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Nigeria ∣ Equities ∣ Consumer Goods ∣ July 12, 2017 Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 1 Unilever Nigeria Plc Passionately Eager to weather the storm Investment Summary Unilever Nigeria Plc, a consumer goods company last reported a significant increase in both top and bottom line in its Q1’17 earnings release showing signs of a better return on investments for investors. However, the company is still highly geared at a debt to equity ratio of 1.79x though down from a high of about 2.24x in FY’14. This high debt burden is expected to continue to impact the company’s operations as it is expected to continue to service its loan obligations amidst the harsh economic conditions which the consumer goods company has continued to suffer from in recent time. Unilever Nigeria Plc has continued to leverage on its years of experience as well as its array of products which have remained market leaders in their various segments to keep its revenue base at decent levels over the years. Its top brands include the likes of Blue Band, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Omo, Vaseline, Sunlight e.t.c. Unilever Overseas Holding B.V owned about 50.04% of the company till 2016 when it increased its stake by another 10.02%; now approximately 60.06% while Stanbic Nominees Nigeria limited has a total holding of about 10.43%. Despite the stiff competition to grow market share from rival companies with substitute products coupled with the harsh economic conditions over the last three years, it is believed that the parent company still believe strongly in the potential of its Nigerian business to post significant profit in the long term thereby indicating its interest to increase its shareholding via a tender offer up to 75% in 2015 despite the company’s profit plummeting to a new low during the period. Going forward, we anticipate that the company will strategize ways of actualising its initial target equity stake of 75% through its proposed rights issue which was approved at its last Annual General Meeting (AGM) except priorities have changed for the parent company. After proper analysis and valuation of the company’s shares, we place a short term SELL rating on the shares given its future outlook and historical dividend payments to shareholders. We are of the opinion that improved returns to shareholders may only be possible in the long-term but at current market price the company shares may drift either way though profitability is expected to improve even as the economy continues on its path to recovery. 2015 2016 %∆ 2017F %∆F Revenue (NGN’m) 59,222 69,777 17.82 87,919 26.00 Operating Profit (NGN’m) 4,640 5,805 25.11 11,342 95.38 Profit after tax (NGN’m) 1,192 3,072 157.72 6,734 119.21 Source company report, CBP Research Price: . - Current price 34.00 - Recommended entry price 20.00 - Target price 23.43 Recommendation(Short term) SELL As at Monday July 10, 2017 STOCK DATA Year End 31 st Dec YTD high 43.00 YTD low 27.81 YTD change -2.86% 52 weeks high 50.01 52 weeks low 27.81 3 months Average volume 620,235 Market cap (NGN’mn) 128,632.06 Trailing EPS (NGN’mn) 0.81 Shares Outstanding (‘mn) 3,783 Source company report, CBP Research Profitability ratios FY’16 FY’17F Gross profit margin 29.09% 27.00% Net Profit Margin 4.40% 7.66% Fixed Asset Turnover 0.42x 0.35x Valuations FY’14 FY’15 FY’16 FY’17F P/S ratio 2.31x 2.17x 1.84x 1.46x P/E 53.32x 107.87x 41.87x 19.10x Sales per share(₦) 14.74 15.65 18.44 23.24 NAPS(₦) 1.98 2.12 3.09 4.46 P/B 17.20x 16.07x 11.00x 7.62x ROE(%) 32.26 14.90 26.28 39.89 ROA(%) 5.27 2.38 4.24 7.43 Div. Yld% 0.29 0.15 0.29 0.88 Source company report, CBP Research -30.00% -20.00% -10.00% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 3-Jan-17 20-Jan-17 6-Feb-17 23-Feb-17 12-Mar-17 29-Mar-17 15-Apr-17 2-May-17 19-May-17 5-Jun-17 22-Jun-17 9-Jul-17 NSE ASI vs. Unilever 52-weeks movement Rebased NSE Unilever Capital Bancorp Plc (Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange) 114135

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  • Nigeria Equities Consumer Goods July 12, 2017

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 1

    Unilever Nigeria Plc

    Passionately Eager to weather the storm Investment Summary

    Unilever Nigeria Plc, a consumer goods company last reported a significant

    increase in both top and bottom line in its Q117 earnings release showing

    signs of a better return on investments for investors. However, the company is

    still highly geared at a debt to equity ratio of 1.79x though down from a high

    of about 2.24x in FY14. This high debt burden is expected to continue to

    impact the companys operations as it is expected to continue to service its

    loan obligations amidst the harsh economic conditions which the consumer

    goods company has continued to suffer from in recent time. Unilever Nigeria

    Plc has continued to leverage on its years of experience as well as its array of

    products which have remained market leaders in their various segments to

    keep its revenue base at decent levels over the years. Its top brands include the

    likes of Blue Band, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Omo, Vaseline, Sunlight e.t.c. Unilever

    Overseas Holding B.V owned about 50.04% of the company till 2016 when it

    increased its stake by another 10.02%; now approximately 60.06% while

    Stanbic Nominees Nigeria limited has a total holding of about 10.43%.

