Hi-P - Launch of iPhone 5 positive; FY12F earnings expected to grow 16% to S$52m, with further upside in FY13F to S$74m if momentum can sustain. Maintain BUY and TP of S$1.06.
Hi-P should see sustained ramp of production activities now that iPhone 5 is finally launched. Apple launched the long awaited iPhone 5, a substantially upgraded version of the iPhone last night.
We see this as positive for Hi-P, which has been prepping up for the expected launch since 1H12, and finally started to ramp up production in July. Now that the phone is launched, we can expect the ramp to hit critical mass in 4Q12.
Hence, we expect earnings to be substantially skewed in the last quarter. Our analyst's projection is for S$18m net profit in 3Q12 and S$34m in 4Q12.
Overall, FY12F earnings is expected to grow 16% to S$52m, with further earnings upside in FY13F to S$74m if the iPhone reception is positive and momentum could continue into 2013. No change to earnings estimates for now. Maintain BUY and TP of S$1.06.