October 14, 2013

Research houses raise Felda Global's earnings estimates

Stock Name: FGV
Company Name: FELDA GLOBAL VENTURES HLDG BHD
Research House: ALLIANCEPrice Call: HOLDTarget Price: 4.03



KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Research has revised upward Felda Global Ventures Bhd's 2014 and 2015 earnings estimates by 30 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively.

This is given that its acquisition of Felda Holdings Bhd would be completed by year-end.

The research note said the 51 per cent stake acquisition in Felda Holdings from Koperasi Permodalan Felda for RM2.2 billion, would streamline the group's operations and significantly, earnings accretive.

"We are upgrading our call on Felda Global from 'sell' to 'neutral' with a higher target price of RM4.03 from RM3.10 previously," it said in a note.

Meanwhile, in a separate note, RHB Research said the acquisition would enable Felda Global to have complete control over the entire plantation value chain, resulting in better operational efficiency.

The research house expects this acquisition to add 10 per cent to the company's 2014 net earnings estimates, leading to its recommendation to "buy" from "neutral", with a higher target price of RM4.84 from RM4.60.

Felda Holdings is the largest crude palm oil producer in the world with production of 3.3 million metric tonnes, accounting for eight per cent of the global market last year.

It operates 71 palm oil mills, seven refineries, four kernel crushing plants as well as several bulking installations and distribution depots and warehouses.

HwangDBS Vickers Research said Felda Holdings contributed 19 per cent of Felda Global's 2012 financial year core profit.

It expects the deal to boost the company's 2014 financial year core earnings by about 20 per cent.

"We maintain our forecast and our 'hold' recommendation for now, pending shareholder approval of Felda Global and Koperasi Permodalan Felda," it added in a note. -- BERNAMA

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