EITA could appeal to those eyeing takeovers

PETALING JAYA: EITA Resources Bhd’s intrinsic value makes it an interesting acquisition target, particularly for suitors seeking a slice of the lucrative elevator business in South-east Asia, says CGS-CIMB Research.

“We are of the view that EITA may have been undervalued as investors may have overlooked its intrinsic value and business model,” the research house said in a note to its clients yesterday.

CGS-CIMB Research said: “We believe that a big reason why this stock is not accorded a fair valuation is because of the lack of institutional presence, with just 3% of its shares owned by institutions.

“Granted, the low institutional holding could be due to its low liquidity. Yet, the stock could appeal to investors looking for smallcap companies that offer steady earnings growth, as it has been posting steady earnings despite the 2020 to 2021 lockdowns and has generated an average annual dividend yield of 4.2% over the past five years.”

Based on CGS-CIMB Research’s recent conversation with EITA, the group is headed for a further year-on-year earnings recovery in the financial year ending Sept 30, 2023 (FY23).

“As of the first nine months of FY22, EITA’S lift manufacturing arm was still reeling from post-pandemic adjustments.

“With construction activities resuming and shipping constraints easing, we are of the view that EITA’S manufacturing division could catch up in FY23,” it added.

According to CGS-CIMB Research, making and maintaining lifts is a lucrative business due to the strong cash generation from recurring clientele.

“It also does not require much capital investment as the business depends on its workforce and engineering capability,” noted the research house.

While EITA is a relatively new player, CGSCIMB Research said the group has made inroads into other South-east Asian countries and the Middle East.

EITA also has expertise in other electrical engineering businesses, such as making busducts and electrical sub-stations.

“With South-east Asia rapidly modernising, we believe it would be easier for other aspiring lift manufacturers seeking to venture into the region to acquire a competitor that is already established,” said the research house.

CGS-CIMB Research has recommended an “add” call on the stock with a target price of 92 sen. The catalyst for the group include major infrastructure job wins while the downside risk include the manufacturing segment continues to weigh on earnings.