Wilmar International (SGX:F34) is on track for a third consecutive year of record-high profit in 2022. We make no changes to our assumptions on the seasonally weaker 4Q earnings.
The tropical oil segment may see lower margins in 4Q22, but this could be partly mitigated by the recovery in soybean crushing margins in China. The food products segment will be driven by higher sales volume with marginal q-o-q recovery in margins as raw material costs could soften slightly.
Medium pack and bulk: We expect strong sales volume from this sub-segment since Wilmar‘s factories are still allowed to operate in most of the cities being locked down by the Chinese government.
Feed and Industrial Products: This segment is likely to be weaker in 4Q22 than in 3Q22 due to lower palm processing margins.
Tropical oil: Margin could narrow q-o-q in 4Q22 but should still remain healthy. It should be able to maintain sales volume, as there will not be any large disruptions to Malaysia’s and Indonesia’s palm oil production in 4Q22.
Oilseeds & Grains: Soybean crushing margin is currently positive, and we expect better sales volume on the back of rising hog prices which would lead to a recovery of animal feed demand. In addition, we believe Wilmar has sufficient soybean in stock to crush, and will be able to take advantage of the current positive margin.
Plantation & Sugar Mill: Forward selling and high sugar price will support this segment’s performance:
Palm oil: Earnings supported by forward selling that committed at higher prices.
Sugar: Supported by good sugar ASP. The current disruption caused by the Queensland flood on total production from Australia is marginal.
Healthy margin for tropical oil.
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Above is an excerpt from a report by UOB Kay Hian Research. Clients of UOB Kay Hian may be the first to access the full PDF report @ https://www.utrade.com.sg/.
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