Canadian Research at a Glance - Investor Village: Stock Message
Transcription
Canadian Research at a Glance - Investor Village: Stock Message
EQUITY RESEARCH CANADIAN RESEARCH AT A GLANCE January 9, 2015 Price Target Revisions ! Postmedia Network Canada Corp. ! Surge Energy Inc. ! Valeant Pharmaceuticals Summary 1Q - Underlying EBITDA below our forecast; Awaiting approval of Sun Media deal Summary Lowering target on conservative H1/15 budget and 50% dividend cut Summary 2015 Setting Up to Be Another Solid Year with Several Capital Deployment Options Summary Revised 2015 Capex; Growth Maintained Summary Ambatovy 2014 production at low end of guidance; focus on ramp-up in 2015 Summary 2015 Guidance Ahead of Expectations, Jublia Forecasts Increase as Expected Summary Further gains expected in 2015 Summary Platreef Phase 1 PFS supports economics of previous PEA Summary Q4 production misses guidance Summary Rx for stable growth: Q3 light due primarily to stock-based comp, outlook unchanged Summary Paying for the Rx:Q3/F15 light due primarily to stock-based comp, outlook unchanged Summary Metals & Mining/Golds Summary PXT; CNE; GPX; PMO; TLW Summary Airfreight & Surface Transportation Summary December 2014 International First Glance Notes ! Parex Resources Inc. ! Sherritt International Corp. ! Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Company Comments ! Detour Gold Corporation ! Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. ! Teranga Gold Corporation ! Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. ! Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. Industry Comments ! 2015 New Year Preview ! RBC International E&P Daily ! The Weekly Haul Quantitative Research ! Attributions Technical Research ! Does the first trading day, week or ! ! Summary month have any year-end 'predictive value'? Macro Technical Update – Waiting Summary for Small-caps to ‘break-out’ US Sector Review – Consumer, Summary Healthcare and Technology Ideas In Focus ! - Action-Oriented Research Priced as of prior day's market close, EST (unless otherwise noted). For Required Non-U.S. Analyst and Conflicts Disclosures, see Page 13. EQUITY RESEARCH U.S. RESEARCH AT A GLANCE January 9, 2015 Ratings Revisions ! Advance Auto Parts, Inc. ! Calpine Corporation ! CMS Energy Corp. ! Edison International ! Exelon Corporation ! Noble Corp. PLC ! O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. ! Pinnacle West Capital Corp. ! Rowan Companies plc ! Unitil Corporation ! Xcel Energy Inc. Summary Downgrading to Outperform from Top Pick given strong 2014 performance; no drama Summary Reaping the Fruits of Labor; Upgrading to Outperform Summary It's Been a Great Ride; Downgrading to Sector Perform Summary Steady Edi High Single-Digit Growth; Upgrading to Outperform Summary Catalyst-Driven 2015; Upgrading to Outperform Summary Upgrading to Outperform Summary Downgrading to Sector Perform from Outperform; margin expansion likely to slow, valuation robus Summary Time to Slow Down; Downgrading to Underperform Summary Downgrading to Sector Perform Summary Trading Ahead of Itself; Downgrading to Underperform Summary Collateral Damage to Negative Sector Call; Downgrade to Sector Perform Summary Raising PT to $17: Doc Surveys Highlight S-ICD/Synergy Share Gain Potential Summary Tough start to the new fiscal year; shareholders won’t stick around without a deal Summary FQ2/15 continues a strong FY15; beats by $0.05 raises guidance Summary 2015 Setting Up to Be Another Solid Year with Several Capital Deployment Options Summary Spinning out Specialty Chemicals Summary STZ shares higher? No problemo; Reiterate Top Pick Summary FSL reduces debt and cash, increasing our 2015 EPS estimates Summary Battens Down The Hatches With 50% Reduction In 2015 Budget Summary Q4 earnings preview and cheat sheet: Reducing Estimates Summary Q4 earnings preview and cheat sheet: reducing 2015 estimates Summary Sales update; Goodbye, Troy...for now ! 2015 New Year Preview ! 2015 Outlook: Health Care Services ! 2015 Power & Utility Best Ideas Summary Metals & Mining/Golds Summary Outlook and sector operating trends snapshot Summary Shifting to Dereg. from Reg.; YieldCos Best Upside ! ! RBC International E&P Daily ! The Weekly Haul Summary 2015 Outlook: Picking our spots amid global volatility Summary PXT; CNE; GPX; PMO; TLW Summary Airfreight & Surface Transportation Price Target Revisions ! Boston Scientific Corp. ! Family Dollar Stores, Inc. ! Global Payments Inc. ! Valeant Pharmaceuticals International First Glance Notes ! MeadWestvaco Corp. Company Comments ! Constellation Brands, Inc. ! Freescale Semiconductor ! Halcon Resources Corporation ! Intel Corporation ! SanDisk Corporation ! Starbucks Corporation Industry Comments Portfolio Global Consumer Staples 2 EQUITY RESEARCH ! US E&P Valuation Weekly Summary Expect Continued Volatility In 1H15, 2H15 Could See A Big Rally Technical Research ! Does the first trading day, week or ! ! Summary month have any year-end 'predictive value'? Macro Technical Update – Waiting Summary for Small-caps to ‘break-out’ US Sector Review – Consumer, Summary Healthcare and Technology Ideas In Focus In-Depth Reports ! 