BEAUTY – Expects 2013 revenue growth of 20% — BEAUTY expects 2013 revenue to grow 20%YoY with gross margin of 70–71%. The company plans to invest Bt250mn to expand to 180 stores. It also plans to sell franchises in Laos and Vietnam, expecting to conclude this 1Q13. (Khao Hoon, 08/01/2013)

Comment: Great margins, this co is on our list of “if it drops 50% we’ll buy”

CPF – New snack store launched — CPF has launched a new snack concept store named “Easy Snack by CP” It plans to open 10 stores and forecasts the snack segment will grow ~20%YoY. This new unit is expected to generate Bt100mn in 2013. (Khao Hoon, 08/01/2013)

GSTEEL – Expects to be in the black in 2013 — GSTEEL’s management expects to return to profit in 2013 as its capital increase in 2Q13 will help support its business. Management believes this year will be a golden year for the steel industry. The company will be helped by the need for steel in the construction of government infrastructure projects worth Bt2trn and the water management projects worth Bt330bn. (Tun Hoon, 09/01/13)

Comment: Steel companies have been rubbish performancers since 2007, but if a company like GSTEEL can improve their performance I would be inclined to look at other counters as well i.e. TSTH, SSI

HEMRAJ – New record for sales in 2012 — HEMRAJ has set a new record for its land sales, utility services and factory for lease businesses in 2012. Total land sales reached 2,317 rai, a 39% increase YoY, with 115 contracts signed. Gheco-one is expected to contribute to its revenues in the long run. (Khao Hoon, 08/01/13)

Comment: Our favourite industrial estate / utility play, however we’ve exited due to valuations

IRPC – Phoenix to push 2013 revenues up — IRPC said the Phoenix project will push its 2013 revenue to grow 5–10% from 2012’s expected revenue of Bt27bn. Currently, the project has reached 45% completion. The company is also expanding PP-ABS-EBSM capacity. (Khao Hoon, 08/01/2013)

LPN – LPN earmarks Bt10 bn for land purchases in Bangkok and upcountry – LPN Development has set aside Bt10bn for land purchases and the development of 13 condominium projects in Bangkok and the provinces. (The Nation, 08/01/13)

Comment: Great company, love the product, good management, but 28x PE, 4x BV, 3% yield… no thank you