ambitions to expand its
business outside of Singapore (e.g. planned launches in New Zealand and Malaysia
over the next two years) could mean a less aggressive pricing strategy domestically.
Clearly, this would be positive for all three major operators. And just as disruptive
price competition has disproportionately impacted STH to the downside, it could be
argued that less aggressive pricing would have the greatest positive impact on STH.
Slight optimism around SME fibre take-up
The structural issues around enterprise access over the NBN are well flagged. But
we believe there is cause for some optimism. As part of the 2014 budget, the
government announced a number of initiatives targeted at accelerating ICT adoption
amongst SMEs. For example, there are plans to provide SMEs that tap qualifying
ICT-based productivity solutions with a 50% subsidy on their NBN subscriptions for
up to two years. In addition, the government will offer subsidies of up to SGD200k
per building to commercial building owners, as an offset to NBN installation charges.
While we are still not expecting a significant acceleration in SME fibre adoption within
the near term, the government’s initiatives are clearly a positive development.
SME competition likely to intensify
Building on its relative success in the residential broadband space, My Republic
launched an enterprise offering, aimed at the SME segment, earlier this year. The
company is targeting to grow enterprise to the current size of its residential business
within two years. This could potentially involve aggressive pricing, aimed at basic
users and value segments. Elsewhere, Superinternet is also looking to penetrate the
SME segment. The operator recently acquired an FBO licence and is selectively
rolling out its own fibre network to target SME customers.
Near-term impact on ST and STH may be relatively limited
Clearly, increased competition in the SME segment would hurt SingTel, given its
current dominance in this space. But given the relative complexity of enterprise
services, customer churn tends to be lower in this segment (versus residential) – a
point acknowledged by the challenger telcos. Even within the more price-sensitive
SME space, we expect market share erosion of incumbents’ bases will take time. In
addition, given the relatively low telco spend by SMEs, any negative financial impact
on SingTel is unlikely to be significant near term.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(SGD m) M1 SingTel STH
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
M1 SingTel STH
(%) Mobile Broadband Pay-TV Others
16
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
In view of intensifying competition, STH is shifting its focus away from SMEs (a
segment it initially identified as an opportunity), towards corporates. While there will
clearly be challenges targeting the corporate segment, there are indications STH has
gained some traction within this space in recent months. In any case, STH’s growing
focus on the corporate segment suggests competitive action by the smaller operators
should have a relatively subdued impact on the company.
We view M1 as most vulnerable in terms of potentially constrained upside
We do have concerns that increased assertiveness from the smaller RSPs could
potentially limit upside for M1. We recognise that M1 has the ability to offer enterprise
services of relative sophistication. But as a new entrant in the enterprise segment,
there could be a meaningful overlap between M1’s addressable market and that of
the other smaller operators. For this reason, among others, we do not share the
market’s optimism around M1.
17
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Near-term pay-TV outlook is stable
We have concerns around the long-term structural outlook of the pay-TV business.
The increasing emergence of OTT content sources suggests cord-trimming or cord-
cutting could become a growing threat to traditional pay-TV operators. But while our
projections do not assume meaningful near-term growth for this business, neither are
we expecting any significant revenue erosion over the next two to three years. In
reality, the pay-TV market in Singapore is flat, but signs of significant deterioration
are also absent. Recent ARPU trends have been, to some extent, supported by tariff
adjustments.
EXHIBIT 24: Pay-TV subscriber trends EXHIBIT 25: Pay-TV ARPU trends, by operator
Note: We believe subscriber growth in initial periods was boosted by take-up of dual STBs Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas
Important element of a strong bundling strategy
For major operators, pay-TV could be a competitive differentiator in an increasingly
crowded market. We view it as a retention strategy by incumbents to defend their
broadband businesses. As such, the bundling strategies adopted by STH and
SingTel should cushion the impact of aggressive price competition – a move
generally favoured by smaller new entrants. For this reason, M1 has also launched a
content service, branded MiBox, although this remains very niche.
Looking ahead, we believe a strong integrated/bundling strategy will become
increasingly important, especially if smaller operators enter the mobile market. From
this perspective and based on this measure, we favour STH and SingTel over M1 on
a medium-term horizon.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
760
780
800
820
840
860
880
900
920
940
960
980
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(y-y %)('000) Pay-TV subscribers (LHS) Change (RHS)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(SGD) STH SingTel
18
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Sector revenue outlook
Overall, we forecast accelerating sector revenue growth over 2014-15, supported by
growing mobile data usage, expanding LTE network coverage and further boosted by
the recent tariff increases. As highlighted above, we are optimistic STH will be able to
deliver above-industry growth in 2015, supported by its sharper mobile tariff
adjustments and accelerated LTE network expansion.
EXHIBIT 26: Sector revenue trends EXHIBIT 27: Total revenue y-y chg, by operator
Note: 2014E refers to FY15E for SingTel; refers to domestic operations for SingTel Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
Note: 2014E refers to FY15E for SingTel; refers to domestic operations for SingTel Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
(1)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7,800
8,000
8,200
8,400
8,600
8,800
9,000
9,200
9,400
9,600
9,800
2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E
(y-y %)(SGD m) Sector revenues (LHS) Change (RHS)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
10
2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E
(%) M1 SingTel STH
19
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Sector EBITDA and margin outlook
We expect gradual expansion in the sector’s EBITDA margin beyond 2014, driven by
continued improvements in data monetisation and moderating handset subsidies. A
potential downside risk to our margin assumptions is a spike in mobile and/or
broadband competition, leading to escalated marketing costs across the sector.
EXHIBIT 28: Sector EBITDA trends EXHIBIT 29: EBITDA y-y chg, by operator
Note: 2014E refers to FY15E for SingTel; refers to domestic operations for SingTel. Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
Note: 2014E refers to FY15e for SingTel; refers to domestic operations for SingTel. Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
36.0
36.5
37.0
37.5
38.0
38.5
39.0
39.5
2,000
2,200
2,400
2,600
2,800
3,000
3,200
3,400
3,600
3,800
4,000
2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E
(%)(SGD m)Sector EBITDA (LHS)
Sector EBITDA margin (RHS)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E
(%) M1 SingTel STH
20
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Sector capex outlook
We project sustained increases in sector capex over 2014-15, driven by operators’
LTE network expansion and spectrum payments due end-2014. Beyond 2015, we
forecast a slight dip in sector capex, although this should generally remain at
relatively elevated levels.
EXHIBIT 30: Sector capex outlook
Note: 2014E refers to FY15E for SingTel; refers to domestic operations for SingTel Sources: Company data; BNP Paribas estimates
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E
(%)(SGD m) Sector capex (LHS) Capex/sales (RHS)
21
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Regional telco comps
EXHIBIT 31: Regional telco comps
Name BBG code Price Mkt cap ----------- P/E ----------- ------ EV/EBITDA ------ ----------- P/BV ----------- -------- Div yield --------
FY14E FY15E FY14E FY15E FY14E FY15E FY14E FY15E
(LC) (USD m) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (%) (%)
China Mobile* 941 HK 94.95 249,495 14.3 14.0 4.5 4.1 1.8 1.7 3.0 3.1
China Telecom* 728 HK 4.70 49,045 16.0 13.7 3.9 3.7 1.0 1.0 2.2 2.5
China Unicom* 762 HK 11.70 36,073 18.2 15.8 3.5 3.4 1.0 0.9 2.2 2.5
Taiwan Mobile* 3045 HK 93.60 10,541 17.0 18.8 9.7 9.3 4.5 4.7 5.9 5.3
Chunghwa* 2412 TT 91.40 23,342 19.3 19.3 8.8 8.6 2.0 2.0 4.9 4.7
Far Eastone* 4904 TT 60.60 6,501 17.5 17.8 7.5 7.1 2.7 2.8 6.2 6.2
Hutchison* 215 HK 3.04 1,889 18.7 17.2 7.6 7.5 1.3 1.3 4.0 4.4
SmarTone* 315 HK 10.40 1,403 20.4 19.7 4.2 4.6 3.4 3.3 2.9 4.3
HKT Trust* 6823 HK 9.31 9,089 24.1 20.0 8.5 7.6 1.8 1.8 5.2 5.8
CITIC Telecom* 1883 HK 2.99 1,291 13.3 11.3 8.0 7.4 1.4 1.3 4.5 5.1
SingTel* ST SP 3.80 47,739 16.4 15.3 8.8 8.3 2.4 2.3 4.6 4.9
StarHub* STH SP 4.09 5,557 19.5 17.4 10.2 9.4 71.5 44.2 4.9 4.9
M1* M1 SP 3.53 2,589 18.2 17.1 10.1 9.6 7.6 7.0 4.4 4.7
Advanced Info ADVANC TB 226.00 20,732 16.3 13.9 9.1 8.3 13.8 12.9 6.1 7.3
DTAC DTAC TB 103.50 7,562 16.0 14.0 6.9 6.2 7.5 7.4 6.6 7.5
Axiata Group AXIATA MK 7.04 18,612 20.3 18.4 8.8 8.3 2.8 2.7 3.8 4.3
DiGi.Com DIGI MK 5.85 14,020 22.3 21.1 13.6 12.9 63.6 61.6 4.4 4.7
Maxis Bhd MAXIS MK 6.47 14,969 23.1 21.9 12.3 12.0 10.8 11.8 4.9 5.1
TM T MK 6.83 7,720 25.1 22.8 7.4 7.1 3.4 3.3 3.7 3.9
Indosat ISAT IJ 3,850 1,719 19.1 17.0 3.8 3.7 1.2 1.2 2.5 2.8
Telkom Indonesia TLKM IJ 2,800 23,186 16.4 15.2 6.2 5.9 3.7 3.4 4.3 4.8
XL Axiata EXCL IJ 6,075 4,259 38.5 22.3 7.3 6.4 3.2 2.9 1.0 2.0
Globe Telecom* GLO PM 1,650 4,898 18.1 15.3 7.0 6.6 5.2 5.0 5.4 5.9
PLDT* TEL PM 3,044 14,709 17.5 16.3 8.9 8.7 4.8 4.8 5.7 6.1
Bharti Airtel* BHARTI IN 404.95 26,526 30.5 23.6 7.2 6.4 2.5 2.3 0.2 0.5
Idea Cellular* IDEA IN 160.40 9,453 21.3 23.2 7.9 7.3 2.6 2.3 - -
Reliance Comm* RCOM IN 104.85 4,128 25.2 24.9 8.1 7.1 0.8 0.8 - -
KT Corp* 030200 KS 35,250 8,532 (19.2) 11.1 5.8 4.0 0.8 0.7 - 1.4
LG Uplus* 032640 KS 11,950 4,837 20.7 11.5 4.6 4.0 1.2 1.2 2.5 2.9
SK TELECOM* 017670 KS 281,000 21,033 11.5 9.4 4.9 4.3 1.5 1.3 3.3 3.3
NTT Docomo* 9437 JP 1,717.50 69,544 13.1 12.2 4.8 4.7 1.2 1.1 3.7 3.9
KDDI* 9433 JP 6,549.00 54,492 11.4 10.7 5.1 4.9 1.6 1.5 2.8 3.0
Softbank* 9984 JP 7,233.00 80,560 13.6 11.4 7.2 6.6 2.8 2.2 0.6 0.7
Note: As at 9 October 2014 close Sources * BNP Paribas estimates; all others (Not rated) are Bloomberg consensus estimates
22
Risks emerging n Potential upside largely priced in – initiate at HOLD, SGD3.75 TP
We like M1 for its nimbleness and technology focus, and expect
healthy mobile gains on the back of data growth. However, we view
related upside as largely priced in at current levels. Longer term, we
see vulnerabilities as smaller operators encroach on M1’s
addressable market in broadband and potentially mobile.
n Mobile momentum may taper; potential competition risks
Operationally, M1 has been the best performing Singapore telco over
the last year, as its mobile focus positions it well to ride the data
wave. But, after several quarters of robust mobile gains, we believe
incremental growth could start to taper. We view M1 as potentially
the most vulnerable to intensifying mobile competition, given its less-
established bundling strategy.
n Assertive smaller operators could limit broadband upside
We accept that the NBN offers significant fixed-line opportunities for
M1. However, we are concerned the increasingly assertive behaviour
of smaller new entrants could limit the upside for M1. With My
Republic (not listed) and Superinternet (not listed) looking to
aggressively target the SME market, we have reservations about
growth momentum for M1 in this segment.
n Relative share price outperformance likely to narrow
M1 has been the best performing Singapore telco stock in the past 12
months, reflecting its strong mobile operational performance in recent
quarters. With mobile momentum potentially tapering and emerging
competition risks, we see limited upside potential from current levels,
and M1’s relative outperformance to peers may narrow.
M1 fibre broadband ARPU
Source: M1 Ltd
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14
(SGD)
10 OCTOBER 2014
INITIATION 10 SINGAPORE SINGAPORE / WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
M1 LTD M1 SP
HOLD
TARGET PRICE SGD3.75
CLOSE SGD3.53
UP/DOWNSIDE +6.1%
SGD %
HOW WE DIFFER FROM CONSENSUS MARKET RECS
TARGET PRICE (%) (0.3) POSITIVE 11
EPS 2014 (%) 3.9 NEUTRAL 10
EPS 2015 (%) 3.7 NEGATIVE 3
Wei Shi Wu [email protected] +65 6210 1925
KEY STOCK DATA
YE Dec (SGD m) 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Revenue 1,008 1,074 1,126 1,172
Rec. net profit 160 180 192 203
Recurring EPS (SGD) 0.17 0.19 0.21 0.22
EPS growth (%) 8.3 11.4 6.3 5.9
Recurring P/E (x) 20.3 18.2 17.1 16.2
Dividend yield (%) 5.9 4.4 4.7 5.0
EV/EBITDA (x) 11.1 10.1 9.6 9.1
Price/book (x) 8.3 7.6 7.0 6.5
Net debt/Equity (%) 49.4 50.9 39.0 39.8
ROE (%) 43.1 43.5 42.7 41.6
Share price performance 1 Month 3 Month 12 Month
Absolute (%) (4.6) (0.8) 3.5
Relative to country (%) (2.1) (0.4) 0.2
Next results October 2014
Mkt cap (USD m) 2,583
3m avg daily turnover (USD m) 2.3
Free float (%) 39
Major shareholder Axiata Investments (29%)
12m high/low (SGD) 3.83/3.17
3m historic vol. (%) 16.6
ADR ticker -
ADR closing price (USD) -
Issued shares (m) 930
Sources: Bloomberg consensus; BNP Paribas estimates
(2)
3
8
13
3.00
3.20
3.40
3.60
3.80
4.00
Sep-13 Dec-13 Mar-14 Jun-14 Sep-14
(%)(SGD) M1 Ltd Rel to Straits Times Index
23
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Investment thesis
M1’s mobile focus suggests it is most sensitive to improving mobile sector dynamics, including better data monetisation and declining handset subsidies. This has supported the company’s recent operational outperformance. While we are still generally positive on the sector’s near-term mobile outlook, it is possible incremental growth for M1 could start to taper, following several quarters of robust gains.