    Despite the stiff competition to grow market share from rival companies with

    substitute products coupled with the harsh economic conditions over the last

    three years, it is believed that the parent company still believe strongly in the

    potential of its Nigerian business to post significant profit in the long term

    thereby indicating its interest to increase its shareholding via a tender offer up

    to 75% in 2015 despite the companys profit plummeting to a new low during

    the period. Going forward, we anticipate that the company will strategize ways

    of actualising its initial target equity stake of 75% through its proposed rights

    issue which was approved at its last Annual General Meeting (AGM) except

    priorities have changed for the parent company. After proper analysis and

    valuation of the companys shares, we place a short term SELL rating on the

    shares given its future outlook and historical dividend payments to

    shareholders. We are of the opinion that improved returns to shareholders

    may only be possible in the long-term but at current market price the

    company shares may drift either way though profitability is expected to

    improve even as the economy continues on its path to recovery.

    2015 2016 % 2017F %F

    Revenue (NGNm) 59,222 69,777 17.82 87,919 26.00

    Operating Profit (NGNm) 4,640 5,805 25.11 11,342 95.38

    Profit after tax (NGNm) 1,192 3,072 157.72 6,734 119.21

    Source company report, CBP Research

    Price: .

    - Current price 34.00 - Recommended entry price 20.00 - Target price 23.43

    Recommendation(Short term) SELL As at Monday July 10, 2017

    STOCK DATA

    Year End 31st Dec YTD high 43.00 YTD low 27.81 YTD change -2.86% 52 weeks high 50.01 52 weeks low 27.81 3 months Average volume 620,235 Market cap (NGNmn) 128,632.06 Trailing EPS (NGNmn) 0.81 Shares Outstanding (mn) 3,783

    Source company report, CBP Research

    Profitability ratios FY16 FY17F

    Gross profit margin 29.09% 27.00% Net Profit Margin 4.40% 7.66% Fixed Asset Turnover 0.42x 0.35x

    Valuations FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17F

    P/S ratio 2.31x 2.17x 1.84x 1.46x P/E 53.32x 107.87x 41.87x 19.10x Sales per

    share() 14.74 15.65 18.44 23.24

    NAPS() 1.98 2.12 3.09 4.46 P/B 17.20x 16.07x 11.00x 7.62x ROE(%) 32.26 14.90 26.28 39.89 ROA(%) 5.27 2.38 4.24 7.43 Div.

    Yld%

    0.29 0.15 0.29 0.88

    Source company report, CBP Research

    -30.00%

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    NSE ASI vs. Unilever 52-weeks movement Rebased

    NSE Unilever

    Capital Bancorp Plc (Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange) 114135

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 2

    Revenue base failed to impress; though year on year revenue growth for the

    company has been erratic, over a five year period Unilever managed to grow

    its revenue by a compound annual growth rate of 5.87% to 69.77 billion in

    FY16 from 55.54 billion in FY12. Drop in revenue was reported in FY14

    in which the company reported a 7.08% decline to 55.75 billion (vs. 60.00

    billion in FY13). This drop for the period was as a result of a larger decline in

    income from its home and personal care segment which dropped by 15.33%

    to 28.11 billion in FY14 (vs. 33.20 billion in FY13) though income from

    its food products increased by 3.14% to 27.63 billion in FY14 (vs. 26.79

    billion in FY13). FY16 reported a much improved performance over a five

    year period as revenue grew by 17.82% to 69.77 billion (vs. 59.22 billion in

    FY15) though this growth was not replicated into improved profits as the

    company reported a faster rise in cost of sale for the period. As reported in its

    Q117 scorecard, the company seems well on the part to report a much

    improve top line growth as its revenue grew by 32.12% to 22.17 billion (vs.

    16.78 billion in Q116).

