Automotive sector faces mixed signals
PETALING JAYA: Earnings of companies in the automotive sector in the recently concluded first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) came in below expectations again, says Kenanga Research.
The research firm said earnings were weighed down by external factors and intense competition in the non-national space, where market share is fragmented for vehicles above RM100,000.
For example, it noted that Chinese carmaker Chery has started to build its 100,000 capacity unit plant in Hulu Selangor, which would further disrupt the non-national space. Meanwhile, Malaysia's second national carmaker Perodua's back-loaded production to newer models is expected to be launched in the second half of 2025.
'If the intense competition further ramps up with mass localisation of foreign brands, this may result in the market becoming even more fragmented and may weigh on the valuation for other (auto) players,' said Kenanga Research in a report.
Currently, only the Chery brand has a concrete completely knocked down or CKD localisation programme, while TQ-Wuling Bingo, an electric car under the Tan Chong Motor group, is looking to do semi knocked-down or SKD.
On automotive companies, the research firm said Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd's losses were within expectations, as it had anticipated the continued sales volume decline of its bread-and-butter Nissan vehicles. This is compounded by the volatile overseas operating environment, and unfavourable foreign-exchange movements and sales mix.
Over at Sime Darby Bhd , its core net profit plunged 11% for the nine months of financial year 2025, dragged by weaker sales and margins for both industrial and automotive segments which overshadowed the robust consolidation of UMW Holdings Bhd 's earnings.
As for DRB-Hicom Bhd , core net profit plunged largely due to worsening auto sales and margins, wider sequential quarter losses at its postal and property segments, plus lower profit recognition under the group's banking segment.
Touching on Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto), it said the company's core net profit halved as vehicles sales volume plummeted on lower margins, which was partially offset by maiden sales of Xpeng vehicles.
'Margins may also face compression risk assuming the yen strengthens amid a hawkish Bank of Japan stance,' Kenanga Research said, adding that the re-rating catalyst for the stock would be the local assembly of the Xpeng and Deepal brands of electric vehicles boosting volume and margins.
For 2025, Kenanga Research envisions a 'two-speed automotive market' where it will be business as usual for the affordable segment.
'Our 2025 total industry volume (TIV) forecast of 805,000 units will be driven by the forward buying interest on the deferment of new excise duty regulations to end-2025. We expect Perodua to benefit the most at 44% TIV market share with the highest localisation rate as well as attractive new launches.'
With the downgrade in its sector heavyweights such as Sime Darby and DRB-Hicom, it downgrades the auto sector rating to 'neutral' from 'overweight'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
13 minutes ago
- The Star
Asian stocks climb, FX steady as US-China trade talks set to continue
Stock markets in Asia climbed on Tuesday and regional currencies were little changed against a steady U.S. dollar, as investors monitored the second day of trade negotiations between the United States and China. Representatives from Beijing and Washington met in London on Monday, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held their first post-inauguration call to address an escalating trade dispute. Trump said he had received "good reports" from officials engaged in the talks, which are expected to extend into Tuesday. "The response in markets today, though, looks mixed," Maybank analysts said in a research note, adding that they would continue to monitor the situation. MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan rose as much as 0.7% to its highest level since January 21, 2022. DBS analysts said that the second day of trade talks might see the U.S. relaxing restrictions on tech exports in exchange for China resuming rare-earths mineral shipments. The tech-heavy Taiwanese index jumped 2.1% to a two-week high, with chip giant TSMC surging 4%. South Korean equities rose 0.3% and Indonesian shares gained 1.2%. Malaysian stocks added 0.1%. Analysts at United Overseas Bank noted that the country's foreign portfolio inflows in May hit their highest level since March 2016 as signs of tariff de-escalation improved risk appetite. Regional currencies were largely unchanged. The absence of concrete outcomes from Monday's discussions between the world's two largest economies kept currency markets subdued, with traders hesitant to take on big positions. The Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar each inched 0.1% lower, while the Taiwanese dollar and Thai baht edged 0.1% higher. The South Korean won fell 0.5%. The U.S. dollar index was up 0.2% as investors awaited U.S. inflation data which is due on Wednesday. The inflation report is among the final key data points ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's June 17-18 meeting, where it is widely expected to keep rates unchanged. HIGHLIGHTS: ** Taiwan May exports hit record on AI demand and ahead of U.S. tariffs ** Investors eye Latin America as they diversify away from Wall Street ** India May inflation likely cooled to 3% as food price pressure eases - Reuters
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Sarawak signs MoU with Chinese firms to explore floating solar at Bakun dam