Within broadband, we have concerns that increasingly assertive smaller operators will encroach upon M1’s addressable market, effectively limiting potential upside for this company. We recognise M1’s scale and service sophistication offer some differentiation from the smaller operators, but among the major telcos, its competitive positioning would be closest to the smaller operators.
Over the longer term, M1’s less established bundling strategy vs peers increases its vulnerability to potential new mobile entrants, in our view.
Catalyst
Expected near-term robust mobile performance and the dividend yield should provide share price support. But over the longer-term, competition risks could narrow the relative share price performance versus peers.
Risks to our call
Key downside risks: Accelerated mobile competition, leading
to market share and/or ARPU erosion; more intense than
expected broadband competition, leading to slower revenue
gains; accelerated handset costs, leading to lower margins;
higher than expected capex.
Key upside risks: More benign than expected competition,
leading to accelerated revenue growth; faster than expected
data usage increase, driving mobile ARPU gains; lower than
expected capex; accelerated shareholder returns.
Company background Key assumptions
M1 is a Singapore telecoms company, offering mobile,
broadband and IDD services.
FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Mobile revenue growth 6.1 4.9 6.4 5.4
EBITDA margin 31.0 32.0 32.3 32.6
Source: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Principal activities, revenue split FY14 Earnings sensitivity
----------- FY14E ----------- ----------- FY15E -----------
Bear Base Bull Bear Base Bull
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Mobile revenue growth 3.9 4.9 5.9 5.4 6.4 7.4
EPS change (1)
2 (3)
3
EBITDA margin 30.0 32.0 33.0 30.3 32.3 33.3
EPS change (10)
5 (10)
5
Key executives Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Title
Karen Kooi Lee Wah CEO
Raymond Yeo Eng Ann CFO
Lee Kok Chew CCO
Patrick Michael Scodeller COO and CTO
http://www.m1.com.sg
Key earnings drivers include mobile revenue growth and
EBITDA margin.
We estimate a 1ppt change in mobile revenue growth rate
changes our FY15E EPS by 3%.
We estimate a 1ppt change in our EBITDA margin
projection changes our FY15E EPS by 5%.
Mobile (62.88%)
International call services(8.76%)
Fixed services (6.59%)
Handset sales (21.77%)
24
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Initiate coverage with a HOLD rating and TP of SGD3.75
We like M1 for its technological focus and ability to respond quickly to competition.
We also recognise M1’s mobile focus positions it well to ride the mobile data wave.
However, we think related upside has largely been priced in. We do not share the
market’s apparent enthusiasm around M1’s fixed broadband opportunities, as
accelerated competitive pressures in the SME segment could limit incremental gains
for this company, in our view. Furthermore, we do not think the market has fully
accounted for the potential risks of increased competition in the mobile segment.
M1 has been the best performing Singapore telco ytd. With market expectations
already fairly high, we see limited scope for further upside at current valuations.
However, the supportive dividend yield limits the downside risk.
Mobile: Riding the data wave, but longer-term risks loom
M1 has been the best performing Singapore telco in the mobile sector. It is the only
operator in the market that has consistently grown post-paid ARPU in the past few
quarters. This could be attributed to the company’s technological focus. In addition,
the operator has been relatively cushioned from the impact of reduced roaming, as
this has always been a small part of M1’s business. Increasing data demand
(supported by ongoing LTE Advanced network rollout) and better data monetisation
should continue to drive healthy ARPU gains for M1. This should offset the negative
impact of M1’s post-paid subscriber share erosion.
EXHIBIT 1: M1 post-paid net adds and sub share EXHIBIT 2: M1 post-paid ARPU trends
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas
We expect the pre-paid segment will continue to be impacted by rationalisation of the
base, following the regulator’s reduction of SIMs per user. Furthermore, industry-
wide issues such as increasing Wi-Fi offload, reduced IDD volumes and relatively
weak tourist arrivals could limit pre-paid revenue gains near term.
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(%)('000)Post-paid net adds (LHS)
Post-paid sub share (RHS)
(12)
(10)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(y-y %)(SGD) Post-paid ARPU (LHS) Change (RHS)
25
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
EXHIBIT 3: M1 pre-paid net adds and sub share EXHIBIT 4: M1 pre-paid ARPU trends
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas
Longer-term competition risks to consider
We are not convinced the market has fully considered the potential longer-term risks
of increased mobile sector competition. Clearly, there are significant challenges for a
new mobile operator in a mature market, but in our view, these are not
insurmountable. Should the mobile market become more crowded, we would favour
operators with strong bundling strategies. Based on this measure alone, M1 appears
potentially the most vulnerable of the incumbents.
Broadband: Smaller new entrants may limit upside
The market has been excited about M1’s potential broadband opportunities on the
back of the National Broadband Network (NBN). We recognise that the potential
upside is material, given this represents a new revenue stream for M1. In addition,
the ability to offer fixed-line services significantly enhances M1’s long-term
competitive positioning. The company has been registering robust growth in fixed
network services, albeit from a low base.
EXHIBIT 5: M1 fibre broadband subscriber trends EXHIBIT 6: M1 fixed network services revenue trends
Note: Subscriber share based on SingTel’s and STH’s reported broadband subscribers. Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas
However, we are concerned that the increasingly assertive smaller new entrants will
limit further upside for M1. Clearly, M1’s scale and integrated suite of offerings
represent a material differentiator from smaller operators. But positioning-wise, it
would be closest amongst the incumbents to the challenger telcos. My Republic and
Superinternet have stated their intention to aggressively penetrate SMEs – a
segment previously identified by M1’s management as a key opportunity area. We
believe this could erode M1’s addressable market, with any related price competition
limiting revenue upside.
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
(120)
(100)
(80)
(60)
(40)
(20)
0
20
40
60
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(%)('000) Pre-paid net adds (LHS)
Pre-paid sub share (RHS)
(25)
(20)
(15)
(10)
(5)
0
5
10
15
20
25
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(y-y %)(SGD) Pre-paid ARPU (LHS) Change (RHS)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(%)('000) Fibre broadband subs (LHS)
Broadband sub share (RHS)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
1Q
11
2Q
11
3Q
11
4Q
11
1Q
12
2Q
12
3Q
12
4Q
12
1Q
13
2Q
13
3Q
13
4Q
13
1Q
14
2Q
14
(y-y %)(SGD m) Fixed network services revenues (LHS)
Change (RHS)
26
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Revenue forecasts
We expect robust FY14 revenue growth, supported by mobile and reflecting recent
trends. The deceleration in FY15 revenue growth is mainly due to our anticipation of
lower handset sales.
EXHIBIT 7: Revenue forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Mobile 587 607 644 676 719 758
International call services 125 116 114 94 87 80
Fixed services 38 48 62 71 82 91
Handset sales 314 305 188 234 238 243
Total revenues 1,065 1,077 1,008 1,074 1,126 1,172
Change (y-y %)
1.1 (6.4) 6.6 4.8 4.1
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Opex forecasts
We forecast FY14 opex growth of 5%, driven largely by handset costs. The opex
outlook is largely predicated on M1’s ability to manage handset costs/subsidies.
EXHIBIT 8: Opex forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Handset costs 366 385 284 309 318 325
Traffic expenses 65 64 70 66 67 67
Wholesale costs of fixed services 21 25 31 35 41 46
Other cost of sales 41 41 39 40 44 46
Staff costs 97 97 109 113 119 124
Advertising and promotion 27 22 25 27 29 32
Others 142 143 140 142 146 151
Total opex 757 778 697 732 764 791
Change (y-y %)
2.7 (10.3) 5.0 4.3 3.6
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Key financial forecasts
We anticipate M1 will deliver robust EBITDA gains in FY14, supported by strong
mobile momentum and sustained margin improvements. But while we believe further
margin expansion beyond FY14 is possible, we project a deceleration in such gains,
reflecting greater competitive intensity in the enterprise broadband segment.
FY14 and FY16 capex will be impacted by spectrum payments (for the spectrum
acquired in the 2013 auction). But otherwise, we see few reasons for any significant
capex spike within the foreseeable future.
27
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
EXHIBIT 9: Key financial forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Revenues 1,065 1,077 1,008 1,074 1,126 1,172
Change (y-y %)
1.1 (6.4) 6.6 4.8 4.1
EBITDA 310 300 312 344 364 382
Change (y-y %)
(3.3) 4.2 10.2 5.7 5.1
EBITDA margin 29.1 27.8 31.0 32.0 32.3 32.6
Net profit 164 146 160 180 192 203
Change (y-y %)
(10.6) 9.4 12.2 6.8 5.9
Capex 124 123 125 170 129 193
Change (y-y %)
(1.4) 2.0 36.0 (23.8) 49.0
Capex/sales 11.7 11.4 12.4 15.8 11.5 16.5
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
BNP Paribas versus consensus
We are slightly ahead of Bloomberg consensus in our forecasts; we believe, due to
our more optimistic mobile assumptions.
EXHIBIT 10: BNPP versus consensus estimates
---------------- FY14E ------------- --------------- FY15E------------- ---------------- FY16E -------------
BNPP Cons Var BNPP Cons Var BNPP Cons Var
(SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%)
Revenues 1,074 1,040 3 1,126 1,076 5 1,172 1,100 7
EBITDA 344 332 4 364 350 4 382 362 6
EBITDA margin (%) 32.0 31.9
32.3 32.5
32.6 32.9
Net profit 180 173 4 192 185 4 203 195 4
Sources: Bloomberg consensus estimates; BNP Paribas estimates
Dividend outlook
We assume an 80% dividend payout over FY14-16, in line with management
guidance. Based on our current projections, dividend/FCF increases sharply in FY16,
due to the expected spectrum payments.
EXHIBIT 11: M1 dividend outlook
Source: BNP Paribas estimates
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
15
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
FY14E FY15E FY16E
(%)(SGD cents/share) DPS (c/share) (LHS) Div/FCF (RHS)
28
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Valuations
At current levels, M1 is trading >1SD above its five-year historical average P/E and
EV/EBITDA. We think there is limited scope for significant share price upside,
especially in view of potential competition risks.
EXHIBIT 12: P/E EXHIBIT 13: EV/EBITDA
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
We value M1 using DCF analysis, based on 7.4% WACC (2.4% risk free rate, 5.6%
equity risk premium, 5% cost of debt) and 0% terminal growth rate to reflect the long-
term growth nature of the Singapore telecoms market. Our SGD3.75 TP implies
about 18x FY15 P/E and 10x FY15 EV/EBITDA.
EXHIBIT 14: M1 DCF valuation
2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E 2023E 2024E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
EBIT 237 251 260 273 280 287 295 304 313 320
Less: Tax (40) (43) (44) (46) (48) (49) (50) (52) (53) (54)
Add: Depreciation 126 131 138 142 147 151 154 157 161 167
Less: Capex (129) (193) (128) (126) (123) (119) (122) (125) (128) (131)
Less: Chg in WC (1) (1) (0) (1) (1) (0) (0) (0) (1) (1)
FCF 193 146 225 242 256 270 277 284 292 301
NPV FCF 1,657
NPV TV 2,010
EV 3,667
FY15E net debt (183)
Equity value 3,485
Target price (SGD) 3.75
Note: We use outstanding share base of 930m shares Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Risks to our recommendation and estimates
Key downside risks: Accelerated mobile competition, leading to market share and/or
ARPU erosion; more intense than expected broadband competition, leading to
slower revenue gains; accelerated handset costs, leading to lower margins; higher
than expected capex.
Key upside risks: More benign than expected competition, leading to accelerated
revenue growth; faster than expected data usage increase, driving mobile ARPU
gains; lower than expected capex; accelerated shareholder returns.
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
Se
p-0
9
Ja
n-1
0
Ma
y-1
0
Se
p-1
0
Ja
n-1
1
Ma
y-1
1
Se
p-1
1
Ja
n-1
2
Ma
y-1
2
Se
p-1
2
Ja
n-1
3
Ma
y-1
3
Se
p-1
3
Ja
n-1
4
Ma
y-1
4
(x)
+1 SD
+2 SD
-1 SD
-2 SD
5-yr avg.
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
Se
p-0
9
Ja
n-1
0
Ma
y-1
0
Se
p-1
0
Ja
n-1
1
Ma
y-1
1
Se
p-1
1
Ja
n-1
2
Ma
y-1
2
Se
p-1
2
Ja
n-1
3
Ma
y-1
3
Se
p-1
3
Ja
n-1
4
Ma
y-1
4
(x)
+1 SD
+2 SD
-1 SD
-2 SD
5-yr avg.