2015 Hardline Retail Outlook ! SVB Financial Group Summary Key stock thoughts in the Hardline Retail space Summary VC Financing and Exit Activity Ends Year On Strong Note 3 EQUITY RESEARCH UK & European Research at a Glance January 9, 2015 Price Target Revisions ! Banco Santander SA Summary A Welcome Capital Increase Summary Q4 IMS - due 13 Jan 2015E; Hays' statement provides encouragement Summary Metals & Mining/Golds Summary Another positive for the US consumer Company Comments ! Michael Page International PLC Industry Comments ! 2015 New Year Preview ! RBC European consumer staples Find our Research at: RBC Insight (www.rbcinsight.com): RBC's global research destination on the web. Contact your RBC Capital Markets' sales representative to access our global research site, or use our iPad App "RBC Research" Thomson Reuters (www.thomsononeanalytics.com) Bloomberg (RBCR GO) SNL Financial (www.snl.com) FactSet (www.factset.com) 4 Price Target Revisions Postmedia Network Canada Corp.(TSX: PNC.B; 1.88; TSX: PNC.A) Haran Posner (Analyst) (416) 842-7832; haran.posner@rbccm.com Drew McReynolds, CFA, CA (Analyst) (416) 842-3805; drew.mcreynolds@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS 10JAN14 - 02JAN15 3.00 2.70 2.40 Rating: Underperform Risk Qualifier: Speculative Risk Price Target: 1.25 ▼ 1.50 1Q - Underlying EBITDA below our forecast; Awaiting approval of Sun Media deal Despite our positive view of the Sun Media acquisition (pending Competition Bureau approval, management is hoping to close the transaction in calendar 1Q15), we remain on the sidelines awaiting an improvement in revenue visibility. 2.10 1.80 900 600 300 J F M A Close M J 2014 J A S O N D J Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EBITDA Prev. 130.4 109.5 134.9↑ 132.8 183.5↓ 186.3 2013A 2014A 2015E 2016E All values in CAD unless otherwise noted. Surge Energy Inc.(TSX: SGY; 3.02) Shailender Randhawa, CFA (Analyst) (403) 299-6576; shailender.randhawa@rbccm.com Keith Mackey, CFA (Associate) 403 299 6958; keith.mackey@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Rating: Price Target: 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 Sector Perform 4.00 ▼ 5.00 Lowering target on conservative H1/15 budget and 50% dividend cut In our view, Surge Energy's conservative $22 million H1/15 capital guidance and 50% dividend cut are necessary given the challenging commodity price environment. However, we've reduced our target price on Surge's shares from $5.00 to $4.00 due to above-average financial leverage, and a lower production outlook with targeted capex set below maintenance levels. 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 20000 10000 J F M Close 2013A 2014E 2015E 2016E • Modest downward estimate revisions. We have made changes to our forecast mostly to reflect (i) slightly lower print advertising revenue growth, partially offset by higher digital growth; (ii) higher compensation costs, offset by lower distribution expenses (with lower fuel prices providing ~$2MM in annual savings) and our assumed $8MM annual benefit relating to digital tax credits (beginning F2016E); and (iii) a larger rights issue (~$174MM) and higher pro-forma shares outstanding (~198MM) as the conditional sale of the Calgary Herald facility has not materialized. While our F2015E EBITDA estimate increases from $133MM to $135MM (including $13.8MM in retroactive digital media tax credits), our F2016E EBITDA estimate decreases from $186MM to $183MM. Our price target decreases to $1.25. • Underlying 1Q results modestly below our forecast. In the seasonally important 1Q period, revenue of $170MM was largely in-line with our $172MM estimate (-12.6% YoY), but normalized EBITDA of $32MM (excluding $13.8MM of retroactive tax credits) was shy of our $38MM forecast (-30.8% YoY). Net debt/ EBITDA increased to 4.4x at the and of the quarter (versus our 4.3x estimate and 4.2x in 4Q). A M J 2014 J A S O N D Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks Cash Flow Prev. 120.2 241.2↓ 241.7 172.3↓ 184.4 161.5↓ 185.6 All values in CAD unless