FROM STANDARD BANK, ON SAFARICOM
Event
* We initiate coverage on Safaricom with a BUY recommendation. We believe the company’s dominant market position, ability to generate new and growing revenue lines, and greater focus on cost control will result in double digit earnings growth as well as significant free cash flow growth in the years ahead.
Catalysts
* With voice ARPU no longer in free fall, and data margins benefitting from Kenya’s upcoming internet revolution, management’s target EBITDA margin of 45% may be realized earlier than was initially envisaged.
* M-KESHO traction: With Equity Bank paying Safaricom Ksh10 for every deposit into an M-KESHO account, Safaricom’s revenue lines could diversify further.
* Renewed investor confidence following the conclusion of the constitutional referendum could spur the stock.
Risks
* Regulation remains the key risk to the company’s competitive position. If the company is declared a dominant regulator under the revised regulations expected to be published within three months, it could adversely impact the company’s ability to effect competitive strategies on a timely basis.
* Threat of margin erosion arising from low cost strategies by new and existing competition.
* The Nairobi Stock Exchange could face a bearish run occasioned by an economic shock due to La Nina dry weather towards late 2010 and early 2011.
Investment case
* Safaricom has a dominant market share, low debt ratios compared to emerging market peers, and improving free cash flows. The company’s management have also proven to be adept at responding to different and challenging competitive environments.
Valuation
* We initiate coverage with a Buy recommendation. Our 80:20 combination of FCFF and EV/EBITDA models result in a fair value of Ksh6.64 and a 12-month price target of Ksh7.49, representing 26% upside to the current trading price.
GOD BLESS YOUR LIFE