29
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements M1 Ltd
Profit and Loss (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Revenue 1,077 1,008 1,074 1,126 1,172
Cost of sales ex depreciation (778) (697) (732) (764) (791)
Gross profit ex depreciation 299 311 342 362 380
Other operating income 1 2 2 2 2
Operating costs 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBITDA 300 312 344 364 382
Depreciation (111) (115) (121) (126) (131)
Goodwill amortisation 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBIT 189 197 223 237 251
Net financing costs (6) (5) (6) (6) (6)
Associates 0 0 0 0 0
Recurring non operating income 0 0 0 0 0
Non recurring items 0 0 0 0 0
Profit before tax 183 193 216 231 245
Tax (37) (33) (37) (39) (42)
Profit after tax 146 160 180 192 203
Minority interests 0 0 0 0 0
Preferred dividends 0 0 0 0 0
Other items 0 0 0 0 0
Reported net profit 146 160 180 192 203
Non recurring items & goodwill (net) 0 0 0 0 0
Recurring net profit 146 160 180 192 203
Per share (SGD)
Recurring EPS * 0.16 0.17 0.19 0.21 0.22
Reported EPS 0.16 0.17 0.19 0.21 0.22
DPS 0.15 0.21 0.16 0.17 0.17
Growth
Revenue (%) 1.1 (6.4) 6.6 4.8 4.1
Operating EBITDA (%) (3.3) 4.2 10.2 5.7 5.1
Operating EBIT (%) (7.0) 4.5 12.8 6.6 5.7
Recurring EPS (%) (11.1) 8.3 11.4 6.3 5.9
Reported EPS (%) (11.1) 8.3 11.4 6.3 5.9
Operating performance
Gross margin inc depreciation (%) 17.5 19.4 20.5 20.9 21.2
Operating EBITDA margin (%) 27.8 31.0 32.0 32.3 32.6
Operating EBIT margin (%) 17.5 19.6 20.7 21.1 21.4
Net margin (%) 13.6 15.9 16.7 17.0 17.3
Effective tax rate (%) 20.1 16.9 17.0 17.0 17.0
Dividend payout on recurring profit (%) 90.9 120.7 80.1 80.1 80.1
Interest cover (x) 34.3 43.8 36.6 38.5 41.5
Inventory days 16.2 16.2 15.3 15.9 15.9
Debtor days 62.4 58.8 54.1 57.5 57.7
Creditor days 106.3 112.3 107.5 109.9 110.3
Operating ROIC (%) 25.6 26.5 28.9 29.4 29.7
ROIC (%) 21.8 23.0 25.4 26.0 26.4
ROE (%) 43.6 43.1 43.5 42.7 41.6
ROA (%) 15.4 16.7 18.2 18.4 18.6
*Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted
Revenue By Division (SGD m) 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Mobile 607 644 676 719 758
International call services 116 114 94 87 80
Fixed services 48 62 71 82 91
Handset sales 305 188 234 238 243
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
30
M1 Ltd M1 SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements M1 Ltd
Cash Flow (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Recurring net profit 146 160 180 192 203
Depreciation 111 115 121 126 131
Associates & minorities 0 0 0 0 0
Other non-cash items 10 3 4 2 2
Recurring cash flow 267 278 305 321 337
Change in working capital 8 24 (15) (1) (1)
Capex - maintenance (123) (126) (170) (129) (193)
Capex - new investment 0 0 0 0 0
Free cash flow to equity 152 176 120 190 143
Net acquisitions & disposals 0 0 0 0 0
Dividends paid (132) (136) (144) (154) (163)
Non recurring cash flows 1 4 0 0 0
Net cash flow 21 43 (24) 37 (20)
Equity finance 10 22 0 0 0
Debt finance (31) (22) 0 0 0
Movement in cash (1) 43 (24) 37 (20)
Per share (SGD)
Recurring cash flow per share 0.29 0.30 0.33 0.34 0.36
FCF to equity per share 0.17 0.19 0.13 0.20 0.15
Balance Sheet (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Working capital assets 235 195 228 239 249
Working capital liabilities (253) (235) (257) (270) (280)
Net working capital (18) (40) (29) (31) (32)
Tangible fixed assets 630 649 698 701 762
Operating invested capital 612 609 668 670 730
Goodwill 0 0 0 0 0
Other intangible assets 99 88 88 88 88
Investments 0 0 0 0 0
Other assets 0 0 0 0 0
Invested capital 711 697 756 758 818
Cash & equivalents (12) (55) (31) (67) (48)
Short term debt 272 0 0 0 0
Long term debt * 0 250 250 250 250
Net debt 260 195 219 183 202
Deferred tax 103 107 107 107 107
Other liabilities 0 0 0 0 0
Total equity 348 395 430 468 509
Minority interests 0 0 0 0 0
Invested capital 711 697 756 758 818
* includes convertibles and preferred stock which is being treated as debt
Per share (SGD)
Book value per share 0.38 0.43 0.46 0.50 0.55
Tangible book value per share 0.27 0.33 0.37 0.41 0.45
Financial strength
Net debt/equity (%) 74.7 49.4 50.9 39.0 39.8
Net debt/total assets (%) 26.6 19.8 21.0 16.7 17.7
Current ratio (x) 0.5 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1
CF interest cover (x) 28.7 40.1 20.8 31.9 24.6
Valuation 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Recurring P/E (x) * 22.0 20.3 18.2 17.1 16.2
Recurring P/E @ target price (x) * 23.3 21.5 19.3 18.2 17.2
Reported P/E (x) 22.0 20.3 18.2 17.1 16.2
Dividend yield (%) 4.1 5.9 4.4 4.7 5.0
P/CF (x) 12.0 11.7 10.7 10.2 9.7
P/FCF (x) 21.1 18.5 27.2 17.3 23.0
Price/book (x) 9.3 8.3 7.6 7.0 6.5
Price/tangible book (x) 12.9 10.6 9.6 8.6 7.8
EV/EBITDA (x) ** 11.6 11.1 10.1 9.6 9.1
EV/EBITDA @ target price (x) ** 12.3 11.7 10.7 10.1 9.6
EV/invested capital (x) 4.9 5.0 4.6 4.6 4.3
* Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted ** EBITDA includes associate income and recurring non-operating income
Sources: M1 Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
31
No significant near-term catalysts n Transfer coverage and maintain HOLD on limited catalysts
We expect relative stability in SingTel’s Singapore operations,
supported by improving mobile sector dynamics. However, sustained
competitive pressures in Australia could limit near-term upside for
Optus. While the fundamental outlook for associates is strong, FX
remains a key risk. We see few significant catalysts in either direction
and given the small upside to our SGD3.94 TP, we maintain HOLD.
n Stable fundamentals in Singapore and key associates
Positive mobile sector dynamics in Singapore (recent tariff increases,
improving data pricing, declining handset subsidies) should support
relative stability in domestic operations. Associate fundamentals are
strong, with Bharti and Globe our India Telecom analyst Kunal Vora’s
preferred picks in their respective sectors.
n Optus remains a key pressure point near term
Competition remains a key near-term risk in Australia and we project
muted growth at Optus. We recognise the operator’s efforts to
accelerate mobile subscriber acquisitions, but believe the impact will
take time to materialise. The broadband outlook is subdued ahead of
greater visibility around the national broadband network.
n Stub PER at long-term average; stock should trade sideways
SingTel has performed in-line with the local benchmark index YTD
while its stub (at 13.8x PE) is trading in-line with its own long-term
average. With limited significant catalysts in either direction, we
expect the stock will continue to trade sideways over the near term. 1-year forward stub P/E
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas estimates
68101214161820
Apr-05
Sep-05
Feb-06
Jul-06
Dec-06
May-07
Oct-07
Mar-08
Aug-08
Jan-09
Jun-09
Nov-09
Apr-10
Sep-10
Feb-11
Jul-11
Dec-11
May-12
Oct-12
Mar-13
Aug-13
Jan-14
Jun-14
(x)
Avg+1 SD
-1 SD
10 OCTOBER 2014
TRANSFER OF COVERAGE 14 SINGAPORE SINGAPORE / DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION
SINGAPORE TELECOM ST SP
HOLD UNCHANGED
TARGET PRICE SGD3.94
CLOSE SGD3.80
UP/DOWNSIDE +3.7%
PRIOR TP SGD3.80
CHANGE IN TP +3.7%
HOW WE DIFFER FROM CONSENSUS MARKET RECS
TARGET PRICE (%) (3.7) POSITIVE 12
EPS 2015 (%) (2.6) NEUTRAL 16
EPS 2016 (%) (2.4) NEGATIVE 1
Wei Shi Wu [email protected] +65 6210 1925
KEY STOCK DATA
YE Mar (SGD m) 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Revenue 16,848 17,068 17,530 18,154
Rec. net profit 3,653 3,685 3,947 4,422
Recurring EPS (SGD) 0.23 0.23 0.25 0.28
EPS growth (%) 4.1 0.9 7.1 12.0
Recurring P/E (x) 16.6 16.5 15.4 13.7
Dividend yield (%) 4.4 4.6 4.9 5.5
EV/EBITDA (x) 9.2 8.8 8.3 7.5
Price/book (x) 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2
Net debt/Equity (%) 31.0 27.3 22.9 18.2
ROE (%) 15.3 15.1 15.5 16.5
Share price performance 1 Month 3 Month 12 Month
Absolute (%) (2.6) (1.6) 1.3
Relative to country (%) (0.1) (1.1) (2.0)
Next results November 2014
Mkt cap (USD m) 47,649
3m avg daily turnover (USD m) 36.0
Free float (%) 48
Major shareholder Temasek Holdings (52%)
12m high/low (SGD) 4.07/3.44
3m historic vol. (%) 13.3
ADR ticker SGAPY US
ADR closing price (USD; 9 Oct 2014) 29.76
Issued shares (m) 15,944
Sources: Bloomberg consensus; BNP Paribas estimates
(10)
(5)
0
5
3.00
3.20
3.40
3.60
3.80
4.00
4.20Sep-13 Dec-13 Mar-14 Jun-14 Sep-14
(%)(SGD) Singapore Telecom Rel to Straits Times Index
32
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Investment thesis
We expect SingTel’s Singapore operations to deliver a stable operational performance over the near term, supported by the company’s strong market position and positive dynamics in the mobile sector. While the emergence of smaller new entrants in the broadband sector should assert long-term pressure on SingTel, we believe the near-term financial impact will be relatively contained. In our view, there is scope for slight margin expansion beyond FY15.
We view competitive pressures in Australia as intense but not escalating. While we view Optus’ recent efforts to accelerate subscriber acquisitions as positive, related positive impacts will take time to materialise. Our current projections do not assume any significant revenue growth over the near term. The positive offset is sustained cost management efforts, which could drive gradual margin expansion.
Associate contributions should remain robust, supported by strong fundamentals at SingTel’s key associates. However, FX remains a key risk.
Catalyst
Limited significant near-term catalysts are likely to cause the stock to trade sideways over the near term.
Risks to our call
Key downside risks: Adverse FX movements (especially
SGD appreciation versus the AUD/IDR/INR); significant
emerging market sell-offs; deteriorating macro-economic
outlooks in SingTel's markets; political and regulatory risks
across SingTel's markets; greater than expected competition
in Singapore and Australia; potential negative impact from
the Singapore and Australia NBNs; and the potential risk of
overpaying for assets.
Key upside risks: Favourable FX; less intense than expected
competition; better than expected macro-economic outlook;
and lower than expected capex.
Company background Key assumptions
SingTel is a regional integrated telecoms operator, offering
mobile, broadband, fixed-line, ICT and digital services. It has
operations across the region, including Singapore, Australia,
India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand.
FY14 FY15E FY16E FY17E
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Singapore EBITDA margin 32.2 31.6 31.7 32.0
Optus EBITDA margin 29.5 30.0 30.3 30.7
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
Principal activities, revenue split FY15E Earnings sensitivity
------------ FY15E ---------- ------------ FY16E ----------
Bear Base Bull Bear Base Bull
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Singapore EBITDA margin 30.6 31.6 32.1 30.7 31.7 32.2
EPS change (2)
1 (2)
1
Optus EBITDA margin 29.0 30.0 30.5 29.3 30.3 30.8
EPS change (3)
1 (3)
1
Key executives Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Title
Chua Sock Koong Group CEO
Bill Chang CEO, Group Enterprise
Allen Lew CEO, Consumer Australia
Jonathan Auerbach CEO, Group Digital Life
Jeann Low Group CFO
http://info.singtel.com
Key earnings drivers include Singapore and Optus
EBITDA margin assumptions.
We estimate a 1ppt change in our Singapore EBITDA
margin forecast would change our FY15E EPS by 2%.
We estimate a 1ppt change in our Optus EBITDA margin
forecast would change our FY15E EPS by c.3%.
Singapore (42.21%)
Optus (57.79%)
33
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Assume coverage with HOLD rating and SGD3.94 SOTP-based TP
We expect revenue growth for the Singapore operations to accelerate slightly in
FY15, to 4% from 3% in FY14, reflecting strength in the mobile business. However,
marketing costs for the iPhone 6 could impact and we project slight EBITDA margin
compression in FY15 to 31.6% from 32.2%, followed by mild margin expansion over
the next two years.
Sustained market competition will continue to be a near-term pressure point for
Optus, in our view. We project a marginal FY15 revenue decline of 1% at Optus,
followed by slight revenue expansion over the next two years. Positively, ongoing
cost management efforts should support, leading to small EBITDA gains over the
next three years.
SingTel’s key associates should continue to deliver strong contributions. In particular,
we expect Bharti contributions to be supported by market share gains, data revenue
expansion and margin improvements. Recent operational performance at Globe
(GLO PM, BUY) has also been robust, with the operator gaining subscriber and
revenue shares. We would flag FX as a key risk, with the SGD having appreciated y-
y versus most associate currencies over the Apr-Sep period.
Singapore operations: Relative stability
Expect stable mobile operations
We anticipate SingTel’s Singapore operations will be supported by healthy mobile
gains. While roaming revenue declines may persist, there are signs that related
incremental impacts could start to stabilise. Furthermore, recent tariff increases,
coupled with continued LTE network expansion, should offer some positive offsets.
As such, we are optimistic post-paid ARPUs could tick up in the coming quarters.
SingTel has been relatively successful in growing pre-paid ARPUs; we believe
supported by growing data usage. This trend should continue.
Overall, we expect fairly robust near-term mobile revenue gains.
EXHIBIT 1: SingTel post-paid ARPU trends EXHIBIT 2: SingTel pre-paid ARPU trends
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas
Limited near-term competitive impact in data and internet
As highlighted in this report, we expect increased competitive intensity in the
broadband segment, largely driven by smaller new entrant operators. While this will
clearly assert long-term pressure on SingTel, we believe the near-term impact may
be relatively contained.