otherwise noted. J • Lowering production estimate by 5%. We have lowered our 2015 production outlook from 20,250 boe/d to 19,250 boe/d to reflect the Company's H1/15 guidance of 20,000 boe/d. Our corresponding CFPS decreases by 7% to $0.79 in 2015, and 35% YoY. Surge's $22 million capital budget includes drilling a mere 3.8 net wells, likely below its PUD commitments. For the back half of 2015, we've assumed $58 million capital spending based on RBC's improving commodity price outlook. Surge plans to issue formal guidance for the second half of the year in July. • Discounted NAV multiple reflects higher leverage. Surge trades at a 2015E EV/ DACF multiple of 7.8x (vs. dividend-paying peers at 7.5x) and a P/NAV ratio of 0.5x (vs. peers at 0.8x) at RBC's price deck. • Maintain Sector Perform rating, with a revised $4.00 price target. Our 12-month price target is driven by our expectation of Surge executing its H1/15 business plan, above average financial leverage, with a total return proposition weighted to the dividend yield. Our price target reflects a 0.6x multiple of the $6.22/ 5 share sum of our adjusted base NAV of $5.57 plus $0.79 from risked resource development. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International(NYSE: VRX; 154.10; TSX: VRX) Douglas Miehm (Analyst) (416) 842-7823; douglas.miehm@rbccm.com Fred Garcia (Associate) (416) 842-7876; fred.garcia@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Rating: Price Target: 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 150.00 144.00 138.00 Outperform 188.00 ▲ 173.00 2015 Setting Up to Be Another Solid Year with Several Capital Deployment Options Valeant's 2015 guidance exceeded our expectations and consensus. We should not be surprised considering the well-diversified nature of the business and the success associated with the pipeline and recent launches. Several capital deployment options exist and point to further upside. M&A remains a strategic objective but there appears to be less urgency for a large deal at this time. 132.00 126.00 120.00 114.00 108.00 30000 20000 10000 J F M A M Close J 2014 J A S Rel. S&P 500 O N D J MA 40 weeks EPS, cash Diluted Prev. 2013A 6.21 2014E 8.34↑ 8.31 2015E 10.37↑ 9.98 2016E 12.54↑ 11.90 All values in USD unless otherwise noted. • Total revenues expected to be $9.2–9.3B. 2015 total revenues guidance is set at $9.2–9.3B, slightly ahead of prior disclosures of ~$9.1B, our previous $9.1B forecast, and consensus of $9.05B (Bloomberg 18 analysts: range $8.69–9.25B). Organic growth in the ~10–12% range is led by Jublia (~$300–400MM and another ~$250–300MM from other key product launches). • Cash EPS between $10.10 and $10.40 also ahead of expectations. Cash EPS guidance for 2015 of $10.10–10.40 is a bit ahead of prior disclosures of ~$10.00, our previous $9.98 forecast, and consensus of $9.99 (Bloomberg 18 analysts: range $9.68–10.40). • Q4/14 guidance updated. Revenues in Q4 are forecast to be ~$2.2B vs. the prior range of $2.1–2.3B. Cash EPS in Q4 is anticipated to be >$2.55 vs. the prior range of $2.45-2.55. A negative FX impact of ~$50MM or ~$0.10/sh is expected. Jublia sales for the quarter should be >$50MM (annualized run rate of >$200MM). • Mr. Pearson extends contract to 2020 with only incentive awards. One item not in the presentation but announced during the call was Mike Pearson's contract. He agreed to a new five-year contract ending in 2020 (prior ended in 2017) whereby he forgoes his base salary and will only be paid in stock. If VRX shares do not gain at least 10% per year over the next five years, he will not receive a payout. This should signal to investors his long-term commitment to the business, alignment with shareholders, and belief that the shares are significantly undervalued. First Glance Notes Parex Resources Inc.(TSX: PXT; 6.31) Nathan Piper (Analyst) +44 131 222 3649; nathan.piper@rbccm.com Haydn Rodgers, CA (Associate) +44 131 222 4911; haydn.rodgers@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Rating: 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 J F M Close A M J 2014 J A S Outperform Revised 2015 Capex; Growth Maintained O N D Reduced Capital Spend: Parex has announced given current Brent oil prices, 2015 Capex will be reduced from the initial $300m guidance (provided in November assuming $85/bbl Brent) to $145-155m (now based on $50-$60/bbl Brent). This reduction preserves balance sheet strength (debt free end Q3/14) and underlines the flexibility of its portfolio onshore central Colombia. Investment will be funded from cash flow maintaining Q4/14 production levels of 26,500b/d through 2015 (18% y-o-y growth). Spending is split $75m maintenance (including six development wells focused on Block LLA-34) and $75-80m growth spending on exploration drilling commitments (eight wells) and the first well on the Capachos Block (farmin deal signed with Ecopetrol). J Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks All market data in CAD; all financial data in USD. Fraser Phillips, P.Eng. (Analyst) (416) 842-7859; fraser.phillips@rbccm.com Sherritt International Corp.