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Sukuk Debt Will Impair Future Profitability

Published
09 Feb 25
Updated
07 Jan 26
Views
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AnalystConsensusTarget's Fair Value
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1Y
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Author's Valuation

RM 8.953.4% overvalued intrinsic discount

AnalystConsensusTarget Fair Value

Last Update 07 Jan 26

KLCC: Future Returns Will Rely On Steady Occupancy And Dividend Stability

Narrative Update

Analysts have kept their fair value estimate for KLCC Property Holdings Berhad broadly unchanged at RM8.95, with only marginal tweaks to assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. This reflects updated views on sector risk and earnings quality rather than a fundamental shift in outlook.

Analyst Commentary

Recent changes in assumptions around KLCC Property Holdings Berhad’s fair value estimate to RM8.95 reflect a mix of optimism on execution and caution on earnings resilience. While the Street research excerpts provided focus on KinderCare Learning, they help frame how analysts are currently thinking about valuation discipline, earnings quality and sector specific risks, themes that also surface in KLCC focused work.

Bullish Takeaways

  • Bullish analysts see the reaffirmed RM8.95 fair value as a sign that their core view on KLCC’s business model and asset quality remains intact, even after refining inputs like discount rate and future P/E.
  • Keeping the fair value broadly unchanged suggests confidence that current earnings assumptions are reasonably aligned with KLCC’s recent execution, without needing large revisions to revenue or margin expectations.
  • The more granular tweaks to risk and earnings parameters indicate that analysts feel they have a better handle on sector specific uncertainties, which can support a more grounded view of long term cash flow generation.
  • By not making wholesale changes to the model, bullish analysts treat recent information as fine tuning rather than a reset. This can be read as support for KLCC’s existing positioning within the Malaysian REIT and property space.

Bearish Takeaways

  • Bearish analysts focus on the fact that fair value has not moved meaningfully, which they see as a signal that there is limited room for re rating unless KLCC delivers clearer upside surprises on revenue or margins.
  • The need to adjust discount rate and P/E assumptions highlights ongoing concern about sector risk and the sustainability of current earnings streams, particularly if operating conditions remain challenging.
  • Some caution that earnings quality is a key swing factor, and that any disappointment on occupancy, rental reversion or cost control could pressure valuations closer to or below the RM8.95 reference point.
  • Bearish analysts also point out that the reliance on assumption tweaks rather than hard reported data can cut both ways, leaving KLCC’s valuation sensitive to future revisions as more information comes through.

What's in the News

  • KLCC Property Holdings Berhad reported impairment charges for the third quarter ended 30 September 2025, including a write off of property, plant and equipment amounting to MYR 39,000, which is relatively small in absolute terms (Key Developments).
  • The company announced a Third Interim Dividend of 2.11 sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, payable on 30 December 2025 to holders of Stapled Securities on the Record of Depositors as at 4 December 2025 (Key Developments).
  • KLCC Property Holdings Berhad approved the appointment of Encik Ahmad Hakimi bin Muhammad Radzi as Chief Financial Officer effective 1 November 2025, succeeding Encik Rohizal bin Kadir, who will be reassigned within the group as part of a talent mobility initiative (Key Developments).
  • Goldman Sachs analyst George Tong downgraded KinderCare Learning to Neutral from Buy with a reduced price target of US$6 from US$20, citing expectations of limited upside due to declining child care center occupancy rates and slowing revenue growth (Periodicals).

Valuation Changes

  • Fair Value: The fair value estimate is unchanged at MYR 8.95, indicating no revision to the overall valuation anchor in this update.
  • Discount Rate: The discount rate has moved marginally from 8.57% to 8.55%, reflecting only a very small adjustment to the risk and return assumptions.
  • Revenue Growth: The assumed long term revenue growth rate remains effectively stable at about 3.03%, with only a negligible numerical refinement.
  • Net Profit Margin: The projected net profit margin stays broadly the same at about 45.66%, with changes limited to rounding level precision.
  • Future P/E: The assumed future P/E multiple is almost unchanged, moving slightly from 24.07x to 24.06x, suggesting only a very modest reset in valuation multiples applied.

Key Takeaways

  • Increased financing costs from the Suria KLCC acquisition could impact net margins and profitability due to higher borrowing.
  • Heavy reliance on occupancy rates and marketing in the Retail segment may face challenges from weakening consumer demand, affecting revenue.
  • KLCCP's diverse and resilient portfolio across various segments ensures steady revenue growth and enhanced financial stability, potentially boosting future net margins and earnings.