Firstly, it is worth noting residential broadband accounts for only 3% of SingTel’s
domestic revenues. Although there may be greater reasons for SingTel to defend the
SME segment from encroaching new entrants, we believe its focus is still very much
(10)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
0
2
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
1Q11
2Q11
3Q11
4Q11
1Q12
2Q12
3Q12
4Q12
1Q13
2Q13
3Q13
4Q13
1Q14
2Q14
(%)(SGD) Post-paid ARPU (LHS) Change (RHS)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1Q11
2Q11
3Q11
4Q11
1Q12
2Q12
3Q12
4Q12
1Q13
2Q13
3Q13
4Q13
1Q14
2Q14
(%)(SGD) Pre-paid ARPU (LHS) Change (RHS)
34
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
on the large corporate accounts, which should stay fairly stable. Overall, we expect
data and internet revenues to grow at 1-3% over the next few years.
Other businesses
Elsewhere, we expect relative stability in the ICT business, while national and
international telephone revenues are anticipated to register sustained declines, in
line with industry trends. We project fairly robust gains in SingTel’s digital business
(albeit from a low base), reflecting management’s continued efforts in this area.
Key financial forecasts
Overall, we project a slight acceleration in FY15 revenues, supported by healthy
mobile gains and by sales of equipment (reflecting iPhone 6 launch), pay-TV (recent
tariff adjustments) and digital businesses. We forecast slight compression in FY15
EBITDA margin, reflecting higher handset costs related to the iPhone 6 launch and
accelerated cost of sales. However, we expect slight margin improvements beyond
FY15, supported by continued expansion of data scale and hence, better data
economics.
EXHIBIT 3: Historical and projected Singapore revenues EXHIBIT 4: Historical and projected EBITDA and margins
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15E FY16E FY17E
(%)(SGD m) Total revenues (LHS) Change (RHS)
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
1,900
2,000
2,100
2,200
2,300
2,400
2,500
2,600
FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15EFY16EFY17E
(%)(SGD m) EBITDA (LHS) EBITDA margin (RHS)
35
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Optus operations: Near-term outlook still tough
Mobile competition still intense, although not escalating for now
We view the competitive environment in Australia as intense but not escalating.
Pricing remains competitive, although there are indications operators are taking a
more measured approach towards handset subsidies – one key proxy for competitive
intensity in this market.
Telstra (TLS AU, NR) has been the net winner in a generally slowing market,
supported by its superior network. The operator has added almost 200k net
subscribers since the beginning of 2014. On the other hand, Optus and Vodafone
Hutchison Australia (not listed) have been losing mobile subscribers in recent
quarters, allowing Telstra to make significant strides in subscriber share gains.
EXHIBIT 5: Mobile net adds, by operator EXHIBIT 6: Mobile subscriber share, by operator
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas
Optus is seeking to accelerate subscriber acquisitions through ongoing network
upgrades and competitive pricing. For example, the company’s iPhone 6 plans are
generally priced below those of competitors. As a retention strategy, Optus has also
waived the early cancellation fee for subscribers who have been on contract for three
months, seeking to upgrade to a new handset. In addition, the company recently
announced an AUD450 credit to prospective customers switching from competitor
networks, although the switching credit was subsequently matched by Telstra.
EXHIBIT 7: Total monthly charge for selected iPhone 6 plans
Note: For iPhone 6 16GB handsets; includes monthly subscription and monthly handset repayments; tier 1 plans include 500MB data, tier 2 plans include 1-1.5GB data, tier 3 plans include 2-2.5GB data. Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas
(600)
(400)
(200)
0
200
400
600
800
1Q11
2Q11
3Q11
4Q11
1Q12
2Q12
3Q12
4Q12
1Q13
2Q13
3Q13
4Q13
1Q14
2Q14
('000) Telstra Optus VHA
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1Q11
2Q11
3Q11
4Q11
1Q12
2Q12
3Q12
4Q12
1Q13
2Q13
3Q13
4Q13
1Q14
2Q14
(%) Telstra Optus VHA
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
(AUD) Telstra Optus
36
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Muted broadband trends ahead of NBN visibility
The key theme in the Australia broadband market remains developments around the
National Broadband Network (NBN). The 2013 Federal election, and subsequent
change of government to the Liberal National Coalition from Labour, brought about a
renewed infrastructure/technology approach for the NBN. The new government
proposed a combination of technologies (including fibre-to-the-premise, fibre-to-the-
node, existing Hybrid Fibre Coaxial, satellite, LTE fixed wireless, etc.), which would
bring the cost of the redesigned network down to AUD29.5b, from the previously-
proposed AUD43b fibre-to-the-premise network.
As part of the agreements with NBN Co, both Telstra and Optus will move their
customers to the NBN from their existing networks. However, there are now
significant uncertainties, with the government currently undertaking a strategic review
of the NBN. Pending visibility around the NBN, Optus has ceased deployment of its
Unbundled Local Loop (ULL) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) networks – we believe
this has contributed to the operator’s flat broadband performance in recent quarters.
Ahead of greater certainty, we expect current trends will persist.
EXHIBIT 8: Optus broadband subs and ARPU trends EXHIBIT 9: Retail broadband subscriber shares
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas Note: As at Jun 2014 Source: Telegeography
Key financial forecasts
We expect slight revenue regression in FY15, reflecting flat mobile revenues and
sustained declines in Optus’ fixed-line businesses. While the recently launched My
Plan Plus should strengthen mobile subscriber acquisitions, we think this will take
time. In the meantime, sustained pressure on the fixed-line businesses could
continue to impact. We project a mild FY16 total revenue increase of 1% and slight
acceleration in growth beyond that. Positively, continued cost management efforts
should drive sustained (slight) margin improvements, leading to marginal FY15
EBITDA gain of 1% and further increases beyond that.
EXHIBIT 10: Historical and projected Optus revenues EXHIBIT 11: Historical and projected EBITDA and margins
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1Q11
2Q11
3Q11
4Q11
1Q12
2Q12
3Q12
4Q12
1Q13
2Q13
3Q13
4Q13
1Q14
2Q14
(AUD)('000)
Business grade broadband subs (LHS)
ULL subs (LHS)
HFC subs (LHS)
Broadband ARPU (RHS)
Telstra47.0%
Optus15.6%
iiNet15.1%
TPG11.7%
M2 4.5%
Others6.1%
(15)
(10)
(5)
0
5
10
15
20
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15E
FY16E
FY17E
(y-y %)(AUD m) Total revenues (LHS) Change (RHS)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15E
FY16E
FY17E
(%)(AUD m) EBITDA (LHS) EBITDA margin (RHS)
37
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Associates: Robust fundamentals, but FX presents risks
Our views and estimates on Bharti and Globe below reflect those of BNP Paribas
analyst Kunal Vora. We take Bloomberg consensus estimates for non-BNP Paribas
covered associates, AIS and Telkomsel.
We project robust growth in share of associates over FY15-17, supported by
continued gains across SingTel’s key associates.
We have a BUY rating on Bharti (BHARTI IN), as our top pick for the India telecom
sector. Bharti’s India operational performance has improved with double-digit
revenue growth and EBITDA margin improvement, driven by increases in voice
revenue per minute and strong data growth. A large part of Bharti’s spectrum
payments is behind us and we expect strong FCF generation. We further expect
sustained voice price increase across the sector, given the weak financial position of
many operators, exacerbated by rising spectrum costs. While data realisation will
trend down, we see a low likelihood of a data price war, given the limited availability
and high cost of spectrum in India. Bharti’s Africa operations have disappointed, but
we believe the market’s expectations have been toned down, suggesting limited
downside surprise from here. We expect Bharti to be one of the fastest growing
regional Telco’s, with an EBITDA CAGR of 16% over FY13-FY16.
Globe is our preferred pick in the Philippines Telco sector. From a top down
perspective, the Philippines is an attractive market with strong GDP growth,
presence of only two operators, low regulatory risks and attractive dividend yields.
On the operator level, Globe has been consistently gaining subscriber and revenue
market share in the mobile and fixed-line segments. We prefer Globe’s strategy of
collaboration versus PLDT’s (TEL PM, BUY) strategy of buying out stakes in various
businesses (Meralco, Rocket). We expect Globe to report a relatively strong 7%
EBITDA CAGR over FY13-16.
EXHIBIT 12: SingTel share of associates
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
FX presents a key risk to associate contributions
FX presents a key risk to our SingTel estimates. As at Sep-14, the SGD has
appreciated y-y against most of SingTel’s associate currencies, namely the AUD,
IDR, PHP and THB. In general, this will likely crimp associate translations at the
group level. The slight positive is that the extent of SGD appreciation against these
currencies has narrowed since Apr-14 (start of SingTel’s FY15). In addition, as at
Sep, the SGD has depreciated slightly y-y versus the INR, which should boost FX-
translated Bharti contributions.
(15)
(10)
(5)
0
5
10
15
20
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15E FY16E FY17E
(y-y %)(SGD m) Share of associates (LHS) Change (RHS)
38
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
EXHIBIT 13: SGD y-y change versus SingTel's key associate currencies
Source: Bloomberg
% (15)
% (10)
% (5)
0
5
% 10
% 15
% 20
% 25
% 30
Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Sep-14
(%) AUD IDR INR PHP THB
39
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Group financial forecasts
Overall, we forecast mild increases in revenues and operational EBITDA in FY15,
followed by slight accelerated growth in FY16-17. In Singapore, we expect improving
data economics and moderating handset subsidies will be positive for margins, while
in Australia, growing traction around Optus’ My Plan Plus and cost management
efforts should support. We project fairly robust Associate contributions over FY14-16,
which should drive healthy group EBITDA and underlying net profit gains.
EXHIBIT 14: Key financial forecasts FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15E FY16E FY17E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Revenues 18,825 18,184 16,848 17,068 17,530 18,154
Change (y-y %)
(3.4) (7.3) 1.3 2.7 3.6
Operational EBITDA 5,219 5,200 5,155 5,234 5,415 5,674
Change (y-y %)
(0.4) (0.9) 1.5 3.5 4.8
EBITDA margin 27.7 28.6 30.6 30.7 30.9 31.3
Group EBITDA 7,223 7,306 7,356 7,679 8,112 8,803
Change (y-y %)
1.1 0.7 4.4 5.6 8.5
Underlying net profit 3,676 3,611 3,610 3,685 3,947 4,422
Change (y-y %)
(1.8) 0.0 2.1 7.1 12.0
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
BNP Paribas versus consensus estimates
We are not significantly differentiated from consensus in our FY15-17 forecasts. We
do, however, project slightly better margins, supported by our anticipation that
improving data economics in Singapore and sustained cost management efforts at
Optus.
EXHIBIT 15: BNP Paribas versus consensus estimates
-------------- FY15E ------------- -------------- FY16E ------------- -------------- FY17E -------------
BNP Cons Var. BNP Cons Var. BNP Cons Var.
(SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%)
Revenues 17,068 16,941 1 17,530 17,225 2 18,154 17,324 5
Op EBITDA 5,234 5,053 4 5,415 5,154 5 5,674 5,301 7
EBITDA margin (%) 30.7 29.8
30.9 29.9
31.3 30.6
Net profit 3,685 3,785 (3) 3,947 4,043 (2) 4,422 4,298 3
Sources: Bloomberg consensus estimates; BNP Paribas estimates
Dividend outlook
We project a 75% dividend pay-out over the next few years, in-line with SingTel’s
dividend policy of 60-75% of underlying net profit.
EXHIBIT 16: SingTel dividend outlook
Source: BNP Paribas
76
77
78
79
80
81
0
5
10
15
20
25
FY14E FY15E FY16E
(%)(SGD cents/share) DPS (c/share) (LHS) Div/FCF (RHS)
40
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Valuations
Based on historical trends, there is scope for material movements in SingTel’s share
price in either direction, when the stub is trading significantly away from its long-term
average. However, at current levels, the 1-year forward stub PER of c13.9x is just
slightly above its long-term average of 13.3x, while the stock is trading at a slight
NAV discount of 3%. Furthermore, we see few fundamental catalysts on the horizon.
As such, we think SingTel will continue to trade sideways over the near term.
EXHIBIT 17: SingTel’s 1-year forward stub P/E EXHIBIT 18: SingTel’s NAV discount
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
We value SingTel using a sum-of-the-parts valuation, as detailed below. The
Singapore and Australia operations are valued using DCF, based on company-
specific WACC and terminal growth rates. BNP Paribas covered associates (Bharti
and Globe) are valued at our TPs. Telkomsel (part of PT Telkom (TLKM IJ)) and AIS
(ADVANC TB) are valued based on market value. We value Amobee (not listed) at
investment value. We use BNP Paribas 6M forward FX estimates.
EXHIBIT 19: SingTel SOTP
Methodology Ownership ST value Per share
(%) (SGD m) (SGD)
SingTel DCF: 7.6% WACC, 0% g 100 19,715 1.24
Optus DCF: 9% WACC, 1% g 100 20,932 1.31
Telkomsel Market value 35 7,310 0.46
AIS Market value 23 5,965 0.37
Bharti BNPP TP (INR440) 32 11,921 0.75
Globe BNPP TP (PHP1,900) 47 3,392 0.21
Amobee Investment value 100 404 0.03
Total EV
69,639 4.37
Group net (debt)/cash (FY15E) (6,793) (0.43)
Shareholder value
62,846 3.94
No of shares
15,944
BNPP SOTP
3.94
Source: BNP Paribas
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Apr-05
Sep-05
Feb-06
Jul-06
Dec-06
May-07
Oct-07
Mar-08
Aug-08
Jan-09
Jun-09
Nov-09
Apr-10
Sep-10
Feb-11
Jul-11
Dec-11
May-12
Oct-12
Mar-13
Aug-13
Jan-14
Jun-14
(x)
Avg.
+1 SD
-1 SD
% (35)
% (25)
% (15)
% (5)
% 5
% 15
% 25
Jan-05
Jul-05
Jan-06
Jul-06
Jan-07
Jul-07
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Jul-12
Jan-13
Jul-13
Jan-14
Jul-14
(%)
41
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Risks to our recommendation and estimates
Key downside risks: Adverse FX movements (especially SGD appreciation versus
the AUD/IDR/INR); significant emerging market sell-off; deteriorating macro-
economic outlook in SingTel's markets; political and regulatory risks across SingTel's
markets; greater than expected competition in Singapore and Australia; potential
negative impact from the Singapore and Australia NBNs; potential risk of overpaying
for assets.