    The impressive growth reported in Q117 was aided by the impressive growth

    in all its operating income segments for the period. Contribution to revenue

    from its home care product impressed the most for the period having grown

    by 49.73% to 5.64 billion (vs. 3.77 billion in Q116), personal care

    contribution to revenue was reported at 6.03 billion (vs. 4.39 billion in

    Q116) representing an increase of 37.20% while revenue contribution from

    its food products grew by 21.81% to 10.49 billion (vs. 8.61 billion in Q116).

    This improved performance has been traced to the ability of the company to

    drive sales increase as well as benefiting from the price increase on all of its

    product offerings triggered by the high cost of production which was

    evidently reported in its cost of sale for the period. Going forward, we expect

    this growth in revenue to be reflected into the other quarters of the year and

    even into the FY17 scorecard as the company is expected to benefit from the

    improvement in economic activity.

    As reported in its Q117

    scorecard, the company seems

    well on the part to report a

    much improve top line growth

    as its revenue grew by 32.12%

    to 22.17 billion (vs.

    16.78 billion in Q116).

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    55.55 60.00 55.75

    59.22

    69.78

    87.92 Unilever Revenue 2012 - 2017F (Billion NGN)

    HY'16 9M'16 FY'16 Q1'17 HY'17F

    32,278 49,871

    69,777

    22,172

    41,344

    Unilever Revenue HY'16 - HY'17F (Billion NGN)

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 3

    Rising input cost drive cost of sale higher; from 2012 to 2015, cost of sale

    to revenue has constantly been on the rise but remained below 65%, having

    been reported at 61.03% in FY12, 62.59% in FY13, 63.82% in FY14 and

    64.46% in FY15. FY16 saw cost of sale to revenue surge to 70.91% while

    Q117 followed in similar pattern, growing to 71.62% (vs. 64.05% in Q116).

    Analysis into the spike in cost of sale showed a jump in cost of raw materials

    and consumables growing from 28.63 billion in FY15 to 35.67 billion in

    Q116 representing an increase of 24.59% while bought in products also grew

    significantly by 106.08% to 6.10 billion in FY16 (vs. 2.96 billion in

    FY15). The significant rise in raw materials and bought in products was

    driven mainly by the massive depreciation of the naira which has led to a

    massive increase in cost of sale as raw materials become more expensive to

    acquire compared to previous quarters. Q117 cost of sale grew by 47.72% to

    15.87 billion (vs. 10.74 billion in Q116).

    Operating expenses continues to fluctuate; over the last five years,

    Unilever Nigeria has impressively kept selling and distribution expense as well

    as marketing and administrative expense to revenue at decent levels. Selling

    and distribution to revenue has ranged between 4.51% and 4.86% while

    marketing and administrative expense has ranged from 16.43% to 23.40%

    over the last five years. Selling and distribution expense to revenue for Q117

    was reported at 4.27% (vs. 4.59% in Q116) while marketing and

    administrative expense to revenue stood at 11.71% (vs. 19.99% in Q116)

    respectively. Four year CAGR for selling and distribution expense stood at

    3.37% having grown from 2.69 billion in FY12 to 3.15 billion in FY16

    while CAGR for marketing and administrative expenses stood at 3.37%

    growing from 10.03 billion in FY12 to 11.46 billion in FY16. Q117

    scorecard reported a 22.60% decline in marketing and administrative expense

    to 2.59 billion (vs. 3.35 billion n Q116) while selling and distribution

    expense grew by 22.95% to 0.94 billion (vs. 0.77 billion in Q116).

    Four year CAGR for selling and

    distribution expense stood at

    3.37% having grown from

    2.69 billion in FY12 to

    3.15 billion in FY16 while

    CAGR for marketing and

    administrative expenses stood at

    3.37% growing from 10.03

    billion in FY12 to 11.46

    billion in FY16.

