AFT1083: Microeconomics Case Study, UMK, Malaysia Refined sugar producer MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s profitability may be affected if the new government lowers
University | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) |
Subject | AFT1083: Microeconomics |
CASE STUDY 1: Price Ceiling of Sugar
Refined sugar producer MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s profitability may be affected if the new government lowers the ceiling price of refined sugar. According to CIMB Research, the new administration may review the existing ceiling price in view of the lower raw sugar prices. This is in line with Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto which aims to alleviate the rising cost of living.
Currently, the country’s ceiling retail price of refined sugar is RM2.95 per kg. In March last year, the price was raised by 11 sen per kg, given the then sharp rise in international raw sugar prices to US$0.186 per pound. CIMB Research also said that MSM is expected to record a better financial performance in its second quarter of the financial year 2018 (2Q18), following a weak start to the current financial year.
“MSM turned around to report a core net profit of RM16mil in 1Q18, due mainly to lower raw sugar costs. However, the group was not able to fully capture the benefits of the lower raw sugar costs during the quarter, as it had locked in its raw sugar at 14 US cents to 15 US cents per pound, which is higher than the average international raw sugar price of 13 US cents per pound.
“This led to a lower-than-expected profit margin and a 1Q18 core net profit that made up just 14% of our full-year forecast and 12% of the consensus number,” said the research house in a note, while maintaining its “reduce” call on MSM. Target price-wise, it was lowered to RM2.77 from RM2.89 previously.
However, CIMB Research projected challenging earnings prospects for the refined sugar producer in the second half of the financial year 2018. This expectation was on the back of higher depreciation and interest expense costs relating to its new sugar refinery in Johor, which is due to come on stream in end-June 2018.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research said that MSM’s profit margin is anticipated to recover in 2018, given the soon-to-be-completed refinery plant in Johor, which would further drive the production cost lower. “We view that the lower international sugar price and stronger ringgit will keep the cost of raw sugar at bay.
“This will also allow MSM to pass down some of the cost savings to its customer, possibly leading to recovery in domestic sales volume. “We are also positive on the new government’s commitment to curb sugar smuggling and abolish refined sugar import permits,” it said. MIDF Research has reiterated its “neutral” call on MSM, with a lower target price of RM3.86.
Questions
- Using a diagram, illustrate the effect of the issues.
- Explain the factors that affect the price of sugar.
- Give your opinion about the issue.
Get Solution of this Assessment. Hire Experts to solve this assignment for you Before Deadline.
CASE STUDY 2: “Have floor prices for flights too, not just ceiling fares”
Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz says the proposed capping of seasonal increases of airfares will be good for tourism but adds there should also be a limit on how low the fares should be. “If you put a cap on how high prices can go, then it’s good for tourism. But the floor price should be capped too,” he told a press conference today in commenting on a Malay Mail report that the Malaysian Aviation Commission was considering allowing airlines to increase domestic flight airfares by only 2.5 times the average fares during peak seasons.
Nazri said some airlines offered airfares that were too low, to the point they affected other airlines. “Sure, cheaper flights are good for competition and tourism, but the prices can’t be ridiculously low. “In business, new players may try to get ahead of the competition by dropping their prices, and once their competition is out of business, they then raise their prices.”
Previously, Deputy Transport Minister Ab Aziz Kaprawi said the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) would be tasked with drafting proposals by June for airfares during festive seasons, but former Malaysia Airlines CEO, Abdul Aziz Rahman cautioned against this, saying the rates were best decided by the market.
Questions
- Using a diagram, illustrate the effect of the issues.
- Using a diagram, explain the effect if the price decreases.
- Give your opinion about the issue.
Stuck in Completing this Assignment and feeling stressed ? Take our Private Writing Services.
Get Help By Expert
Assignmenthelper.my is the premier online thesis writing service for busy students who are struggling to finish their thesis on time. With expert thesis writers, you can be sure that your task will be completed with the utmost quality and accuracy. With our assignment help service, you can also take advantage of our affordable rates. Contact us today to get started!
Recent Solved Questions
- Strategic Entrepreneurship Assignment, SU, Malaysia Identify and discuss e-Pay Malaysia’s entrepreneurial orientation/behavior. Your discussion should include the dimensions
- NBHS1112: Describe the pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes Mellitus with links to Madam Suba’s case: biochemistry Assignment, OUM, Malaysia
- Programming Assignment, UM, Malaysia Define an algorithm and outline the process in building an application and Determine the steps taken from writing code to execution
- ECN61104: Financial Economics Assignment, TU, Malaysia: This module is aimed at developing an understanding and application of the financial markets with complete
- HBEC1103: Introduction to Early Childhood Education Assignment, OUM, Malaysia Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs, such as Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf
- FAR460: Accounting Financial and Reporting 2 Assignment, UTM, Malaysia Help Bhd has been involved in manufacturing and supplying gloves and related products. The company continues to record success
- A critical analysis of differing strategic perspectives of producers, retailers and logistics service providers: Essay, UUM, Malaysia
- Nursing Assignment, UIM, Malaysia Describes the clinical evaluation process and outcome for creating a tool
- DHT 541: Tourism and Hospitality Economics Assignment, CUM, Malaysia Tourism is the generic term to cover both demand and supply that has been adopted in various forms and used
- MGT508: Select a specific Operation for an organization (1) that you work for, or (2) that you are familiar with: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Assignment, HU, Malaysia