Key upside risks: Favourable FX; less intense than expected competition; better than
expected macro-economic outlook; lower than expected capex.
42
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements Singapore Telecom
Profit and Loss (SGD m) Year Ending Mar 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Revenue 18,184 16,848 17,068 17,530 18,154
Cost of sales ex depreciation (13,099) (11,800) (11,945) (12,225) (12,590)
Gross profit ex depreciation 5,085 5,049 5,123 5,305 5,564
Other operating income 117 108 110 110 110
Operating costs 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBITDA 5,202 5,156 5,234 5,415 5,674
Depreciation (2,127) (2,132) (2,174) (2,244) (2,313)
Goodwill amortisation 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBIT 3,075 3,024 3,059 3,172 3,361
Net financing costs (299) (181) (225) (231) (204)
Associates 2,106 2,201 2,446 2,696 3,129
Recurring non operating income 0 0 0 0 0
Non recurring items 0 0 0 0 0
Profit before tax 4,882 5,044 5,280 5,637 6,286
Tax (1,267) (1,428) (1,590) (1,685) (1,859)
Profit after tax 3,615 3,616 3,690 3,952 4,427
Minority interests (2) (5) (5) (5) (5)
Preferred dividends 0 0 0 0 0
Other items 0 0 0 0 0
Reported net profit 3,613 3,611 3,685 3,947 4,422
Non recurring items & goodwill (net) (103) 42 0 0 0
Recurring net profit 3,510 3,653 3,685 3,947 4,422
Per share (SGD)
Recurring EPS * 0.22 0.23 0.23 0.25 0.28
Reported EPS 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.25 0.28
DPS 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.19 0.21
Growth
Revenue (%) (3.4) (7.3) 1.3 2.7 3.6
Operating EBITDA (%) (0.3) (0.9) 1.5 3.5 4.8
Operating EBIT (%) (4.4) (1.6) 1.2 3.7 6.0
Recurring EPS (%) (10.1) 4.1 0.9 7.1 12.0
Reported EPS (%) (9.4) (0.1) 2.0 7.1 12.0
Operating performance
Gross margin inc depreciation (%) 16.3 17.3 17.3 17.5 17.9
Operating EBITDA margin (%) 28.6 30.6 30.7 30.9 31.3
Operating EBIT margin (%) 16.9 18.0 17.9 18.1 18.5
Net margin (%) 19.3 21.7 21.6 22.5 24.4
Effective tax rate (%) 26.0 28.3 30.1 29.9 29.6
Dividend payout on recurring profit (%) 76.4 73.4 75.1 75.1 75.1
Interest cover (x) 17.4 28.8 24.4 25.4 31.8
Inventory days 5.9 5.9 5.6 5.9 5.8
Debtor days 76.3 78.4 77.2 77.3 77.0
Creditor days 138.7 144.4 140.1 142.8 142.3
Operating ROIC (%) 24.2 24.6 25.4 26.4 28.2
ROIC (%) 12.6 12.7 13.4 14.2 15.5
ROE (%) 14.8 15.3 15.1 15.5 16.5
ROA (%) 9.3 9.6 9.7 10.0 10.8
*Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted
Revenue By Division (SGD m) 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Singapore 6,733 6,912 7,204 7,556 7,890
Optus 11,451 9,936 9,864 9,974 10,264
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
43
Singapore Telecom ST SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements Singapore Telecom
Cash Flow (SGD m) Year Ending Mar 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Recurring net profit 3,510 3,653 3,685 3,947 4,422
Depreciation 2,127 2,132 2,174 2,244 2,313
Associates & minorities (387) (340) (320) (410) (630)
Other non-cash items 665 210 0 0 0
Recurring cash flow 5,915 5,655 5,539 5,781 6,106
Change in working capital (92) (305) 153 7 4
Capex - maintenance (2,059) (2,102) (2,391) (2,203) (2,190)
Capex - new investment 0 0 0 0 0
Free cash flow to equity 3,764 3,249 3,301 3,585 3,920
Net acquisitions & disposals 0 0 0 0 0
Dividends paid (2,518) (2,678) (2,677) (2,764) (2,961)
Non recurring cash flows (503) (700) 0 0 0
Net cash flow 743 (129) 625 821 959
Equity finance 2 0 0 0 0
Debt finance (1,186) (147) 0 0 0
Movement in cash (441) (276) 625 821 959
Per share (SGD)
Recurring cash flow per share 0.37 0.35 0.35 0.36 0.38
FCF to equity per share 0.24 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.25
Balance Sheet (SGD m) Year Ending Mar 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Working capital assets 3,895 3,729 3,862 3,966 4,106
Working capital liabilities (5,400) (4,877) (5,163) (5,274) (5,419)
Net working capital (1,505) (1,148) (1,301) (1,308) (1,313)
Tangible fixed assets 11,725 11,096 11,313 11,273 11,150
Operating invested capital 10,220 9,949 10,012 9,964 9,837
Goodwill 0 0 0 0 0
Other intangible assets 10,709 10,740 10,740 10,740 10,740
Investments 10,127 10,420 10,744 11,160 11,794
Other assets 2,617 2,713 2,713 2,713 2,713
Invested capital 33,673 33,821 34,209 34,577 35,084
Cash & equivalents (911) (623) (1,247) (2,068) (3,027)
Short term debt 392 814 814 814 814
Long term debt * 7,537 7,227 7,227 7,227 7,227
Net debt 7,018 7,418 6,793 5,972 5,013
Deferred tax 299 445 445 445 445
Other liabilities 837 604 604 604 604
Total equity 23,965 23,868 24,876 26,060 27,521
Minority interests 25 24 29 34 39
Invested capital 33,673 33,821 34,209 34,577 35,084
* includes convertibles and preferred stock which is being treated as debt
Per share (SGD)
Book value per share 1.50 1.50 1.56 1.63 1.73
Tangible book value per share 0.83 0.82 0.89 0.96 1.05
Financial strength
Net debt/equity (%) 29.3 31.0 27.3 22.9 18.2
Net debt/total assets (%) 17.6 18.9 16.7 14.2 11.5
Current ratio (x) 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1
CF interest cover (x) 13.6 18.9 15.6 16.5 20.2
Valuation 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E
Recurring P/E (x) * 17.3 16.6 16.5 15.4 13.7
Recurring P/E @ target price (x) * 17.9 17.2 17.1 15.9 14.2
Reported P/E (x) 16.8 16.8 16.4 15.3 13.7
Dividend yield (%) 4.4 4.4 4.6 4.9 5.5
P/CF (x) 10.2 10.7 10.9 10.5 9.9
P/FCF (x) 16.1 18.6 18.4 16.9 15.5
Price/book (x) 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2
Price/tangible book (x) 4.6 4.6 4.3 4.0 3.6
EV/EBITDA (x) ** 9.3 9.2 8.8 8.3 7.5
EV/EBITDA @ target price (x) ** 9.6 9.5 9.1 8.5 7.8
EV/invested capital (x) 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9
* Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted ** EBITDA includes associate income and recurring non-operating income
Sources: SingTel; BNP Paribas estimates
44
Getting back on the right frequency n Recommend non-consensus BUY, with SGD4.75 TP
Market expectations for STH seem low due to weak recent
operational trends. But our optimism lies in the recent mobile tariff
increases and STH’s accelerated LTE network deployment, which we
believe will support significant earnings improvement and potential
upside. With this note Wei Shi Wu assumes coverage of STH.
n Mobile re-pricing a potential near-term catalyst
While all the major telcos have recently raised mobile tariffs, STH
has introduced the sharpest increases, bringing its pricing level with
SingTel (ST SP, HOLD, CP: SGD3.80) and slightly ahead of M1 (M1
SP, HOLD, CP: SGD3.53). With STH likely to catch up with its
competitors in terms of LTE coverage by end-2014, we see
significant scope for mobile revenue gains.
n Better broadband outlook is supportive
We are cautiously optimistic that residential broadband competition
will ease, with a positive impact on STH’s broadband and pay-TV
businesses. STH’s shift in strategic focus away from the SME
(towards corporates) should cushion it from anticipated competitive
pressures from smaller operators.
n Accelerated earnings growth should drive a re-rating
STH’s share price has lagged YTD, underperforming the benchmark
STI by 8% during this period. While FY14 earnings will likely be
depressed, we expect EPS growth to accelerate from next year. Our
FY14-16 earnings forecasts are up to 13% above consensus.
Projected EBITDA growth, by operator
Source: BNP Paribas estimates
10
6 5
2
5 5
(0)
8
6
(2)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2014E 2015E 2016E
(%) M1 SingTel STH
10 OCTOBER 2014
TRANSFER OF COVERAGE 12 SINGAPORE SINGAPORE / DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION
STARHUB LTD STH SP
BUY FROM HOLD
TARGET PRICE SGD4.75
CLOSE SGD4.09
UP/DOWNSIDE +16.1%
PRIOR TP SGD4.10
CHANGE IN TP +15.9%
HOW WE DIFFER FROM CONSENSUS MARKET RECS
TARGET PRICE (%) 17.0 POSITIVE 2
EPS 2014 (%) (2.1) NEUTRAL 19
EPS 2015 (%) 4.8 NEGATIVE 6
Wei Shi Wu [email protected] +65 6210 1925
KEY STOCK DATA
YE Dec (SGD m) 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Revenue 2,359 2,338 2,484 2,607
Rec. net profit 371 361 406 442
Recurring EPS (SGD) 0.21 0.21 0.23 0.26
EPS growth (%) 3.0 (2.6) 12.3 8.9
Recurring P/E (x) 19.1 19.6 17.4 16.0
Dividend yield (%) 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9
EV/EBITDA (x) 10.1 10.2 9.4 8.8
Price/book (x) 85.9 71.5 44.2 27.5
Net debt/Equity (%) 513.4 417.7 223.7 102.8
ROE (%) 597.9 400.0 314.5 212.5
Share price performance 1 Month 3 Month 12 Month
Absolute (%) (0.7) (1.2) (6.2)
Relative to country (%) 1.8 (0.7) (9.5)
Next results November 2014
Mkt cap (USD m) 5,547
3m avg daily turnover (USD m) 5.6
Free float (%) 34
Major shareholder Asia Mobile Holdings (56%)
12m high/low (SGD) 4.49/4.03
3m historic vol. (%) 9.4
ADR ticker -
ADR closing price (USD) -
Issued shares (m) 1,724
Sources: Bloomberg consensus; BNP Paribas estimates
(21)
(11)
(1)
9
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
Sep-13 Dec-13 Mar-14 Jun-14 Sep-14
(%)(SGD) StarHub Ltd Rel to Straits Times Index
45
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Investment thesis
We expect improvements in STH’s mobile operational performance, supported by recent upward tariff adjustments and accelerated LTE network deployment. These moves, along with generally better data monetisation and moderating handset subsidies across the sector, should drive accelerated mobile revenue gains for STH.
In broadband, we are cautiously optimistic that easing residential price competition will provide relief to STH’s broadband and pay-TV businesses. While SME competition is likely to intensify, STH’s increasing focus on the corporate segment should offer some cushion from the resulting impact.
We generally view pay-TV as a structurally challenged product on a stand-alone basis. However, we recognise it is an important element in an operator’s bundling strategy. On a longer-term horizon, STH’s best-in-class hubbing strategy should offer differentiation from potential new market entrants.
Catalyst
Potential acceleration in revenue and earnings momentum could drive a re-rating of the stock.
Risks to our call
Key downside risks: More intense than expected
competition, leading to market share erosion and/or
accelerated ARPU declines; inability to grow mobile ARPU;
accelerated decline in pay-TV market share to OTT content
providers; inability to manage costs, leading to significant
margin decline; higher than expected capex; inability to
maintain shareholder returns.
Company background Key assumptions
Starhub is an integrated telecoms operator in Singapore,
offering mobile, broadband, pay-TV and fixed voice services.
FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Mobile revenue growth 0.9 0.1 8.3 5.9
EBITDA margin 31.1 31.2 31.8 32.2
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Principal activities, revenue split FY14 Earnings sensitivity
----------- FY14E ----------- ----------- FY15E -----------
Bear Base Bull Bear Base Bull
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Mobile revenue growth 0.9 0.1 0.6 7.3 8.3 8.8
EPS chg (1)
1 (2)
1
EBITDA margin 30.2 31.2 31.7 30.8 31.8 32.3
EPS chg (5) 3 (5) 3
Key executives Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Title
Tan Tong Hai CEO
Nicholas Tan CFO
Kevin Lim CCO
Jeannie Ong CMO
http://www.starhub.com
Key earnings drivers include mobile revenue growth and
EBITDA margin assumptions.
We estimate a 1ppt change in mobile revenue growth rate
changes our FY15 EPS by 2%, all else being equal.
We estimate a 1ppt change in EBITDA margin assumption
changes our FY15 EPS by 5%, all else being equal.
Mobile (52.9%)
Pay-TV (16.53%)
Broadband (9.46%)
Fixed network services(15.76%)
Equipment sales (5.35%)
46
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Transfer coverage with non-consensus BUY rating and SGD4.75 TP
STH’s recent operational performance has been relatively lacklustre. As a result,
market expectations are fairly low. We think the market is still largely focused on the
weak recent mobile trends and competitive impact on STH’s broadband business.
But we believe the company is re-aligning its businesses and are optimistic of
accelerated growth. In mobile, we view the recent tariff adjustments as a significant
positive, which could potentially drive above-industry gains for STH. This should be
supported by the company’s accelerated LTE network deployment, which should
place it on par with competitors by end-2014. In broadband, we are cautiously
optimistic that price competition in the residential segment will ease, providing some
relief to STH’s broadband and pay-TV businesses. We view management’s shift in
focus away from the SME broadband space as a slight positive, which should shield
STH from the impact of impending competition in this space.
Mobile: Coming from behind
STH’s mobile operational performance has lagged that of its competitors in recent
years. We believe this could be attributed to various factors, including pricing and the
company’s slightly slower LTE network deployment. The industry-wide decline in
roaming revenue has also been a factor.
We see significant room for STH to catch up in terms of post-paid ARPU gains.