    10.00%

    20.00%

    30.00%

    40.00%

    50.00%

    60.00%

    70.00%

    80.00%

    0.00

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    30.00

    40.00

    50.00

    60.00

    70.00

    80.00

    90.00

    100.00

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    NGN'bn REVENUE COS MARGIN GP MARGIN

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 4

    Cash flow position continues to oscillates; Apart from FY14 in which net

    cash flow used in operating activities reported a net outflow of 1.82 billion,

    other periods between FY12 to FY16 reported a net inflow though net cash

    flow generated from operating activities have remained erratic over the five

    year period. The 58.89% drop (6.73 billion in FY16 vs. 16.37 billion in

    FY15) in cash generated from operations was significant enough to drop Net

    cash flow generated from operating activities to 5.99 billion (vs. 15.58

    billion in FY15) representing a decline of 61.55%. Decline in cash flow from

    operating activities for FY16 was largely as a result of the 453.46% increase

    in trade and other receivables to the tune of 8.80 billion in FY16 (vs. 1.59

    billion in FY15) as well as increase in stock pile (inventory) causing an out

    flow of 3.70 billion against an inflow of 2.44 billion in FY15. Net cash

    flows generated from operating activities however improved for Q117 to

    5.64 billion (vs. 3.49 billion in Q116) representing an increase of 61.60%.

    Over the five year period, net cash used in investing activities has mainly been

    driven by the purchase of property, plant and equipment. FY16 reported

    similar trend as its Net cash used in investing activities stood at an outflow of

    3.88 billion against an outflow of 4.68 billion in FY15 while Q117 stood

    at an outflow of 0.61 billion against an outflow of 0.02 billion in Q116

    even as purchase of property plant and equipment accounted for a significant

    portion of the investments.

    Net cash used in financing activities reported net outflows in FY12, FY13

    FY15 and Q116 while it reported net inflows in FY14, FY16 and Q117

    due to increased drawdown on short-term loans for this periods. Q117 net

    cash used in financing activities stood at an inflow of 2.42 billion against an

    outflow of 0.63 billion in Q116 as the company reported a drawdown of

    short term loan for the period to the tune of 3.26 billion against nothing in

    Q116. As at Q117, cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood

    at an inflow of 14.93 billion against an outflow of 4.25 billion in Q116.

    Decline in cash flow from

    operating activities for FY16

    was largely as a result of the

    453.46% increase in trade and

    other receivables to the tune of

    8.80 billion in FY16 (vs.

    1.59 billion in FY15) as

    well as increase in stock pile

    (inventory) causing an out flow

    of 3.70 billion against an

    inflow of 2.44 billion in

    FY15

    -7,702.18 -9,757.56

    -12,799.67 -13,689.84

    -11,970.85

    -7,367.62

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    Unilever Working Capital FY'12 - FY'17F (Million NGN)

    65.66%

    34.34%

    Debt Q1'16 Equity Q1'16

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 5

    Debt to equity ratio remains high: The Companys debt to equity ratio has

    significantly grown over the last five years as the company has injected more

    debt financing into its operations while also increasing its gearing ratio in the

    process. Its debt to equity ratio stood at 0.45x for FY12, 0.66x for FY13,

    2.24x for FY14, 1.57x for FY15 and 1.79x for FY16. Total liabilities to

    equity has also significantly risen over the years as it stood at 2.61x for FY12,

    3.54x for FY13, 5.12x for FY14, 5.27x for FY15 and 5.20x for FY16. Given

    the current trend, returns to shareholders may continue to be threatened as a

    significant portion of its expected return would be paid out as interest on

    borrowing leaving little or nothing to worthy investors. Having reported a

    further rise in debt to equity ratio in Q117 to 2.07x (vs. 1.79x in Q116) while

    total liabilities to equity also rose to 6.12x (vs. 5.20x in Q116), we expect that

    any further capital injection should be more of equity financing than debt

    financing to give room for the company to effectively sweat its assets and

    significantly reward shareholders in the medium to long term. Its quick ratio

    stood at 0.59x for FY16 and improved to 0.71x for Q117. Going forward,

    the companys liquidity ratios will need to be adequately managed to avert any

    unforeseen concerns regarding its operations.

    Expense margin remain fairly stable across board; Unilever Nigeria Plc

    has averaged a marketing and administrative expense of 12.00 billion

    between FY12 to FY16. Marketing and administrative expense to revenue for

    the five year period stood at 18.07% in FY12, 19.71% in FY13, 23.40% in

    FY14, 23.03% in FY15 and 16.43% in FY16. Over the five year period, the

    companys marketing and administrative expense has also grown by a

    compound annual growth rate of 3.94% signalling the companys intention to

    keep a large part of its expense line in check. Q117 result reported a 22.60%

    decline in marketing and administrative expense to 2.59 billion (vs. 3.35

    billion in Q116) as all line items under marketing and administrative expenses

    dropped for the period. Marketing and administrative expense to revenue for

    Q117 period also dropped to 11.71% (vs. 19.99% in Q116) while we

    anticipate that the companys marketing and administrative expense margin

    for FY17E is expected to be at 8.10%.

