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‘Why not sell?’ Citi keeps ‘neutral’ call on Venture with lowered TP as tariffs likely to weigh on prospects

Douglas Toh
Douglas Toh • 3 min read
‘Why not sell?’ Citi keeps ‘neutral’ call on Venture with lowered TP as tariffs likely to weigh on prospects
Pineda factors in a 10% to 20% potential reduction of revenue from US customers, which in turn likely applies to the 10% to 20% of revenue stemming from the US. Photo: Venture
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Citi Research analyst Arthur Pineda has maintained his "neutral" call on Venture Corporationbut with a lowered target price of $11.80 from $13.80, to factor in a potential downturn in demand for Venture due to tariff uncertainty.

"Venture's production capacities primarily lie in Malaysia and Singapore which account for over 85% of its capacities. While extra reciprocal US tariffs have been put on hold, ongoing uncertainty on future steps are likely to weigh on US customer orders," states the analyst in his May 5 report.

With this, Pineda factors in a 10% to 20% potential reduction of revenue from US customers, which in turn likely applies to the 10% to 20% of revenue stemming from the US.

"Venture may try to offshore some of the production to facilities in Singapore which account for a quarter of group production capacities in a move to reduce tariff risks," he says.

Although a smaller portion could be onshored to the US, this will likely come at the expense of margins due to higher production costs and capital expenditure (capex), he warns.

Pineda has therefore trimmed his revenue forecast for Venture by 2 percentage points (ppts) to 4 ppts, reducing his earnings estimates by 9% to 16% for the FY2025 to FY2027.

See also: Maybank bearish on Aztech’s outlook, lowers TP to 45 cents

"The situation remains highly fluid with the resolution of trade deals as possible.

"Nonetheless, some tariffs will likely apply which in turn could deflate revenue momentum for the group. We expect the company to strike a cautious tone when it releases results on May 14," says Pineda.

Meanwhile, Pineda also raises the possibility that now could be the right time for shareholders of Venture stock to sell.

See also: Maybank remains positive on CSE Global but cuts target price on tariff worries

He asks: "Why not sell?", noting that since the tariffs were announced, investors have had little time to assess risk.

With the stock's share price at an eight-year low, the analyst sees any downside risks as being tempered given Venture's dividend yield of 6.8%, which can be "well and sustainably supported" given Venture's net cash balance sheet position, Pineda reasons.

"In addition, the company's share buyback program should provide further support. We think investor interest however is unlikely to revive until there is clarity on how much tariffs will be charged and how this will impact demand and margins," he says.

Downside risks include the destruction of demand if customers undertake mergers and acquisitions (M&A), labour shortages as a result of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) trying to find new supply chain alternatives, an unexpected slowdown in economies that could hurt technology spending and finally, material downside demand for Venture's products owing to tariff risks.

Conversely, Pineda sees that the stock could outperform his target price with growth potentially returning if the abovementioned factors move in favour of the company or if tariff risks resolve quickly or are eliminated.

As at 11.22 am, shares in Venture are trading 14 cents higher or 1.27% up at $11.14.

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