PETALING JAYA: The recovery prospects for Focus Point Holdings Bhd are expected to remain intact in view of its scalable business model.

       Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB) is upbeat on the group’s outlook as its optical and food and beverage (F&B) segments have the potential to fully ramp-up once the operating condition normalises.

       The research house, which held a recent conference call with Focus Point, viewed the group’s optical standing as strong.

       “We understand that sales rebounded strongly last December from corporate client utilisation and recovery in footfall traffic.”

       The fourth quarter is seasonally the strongest quarter for Focus Point group, making up about 50% of the full year earnings.

       “The group is in the midst of ramping up its new Anggun Optometrist optical concept stores to cater for the untapped middle to high-end Malay market.

       “We gather that five locations have been secured for the new outlets with targeted rollout of 12 to 15 stores for the financial year 2022 (FY22),” HLIB said in its latest report.

       It added that the expansion in optical business would enable the group to bargain for higher rebates from its key suppliers, which are mainly established foreign brands.

       On its new venture in Excelview, the group has equipped its centres with advanced machinery to perform special lasik operations, said the research house.

       Focus Point has also recently launched an expanded Komugi outlet in 1Utama and a new street shop concept Komugi store in USJ Taipan, Subang Jaya which brings to a total of 11 stores.

       On its F&B business, HLIB noted that the group’s main corporate client continued to contribute positively with about RM1.5mil to RM1.6mil sales per month.

       “This organic growth is expected to sustain from expansion of outlets and vending machines by its customers.

       “One of the group’s customer is targeting to open two more outlets for FY22 and we expect orders to be healthy.

       “As for another customer, its sales are consistent with the potential to increase from its supply expansion to the Sabah and Sarawak outlets,” said the research house.

       HLIB is also positive on the development of Focus Point’s central kitchen 2 (CK2).

       “CK2 has received ISO22000 certification and the group is in the midst of pursuing the same certification for CK1.

       “This will help to open more doors for Focus Point to secure new businesses with an established convenience store chain in Singapore,” it added.

       CK2 is currently running at about 50% to 60% utilisation rate.

       Given its fast expanding corporate client base, the research house said the group’s management is planning to expand CK2 capacity by 10% to 20% to cater for Baumkuchen products.