There are indications that roaming revenues could start to stabilise. In addition, STH
has accelerated LTE network deployment over the course of the year and should
achieve nationwide LTE Advanced coverage by end-2014 – essentially putting it on a
par with competitors. This should eliminate any technological disadvantage STH had
previously.
We view the recent mobile tariff adjustments across the sector as a significant
positive for the company. STH has introduced the sharpest relative increases in
lower-end price plans, bringing its pricing into line with SingTel and slightly ahead of
M1. Any offset from subscriber churn should be limited, given the new tariffs are fairly
comparable across operators and the relative maturity of the market. In fact, we
believe this could support above-industry ARPU growth for STH in FY15.
Furthermore, recent feedback from management suggests a more aggressive
approach towards enterprise customer acquisitions has yielded a number of recent
corporate wins for STH. This should continue to be supportive of STH’s post-paid
subscriber share in the coming quarters.
EXHIBIT 1: STH post-paid net adds and subscriber share EXHIBIT 2: STH post-paid ARPU trends
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas
Near term, pre-paid net adds will likely continue to be impacted by the recent
regulatory reduction of SIMs per user and subsequent rationalisation of STH’s pre-
paid subscriber base. We expect net add trends to stabilise and potentially recover
towards end-2014. Pre-paid ARPU may remain relatively weak on sustained declines
25.6
25.8
26.0
26.2
26.4
26.6
26.8
27.0
27.2
(10)
0
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(%)('000) Post-paid net adds (LHS)
Post-paid sub share (RHS)
(10)
(8)
(6)
(4)
(2)
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2
4
6
60
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
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78
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(y-y %)(SGD) Post-paid ARPU (LHS)
Change (RHS)
47
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
in IDD and roaming volumes. Recent drops in tourist arrivals could be an additional
pressure point in the coming quarters.
EXHIBIT 3: STH pre-paid net adds and subscriber share EXHIBIT 4: STH pre-paid ARPU trends
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
30.5
31.0
31.5
(80)
(70)
(60)
(50)
(40)
(30)
(20)
(10)
0
10
20
30
1Q
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(%)('000) Pre-paid net adds (k, lhs)
Pre-paid sub share (rhs)
(20)
(15)
(10)
(5)
0
5
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
1Q
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(y-y %)(SGD) Pre-paid ARPU (LHS)
Change (RHS)
48
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Broadband: Beneficiary of potentially easing residential competition
STH’s broadband business has been impacted significantly by intense price
competition, driven by smaller new entrant operators. To a large extent, this is due to
STH’s need to defend both its broadband and pay TV businesses, which combined
account for 26% of total revenues.
EXHIBIT 5: STH broadband net adds EXHIBIT 6: STH broadband ARPU trends
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas
Positively, our recent checks with management across all the major operators and
some of the smaller RSPs suggest broadband price competition could stabilise. In
our view, My Republic’s (not listed) overseas ambitions (e.g. planned launches in
New Zealand and Malaysia), and to an extent its domestic mobile aspirations, could
potentially evoke greater financial discipline and a more measured approach towards
broadband competition. We are cautiously optimistic this could drive easing
residential broadband competition. This should be positive to the sector in general,
and especially to STH.
Shift in focus away from SME should be supportive
While we maintain our reservations around near-term enterprise fibre adoption, we
are encouraged by recent government initiatives aimed at facilitating SME ICT take-
up. Notably, the government is offering subsidies of up to SGD200k per building, to
facilitate NBN installation in non-commercial properties.
Specifically for STH, management is shifting its focus away from the increasingly
contested SME segment, towards the corporate sector. We view this as a positive
move, as we expect SME competition will increase, with both My Republic and
Superinternet (not listed) stating their intention to aggressively target this segment.
(3)
(2)
(1)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1Q
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('000)
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5
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32
34
36
38
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42
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46
48
1Q
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(y-y %)(SGD) Broadband ARPU (LHS)
Change (RHS)
49
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Pay-TV: Long-term outlook is challenging, but supportive of bundling strategy
While the pay-TV business remains relatively flat, subscriber acquisitions appear to
have ticked up slightly in recent quarters. We believe this could be partially attributed
to the cross-carriage of English Premier League (EPL) content, from SingTel. Pay-TV
ARPUs have stayed fairly stable, supported by a tariff increase implemented in
2H13.
EXHIBIT 7: STH pay-TV net adds EXHIBIT 8: Pay-TV ARPU trends
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas
Over the near term, we anticipate STH’s pay-TV revenues will remain relatively flat.
While the cross-carriage rule does dis-incentivise operators from bidding for
exclusive content, we are not particularly optimistic about any significant content cost
reduction.
We are cautious about the long-term structural outlook of the pay-TV business, but
recognise that it is essential to a good bundling strategy, which will increasingly
differentiate STH from smaller new entrants. This will be particularly relevant if the
smaller broadband RSPs enter the mobile market.
(6)
(5)
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(1)
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('000)
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(y-y %)(SGD) Pay-TV ARPU (LHS)
Change (RHS)
50
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Revenue forecasts
We expect STH to report relatively flat FY14 revenues, reflecting the impact of
broadband market competition and slower-than-industry mobile growth. We project
accelerated revenue growth in FY15, supported by re-alignment of its mobile
business and stable-to-easing broadband competition.
EXHIBIT 9: Revenue forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Mobile 1,218 1,224 1,235 1,237 1,339 1,417
Pay TV 376 396 386 386 389 390
Broadband 242 249 240 221 227 234
Fixed 337 358 368 369 393 427
Equipment sales 140 194 130 125 135 139
Total revenues 2,312 2,422 2,359 2,338 2,484 2,607
Change (y-y %)
4.7 (2.6) (0.9) 6.2 5.0
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Opex forecasts
We forecast a slight decline in FY14, reflecting recent trends. Beyond this, we expect
costs will grow fairly in line with revenues. In our view, cost of services could be a
key contributor to opex increases beyond FY14, driven by content costs. Sustained
increases in content costs are a potential risk to margins.
EXHIBIT 10: Opex forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Cost of equipment sold 383 441 377 350 361 369
Cost of services 298 340 364 387 416 444
Traffic expenses 247 231 201 161 168 175
Marketing and promotion 170 147 154 159 167 173
Staff costs 267 266 277 281 296 309
Others 292 304 305 305 322 333
Total opex 1,657 1,729 1,677 1,644 1,729 1,803
Change (y-y %)
4.3 (3.0) (2.0) 5.2 4.3
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
Key financial forecasts
Our forecasts assume relatively flat EBITDA margins in FY14 and gradual margin
improvements over the next two years. This should be supported by better mobile
pricing post the recent tariff adjustments, increasing scale of data provision and
progressively moderate handset subsidies.
FY14 capex should be driven by LTE network deployment and 2.5 GHz spectrum
payments. We expect capex levels to remain elevated over the next two years,
driven by STH’s investments in new headend equipment and further spectrum
payments.
51
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
EXHIBIT 11: Key financial forecasts
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14E FY15E FY16E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
Revenues 2,312 2,422 2,359 2,338 2,484 2,607
Change (y-y %)
4.7 (2.6) (0.9) 6.2 5.0
EBITDA 676 720 733 729 789 839
Change (y-y %)
6.5 1.8 (0.5) 8.2 6.2
EBITDA margin 29.2 29.7 31.1 31.2 31.8 32.2
Net profit 316 359 371 361 406 442
Change (y-y %)
13.9 3.2 -2.6 12.3 8.9
Capex 270 295 304 304 310 313
Change (y-y %)
9.5 3.0 0.0 2.1 0.8
Capex/sales (%) 11.7 12.2 12.9 13.0 12.5 12.0
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
BNP Paribas versus consensus estimates
We are marginally below Bloomberg consensus on our FY14 estimates, but are
significantly ahead in our longer-term forecasts. We believe we are more optimistic
than the market in our mobile assumptions. And while consensus projections imply
relatively flat EBITDA margins over the next few years, we believe better mobile
pricing and increasing data scale can support slight margin improvements over time.
EXHIBIT 12: BNP Paribas versus consensus estimates
------------- FY14E -------------- ------------- FY15E ------------- -------------- FY16E --------------
BNP Cons Var BNP Cons Var BNP Cons Var
(SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%) (SGD m) (SGD m) (%)
Revenues 2,338 2,392 (2) 2,484 2,452 1 2,607 2,501 4
EBITDA 729 743 (2) 789 769 3 839 779 8
EBITDA margin (%) 31.2 31.1
31.8 31.4
32.2 31.1
Net profit 361 369 (2) 406 387 5 442 392 13
Sources: Bloomberg consensus estimates; BNP Paribas estimates
Dividend outlook
Given capex intensity will likely remain relatively high over the next few years, we
conservatively assume the current annual dividend commitment of 20c/share over
our forecast period. But it is worth noting, based on our current projections, there is
some headroom for STH to potentially increase dividend payments beyond FY14.
EXHIBIT 13: STH dividend outlook
Source: BNP Paribas estimates
1
11
21
31
41
51
61
71
81
91
101
0
5
10
15
20
25
FY14E FY15E FY16E
(%)(SGD cents/share) DPS (LHS) Div/FCF (RHS)
52
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Valuations
At current levels, STH is trading <1SD above its five-year historical average P/E and
EV/EBITDA. The significant re-rating of the stock over the past two years is in-line
with other dividend yield stocks in Singapore. It is worth noting STH’s valuations
have moderated since recent peaks in 2013.
EXHIBIT 14: STH P/E EXHIBIT 15: STH EV/EBITDA
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
We value STH using DCF analysis based on 7.4% WACC (2.4% risk free rate, 5.6%
equity risk premium, 5% cost of debt) and 0% terminal growth rate to reflect the long-
term growth nature of the Singapore telecoms market. Our SGD4.75 TP implies
about 20x FY15E P/E and about 11x FY15E EV/EBITDA – still below STH’s recent
peak valuations.
EXHIBIT 16: STH DCF valuation
2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E 2023E 2024E
(SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m) (SGD m)
EBIT 507 550 588 615 635 665 691 717 743 771
Less: Tax (86) (93) (100) (105) (108) (113) (117) (122) (126) (131)
Add: Depreciation 283 289 296 303 311 319 328 338 347 354
Less: Capex (310) (313) (313) (309) (303) (299) (292) (285) (295) (305)
Less: Chg in WC 22 19 17 15 13 18 15 16 19 21
FCF 415 452 489 520 549 590 624 663 688 711
NPV FCF 3,802
NPV TV 4,746
EV 8,548
FY15E net debt (357)
Equity value 8,191
Target price (SGD) 4.75
Note: We use the outstanding share base of 1,721m shares Source: BNP Paribas estimates
Key risks to our recommendation and estimates
Key downside risks: More intense than expected competition, leading to market
share erosion and/or accelerated ARPU declines; inability to grow mobile ARPU;
accelerated decline in pay-TV market share to OTT content providers; inability to
manage costs, leading to significant margin decline; higher than expected capex;
inability to maintain shareholder returns.