(TSX: S; 2.68) 6 Rating: Melissa Oliphant (Associate) 416 842 4126; melissa.oliphant@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 J F M A Close M J 2014 J A S O N D J Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks All values in CAD unless otherwise noted. Rating: 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 132.00 126.00 120.00 114.00 108.00 30000 20000 10000 F M Close A M J 2014 J A S Rel. S&P 500 All values in USD unless otherwise noted. Outperform 2015 Guidance Ahead of Expectations, Jublia Forecasts Increase as Expected 150.00 144.00 138.00 J • December production from Ambatovy came in below our estimates but improved MoM as expected: The 40%-owned Ambatovy Joint Venture produced 3,254t of nickel and 189t of cobalt on a 100% basis in December, with ore throughput in the PAL circuit at a record 83% of nameplate capacity and nickel production at 64% of nameplate capacity. Nickel and cobalt production improved by 17% and 13% respectively MoM, following planned maintenance that affected production in November. However, nickel and cobalt production declined by 16% and 44% from the record levels achieved in October due to maintenance that continued into December. • Full-year production met the low end of guidance: 2014 production guidance for Ambatovy was 37,000-41,000t of nickel and 2,700-3,100t of cobalt. Actual production of 37,053t of nickel met the low end of guidance, while cobalt production of 2,915t came in mid-range. Production missed our annual estimates as the December result did not return to October levels as required to meet our forecasts. • Key target is reaching 90% of finished metal capacity in 2015: Maintenance of one autoclave is slated for February, which we expect will hinder the targeted ramp-up of production. However, Sherritt's focus is to achieve nickel production of 90% of the 60ktpa nameplate capacity over a period of 90 out of 100 days by mid-2015 in order to meet project financing completion tests by the deadline of September 2015. If financial completion can be achieved, project debt of $2.1B will become non-recourse to the partners. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International(NYSE: VRX; 145.12; TSX: VRX) Douglas Miehm (Analyst) (416) 842-7823; douglas.miehm@rbccm.com Fred Garcia (Associate) (416) 842-7876; fred.garcia@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Outperform Ambatovy 2014 production at low end of guidance; focus on ramp-up in 2015 O N D MA 40 weeks J • Few surprises in 2015 outlook. As we stated in our preview note, we anticipated few surprises in VRX's 2015 guidance considering the recent (November 2014) financial disclosures during the AGN courtship. That said the revenues and cash EPS guidance for 2015 was slightly ahead of our and consensus expectations. The negative impact associated with foreign exchange and generics appears to be manageable ($300MM and $0.47/sh) and is largely offset by ~$500MM of revenues expected from key launch programs (Jublia, Ultra, Luza, RAM, Onexton). • Total revenues expected to be $9.2-9.3B vs. $9.05B consensus. Management is calling for 2015 total revenues of $9.2-9.3B, slightly ahead of prior disclosures of ~ $9.1B, our $9.1B forecast and consensus of $9.05B (Bloomberg 18 analysts: range $8.69–9.25B). Organic growth levels are expected to be in the ~10-12% range led by a Jublia forecast that was increased to ~$300MM-$400MM (we believe) from ~$225MM due to a stronger-than-anticipated launch uptake. The negative headwind from FX and generics is expected to be ~$300MM and <$200MM, respectively. • Cash EPS~$10.10-10.40 also ahead of expectations. Cash EPS guidance for 2015 of $10.10-10.40 is slightly ahead of prior disclosures of ~$10.00, our $9.98 forecast and consensus of $9.99 (Bloomberg 18 analysts: range $9.68–10.40). Relative to our forecasts, the variance appears to be driven by lower R&D investments of ~$250MM (vs. ~$280MM RBC forecast), and higer gross margins of ~75% (vs. ~72% RBC forecast). Adjusted cash flows expected to be >$3.1B (~90% cash conversion). Company Comments Dan Rollins, CFA (Analyst) (416) 842-9893; dan.rollins@rbccm.com Mark Mihaljevic (Associate) (416) 842-3804; mark.mihaljevic@rbccm.com Detour Gold Corporation(TSX: DGC; 10.89) Rating: Outperform Risk Qualifier: Speculative Risk 7 52 WEEKS 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 Price Target: 15.00 Further gains expected in 2015 14.00 12.00 We expect Detour's shares could appreciate further in 2015 as operational/financial gains are achieved, project risk declines, and investors grow more confident in the company’s underlying cash flow potential. Although Detour has started the year off on a strong note, we expect the company's shares could continue to re-rate higher. 