- BUY Entry – 17.5 Target – 19.5 Stop Loss – 16.5
- Sinopharm Group Co Ltd is a China-based company principally engaged in pharmaceutical and medical devices distribution business. The Company operates its business through four segments. Pharmaceutical Distribution segment is engaged in the distribution of pharmaceutical products to hospitals, other distributors, retail pharmacy stores and clinics. Medical Devices segment is engaged in the distribution of medical devices, as well as provides installation and maintenance services. Retail Pharmacy segment is engaged in the operation of chain pharmacy stores. Other Business segment is engaged in the distribution of laboratory supplies, manufacture and distribution of chemical reagents, production and sale of pharmaceutical products.
- 1Q22 earnings review. 1Q22 revenue grew by 6.86% YoY to RMB17.15bn. Net profit attributable to shareholders dropped by 23.25% YoY to RMB252.36mn. The decrease in profit was mainly attributable to the decline in the results of Sinopharm Accord’s associates due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in a corresponding decrease in investment income of Sinopharm Accord. At the same time, due to the impact of the pandemic, the retail sector has seen a decline in store traffic, and the new stores opened in 2021 cost a large initial investment, the benefits of which have not yet emerged, resulting in a decrease in the margin levels.
- A defensive stock amidst a market downturn. The Hong Kong market has been hammered by both a slowdown in China’s economy and geopolitical risks. Growth, value, and cyclical sectors, as well as other thematic stocks, have been sold off indiscriminately. However, this stock is relatively outperforming the rest as its business is largely immune to inflation and policy risks. The business driver is the distribution volume rather than profit margins. The growth in demand for medicines and medical devices is stable with low price sensitivity.
- The updated market consensus of the EPS growth in FY22/23 is -0.6%/9.9% YoY respectively, which translates to 5.8x/5.3x forward PE. The current PER is 8.3x. The FY22F/23F dividend yield is 5.2%/5.7%. Bloomberg consensus average 12-month target price is HK$23.37.
(Source: Bloomberg)