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
Se
p-0
9
Jan
-10
May-1
0
Se
p-1
0
Jan
-11
May-1
1
Se
p-1
1
Jan
-12
May-1
2
Se
p-1
2
Jan
-13
May-1
3
Se
p-1
3
Jan
-14
May-1
4
(x)
+2 SD
+1 SD
-1 SD
-2 SD
5-yr avg
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Se
p-0
9
Jan
-10
May-1
0
Se
p-1
0
Jan
-11
May-1
1
Se
p-1
1
Jan
-12
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2
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p-1
2
Jan
-13
May-1
3
Se
p-1
3
Jan
-14
May-1
4
(x)
+2 SD
+1 SD
-1 SD
-2 SD
5-yr avg
53
StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements StarHub Ltd
Profit and Loss (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Revenue 2,422 2,359 2,338 2,484 2,607
Cost of sales ex depreciation (1,729) (1,677) (1,644) (1,729) (1,803)
Gross profit ex depreciation 693 683 694 754 804
Other operating income 27 50 35 35 35
Operating costs 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBITDA 720 733 729 789 839
Depreciation (273) (270) (276) (283) (289)
Goodwill amortisation 0 0 0 0 0
Operating EBIT 447 463 453 507 550
Net financing costs (16) (16) (18) (18) (17)
Associates 0 0 0 0 0
Recurring non operating income 0 0 0 0 0
Non recurring items 0 0 0 0 0
Profit before tax 431 447 435 489 532
Tax (72) (77) (74) (83) (91)
Profit after tax 359 371 361 406 442
Minority interests 0 0 0 0 0
Preferred dividends 0 0 0 0 0
Other items 0 0 0 0 0
Reported net profit 359 371 361 406 442
Non recurring items & goodwill (net) 0 0 0 0 0
Recurring net profit 359 371 361 406 442
Per share (SGD)
Recurring EPS * 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.23 0.26
Reported EPS 0.21 0.22 0.21 0.24 0.26
DPS 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Growth
Revenue (%) 4.7 (2.6) (0.9) 6.2 5.0
Operating EBITDA (%) 6.5 1.8 (0.5) 8.2 6.3
Operating EBIT (%) 12.3 3.6 (2.2) 11.8 8.5
Recurring EPS (%) 13.8 3.0 (2.6) 12.3 8.9
Reported EPS (%) 13.8 2.9 (2.7) 12.2 8.9
Operating performance
Gross margin inc depreciation (%) 17.4 17.5 17.9 19.0 19.7
Operating EBITDA margin (%) 29.7 31.1 31.2 31.8 32.2
Operating EBIT margin (%) 18.5 19.6 19.4 20.4 21.1
Net margin (%) 14.8 15.7 15.4 16.3 17.0
Effective tax rate (%) 16.7 17.1 17.0 17.0 17.0
Dividend payout on recurring profit (%) 96.0 93.2 95.6 85.2 78.2
Interest cover (x) 28.1 29.0 25.2 28.3 31.7
Inventory days 6.9 7.7 8.1 6.6 6.6
Debtor days 22.2 20.6 21.1 22.1 22.3
Creditor days 96.3 132.6 169.4 167.1 167.8
Operating ROIC (%) 147.0 148.7 123.8 135.3 143.8
ROIC (%) 55.7 59.2 54.9 60.8 65.3
ROE (%) 1,140.6 597.9 400.0 314.5 212.5
ROA (%) 21.1 21.0 20.1 21.7 22.2
*Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted
Revenue By Division (SGD m) 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Mobile 1,224 1,235 1,237 1,339 1,417
Pay-TV 396 386 386 389 390
Broadband 249 240 221 227 234
Fixed network services 358 368 369 393 427
Equipment sales 194 130 125 135 139
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
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StarHub Ltd STH SP Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Financial statements StarHub Ltd
Cash Flow (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Recurring net profit 359 371 361 406 442
Depreciation 273 270 276 283 289
Associates & minorities 0 0 0 0 0
Other non-cash items 15 (39) 18 18 17
Recurring cash flow 647 602 655 706 748
Change in working capital 42 (7) 20 22 19
Capex - maintenance (273) (303) (304) (310) (313)
Capex - new investment 0 0 0 0 0
Free cash flow to equity 416 292 372 418 455
Net acquisitions & disposals 0 0 0 0 0
Dividends paid (343) (344) (345) (345) (345)
Non recurring cash flows 5 4 3 3 3
Net cash flow 78 (48) 30 76 113
Equity finance (1) 1 0 0 0
Debt finance 56 3 (21) (21) (21)
Movement in cash 133 (44) 9 55 93
Per share (SGD)
Recurring cash flow per share 0.38 0.35 0.38 0.41 0.43
FCF to equity per share 0.24 0.17 0.22 0.24 0.26
Balance Sheet (SGD m) Year Ending Dec 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Working capital assets 306 345 342 362 378
Working capital liabilities (880) (902) (920) (960) (994)
Net working capital (574) (557) (577) (598) (616)
Tangible fixed assets 791 857 885 912 936
Operating invested capital 217 300 307 314 320
Goodwill 0 0 0 0 0
Other intangible assets 397 381 381 381 381
Investments 0 0 0 0 0
Other assets 3 0 0 0 0
Invested capital 617 681 688 695 701
Cash & equivalents (312) (267) (276) (331) (424)
Short term debt 0 0 0 0 0
Long term debt * 688 688 688 688 688
Net debt 376 421 412 357 264
Deferred tax 119 128 128 128 128
Other liabilities 38 29 29 30 32
Total equity 42 82 99 159 256
Minority interests 0 0 0 0 0
Invested capital 617 681 688 695 701
* includes convertibles and preferred stock which is being treated as debt
Per share (SGD)
Book value per share 0.02 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.15
Tangible book value per share (0.21) (0.17) (0.16) (0.13) (0.07)
Financial strength
Net debt/equity (%) 895.2 513.4 417.7 223.7 102.8
Net debt/total assets (%) 20.8 22.8 21.9 17.9 12.4
Current ratio (x) 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8
CF interest cover (x) 27.2 19.2 21.7 24.4 27.3
Valuation 2012A 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E
Recurring P/E (x) * 19.6 19.1 19.6 17.4 16.0
Recurring P/E @ target price (x) * 22.8 22.1 22.7 20.2 18.6
Reported P/E (x) 19.5 19.0 19.5 17.4 16.0
Dividend yield (%) 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9
P/CF (x) 10.9 11.7 10.8 10.0 9.4
P/FCF (x) 16.9 24.1 19.0 16.9 15.5
Price/book (x) 167.3 85.9 71.5 44.2 27.5
Price/tangible book (x) (19.8) (23.5) (25.0) (31.8) (56.6)
EV/EBITDA (x) ** 10.4 10.1 10.2 9.4 8.8
EV/EBITDA @ target price (x) ** 11.9 11.7 11.8 10.9 10.1
EV/invested capital (x) 12.0 11.0 10.8 10.7 10.4
* Pre exceptional, pre-goodwill and fully diluted ** EBITDA includes associate income and recurring non-operating income
Sources: StarHub Ltd; BNP Paribas estimates
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Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
Disclaimers and Disclosures APPENDIX
DISCLAIMERS AND DISCLOSURES APPLICABLE TO NON-US BROKER-DEALER(S): BNP Paribas - Singapore (PI)
ANALYST(S) CERTIFICATION
Wei Shi Wu, BNP Paribas - Singapore (PI), +65 6210 1925, [email protected]. The analyst(s) or strategist(s) herein each referred to as analyst(s) named in this report certify(ies) that (i) all views expressed in this report accurately reflect the personal view of the analyst(s) with regard to any and all of the subject securities, companies or issuers mentioned in this report; and (ii) no part of the compensation of the analyst(s) was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by the research analyst herein. Analysts mentioned in this disclaimer are employed by a non-US affiliate of BNP Paribas Securities Corp., and are not registered/ qualified pursuant to NYSE and/or FINRA regulations.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES REQUIRED IN THE UNITED STATES BY FINRA RULES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS "BNP Paribas” is the marketing name for the global banking and markets business of BNP Paribas Group. No portion of this report was prepared by BNP Paribas Securities Corp (US) personnel, and it is considered Third-Party Affiliate research under NASD Rule 2711. The following disclosures relate to relationships between companies covered in this research report and the BNP entity identified on the cover of this report, BNP Securities Corp., and other entities within the BNP Paribas Group (collectively, "BNP Paribas").
The disclosure column in the following table lists the important disclosures applicable to each company that has been rated and/or recommended in this report:
Company Ticker Disclosure (as applicable)
N/A N/A N/A
BNP Paribas represents that: 1. Within the past year, it has managed or co-managed a public offering for this company, for which it received fees. 2. It had an investment banking relationship with this company in the last 12 months. 3. It received compensation for investment banking services from this company in the last 12 months. 4. It expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from the subject company/ies in the next 3 months. 5. It beneficially owns 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of the subject company. 6. It makes a market in securities in respect of this company. 7. The analyst(s) or an individual who assisted in the preparation of this report (or a member of his/her household) has a financial interest position in
securities issued by this company. The financial interest is in the common stock of the subject company, unless otherwise noted. 8. The analyst (or a member of his/her household) is an officer, director, or advisory board member of this company or has received compensation from the
company.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES REQUIRED IN KOREA The disclosure column in the following table lists the important disclosures applicable to each Korea listed company that has been rated and/or recommended in this report:
Company Ticker Price (as of 09-Oct-2014 closing price) Interest
N/A N/A N/A N/A
1. The performance of obligations of the Company is directly or indirectly guaranteed by BNP Paribas Securities Korea Co. Ltd (“BNPPSK”) by means of payment guarantees, endorsements, and provision of collaterals and/or taking over the obligations.
2. BNPPSK owns 1/100 or more of the total outstanding shares issued by the Company. 3. The Company is an affiliate of BNPPSK as prescribed by Item 3, Article 2 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act. 4. BNPPSK is the financial advisory agent of the Company for the Merger and Acquisition transaction or of the Target Company whereby the size of the
transaction does not exceed 5/100 of the total asset of the Company or the total number of outstanding shares. 5. BNPPSK has taken financial advisory service regarding listing to the Company within the past 1 year. 6. With regards to the tender offer initiated by the Company based on Item 2, Article 133 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act,
BNPPSK acts in the capacity of the agent for the tender offer designated either by the Company or by the target company, provided that this provision shall apply only where tender offer has not expired.
7. The listed company which issued the stocks in question in case where 40 days has not passed since the new shares were listed from the date of entering into arrangement for public offering or underwriting-related agreement for issuance of stocks
8. The Company that has signed a nominated advisor contract with BNPPSK as defined in Item 2 of Article 8 of the KONEX Market Listing Regulation. 9. The Company is recognized as having considerable interests with BNPPSK in relation to No.1 to No. 8. 10. The analyst or his/her spouse owns (including delivery claims of marketable securities based on legal regulations and trading and misc. contracts) the
following securities or rights (hereinafter referred to as “Securities, etc.” in this Article) regardless of whose name is used in the trading. 1) Stocks, bond with stock certificate, and certificate of pre-emptive rights issued by the Company whose securities dealings are being solicited. 2) Stock options of the Company whose securities dealings are being solicited. 3) Individual stock future, stock option, and warrants that use the stocks specified in Item 1) as underlying.
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Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
History of change in investment rating and/or target price
Singapore Telecom (ST SP)
Wei Shi Wu started covering this stock from 10-Oct-2014 Price and TP are in local currency
Valuation and risks: Key downside risks to our SOTP-based TP: Adverse FX movement (especially SGD appreciation versus AUD/INR/IDR); significant emerging market sell-off; deteriorating macro-economic outlook in SingTel's markets; political and regulatory risks across SingTel's markets; greater than expected competition in Singapore and Australia; potential negative impact from the Singapore and Australia NBNs; potential risk of overpaying for assets. Key upside risks: Favourable FX; less intense than expected competition; better than expected macro-economic outlook.
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
StarHub Ltd (STH SP)
Wei Shi Wu started covering this stock from 10-Oct-2014 Price and TP are in local currency
Valuation and risks: We value STH using DCF analysis. Key downside risks: Increased competitive intensity in mobile and broadband, leading to accelerated market share or ARPU erosion; pay-TV subscriber loss to OTT platforms; inability to manage costs; higher than expected capex; inability to sustain shareholder returns.
Sources: Bloomberg; BNP Paribas
GENERAL DISCLAIMER This report was produced by BNP Paribas - Singapore (PI), member company(ies) of the BNP Paribas Group. This report is for the use of intended recipients only and may not be reproduced (in whole or in part) or delivered or transmitted to any other person without our prior written consent. By accepting this report, the recipient agrees to be bound by the terms and limitations set forth herein. This report does not constitute a personal recommendation or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual clients. Customers are advised to use the information contained herein as just one of many inputs and considerations prior to engaging in any trading activity. This report does not constitute a prospectus or other offering document or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other investments. This report is not intended to provide the sole basis of any evaluation of the subject securities and companies mentioned in this report. Information and opinions contained in this report are published for reference of the recipients and are not to be relied upon as authoritative or without the recipient’s own independent verification, or taken in substitution for the exercise of judgment by the recipient. Additionally, the products mentioned in this report may not be available for sale in certain jurisdictions. As an investment bank with a wide range of activities, BNP Paribas may face conflicts of interest, which are resolved under applicable legal provisions and internal guidelines. You should be aware, however, that BNP Paribas may engage in transactions in a manner inconsistent with the views expressed in this document, either for its own account or for the account of its clients. Australia: This report is being distributed in Australia by BNP Paribas Sydney Branch, registered in Australia as ABN 23 000 000 117 at 60 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000. BNP Paribas Sydney Branch is licensed under the Banking Act 1959 and the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence no. 238043 and therefore subject to regulation by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission in relation to delivery of financial services. By accepting this document you agree to be bound by the foregoing limitations, and acknowledge that information and opinions in this document relate to financial products or financial services which are delivered solely to wholesale clients (in terms of the Corporations Act 2001, sections 761G and 761GA; Corporations Regulations 2001, division 2, reg. 7.1.18 & 7.1.19) and/or professional investors (as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001). Canada: The information contained herein is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement, a public offering, an offer to sell securities described herein, or solicitation of an offer to buy securities described herein, in Canada or any province or territory thereof. Any offer or sale of the securities described herein in Canada will be made only under an exemption from the requirements to file a prospectus with the relevant Canadian securities regulators and only by a dealer properly registered under applicable securities laws or, alternatively, pursuant to an exemption from the dealer registration requirement in the relevant province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made. The information contained herein is under no circumstances to be construed as investment advice in any province or territory of Canada and is not tailored to the needs of the recipient. To the extent that the information contained herein references securities of an issuer incorporated, formed or created under the laws of Canada or a province or territory
Date Reco TP
9-Oct-11 BUY 3.75
1-Aug-13 HOLD 4.00
2.71
2.91
3.11
3.31
3.51
3.71
3.91
4.11
4.31
Oct-11 Apr-12 Oct-12 Apr-13 Oct-13 Apr-14 Oct-14
(SGD) SingTel Target Price
Date Reco TP
9-Oct-11 HOLD 3.00
2.45
2.95
3.45
3.95
4.45
4.95
Oct-11 Apr-12 Oct-12 Apr-13 Oct-13 Apr-14 Oct-14
(SGD) StarHub Ltd Target Price
57
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
