The Edge Markets (31/10/2020) - KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 31): CGS-CIMB Research opined that FGV Holdings Bhd’s expectations of a RM3.5 billion to RM4 billion compensation from the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) following the termination of the land lease agreement (LLA) between the parties are optimistic.

The research house said its opinion is based on the historical trends of LLA payments and its current understanding of the compensation formula.

“However, we believe Felda is unlikely to pursue a termination if the compensation is as high as RM3.5 billion to RM4 billion, given that it may be cheaper to take FGV private at current market capitalisation,” it said in a note today. 

CGS-CIMB said the cost for Felda to take over the remaining stake it does not own in FGV is RM2.6 billion, based on FGV's last market capitalisation.

“Our read is that the compensation sum would be highly dependent on the financial year used for its calculation.

“If it is based on FGV's 2019 financials, the compensation will likely be low or minimal, whereas if it is based on 2020 or 2021 financials, it will likely be higher, but the final amount will depend on the performances of FGV's estates and crude palm oil (CPO) prices,” it said.

The research house said it assumes the estates under the LLA to be worth RM2.55 billion.

“As such, we would view the deal as positive or negative for FGV if the compensation value is above or below our RM2.55 billion valuation of the estates.

“For the medium to long term, we see the LLA termination as a negative as it means FGV will not be able to enjoy the fruits of its replanting over the past years,” it said.

The LLA involves Felda-owned estates totalling 350,733 hectares that were leased to FGV for 99 years from Nov 1, 2011.

Read more at https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/fgvs-hope-rm35brm4b-compensation-felda-optimistic-says-cgscimb