Catalysts

About KLCC Property Holdings Berhad
    KLCC Property Holdings Berhad (KLCCP) and KLCC REIT, collectively known as KLCCP Stapled Group is Malaysia's largest self-managed stapled security that invests, develops, owns and manages a stable of iconic and quality assets.
What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?
  • The acquisition of the remaining 40% equity interest in Suria KLCC, funded by external financing, could lead to increased financing costs in the future, potentially impacting net margins and profitability negatively.
  • Despite positive current performance, the increase in borrowing and gearing ratio could limit financial flexibility and pose risks if economic conditions deteriorate, impacting future earnings growth.
  • The heavy reliance on high occupancy rates and marketing efforts in the Retail segment to sustain growth may face challenges if consumer demand weakens, potentially affecting revenue projections.
  • The growth strategy involves further leveraging KLCC Precinct partnerships for unique offerings in the Hotel segment; however, any downturn in travel or tourism could reduce occupancy rates, impacting future revenue and earnings.
  • High financial leverage with the issuance of a significant Sukuk program, while helping fund strategic acquisitions, may constrain the ability to pursue additional growth initiatives or mitigate future financial risks, thereby impacting long-term earnings growth.

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad Earnings and Revenue Growth

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad Future Earnings and Revenue Growth

Assumptions

How have these above catalysts been quantified?
  • Analysts are assuming KLCC Property Holdings Berhad's revenue will grow by 3.1% annually over the next 3 years.
  • Analysts assume that profit margins will shrink from 60.4% today to 46.6% in 3 years time.
  • Analysts expect earnings to reach MYR 880.1 million (and earnings per share of MYR 0.52) by about September 2028, down from MYR 1.0 billion today. However, there is some disagreement amongst the analysts with the more bullish ones expecting earnings as high as MYR1.0 billion.
  • In order for the above numbers to justify the analysts price target, the company would need to trade at a PE ratio of 23.3x on those 2028 earnings, up from 15.0x today. This future PE is greater than the current PE for the MY REITs industry at 18.2x.
  • Analysts expect the number of shares outstanding to remain consistent over the next 3 years.
  • To value all of this in today's terms, we will use a discount rate of 8.82%, as per the Simply Wall St company report.

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad Future Earnings Per Share Growth

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad Future Earnings Per Share Growth

Risks

What could happen that would invalidate this narrative?
  • KLCCP Stapled Group's strong and resilient portfolio, particularly in the Office segment with long-term and stable income streams, contributes to steady revenue and secure earnings. This resilience could counteract potential future declines.
  • The robust performance of the Retail segment, driven by a high occupancy rate at Suria KLCC and successful marketing efforts, supports strong revenue growth that may sustain or increase further in the future.
  • The successful acquisition of the remaining equity interest in Suria KLCC is positively impacting KLCCP's bottom line by potentially optimizing and enhancing asset synergies, which may bolster net margins and earnings.
  • The Hotel segment is experiencing increased demand and revenue growth thanks to its strong brand presence and successful marketing initiatives, potentially boosting overall revenue and contributing to improved profit margins.
  • KLCCP's disciplined capital management, including a successful Sukuk issuance with a strong credit rating and a manageable gearing ratio, fortifies financial stability and supports long-term value creation, which may protect or enhance net margins and earnings in the future.

Valuation

How have all the factors above been brought together to estimate a fair value?
  • The analysts have a consensus price target of MYR8.834 for KLCC Property Holdings Berhad based on their expectations of its future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors. However, there is a degree of disagreement amongst analysts, with the most bullish reporting a price target of MYR10.1, and the most bearish reporting a price target of just MYR7.9.
  • In order for you to agree with the analyst's consensus, you'd need to believe that by 2028, revenues will be MYR1.9 billion, earnings will come to MYR880.1 million, and it would be trading on a PE ratio of 23.3x, assuming you use a discount rate of 8.8%.
  • Given the current share price of MYR8.65, the analyst price target of MYR8.83 is 2.1% higher. The relatively low difference between the current share price and the analyst consensus price target indicates that they believe on average, the company is fairly priced.
  • We always encourage you to reach your own conclusions though. So sense check these analyst numbers against your own assumptions and expectations based on your understanding of the business and what you believe is probable.

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Disclaimer

AnalystConsensusTarget is a tool utilizing a Large Language Model (LLM) that ingests data on consensus price targets, forecasted revenue and earnings figures, as well as the transcripts of earnings calls to produce qualitative analysis. The narratives produced by AnalystConsensusTarget are general in nature and are based solely on analyst data and publicly-available material published by the respective companies. These scenarios are not indicative of the company's future performance and are exploratory in nature. Simply Wall St has no position in the company(s) mentioned. Simply Wall St may provide the securities issuer or related entities with website advertising services for a fee, on an arm's length basis. These relationships have no impact on the way we conduct our business, the content we host, or how our content is served to users. The price targets and estimates used are consensus data, and do not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and they do not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Note that AnalystConsensusTarget's analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.

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