    Marketing and

    administrative expense to

    revenue for the five year

    period stood at 18.07% in

    FY12, 19.71% in

    FY13, 23.40% in

    FY14, 23.03% in FY15

    and 16.43% in FY16.

    -

    2,000.00

    4,000.00

    6,000.00

    8,000.00

    10,000.00

    12,000.00

    14,000.00

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    10,039.05

    11,825.02 13,044.79

    13,641.22

    11,464.15

    -

    2,699.87 2,720.86 2,516.35

    2,844.10 3,151.09 3,692.60

    NGN"Mn

    Marketing & Admin. Exp. Selling & Distribution Exp.

    84.98%

    15.02%

    Total Liabilities Q1'17 Net Asset Q1'17

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 6

    Finance cost eating deep into companys operating profit; Net finance

    cost in the last five years have continued to negatively increase except for

    FY16 in which it dropped. The company reported a negative net finance cost

    of 709 million in FY12, which grew to 969 million in FY13, to 1.74

    billion in FY14, to 2.8 billion in FY15 before easing down to 1.69 billion

    in FY16. The company has been unable to report a positive net finance cost

    over the years because it has continued to report significantly higher interest

    payable on borrowings and amortised cost interest, two line items under its

    finance costs which has continued to increase the companys total finance

    cost when compared to its interest income on call deposits and bank

    accounts, employee loans, derivative gains and Exchange gain which are line

    items under its finance income. Over the review period, finance cost to

    operating profit continued to rise eating into the companys profit as it stood

    at 9.18% in FY12, 14.37% in FY13, 41.39% in FY14, 68.33% in FY15 and

    46.96% in FY16. Q117 reported a slightly improved performance at 26.30%

    (vs. 28.60% in Q116).

    Profits soar after three years of consecutive decline; profit after tax for the

    company suffered years of consistent decline having continuously dropped

    year on year (YoY) from FY13 to FY15. Having grown by 1.49% in FY12

    from the preceding year the company reported a 14.13% drop in FY13, a

    49.82% drop in FY14 and a 50.57% drop in FY15 before turning the tides

    into an increase of 157.63% in FY16. Given the growth projectile in profits,

    the company now currently reports a negative compound annual growth rate

    of -13.93%. Profit margin for the last audit period has however failed to

    impress as the companys FY16 profit margin stood below the level reported

    in FY12 and FY13. Profit after tax margin for FY12 stood at 10.08%, FY13

    at 8.01%, FY14 at 4.33% FY15 at 2.01% and FY16 at 4.40% while we have

    projected FY17F PAT margin to impressively rise to 9.02%.

    The company reported a

    negative net finance cost of

    709 million in FY12,

    which grew to 969 million in

    FY13, to 1.74 billion in

    FY14, to 2.8 billion in

    FY15 before easing down to

    1.69 billion in FY17.

    0.11 0.16 0.17 0.30

    1.03

    1.47

    0.82

    1.13

    1.91

    3.17

    2.73

    3.44

    0.00

    0.50

    1.00

    1.50

    2.00

    2.50

    3.00

    3.50

    4.00

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    NGN'bn Finance income Finance Cost

    0.0%

    2.0%

    4.0%

    6.0%

    8.0%

    10.0%

    12.0%

    14.0%

    16.0%

    18.0%

    0.00

    2.00

    4.00

    6.00

    8.00

    10.00

    12.00

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    NGN"Bn

    Operating profit Operating profit margin

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]ng.com Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 7

    Q117 numbers suggest the company may be on its way to reporting an

    improved profit if things continue as reported in its unaudited account

    released to the market, having reported a bottom line increase of 53.94% to

    1.60 billion (vs. 1.04 billion in Q116). We however estimate profit after

    tax for FY17F at 8.02 billion (vs. 3.07 billion in FY16) representing an

    increase of 161.36% as we expect cost of sales and finance cost to remain

    relatively moderate, even as the company continues revenue base is expected

    to grow on price increases and increased sales volume. Over the years, the

    companys profits have been mainly supported by its core business as income

    from investments and other segments have remained insignificant to boost

    profits. Finance income for FY17F has therefore been estimated to come to

    1.48 bn (vs. 1.02 bn in FY16) representing a rise of 44.58% for the

    period.

