Maybank raises Nestle Malaysia to 'hold'

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20  

Maybank Research raised its call on food manufacturer Nestle Malaysia Bhd to 'hold' from 'sell' on the back of a stronger earnings and exports outlook.

"Nestle's ongoing heavy capex is supporting the group's earnings momentum, particularly with an upcoming plant which should provide additional capacity," Maybank said in a note.

Maybank raised its 2013-2014 earnings forecast by 2-3 per cent due to stronger export projections and after Nestle reported a 10 per cent export sales growth in the first quarter of 2012.

"While more than 50 per cent of Nestle's exports are to ASEAN countries, there is still much potential outside ASEAN given that Nestle Malaysia is being positioned as the halal food hub for the Nestle group," Maybank said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Maybank also revised its target price upwards to 54.20 ringgit per share from 52.40 ringgit earlier. As of 0125 GMT, Nestle shares rose 0.32 per cent against the Malaysian benchmark stock index's 0.06 per cent gain. — Reuters