• e-Commerce growth beyond Alibaba
• Seeking to be a main stakeholder in the value chain
• Raise growth rate assumptions

Developing a fully integrated

eCommerce logistics hub in Singapore Singapore Post (SingPost) announced last evening that it will be developing a fully integrated regional eCommerce logistics hub to cater to its expanding ecommerce logistics business and the fast-growing ecommerce market. The three storey hub in Tampines LogisPark will be the first of its kind in SE Asia, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Scheduled to be fully operational in 2H16, the estimated development cost is S$182m, and includes lease of land, construction costs and equipment costs. This will be funded internally from cash.

Capitalising on online retail and logistics solutions

There is room for Singapore’s e-Commerce scene to grow, as the country’s e-commerce sale volume as compared to the total retail market size was remains relatively low. Singapore’s rising importance as a logistics hub is also highlighted by recent investments in warehouse and distribution facilities by DHL and Menlo Logistics. In addition, SingPost, being a postal operator, may be already sitting on a huge amount of data waiting to be monetized. The partnership between postal operators and e-retailers may thus extend beyond the posts’ role of enablers of e-Commerce to supporting the eretailers to expand and grow by analyzing, translating and interpreting data.

Raising growth rate assumptions and fair value estimate

In our 3-stage DCF model, we have forecasted earnings growth of 7-9% for FY15-16, and 16-17% in FY17-18 as SingPost builds up its e-Commerce capabilities and reputation. However, we have also assumed higher working capital requirements and capital expenditure, resulting in a 5-7% growth in free cash flow to equity (FCFE). For FY19-FY23, we increase our FCFE growth rate assumption from 5% to 9%, which is justifiable given 1) the significant growth potential of e-Commerce sales in Singapore and the region, 2) the accompanying rise in logistics services that are required to support this growth 3) the likelihood of SingPost directing its huge cash pile to earnings-accretive investments in the next few years. With this, our fair value estimate rises from S$1.78 to S$2.09. Upgrade to BUY.

Source: OCBC Research - 15 Oct 2014