    Consistent but uninspiring dividends payments: Over the last five years,

    the companys dividend paid to shareholders have continued to dwindle and

    have failed to impress in recent times evidently due to the companys inability

    to report improved profits. Though Q117 numbers have shown improvement

    in profits, we are weary to suggest that dividend payment to shareholders

    would significantly improve to previous levels in FY17F as we are aware of

    the companys decision to raise funds by way of a rights issue to assist in

    managing its debt obligation. Thus we anticipate that the company may be

    more inclined to re-invest more of its profits back into its business operations

    to help improve productivity and enable it compete favourably in an

    environment packed full of aggressive competition to grow individual market

    share. Though dividends have significantly dropped, the company has

    remained consistent in rewarding its shareholders with dividend payment,

    having paid a dividend of 1.40 in FY12, 1.25 in FY13, 0.10 in FY14,

    0.05 for FY15 and paid out 0.10 for FY16 representing pay-out ratio of

    94.62%, 98.37%, 15.68%, 15.68% and 12.31% respectively. We have also

    estimated dividend payment for the FY17F to be at 0.30 (vs. 0.10 in

    FY16).

    We have also estimated

    dividend payment for the

    FY17F to be at 0.30 (vs.

    0.10 in FY16).

    -35.00%

    -30.00%

    -25.00%

    -20.00%

    -15.00%

    -10.00%

    -5.00%

    0.00%

    0.00

    2.00

    4.00

    6.00

    8.00

    10.00

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    NGN'bn PBT PAT Tax Margin

    4.12%

    3.68%

    0.29%

    0.15% 0.29%

    0.88%

    0.00%

    0.50%

    1.00%

    1.50%

    2.00%

    2.50%

    3.00%

    3.50%

    4.00%

    4.50%

    0.00

    0.20

    0.40

    0.60

    0.80

    1.00

    1.20

    1.40

    1.60

    FY'12 FY'13 FY'14 FY'15 FY'16 FY'17F

    NGN Div per Share Div yield @34

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  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 8

    Other highlights; Unilever rights issue;

    Unilever Nigeria Plc in June 2017 notified the public of its intention to do a

    rights issue of 1,961,709,167 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 30.00 per

    share on the basis of 14 new ordinary shares for every 27 ordinary share held

    with a qualification date of June 28, 2017. In our view, we believe that the

    massive discount in the rights price is mainly to increase investor interest in

    picking up their rights as well as giving the share price enough room to trade

    and remain above the proposed rights issue price as we know that a market

    price below or similar to the rights issue price will negatively impact the

    success of the proposed rights issue. On the other hand the rights may be

    successful as we recall that in 2015, Unilever Overseas B.V. holding launched

    a tender offer for 75% of the company and they may be well in place to pick

    up shares from shareholders who do not pick up their rights thereby taking

    them closer to their initial target of 75% holding. Going forward, for

    investors with a long term interest in the company we advise them to pick up

    their rights as we see value in the company over the long term horizon, while

    for short term players we expect their rights to be sold as we anticipate the

    price to drop and further converge towards the rights issue price. Finally, on

    the use of the rights proceeds we envisage that most of the funds will be

    channelled towards paying down some of its debt obligation and also on

    expanding its businesses operation. This we expect to free up funds as

    interest expense is projected to drop in the next financial year and

    shareholders will eventually benefit in the long term though the companys

    shares outstanding would further increase after the listing of the rights issue.

    Valuation;

    We used the discounted cash flow model for our valuation, though the model

    is based on forecasted cash flows and therefore represents cash generating

    nature of the business and provides long term outlook. The model was based

    on a five year projected cash flow and terminal value in a bid to calculate the

    target price of the company which led us to a fair value of 34.30 per share.

    We also used optimistic forward estimates of key ratios and forecast of FY17

    earnings to arrive at a target price of 20.76 per share, while Retained earning

    model was used to arrive at a value of 15.24. We then took the average of all

    values and arrived at a target price of 23.43 which suggests a downside

    potential of -31.09% at current market price.

