JPMorgan downgrades Wilmar International (F34.SG) to Underweight from Overweight and slashes its target price to $4.60 from $7.20.

Says the stock is likely to underperform near term due to a regulatory overhang and competition in China; also cites an overly optimistic consensus earnings estimates and likely lackluster earnings momentum, while investors may accord a lower P/E multiple for its intended deviation from the core business. 

 

Reduces FY11/FY12 earnings forecasts by 5.3%/7.3% as the house lowers oilseeds crushing and consumer products margin assumptions; it also reduces the target P/E multiple to 14X from 20X. Says Wilmar’s deviation from its core business may attract a “conglomerate discount.”

 

Adds future property projects under its JV with Kerry Properties and Shangri-La “could see more capital reallocated to property investments than reinvested in its core agri-commodities business in future...this may lead to a lowering of the P/E that investors are willing to accord the stock.” 

 

Stock off 0.2% at $5.65.