Wednesday 2 January 2013

Maxis Berhad - Introduces 4G LTE service


News   Maxis has introduced its 4G LTE service in selected parts of the Klang Valley including Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara Utama, Desa Sri Hartamas, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Bandar Sunway and Cyberjaya on 1 January 2013. Other areas that have the partial 4G coverage are SS2, Taman Paramount, Section 17 and 19 in Petaling Jaya, Plaza Damansara, Bandar Kinrara and Taman Wawasan in Puchong. 

 Maxis customers can now enjoy speeds of up to 75Mbps, with typical average speeds of 10 to 30Mbps on the 4G LTE network, by subscribing to the monthly wireless broadband packages starting from RM88 and the LTE modem at only RM400. 

 The group indicated that its 4G LTE service operates at download speeds of 5-10 times faster than 3G and will enable and sustain a seamless experience of rich content across its high-speed fixed and wireless network platform across the country. 

 Maxis’ 4G LTE service, however, is only available for wireless broadband at this juncture while its use for other devices such as smart phones and tablets will only come in at a later stage.  

Comments   We understand that the current Maxis wireless broadband plans (which charge from RM88 onwards) are bundled with a 12-month contract period and various tiers of internet quota that segregate by peak and non-peak hours. Furthermore, upon finishing the allocated monthly quota, the broadband speed will be throttled to 128 kpbs.  

 Moving forward, we believe that there are ample rooms for Maxis to increase its 4G LTE speed given that the current speed of up to 75Mbps is only half of the broadband speed that is being offered through the combined Maxis-REDtone spectrum. 

Outlook   Maxis remains as a solid high yield stock play given its firm 40.0 sen DPS in the next 1-2 years. 

 However, potential margin erosions are expected as a result of the aggressive rollout of its Home Fibre plan and handset subsidy.  
  
Forecast  There are no changes in our FY12-FY14 earnings forecasts. 

Rating   Maintain MARKET PERFORM
 The company’s current strategy of focusing on customer retention instead of maintaining its margin may add pressure to its near term financial performance. 

Valuation   We are maintaining our Target Price at RM7.00 based on a targeted FY13 EV/Forward EBITDA of 13.1x (+2SD). 

Risks   Higher than expected margin pressure. 
 Continued losses in market share to its peers. 

Source: Kenanga 

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