Annual Strategy 2012 by TA Securities

2011 had triggered a wave of unwanted chain effects, which would not languish but resonate further into 1H12. While Japan is recovering from the worst ever tsunami and nuclear disaster, and oil prices stabilized after the unrest in the Middle East, conditions in Europe are expected to worsen before stabilizing.

Global Economy – Risk Factors Extending into 2012

Positive news flows on drastic measures to restore confidence in Europe and maintain the credit ratings of core economies could boost market sentiment in early 1Q12 and push the index to test the all‐time high of 1,597. However, the reality check on the implication of European austerity measures and rising market risk premium due to the 13th General Election (GE) could push the index around 1,200 levels in 1H12 based on a minus two standard deviation from its last decade’s historical mean of 16.6x.

A revival should ensue in the following months due to oversold conditions and anticipation of a subsequent recovery in Eurozone economy by mid‐2013 as markets move ahead by about six months. Our end‐2012 target is 1,520 based on a mid‐cycle PER of 13x.

Malaysia – Not Insulated

In the first nine months of 2011, the Malaysian economy registered a modest growth of 5.1% YoY thanks to the robust domestic demand and strong exports. In some ways, despite the turbulent external environment, rebuilding and reconstruction activities in Japan had helped spur Malaysia’s exports advancement during 3Q11. Nevertheless, the external sector is expected to remain challenging in 4Q11 before embracing a slowdown in 2012 amid the budget deficit cuts in the European Union, the slow economic rebound in the US and the anticipated softening of China’s economy. Hence, we expect Malaysia’s economic growth to narrow to 4.6% in 2012 following a 5.2% growth expectation for 2011.

On the fiscal front, the financial status of the Federal Government may continue to improve in tandem with the embodiment of fiscal prudence and boost in revenue. Overall consumer prices are expected to increase by 2.5% while monetary policy is expected to remain accommodative (OPR stable at 3.0%). A potential wild card is the reform agenda initiated by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Factors that would accelerate reform include:

1. increasing political consciousness and demographic shift,
2. reenergizing investment in the local economy, and
3. strengthening fiscal credibility. Sectors that could benefit are Banking, Property and Power.

Political Risk?

We strongly believe the country’s 13th general election will be due in 1QFY12, especially before the parliament convenes in March. This could be a major dampener upon dissolution of the parliament as investors would exit and remain on the sideline until the outcome is known and the implications are digested. The ruling coalition is expected to retain its victory but its grip on parliamentary and state seats are expected to weaken. Thus, the effectiveness in implementation of policy reforms and domestic expansionary measures could be compromised and will be closely watched in 2012. With the backdrop of slowing external demand, spending on domestic infrastructure, construction and oil & gas sectors would be the key focus in 2012.

Investors should take profit on any rally over the next three months and wait to cherry pick. Traders should take short‐term positions to trade, mainly on blue chips, in anticipation of a year‐end and New Year rallies and exit by March. We expect higher downside risks in 1H12 as the flow of negative economic data, earnings downgrades and possible 13th general election hurt investor sentiment.

Top Picks for 2012

We reiterate defensive approach in stock selection in current uncertain period and bottom up approach in choosing value picks. Preferred buy picks are KIANJOO (TP: RM2.58), SEG (TP: RM2.51), SUNWAY (TP: RM3.16), BJTOTO (TP: RM4.92), BSTEAD (TP: RM6.21), KPJ (TP: RM5.04), GENM (TP: RM4.50), SAPCRES (TP: RM4.93), GAMUDA (TP: RM3.71) and SIME (TP: RM10.12).

Source: TA Securities