KUALA LUMPUR: Luxchem Corp Bhd could be an attractive play for investors following the economic reopening amid the demand recovery for chemical products.

       Meanwhile, the group is also expected to benefit from the higher demand for gloves post-pandemic as it continues to drive its latex and nitrile processing/compounding businesses.

       According to AmInvestment Bank Research, Luxchem has shrugged off the effects of the pandemic as its 1HFY21 results came within expectations at 49% of its and consensus full-year estimates.

       The group's turnover in the period improved 41% year-on-year due to stronger demand and higher prices of chemical products as economies around the world reopen.

       "Its core net profit more than doubled, we believe, due to margin expansion stemming from inventories

       acquired at low prices prior to the strong recovery in prices of chemical products and lower finance cost and tax rate," said AmInvestment.

       However, the research house added that the group is taking slightly longer to complete a private placement and a stake purchase in Lexis Chemical, Lexis Specialties and Lexis Corp due to various movement restrictions.

       "We maintain our forecasts and fair value (FV) of RM1.04 based on 14x FY22F EPS, which is at 2x multiple premium to its average historical forward PE of 12x to reflect its strong earnings prospects on the reopening of economies," said AmInvestment, while reiterating "buy" on the stock.