of Canada, any trades in such securities must be conducted through a dealer registered in Canada. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed judgment upon these materials, the information contained herein or the merits of the securities described herein, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. Hong Kong: This report is prepared for professional investors and is being distributed in Hong Kong by BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited to persons whose business involves the acquisition, disposal or holding of securities, whether as principal or agent. BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission for the conduct of dealing in securities, advising on securities, providing automated trading services, dealing in futures contacts and advising on corporate finance. For professional investors in Hong Kong, please contact BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited for all matters and queries relating to this report. India: In India, this document is being distributed by BNP Paribas Securities India Pvt. Ltd. ("BNPPSIPL"), having its registered office at 5th floor, BNP Paribas House, 1 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051 (Tel. no. +91 22 3370 4000 / 6196 4000 / Fax no. +91 22 3370 4363). BNPPSIPL is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) as a stockbroker in the Equities and the Futures & Options segments of National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. and Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. (SEBI Regn. Nos.: INB/INF231474835, INB/INF011474831; CIN: U74920MH2008FTC182807; Website: www.bnpparibas.co.in). Indonesia: This report is being distributed by PT BNP Paribas Securities Indonesia and is delivered by its licensed employee(s), including marketing/sales person, to its client. PT BNP Paribas Securities Indonesia, having its registered office at Menara BCA, 35th floor, Grand Indonesia, JL. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia, is a subsidiary company of BNP Paribas SA and licensed under Capital Market Law no. 8 year 1995, a holder of broker-dealer and underwriter licenses issued by the Capital Market and Financial Institution Supervisory Agency (now Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK). PT BNP Paribas Securities Indonesia is also a member of Indonesia Stock Exchange and supervised by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK). Neither this report nor any copy hereof may be distributed in Indonesia or to any Indonesian citizens except in compliance with applicable Indonesian capital market laws and regulations. This report is not an offer of securities in Indonesia and may not be distributed within the territory of the Republic of Indonesia or to Indonesian citizens in circumstance which constitutes an offering within the meaning of Indonesian capital market laws and regulations. Japan: This report is being distributed to Japanese based firms by BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Limited or by a subsidiary or affiliate of BNP Paribas not registered as a financial instruments firm in Japan, to certain financial institutions defined by article 17-3, item 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law Enforcement Order. BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Limited is a financial instruments firm registered according to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association, the Financial Futures Association of Japan and the Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association. BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Limited accepts responsibility for the content of a report prepared by another non-Japan affiliate only when distributed to Japanese based firms by BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Limited. Some of the foreign securities stated on this report are not disclosed according to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. Malaysia: This report is issued and distributed by BNP Paribas Capital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The views and opinions in this research report are our own as of the date hereof and are subject to change. BNP Paribas Capital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has no obligation to update its opinion or the information in this research report. This publication is strictly confidential and is for private circulation only to clients of BNP Paribas Capital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. This publication is being provided to you strictly on the basis that it will remain confidential. No part of this material may be (i) copied, photocopied, duplicated, stored or reproduced in any form by any means or (ii) redistributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other person in whole or in part, for any purpose without the prior written consent of BNP Paribas Capital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Philippines: This report is being distributed in the Philippines by BNP Paribas Manila Branch, an Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) of BNP Paribas whose head office is in Paris, France. BNP Paribas Manila OBU is registered as an offshore banking unit under Presidential Decree No. 1034 (PD 1034), and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This report is being distributed in the Philippines to qualified clients of OBUs as allowed under PD 1034, and is qualified in its entirety to the products and services allowed under PD 1034. Singapore: This report is distributed in Singapore by BNP Paribas Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("BNPPSSL") and may be distributed in Singapore only to an Accredited or Institutional Investor, each as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations ("FAR") and the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as amended from time to time. In relation to the distribution to such categories of investors, BNPPSSL and its representatives are exempted under Regulation 35 of the FAR from the requirements in Section 36 of the Financial Advisers Act of Singapore, regarding the disclosure of certain interests in, or certain interests in the acquisition or disposal of, securities referred to in this report. For Institutional and Accredited Investors in Singapore, please contact BNP Paribas Securities (Singapore) Ptd Ltd (company registration number: 199801966C; address: 10 Collyer Quay, 34/F Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315; tel: (65) 6210 1288; fax: (65) 6210 1980) for all matters and queries relating to this report. South Africa: In South Africa, BNP Paribas Cadiz Securities (Pty) Ltd and BNP Paribas Cadiz Stock Broking (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “BNPP Cadiz”) are licensed members of Johannesburg Stock Exchange and are authorised Financial Services Providers and subject to regulation by the Financial Services Board. BNPP Cadiz does not expressly or by implication represent, recommend or propose that the financial products referred to in this report are appropriate to the particular investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of the recipient. South Korea: BNP Paribas Securities Korea is registered as a Licensed Financial Investment Business Entity under the FINANCIAL INVESTMENT SERVICES AND CAPITAL MARKETS ACT and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Service and Financial Services Commission. This document does not constitute an offer to sell to or the solicitation of an offer to buy from any person any financial products where it is unlawful to make the offer or solicitation in South Korea. Switzerland: This report is intended solely for customers who are “Qualified Investors” as defined in article 10 paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes of 23 June 2006 (CISA) and the relevant provisions of the Swiss Federal Ordinance on Collective Investment Schemes of 22 November 2006 (CISO). “Qualified Investors” includes, among others, regulated financial intermediaries such as banks, securities dealers, fund management companies and asset managers of collective investment schemes, regulated insurance companies as well as pension funds and companies with professional treasury operations. This document may not be suitable for customers who are not Qualified Investors and should only be used and passed on to Qualified Investors. For specification purposes, a “Swiss Corporate Customer” is a Client which is a corporate entity, incorporated and existing under the laws of Switzerland and which qualifies as “Qualified Investor” as defined above." BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA is authorised as bank and as securities dealer by the Swiss Federal Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA is registered at the Geneva commercial register under No. CH-270-3000542-1. BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA is incorporated in Switzerland with limited liability. Registered Office: 2 place de Hollande, CH-1204 Geneva. Taiwan: Information on securities that trade in Taiwan is distributed by BNP Paribas Securities (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. Such information is for your reference only. The reader should independently evaluate the investment risks and is solely responsible for their investment decision. Information on securities that do not trade in Taiwan is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a recommendation or a solicitation to trade in such securities. BNP Paribas Securities (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. may not execute transactions for clients in these securities. This publication may not be distributed to the public media or quoted or used by the public media without the express written consent of BNP Paribas. Thailand: Research relating to Thailand and Thailand based issuers is produced pursuant to an arrangement between BNP PARIBAS (“BNPP”) and Finansia Syrus Securities Public Company Limited (“FSS”). FSS International Investment Advisory Securities Co Ltd (“FSSIA”) prepares and distributes research under the brand name “BNP PARIBAS/FSS”. BNPP is not an affiliate of FSSIA or FSS. FSS also publishes a different research product under the brand name “FINANSIA SYRUS,” which is prepared by research analysts who are not part of FSSIA and who may cover the same securities, issuers, or industries that are the subject of this report. The ratings, recommendations, and views expressed in this report may differ from the ratings, recommendations, and views expressed by other research analysts or research teams employed by FSS. This report is being distributed outside Thailand by members of BNP Paribas. Turkey: This report is being distributed in Turkey by TEB Investment (TEB YATIRIM MENKUL DEGERLER A.S., Teb Kampus D Blok Saray Mah. Kucuksu Cad. Sokullu Sok., No:7 34768 Umraniye, Istanbul, Turkey, Trade register number: 358354, www.tebyatirim.com.tr) and outside Turkey jointly by TEB Investment and BNP Paribas. Information, comments and suggestions on investment given in this material are not within the scope of investment consulting. The investment consulting services are rendered tailor made for individuals by competent authorities considering the individuals’ risk and return preferences. However the comments and recommendations herein are based on general principles. These opinions may not be consistent with your financial status as well as your risk and return preferences. Therefore, making an investment decision only based on the information provided herein may not bear consequences in parallel with your expectations. This material issued by TEB Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. for information purposes only and may be changed without any prior notification. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of TEB Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. Although TEB Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. gathers the presented material that is current as possible, it does not
58
Singapore Telecoms Wei Shi Wu
BNP PARIBAS 10 OCTOBER 2014
undertake that all the information is accurate or complete, nor should it be relied upon as such. TEB Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. assumes no responsibility whatsoever in respect of or arising out or in connection with the content of this material to third parties. If any third party chooses to use the content of this material as reference, he/she accepts and approves to do so entirely at his/her own risk. United States: This report may be distributed in the United States only to U.S. Persons who are “major U.S. institutional investors” (as such term is defined in Rule 15a-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and is not intended for the use of any person or entity that is not a “major U.S. institutional investor”. U.S persons who wish to effect transactions in securities discussed herein must do so through BNP Paribas Securities Corp., a US-registered broker dealer and member of FINRA, SIPC, NFA, NYSE and other principal exchanges. Certain countries within the European Economic Area: This document may only be distributed in the United Kingdom to eligible counterparties and professional clients and is not intended for, and should not be circulated to, retail clients (as such terms are defined in the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2004/39/EC (“MiFID”)). This document will have been approved for publication and distribution in the United Kingdom by BNP Paribas London Branch, a branch of BNP Paribas SA whose head office is in Paris, France. BNP Paribas SA is incorporated in France with limited liability with its registered office at 16 boulevard des Italiens, 75009 Paris. BNP Paribas London Branch (registered office: 10 Harewood Avenue, London NW1 6AA; tel: [44 20] 7595 2000; fax: [44 20] 7595 2555) is authorised by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.This report has been approved for publication in France by BNP Paribas, a credit institution licensed as an investment services provider by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel whose head office is 16, Boulevard des Italiens 75009 Paris, France. This report is being distributed in Germany either by BNP Paribas London Branch or by BNP Paribas Niederlassung Frankfurt am Main, regulated by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin). Other Jurisdictions: The distribution of this report in other jurisdictions or to residents of other jurisdictions may also be restricted by law, and persons into whose possession this report comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. By accepting this report you agree to be bound by the foregoing instructions. This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. All research reports are disseminated and available to all clients simultaneously through our internal client websites. For all research available on a particular stock, please contact the relevant BNP Paribas research team or the author(s) of this report.
Additional Disclosures Target price history, stock price charts, valuation and risk details, and equity rating histories applicable to each company rated in this report is available in our most recently published reports available on our website: http://eqresearch.bnpparibas.com, or you can contact the analyst named on the front of this note or your BNP Paribas representative. All share prices are as at market close on 9 October 2014 unless otherwise stated.
RECOMMENDATION STRUCTURE
Stock Ratings Stock ratings are based on absolute upside or downside, which we define as (target price* - current price) / current price. BUY (B). The upside is 10% or more. HOLD (H). The upside or downside is less than 10%. REDUCE (R). The downside is 10% or more. Unless otherwise specified, these recommendations are set with a 12-month horizon. Thus, it is possible that future price volatility may cause a temporary mismatch between upside/downside for a stock based on market price and the formal recommendation. * In most cases, the target price will equal the analyst's assessment of the current fair value of the stock. However, if the analyst doesn't think the market will reassess the stock over the specified time horizon due to a lack of events or catalysts, then the target price may differ from fair value. In most cases, therefore, our recommendation is an assessment of the mismatch between current market price and our assessment of current fair value.
Industry Recommendations Improving (é): The analyst expects the fundamental conditions of the sector to be positive over the next 12 months. Stable (previously known as Neutral) (çè): The analyst expects the fundamental conditions of the sector to be maintained over the next 12 months. Deteriorating (ê): The analyst expects the fundamental conditions of the sector to be negative over the next 12 months. Country (Strategy) Recommendations Overweight (O). Over the next 12 months, the analyst expects the market to score positively on two or more of the criteria used to determine market recommendations: index returns relative to the regional benchmark, index sharpe ratio relative to the regional benchmark and index returns relative to the market cost of equity. Neutral (N). Over the next 12 months, the analyst expects the market to score positively on one of the criteria used to determine market recommendations: index returns relative to the regional benchmark, index sharpe ratio relative to the regional benchmark and index returns relative to the market cost of equity. Underweight (U). Over the next 12 months, the analyst does not expect the market to score positively on any of the criteria used to determine market recommendations: index returns relative to the regional benchmark, index sharpe ratio relative to the regional benchmark and index returns relative to the market cost of equity.
RATING DISTRIBUTION (as at 10 October 2014)
Total BNP Paribas coverage universe 679 Investment Banking Relationship (%)
Buy 347 Buy 6.60
Hold 233 Hold 5.60
Reduce 99 Reduce 2.00
Should you require additional information concerning this report please contact the relevant BNP Paribas research team or the author(s) of this report.
© 2014 BNP Paribas Group
59
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HONG KONG BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Ltd 63/F, Two International Finance Centre 8 Finance Street, Central Hong Kong SAR China Tel (852) 2825 1888 Fax (852) 2845 9411
SHANGHAI
KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia
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PARIS BNP Paribas Equities France Société de Bourse 20 boulevard des Italiens 75009 Paris France Tel (33 1) 4014 9673 Fax (33 1) 4014 0066
ZURICH BNP Paribas Talstrasse 41 8022 Zurich Switzerland Tel (41 1) 229 6891 Fax (41 1) 267 6813
MANAMA BNP Paribas Bahrain PO Box 5253 Manama Bahrain Tel (973) 53 3978 Fax (973) 53 1237
TOKYO BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Ltd GranTokyo North Tower 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 100-6740 Japan Tel (81 3) 6377 2000 Fax (81 3) 5218 5970
MUMBAI
BNP Paribas Equities (Asia) Ltd Shanghai Representative Office Room 2630, 26/F Shanghai World Financial Center 100 Century Avenue Shanghai 200120, China Tel (86 21) 6096 9000 Fax (86 21) 6096 9018
JAKARTA PT BNP Paribas Securities Indonesia Grand Indonesia, Menara BCA, JI. M.H. Thamrin No. 1Jakarta 10 0 Indonesia Tel (62 21) 2358 6586 Fax (62 21) 2358 7587
35/F
31
TAIPEI BNP Paribas Securities (Taiwan) Co Ltd 72 F, Taipei 101 No. 7 Xin Yi Road, Sec. 5 Taipei, Taiwan
(886 2) 8729 7000 Fax (886 2) 8101 2168
Tel
/Vista Tower, Level 48CThe Intermark, 182 Jalan Tun Razak50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel (60 3) 2179 6222Fax (60 3) 2179 6226
BNP Paribas Capital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd BNP Paribas Securities India Pvt Ltd BNP Paribas House1 North Avenue, Maker MaxityBandra Kurla ComplexBandra EastMumbai 400 051Tel (91 22) 3370 4000Fax (91 22) 3370 4386
https://eqresearch.bnpparibas.com
TEB Investment (A JV between TEB Bank and BNP Paribas) TEB Kampus D7 Saray Mahallesi Sokullu Sok No 7 Umraniye 34768 Istanbul Turkey Tel: (90 216) 636 44 44 Fax: (90 216) 631 44 00
SINGAPORE BNP Paribas Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (Co. Reg. No. 199801966C)
Tel (65) 6210 1288 Fax (65) 6210 1980
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315 34/F Ocean Financial Centre
ISTANBUL CAPE TOWN Ground floor, Fernwood House The Oval, 1 Oakdale Road, Newlands Cape Town South Africa 7700 Tel (27 21) 657 8300 Fax (27 21) 657 8301
BNP Paribas Cadiz Securities (Pty) Ltd
BEIJING BNP Paribas (China) Ltd Beijing Branch Room 2001, 20/F China World Tower 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue Beijing, China Tel: +86-10-6535 0888 Fax: +86-10-6535 0883
BANGKOK(In cooperation with BNP Paribas) FSS International Investment Advisory Securities Co., Ltd 990 Abdulrahim Place, 12/F, Room 1210 Rama IV Road, Bangrak Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel (66 2) 611 3500 Fax (66 2) 611 3551
SEOULBNP Paribas Securities Korea Co Ltd 25/F, State Tower Namsan 100 Toegye-Ro Jung-Gu, Seoul 100-052 Tel (82 2) 2125 0500 Fax (82 2) 2125 0593