Latest Fiscal Support Measures Positive For Consumer Sector -- CIMB Securities

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The latest fiscal support measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are expected to bolster Malaysia’s consumer sector by reinforcing near-term spending, particularly on essential goods and value-based retail, said CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. 

CIMB Securities, however, is keeping its earnings forecasts unchanged at this juncture, noting that the measures would underpin existing revenue growth assumptions for the stocks under its coverage.

“Within the consumer sector, we continue to advocate focusing on companies benefiting from inelastic demand for daily necessities and those well-positioned to capture consumer downtrading trends by targeting the mass-market segment,” it said.

CIMB Securities highlighted that food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers, such as Nestle, F&N, QL Resources, and Farm Fresh, are likely to benefit from stronger demand for basic food and beverage products, many of which are likely to be eligible for purchase using the RM100 credit. 

It opined that other retailers such as Mr DIY (‘Buy’ call), Padini (Buy), Aeon (Buy), Yoong Onn (Buy), Bonia (Hold), Berjaya Food and SEM (Reduce) could see improved footfall and higher spending per customer as disposable incomes increase, amplified by the recent 25 basis points overnight policy rate cut to 2.75 per cent.

“As such, we maintain our ‘Neutral’ call on the sector. We believe valuations are fair at this juncture, reflecting the ongoing soft consumer sentiment and higher sales tax on discretionary goods, the impact of boycott activities on selected consumer names and cost pressures from the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) on rental costs,” it said.

Earlier today, Anwar unveiled a new round of fiscal support measures aimed at alleviating living costs, stimulating domestic consumption, and boosting household spending ahead of the upcoming Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. 

Key measures include a one-off RM100 e-credit via MyKad (SARA scheme), doubling the Rahmah Madani Sales programme budget to RM600 million for 2025, a public holiday on Sept 15, 2025, to encourage domestic travel, a toll rate freeze for 2025 and maintaining RON95 subsidies, with the subsidised price to be reduced from RM2.50 per litre to RM1.99 per litre for all Malaysians.  

-- BERNAMA