Elders Hybrids
Recommendation
Hot on the heels of our recent update, Elders announced the conditional sale of ‘the large majority of its pulpwood forestry assets in the Albany, Bunbury and Green Triangle regions to investment funds managed by Global Forest Partners.’ The price is reportedly around book value, but more importantly the company expects to receive over $45m in installments that will help reduce Elders’ onerous debt levels.
Hold | Up to $60 |
Reassess | Below $30 |
Chief executive Malcolm Jackman has provided a steady hand, patiently selling assets while avoiding a firesale. While each asset sale reduces the range of possible outcomes for the Elders Hybrid securities, Elders’ financial position remains precarious. Resuming distribution payments on the hybrid securities remains way off at best.
If Jackman can manufacture a small miracle then hybrid owners stand to do very well from here. But given the risk of a total wipeout due to Elders’ debt levels, we’re hoping for the best while expecting the worst. The security price has increased 7% since 17 Apr 12 (Hold – $37.25) and we’re sticking with HOLD.
Note: The model Growth portfolio owns Elders Hybrids.