SHANGHAI: The Sarawak government has formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies to jointly undertake various studies and collaborate to explore the potential development of floating solar - with a capacity not exceeding 1,000MW - on the reservoir of the Bakun dam. The MoU was formalised between the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, China Three Gorges International Ltd, and Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co Ltd at the 2025 International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (SNEC PV) in Shanghai today. The signatories of the MoU were Sarawak's Permanent Secretary for the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry Datuk Jafri Lias, vice-president of China Three Gorges International Ltd Zhang Kai Hong, and Vice President of Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co Ltd Yang Xing Hai. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, in his speech at the signing ceremony, said Sarawak was pleased to forge this strategic alliance with strong industry partners like CTGI and Shanghai Electric. In a speech read by Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Abang Johari said the strategic alliance would support the state government's aim of ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability. "Sarawak currently has a generation capacity of about 5,900MW, predominantly from renewable hydropower sources. "Sarawak targets a 10GW generation capacity by 2030, and 15GW by 2035, with renewable sources making up over 60 per cent of the capacity mix. "With its vast renewable energy resources, Sarawak has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse in the region," Abang Johari said. He said Sarawak's progressive renewable energy policies are accelerating the state's energy transition. He said recent amendments to the Electricity Ordinance in 2023 further underscore Sarawak's commitment to decarbonisation, with enabling provisions for large-scale solar development, consumer-generated electricity, and independent power producer participation. The premier said Sarawak's growing focus on solar energy reflects the state's approach, which includes solar-hybrid rural electrification, hydrogen-integrated solar systems, and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme to support solar adoption in housing developments. He said Sarawak successfully generated power from its first large-scale solar installation at the Batang Ai Dam in December 2024. He said the 50MW floating solar farm, spanning over 190ha of the Batang Ai reservoir, also marks Sarawak's first integrated hydroelectric and solar power scheme. He said this initiative would pave the way for further development of floating solar projects in Sarawak at other hydropower reservoirs through privately funded investments. The MoU signing was held in conjunction with the SNEC PV+ 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, which is being held from June 10 to 13, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. The event is known as the world's largest and most influential PV trade show, attracting more than 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries.
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
XTransfer Partners with BNP Paribas to Simplify Cross-Border Payments at Money20/20 Europe
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2025 - XTransfer, the world's leading and China's No.1 B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and BNP Paribas, the European Union's leading bank, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to roll out comprehensive cross-border financial services during Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam. This collaboration aims to reduce the cost and processing time of cross-border payments for XTransfer's clients, particularly benefiting global traders with significant markets in the Eurozone. The signing ceremony was held at Money20/20 Europe, with senior representatives from both companies in attendance. The MOU was signed by Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership. China and the EU are each other's major trading partners. In terms of bilateral trade, according to China's customs, the total import and export of goods between China and the EU in 2024 was US$785.8 billion, representing a 0.4% year-over-year increase. The EU is China's third-largest export destination and second-largest import source, while China remains the EU's largest import source and third-largest export destination. The partnership between XTransfer and BNP Paribas is set to simplify cross-border payment solutions for European SMEs engaged in international trade. By leveraging BNP Paribas' extensive network across Europe, XTransfer will empower its Chinese clients to collect funds in Euros seamlessly, while assisting European SMEs in making direct payments in Euros to reduce foreign exchange complexities and enhance transactional efficiency. This partnership is expected to expand further, with plans to introduce even more currency options in the near future. Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, 'It is a great honour to join hands with BNP Paribas. This MOU reflects our mutual ambition to empower SMEs with enhanced cross-border financial solutions. As we continue to grow our European footprint, partnerships like this are instrumental in building robust, compliant, and innovative financial infrastructure for international trade.' Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, added, 'By combining BNP Paribas' extensive European network with XTransfer's expertise in B2B cross-border trade payments, we aim to simplify international trade transactions, reduce costs, and enhance the global competitiveness of our clients. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide innovative and efficient financial solutions for businesses operating in the global market.' The partnership is designed to facilitate seamless trade between SMEs in China and European countries, at the same time streamlining foreign trade transactions between European businesses and their global partners. By simplifying cross-border payments and reducing transactional complexities, this collaboration will lower the costs associated with global trade and significantly enhance the global competitiveness of European SMEs.