10.00 8.00 6.00 20000 15000 10000 5000 J F M A Close M J 2014 J A S O N D J Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EPS, Adj Diluted 2013A (0.55) 2014E (0.52) 2015E (0.28) 2016E 0.11 P/E 81.3x All market data in CAD; all financial data in USD; dividends paid in CAD. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.(TSX: IVN; 1.10) Fraser Phillips, P.Eng. (Analyst) (416) 842-7859; fraser.phillips@rbccm.com Steve Bristo, CFA (Associate) (416) 842-7826; steve.bristo@rbccm.com Thomas Klein (Associate) (416) 842-5339; thomas.klein@rbccm.com 2.00 1.80 52 WEEKS Rating: Outperform Risk Qualifier: Speculative Risk Price Target: 2.50 Platreef Phase 1 PFS supports economics of previous PEA 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 1.60 1.40 1.20 1.00 0.80 7500 6000 4500 3000 1500 J F M A Close M J 2014 J A S O N D Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EPS, Adj Diluted 2013A (0.34) 2014E (0.24) 2015E (0.19) 2016E (0.07) All market data in CAD; all financial data in USD. • Detour appears well positioned to deliver further operational gains and increased cash flow in 2015. Higher production is expected to be driven by increased throughput while cash costs are expected to benefit from economies of scale, lower fuel prices and a weaker Canadian dollar. • Mill expected to achieve steady state throughput in early-2015: With 12% higher throughput expected and flat grades, we forecast annual production of 516 Koz in 2015, up 12% from our forecast of 459 Koz last year. • Cash costs expected to benefit: Based on our commodity/currency assumptions, total and all-in sustaining cash costs are forecast to decline 8% and 13% respectively, year-over-year given increased production, reduced level of contractors on-site, productivity improvements, lower fuel prices and a weaker Canadian dollar. • Improved mining rates key to maximizing cash flow: In our view, the biggest risk to Detour maximizing cash flow this year will be the company’s ability to deliver improved mining rates following a number of challenges in 2014. • Number of initiatives could enhance value proposition: Detour is evaluating a number of initiatives, which could enhance the overall value of Detour Lake, including regional exploration, development of Block A, extraction of barren pebbles from the milling circuit, segregation of fines, and heap leaching of lowgrade material. • Well positioned to outperform again in 2015 • Detour remains a preferred precious metal investment entering 2015 as we expect ongoing operational and financial gains to lead to a further re-rating of the company’s shares. J The Platreef Phase 1 pre-feasibility study (PFS) supports the results of the preliminary economic assessment (PEA). The PFS is neutral to our view with a lower net cash cost being offset by slightly higher total capital spending and lower production versus the PEA. We have adjusted our NAV to reflect just the Phase 1 development to take a more conservative approach in the current poor commodity and mining share environment. The resource base and Phase 2 and 3 developments hold significant upside potential beyond Phase 1 and our current valuation. • Ivanhoe released the results of its Platreef Phase 1 pre-feasibility study (PFS) and an initial reserve estimate: An optimization study is currently being completed by Whittle Consulting focused on mine scheduling in order to increase cash flow. The results of the study are to be used in the Phase 1 feasibility study, which the is scheduled to begin in Q2/15. The company also plans to begin a PFS on the 8 Mtpa Phase 2 in the near future. • Cash costs expected to be lower than estimated in PEA: Ivanhoe now estimates that the life-of-mine (LOM) average cash cost will be $322/oz 3PE+Au versus $367/oz 3PE+Au in the PEA. • Annual production lower as a result of lower grades and recoveries • Pre-production capital cost estimate lowered; but total capex increased slightly 8 • NPV of project basically unchanged: The company estimates