    In our view, we believe that the

    massive discount in the rights

    price is mainly to increase

    investor interest in picking up

    their rights as well as giving the

    share price enough room to

    trade and remain above the

    proposed rights issue price

    15.00

    20.00

    25.00

    30.00

    35.00

    40.00

    45.00

    50.00

    55.00

    8-J

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    16

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    NGN Unilever 52 - Weeks Price Movement

    Sell

    Hold

    Buy

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  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 9

    Given the companys current financial position, its business operations as well

    as our financial forecasts and estimates, we have recommended a SELL

    position in the short term for the company shares. However for investors with

    interest in the company over the long term we advise that they gradually

    accumulate the company shares as we expect the companys business

    operations to improve in the long term and the value of their shares improve

    over the period. EPS for Q116 stood at 0.28 while for Q117 currently

    stands at 0.42 (FY17F 2.12). Sales per share increased for the period,

    rising to 5.86 in Q117 from 4.44 in Q116, while price to sales ratio

    dropped to 5.80x for Q117 against 7.66x for Q116. The companys share

    price has also dropped by -2.86% year to date compared to the 21.36% year to

    date change on the NSE ASI as at July 10th 2017.

    Conclusion; Unilever Nigeria has indicated plans to restructure its business

    operations, in April 2017 the company announced its intention to divest from

    its spread business and inform the public on subsequent development on the

    matter. Going by this decision our forecast estimates may quickly be adjusted

    depending on the outcome of events as the companys spread segment falls

    under the food business which accounts for a majority of the companys

    revenue, as the food business accounted for about 52% of total revenue

    reported in FY16 (vs. 50% in FY15). Thus, selling that segment of its

    business may affect the companys revenue from its food business in the short

    term except margins are quickly replaced by sales of other close substitutes or

    higher sales volume from other business segments. Going forward, we remain

    optimistic that the companys operations will improve in the long term and

    expect the company to leverage on the strength of its parent company to

    boost operations and improve top and bottom line in the long term.

    Sales per share increased for the

    period, rising to 5.86 in

    Q117 from 4.44 in Q116,

    while price to sales ratio dropped

    to 5.80x for Q117 against

    7.66x for Q116. The

    companys share price has also

    dropped by -2.86% year to date

    compared to the 21.36% year to

    date change on the NSE ASI

    as at July 10th 2017.

    -60.00%

    -40.00%

    -20.00%

    0.00%

    20.00%

    40.00%

    60.00%

    80.00%

    Unilever vs. PZ vs. Flourmills 52-weeks Price Movement Rebased

    Unilever PZ Flourmill

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  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 10

    Statement of profit or Loss

    million FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17F Revenue 55,754 59,222 69,777 87,919 % change -7.08% 6.22% 17.82% 26.00% Cost of sales (35,584) (38,174) (49,481) (64,181) % change -5.25% 7.28% 29.62% 29.71% Gross profit 20,170 21,048 20,296 23,738 % change -10.15% 4.35% -3.57% 16.96% Admin, Selling & Dist. exp. (2,516) (2,844) (3,151) (3,693) % change -7.52% 13.02% 10.79% 17.19% Operating profit 4,615 4,640 5,805 11,342 % change -41.44% 0.54% 25.12% 95.37% Net finance cost / income (1,742) (2,869) (1,699) (1,969) % change 79.70% 64.72% -40.79% 15.94% Profit Before Taxation 2,873 1,771 4,106 9,372 % change -58.43% -38.36% 131.86% 128.23% Profit After Taxation 2,412 1,192 3,072 6,734 % change -49.82% -50.57% 157.63% 119.21%

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Statement of Financial Position million FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17F Total noncurrent assets 27,165 29,165 30,949 32,442 Total current assets 18,571 21,008 41,543 58,194 Total Assets 45,736 50,172 72,491 90,636 TOTAL Current Liabilities 31,371 34,698 53,513 65,561 TOTAL Non-current Liabilities 6,887 7,472 7,288 8,194 Total Liabilities 38,257 42,169 60,801 73,755 Shareholders equity 7,479 8,003 11,690 16,880 Total liabilities and Equity 45,736 50,172 72,491 90,636

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Profitability and Returns

    FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17F Gross Profit Margin 36.18% 35.54% 29.09% 27.00% Operating Profit Margin 8.28% 7.83% 8.32% 12.90% Net Profit Margin 4.33% 2.01% 4.40% 7.66% Tax Margin -16.04% -32.68% -25.19% -28.15% ROCE 46.99% 43.81% 44.01% 34.01% ROE 32.26% 14.90% 26.28% 39.89% ROA 5.27% 2.38% 4.24% 7.43%

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Asset Utilization FY15 FY16 FY17F Cash/Sales 0.07 0.18 0.23 Sales to inventory 9.59 7.06 7.66 Sales to total Assets 1.18 0.96 0.97 Sales to fixed asset 2.16 2.38 2.85 Equity multiplier 6.27 6.20 5.37 Fixed asset turnover 0.46 0.42 0.35

