OIL IS CHEAP and airlines would be a prime beneficiary.

But investors are looking beyond cheap oil, according to a CIMB report today.

"Fund managers remain disinterested in full-service carriers (FSCs) despite attractive oil price dynamics, because of fears over excessive competition and declining yields," wrote analyst Raymond Yap after returning from a marketing trip in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.

"Questions were very limited, suggesting lack of focus on names like Cathay or SIA. Clients felt that tough stock market conditions meant that investment banks that underpinned demand in business class cabins would scale back demand.

Photo: CompanyLow-cost carriers (LCCs), however, were a bit more on fund managers' minds with interest in Cebu Air and Asia Aviation (AAV), which were noted as some of the best performers in the LCC space.

Some funds preferred to stay away from AAV because of its expensive valuations.

"We encountered rather apathetic investor sentiment towards AirAsia, with continuing concerns over its ability to turn around Indonesia and Philippines."

raymondyapAnalyst Raymond YapIn the air transport space, airports stood out and is a favoured sector.

"Investors continued to be interested in airports, with AOT most frequently mentioned, but also Shanghai International Airport and Sydney Airport, all beneficiaries of the boom in Chinese outbound travel. Malaysia Airports, unfortunately, was excluded from this gentleman’s club, due to its poor earnings dynamics.

"One of the conundrums facing investors was how to value AOT and what the appropriate valuation level should be, given how well the stock price has already performed," said Mr Yap.

Full report here.
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AEM Holdings2.3700.020
Best World2.4700.010
Boustead Singapore0.960-
Broadway Ind0.1290.001
China Aviation Oil (S)0.9250.020
China Sunsine0.4150.005
ComfortDelGro1.490-
Delfi Limited0.9050.005
Food Empire1.2700.020
Fortress Minerals0.310-
Geo Energy Res0.310-
Hong Leong Finance2.500-
Hongkong Land (USD)3.1000.070
InnoTek0.5300.005
ISDN Holdings0.3100.005
ISOTeam0.042-0.001
IX Biopharma0.043-
KSH Holdings0.245-0.005
Leader Env0.0510.001
Ley Choon0.0460.003
Marco Polo Marine0.0670.002
Mermaid Maritime0.1420.004
Nordic Group0.340-
Oxley Holdings0.089-
REX International0.1380.002
Riverstone0.8200.020
Southern Alliance Mining0.4450.015
Straco Corp.0.490-
Sunpower Group0.2100.010
The Trendlines0.069-
Totm Technologies0.022-
Uni-Asia Group0.830-0.005
Wilmar Intl3.5000.050
Yangzijiang Shipbldg1.7800.060