that the after-tax NPV of the project is $972 million using an 8% real discount rate, versus our estimate of $982 million and $897 million in the PEA. • Sufficient capital on hand for 2015 development at Platreef: The Platreef development work in 2015 will be focused on the sinking of Shaft No. 1. • Conference call: The company will host a conference call on Friday, January 9 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the details of the PFS. Dial-in: 800-355-4959 or 416-340-2216. Teranga Gold Corporation(TSX: TGZ; 0.48; ASX: TGZ) Jonathan Guy (Analyst) +44 20 7653 4603; jonathan.guy@rbccm.com Richard Hatch, ACA (Analyst) +44 20 7002 2111; richard.hatch@rbccm.com 1.20 52 WEEKS Rating: Price Target: 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 Sector Perform 0.80 Q4 production misses guidance TGZ produced 71koz in Q4, a beat vs. our 68koz but below company guidance of 75koz. Record plant throughput was set off by weaker reconciliation. TGZ ended December with US$35.7 million in cash & equivalents, in line with RBC. 1.00 0.80 0.60 0.40 60000 40000 20000 J F M A Close M J 2014 J A S O N D J Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EPS, Adj Diluted Prev. 2013A 0.18 2014E 0.02↑ 0.01 2015E 0.11 2016E 0.18 P/E 2.2x 25.7x 3.6x 2.3x Q4 production 71koz vs RBC 68koz: Teranga has reported Q4 production of 71koz, which is better than our 68koz forecast (and up 47% qoq) but below revised guidance of 75koz. Despite record quarterly mill throughout of 1mt which was aided by the processing of softer Masato ore, lower recovery rates tempered production vs. management forecasts. This brings FY14 production to 212koz; again a touch better than our 209koz forecast, but below revised guidance of 215koz. Colour on costs (guided to US$725/oz for cash costs and US$900/oz for AISC) will be released with the financial results. We expect the company to provide an update on the grade reconciliation problem which has impacted production for FY14 with its financial results during w/c 16 February. All market data in CAD; all financial data in USD. Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.(TSX: PJC.A; 25.83) Irene Nattel (Analyst) (514) 878-7262; irene.nattel@rbccm.com Martin Gravel, CFA (Associate) (514) 878-7264; martin.gravel@rbccm.com Alex Carette (Associate) (514) 878-7254; alexandre.carette@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Rating: Price Target: Sector Perform 28.00 Rx for stable growth: Q3 light due primarily to stock-based comp, outlook unchanged 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 28.00 26.00 24.00 22.00 Putting aside the EPS shortfall due to stock-based compensation expense, Q3 results underscore the stability of PJC's business model and the challenge of driving growth in the retail segment in the current environment. EPS $0.30 (flat), shy of forecast/consensus $0.33/$0.32 due to estimated $0.02/share increase in stockbased comp expense. 20.00 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 J F M Close A M J 2014 J A S O N D Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EPS, Ops Diluted Prev. 2014A 1.10 2015E 1.19 2016E 1.33↓ 1.34 2017E 1.45↓ 1.46 All values in CAD unless otherwise noted. P/E 23.5x 21.7x 19.4x 17.8x J • Q3 results highlight stability of PJC's business model but underscore the challenge of generating growth in earnings from Franchising in this mature segment still facing intense competitive activity. Revenue trends were consistent with prior quarter, reflecting decelerating pace of growth in generic drug price deflation and generic penetration and investment in pricing/promo to drive front of store. • Hoping for some wiggle room on Bill 28: Negotiations are underway with the Ministry in an endeavour to soften the blow and final terms of the Bill are expected to be announced by early May. While the industry remains hopeful that the government will moderate its planned $177 MM/$100,000 per pharmacy reduction in pharmacist remuneration, our calculations suggest that the changes as currently proposed would not have a material impact on PJC as they are designed to hit directly at the pharmacist level. That said, PJC could choose to "share the pain" as it has done in the past. 9 • Still very interested in acquisitions but M&A opportunities remain elusive: While PJC is well positioned to fund M&A, overall dynamics in PJC's core region of QC remain relatively favourable for independent pharmacists, who continue to earn a very solid living and are in no hurry to sell. Nonetheless, implementation of Bill 28 in its current form could see heightened interest from independents in joining the PJC network. Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.(TSX: PJC.A; 27.38) Irene Nattel (Analyst) (514) 878-7262; irene.nattel@rbccm.com Martin Gravel, CFA (Associate) (514) 878-7264; martin.gravel@rbccm.com Alex Carette (Associate) (514) 878-7254; alexandre.carette@rbccm.com 52 WEEKS Rating: Price Target: Sector Perform 28.00 Paying for the Rx:Q3/F15 light due primarily to stock-based comp, outlook unchanged 17JAN14 - 05JAN15 28.00 26.00 24.00 22.00 Putting aside the EPS shortfall due to stock-based compensation expense, Q3 results underscore the stability of PJC's business model and the challenge of driving growth in the retail segment in the current environment. EPS $0.30 (flat), shy of forecast/consensus $0.33/$0.32 due to estimated $0.02/share increase in stockbased comp expense. 20.00 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 J F M Close A M J 2014 J A S O N D Rel. S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEXMA 40 weeks EPS, Ops Diluted Prev. 2014A 1.10 2015E 1.19↓ 1.22 2016E 1.34↓ 1.36 2017E 1.46↓ 1.49 P/E 24.9x 23.0x 20.5x 18.7x All values in CAD unless otherwise noted. J • Q3/F15 operating results solid, reflecting growth in generic drug unit, diligent application of FCF to share repurchase: Q3/F15 EPS of $0.30 below forecast due primarily to stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 MM, +$4 MM Y/Y, likely reflecting a combination of higher current run rate and retroactive adjustment. Revenue trends consistent with prior quarter, reflecting decelerating pace of growth in generic drug price deflation and generic penetration and investment in pricing/promo to drive front of store. Excluding the stock based comp expense, contribution from retail operations stable Y/Y, contribution from Pro Doc, PJC's generic drug unit, fell shy of forecast as well, although we note that PD's results tend to bounce around on a quarterly basis. Results highlight stability of PJC's business model but underscore the challenge of generating growth in earnings from Franchising in this mature segment still facing intense competitive activity. • Tweaking forecasts, maintaining $28 target: Reflecting actual Q3 results into our model and tweaking assumptions around stock-based comp expense run rate (slightly higher) results in F15E-F17E EPS of $1.19/$1.34/$1.46 from $1.22/ $1.36/$1.49. $28 target, generated by a blended P/E, EV/EBITDA approach, which applies a 18.0x P/E multiple to our F2017E EPS and a 13.5x EV/EBITDA multiple to our F2017E EBITDA. Industry Comments Stephen D. Walker (Analyst) (416) 842-4120; stephen.walker@rbccm.com 2015 New Year Preview Dan Rollins, CFA (Analyst) (416) 842-9893; dan.rollins@rbccm.com 2015 New Year Preview - Metals & Mining/Golds Metals & Mining/Golds Sam Crittenden, P.Eng., CFA (Analyst) (416) 842-7886; sam.crittenden@rbccm.com Fraser Phillips, P.Eng. (Analyst) (416) 842-7859; fraser.phillips@rbccm.com Andrew D. Wong (Analyst) (416) 842-7830; andrew.d.wong@rbccm.com Nathan Piper (Analyst) +44 131 222 3649; nathan.piper@rbccm.com RBC International E&P Daily Al Stanton (Analyst) +44 131 222 3638; al.stanton@rbccm.com PXT.TO: Revised 2015 Capex; Growth Maintained; Iraq Allowed to Sue Kurds Over Texas Oil Tanker in U.S.; Week Ahead; Circle Oil Receives $15m from Egyptian Government Haydn Rodgers, CA (Associate) +44 131 222 4911; haydn.rodgers@rbccm.com PXT; CNE; GPX; PMO; TLW 10 Victoria McCulloch, CA (Analyst) +44 131 222 4909; victoria.mcculloch@rbccm.com All values in USD unless otherwise noted. John Barnes (Analyst) (804) 782-4020; john.barnes@rbccm.com The Weekly Haul Mike Fountaine (Associate) (804) 782-4013; mike.fountaine@rbccm.com • In this week's Feature Commentary, we take one final look back at 2014. • Takeaways from the news include: • Key macro data points for the week ahead include MDI & OHD on Monday, Small Business Optimism on Tuesday, Retail Sales, Business Inventories & Beige Book on Wednesday, PPI on Thursday, and CPI & Industrial Production on Friday. • Our 4Q/14 earnings season kicks off on Tuesday with results from CSX. Todd Maiden (Associate) (804) 782-4014; todd.maiden@rbccm.com All values in USD unless otherwise noted. Airfreight & Surface Transportation Quantitative Research Chad McAlpine, CFA (Analyst) (416) 842-7869; chad.mcalpine@rbccm.com Attributions Bish Koziol (Associate) (416) 842-7866; bish.koziol@rbccm.com • The S&P/TSX Composite ended 2014 by declining 112 points in December. However, the index did advance 1,011 points during the year (Exhibit 1). • Financials was by far the top-performing sector in 2014 as it advanced 46% and contributed 