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Liquidity Ratios FY15 FY16 FY17F Quick ratio 0.43 0.59 0.71 Current ratio 0.61 0.78 0.89 Cash ratio 0.13 0.23 0.31 Interest Coverage 1.79 0.66 0.37 Debt to asset 0.25 0.29 0.32 Debt to Net income 10.53 6.81 4.24 Debt to equity 1.57 1.79 1.69 T. Liabilities to Equity 5.27 5.20 4.37 Inventory turnover 2.58 3.08 5.59 Inventory turnover days 59.02 72.87 65.30 Acct receivable days 62.51 99.10 109.14 Account payable days 215.54 239.57 210.00

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Valuation Multiples FY15 FY16 FY17F

    P/E (x) on current price 107.87 41.87 19.10 P/B (x) on current price 16.07 11.00 7.62 Dividend Yield (%) 0.00 0.00 0.01 Pay-out ratio (%) 0.16 0.12 0.17 Sales per share 15.65 18.44 23.24 P/S ratio 2.17 1.84 1.46

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Stock Data FY15 FY16 FY17F

    Total Div Paid (bn) 0.18 0.38 1.13 Earnings per share() 0.32 0.81 1.78 DiV per share() 0.05 0.10 0.30 NAVPS () 2.12 3.09 4.46 Earnings yield (%) 0.93% 2.39% 5.24%

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

    Growth Performance FY15 FY16 FY17F

    Turnover Growth (%) 6.22 17.82 26.00 PBT Growth (%) -38.36 131.86 128.23 PAT Growth (%) 50.27 157.63 119.21

    Source: Company Financials, CBP Research

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  • Unilever Nigeria Plc CBP Equity Research

    Published by CBP Research, 1, Davies Street Off Marina Lagos Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Tel +234(1)4622371-5, Page 11

    Our investment recommendation is supported by the upside or downside potential of a stock under coverage. This potential is estimated by

    comparing the stocks current market price to its target price and fair value, on a percentage increase or decrease basis.

    Analyst: Chiazor Victor Email: [email protected]

    Ratings Specification

    > 15% BUY

    -15% to 15% HOLD < -15% SELL

    Source: CBP Research

    From our analysis, fair value is our opinion of the actual fundamental worth of a stock, irrespective of what the market thinks of the stock or what investors are willing to pay for it. A BUY recommendation directly means investors should accumulate the stock according to their risk appetite. A SELL recommendation prompts investors to exit their positions in the stock, as the analyst believes the stock will lose value. A HOLD recommendation tells investors to do nothing; if you have not bought the stock, do not buy it and if you have bought it, do not sell it.

    Disclaimer & Disclosure

    The value of any investment is subject to fluctuations, i.e. may arise and fall. Past performance is no guide to the future. The rate of exchange

    between currencies may cause the value of investment to increase or decrease. Hence investors may not get back the full value of their original

    investment.

    This document is not an offer to buy or sell any security. This document does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been

    prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The appropriateness of a particular

    investment will depend on an investors individual circumstances and objectives. The investments and shares referred to in this document may

    not be suitable for all investors.

    This document is based on information Capital Bancorp Plc received from publicly available reports and industry sources. Capital Bancorp Plc may

    not have verified all of this information with third parties. Neither Capital Bancorp Plc nor its advisors, shareholders, directors or employees can

    guarantee the accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information received from any sources consulted for this publication, and neither

    Capital Bancorp Plc nor its advisors, shareholders, directors or employees accepts any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any

    loss howsoever arising from any use of this document. This document is not to be relied upon and should not be a substitute for the exercise of

    independent judgment.

    This document includes certain statements, estimates and projections with respect to the anticipated future performance of securities listed on the

    Nigerian Stock Exchange and as to the market for these shares. Such statements, estimates and projections are based on information that we

    consider reliable and may reflect various assumptions made concerning anticipated economic developments, which have not been independently

    verified and may or may not prove correct. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of such statements, estimates and

    projections or as to their appropriateness for the purpose intended and it should not be relied upon such. Opinions expressed are current opinions

    as of the date appearing on this material only and may change without notice. Other third parties may have issued other reports that are

    inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information presented in this report. Those reports reflect the different assumptions,

    views and analytical methods of the analysis who prepared them.

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