469 points to the composite. In December, Consumer Staples was the top-performing group as it advanced 35%. • Materials and Energy were the only two sectors of the S&P/TSX Composite which realized negative returns in 2014. Every company of the worst 15 contributors to the index originated from the resource segment of the market (Exhibit 4). December 2014 Technical Research Robert Sluymer, CFA (Analyst) (212) 858-7066; robert.sluymer@rbccm.com Anna Drotman (Associate) (212) 858-7065; anna.drotman@rbccm.com Does the first trading day, week or month have any year-end 'predictive value'? • With the Dow closing positive on the first trading day and first week* of the year, we have been asked to review the ‘predictive value’ of these metrics for the balance of the year. • How an investor would employ this data remains questionable to us; however, the ‘fun-facts/data-mining’ results are summarized below with supporting data on the following pages. • “They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time.”– Brian Fantana from Anchorman Data mining January’s trading for the Dow Jones Industrial Index 1st day of trading • Since 1901, 1st day predicted the year’s direction 61% of the time • Since 1946, 1st day predicted the year’s direction 61% of the time • Last 15 years, 1st day predicted the year’s direction 80% of the time Direction of 1st week* of trading • Since 1901, 1st week predicted the year’s direction 63% of the time • Since 1946, 1st week predicted the year’s direction 70% of the time • Last 15 years, 1st week predicted the year’s direction 60% of the time Direction of 1st month of trading • Since 1901, January predicted the year’s direction 73% of the time • Since 1946, predicted the direction of the year 80% of the time 11 • Last 15 years, predicted the direction of the year 67% of the time For reference, since 1901 the Dow has finished the year up 65% of the time. *Week = First 5 trading days Robert Sluymer, CFA (Analyst) (212) 858-7066; robert.sluymer@rbccm.com Anna Drotman (Associate) (212) 858-7065; anna.drotman@rbccm.com Macro Technical Update – Waiting for Small-caps to ‘break-out’ EQUITIES • After stalling at resistance at year-end, US indexes staged rebounds from support near the December lows and 100-dma. Although the intermediate- and shortterm indicators are effectively neutral providing little guidance, we continue to focus on the small-cap indexes to provide the next important directional move. • Specifically, small-cap relative performance versus the S&P 500 began to reverse its 2014 downtrend several weeks ago, however a move above the December 2014 highs would be needed to constitute a 12-month ‘break-out’ suggesting further upside in 2015. Conversely, a move below the December lows (RTY 1134) would suggest a retest and possible break of the October lows (RTY 1040). • EAFE – Relative performance remains weak with real price beginning to break a long-term uptrend that began in 2009. • US Sectors – Please click here for today’s US sector themes and stock ideas. Robert Sluymer, CFA (Analyst) (212) 858-7066; robert.sluymer@rbccm.com US Sector Review – Consumer, Healthcare and Technology Ideas In Focus Anna Drotman (Associate) (212) 858-7065; anna.drotman@rbccm.com OVERVIEW • Our relative performance sector table, tracking the percentage of stocks within in each sector with positive intermediate-term relative performance trends, continues to highlight established leadership in Healthcare and Technology, with Discretionary, Financials and select Staples reaccelerating. • Today’s note highlights attractive accelerating and/or emerging relative performance profiles within those sectors. US EQUITY SECTOR THEMES AND STOCK IDEAS • Accelerating leadership/momentum ideas: Consumer (STZ, CMG, PII), Healthcare (GILD), Technology (AAPL, GPN, CDW). • Stocks reversing their 2014 relative performance downtrends: Consumer (ENR, CAKE, BC), Healthcare (ENDP, BSX, ALGN), Technology (TSS, FSL, MRVL, FEYE). • Housing related stocks reversing 2-year relative performance downtrends: MAS, LEN, PHM, DHI. • Relative performance laggards beginning to reverse established downtrends: WMT, KRFT, FEYE Please click here for today’s Macro Technical Update – Waiting for Small-caps to ‘breakout’. 12 Required disclosures Non-U.S. analyst disclosure Nathan Piper;Al Stanton;Haydn Rodgers;Victoria McCulloch;Chad McAlpine;Bish Koziol;Douglas Miehm;Fred Garcia;Haran Posner;Drew McReynolds;Dan Rollins;Mark Mihaljevic;Irene Nattel;Martin Gravel;Alex Carette;Stephen D. Walker;Sam Crittenden;Fraser Phillips;Andrew D. 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