Ta Ann (TAH MK) [Malaysia Company Update: Timber Yet To Make a Turnaround]

Ta Ann (TAH MK) [Malaysia Company Update: Timber Yet To Make a Turnaround]

Shariah Compliant

Small Cap Asean Research

Malaysia Company Update

9 July 2025

Ta Ann (TAH MK)

Timber Yet To Make a Turnaround

Agriculture | Plantation

Neutral (Maintained)

Target Price (Return): MYR3.60 (-5%)
Price (Market Cap): MYR3.80 (USD396m)
ESG score: 2.1 (out of 4)
Avg Daily Turnover (MYR/USD) 1.17m/0.27m

Analysts

Hoe Lee Leng
+603 2302 8110
hoe.lee.leng@rhbgroup.com

Iftaar Hakim Rusli
+603-23028114
iftaar.hakim.rusli@rhbgroup.com

Share Performance (%)

YTD 1m 3m 6m 12m
Absolute (11.2) (3.1) (1.6) (10.0) (2.1)
Relative (5.6) (5.9) (4.7) (5.1) 2.0

52-wk Price low/high (MYR) 3.70-4.59

Ta Ann (TAH MK) Price Chart

Price Close vs Relative to FBM KLCI (RHS)

Chart data from Jul-24 to Jun-25, showing price movement.

Source: Bloomberg

  • Maintain NEUTRAL, with new MYR3.60 TP from MYR3.65, 5% downside. We expect 2026 to be a more balanced year fundamentally, with lower YoY CPO prices, but geopolitical risks will translate to more volatility. We lower our CPO, but raise our PK price assumptions for FY25-27. For the timber segment, we still expect the division to be at a breakeven level in FY25F. Ta Ann is currently trading at 9.6x FY26F P/E, at the higher end of its peer range of 6-11x, while its attractive 8% FY26F yield would provide support.
  • Spot CPO prices have moderated from MYR4,600-4,800/tonne in 1Q25 to a low of MYR3,780 in May, only to bounce back to MYR3,900-MYR4,100 currently. The decline was mainly driven by geopolitics in the light of US trade tariffs, wars, and crude oil prices falling as a result, all of which pushed CPO prices in the same direction. We highlight that the correlation between CPO prices and crude oil prices surged to 0.47 in Apr 2025 from -0.6 in 1Q25, and subsequently rose further to the current levels of 0.68, due to more geopolitical risks.
  • What’s next for CPO prices? We expect CPO prices to remain volatile given the ever-changing geopolitical situation. Fundamentally however, global supply and demand will likely be more balanced in 2026F, as supply improves, while demand should pick up given the more attractive relative prices.
  • Supply of 17 oils and fats complex is expected to improve YoY in 2026F, coming from a partial recovery of palm, sunflower and rapeseed supplies, as well as continued growth from soybeans. Still, the stock/usage ratio of the 17 oils and fats complex is still expected to remain below the historical average of 13.6%, at 12.9% for Oct 2025F/Sep 2026F, albeit up from 12.7% in 2025F. This leaves very little cushion in case of any short-term bullish supply or demand surprises, hence raising the risk of price volatility going forward.
  • What does this mean for relative prices of vegetable oils and demand? Ignoring the noises from geopolitics, we expect 2026F to see: i) Muted soybean prices, due to continued strong supply in 2026F; ii) SBO prices remain supported at higher levels, due to the higher demand from increased US biofuel blending; iii) CPO prices to continue trading at a discount to SBO in the medium term (currently at USD217/tonne discount); and iv) demand from price sensitive countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh come back.
  • We trim our CPO price to MYR4,100/tonne (from MYR4,300) for 2025F and to MYR4,000 (from MYR4,100) for 2026F and 2027F; but raise PK prices to MYR3,300/tonne for 2025F (from MYR2,800) and to MYR3,200 for 2026F and 2027F (from MYR2,600). We also update for our latest in-house forex assumptions and adjust forecasts up by 1.1%, 2.0% and 2.0% for FY25-27.
  • Keep NEUTRAL. We maintain TAH’s ESG score at 2.1 and roll forward our valuation target to 2026F based on an unchanged 11x P/E. With this, our TP is lowered to MYR3.60 (from MYR3.65).

Forecasts and Valuation

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Total turnover (MYRm) 1,681 1,650 1,622 1,626 1,684
Recurring net profit (MYRm) 173 162 178 174 179
Recurring net profit growth (%) (48.8) (6.4) 10.4 (2.6) 2.9
Recurring P/E (x) 9.69 10.35 9.38 9.63 9.36
P/B (x) 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
P/CF (x) 6.35 5.87 4.50 5.02 5.43
Dividend Yield (%) 6.6 9.2 8.4 7.9 8.4
EV/EBITDA (x) 4.46 4.72 3.80 3.74 3.82
Return on average equity (%) 8.8 10.0 9.6 9.1 9.2
Net debt to equity (%) net cash net cash net cash net cash net cash

Source: Company data, RHB

Overall ESG Score: 2.1 (out of 4)

E Score: 2.0 (MODERATE)

S Score: 2.0 (MODERATE)

G Score: 2.3 (GOOD)

Please refer to the ESG analysis on the next page

Note:

Small cap stocks are defined as companies with a market capitalisation of less than USD0.5bn.


Emissions And ESG

Trend analysis

Ta Ann included its ESG disclosures for the first time in 2024.

Emissions (tCO2e) Dec-22 Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25
Scope 1 na na 34,000 na
Scope 2 na na 9,800 na
Scope 3 na na 100 na
Total emissions na na 43,900 na

Source: Company data, RHB

Latest ESG-Related Developments

Sustainability certification: As of end 2024, 100% of TAH’s operations are MSPO certified.

Traceability: Ta Ann does not disclose its supply chain traceability.

Forest Management Units (FMU): Ta Ann’s licenses for Kapit FMU, Pasin FMU, and Raplex FMU have been renewed for a period of 30 years, until 2053.

ESG Unbundled

Overall ESG Score: 2.1 (out of 4)
Last Updated: 16 May 2025

E Score: 2.0 (MODERATE)
While Ta Ann does not have a comprehensive sustainability report, it has disclosed its carbon emissions for the first time in 2024, showcasing its disclosure progress. Additionally, TAH has three Forest Management Units which were certified to be sustainably compliant with the standards of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), a scheme endorsed internationally by the programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

S Score: 2.0 (MODERATE)
While there is a lack of depth in terms of disclosures (ie number of fatalities), TAH has taken an active role in supporting and enriching the communities in which it operates – through sponsorships, donations and community-based activities. Additionally, the company has a whistleblowing policy in place to provide employees access to appropriate channels of communication to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.

G Score: 2.3 (GOOD)
38% of TAH’s board members are independent with disclosure on director remuneration, which includes salaries and bonuses as well as on named basis. Ta Ann does not have it own in-house investor relations team, but it does conduct briefings upon request.

ESG Rating History

ESG Rating History Chart

Chart data showing ESG rating from Jul-23 to Jul-25, with ratings starting at 1.8 and increasing to 2.1.

Source: RHB


Financial Exhibits

Asia
Malaysia
Agriculture
Ta Ann
TAH MK
Neutral

Valuation basis

We apply a target P/E of 11x on Dec-2026F earnings, in line with its small cap peers.

Key drivers

  1. CPO price increase;
  2. Growth in FFB processing capacity coming from its new oil mill;
  3. Increase in log export volumes.

Key risks

  1. CPO price movement;
  2. Weather risks;
  3. Demand and supply dynamics of the timber industry.

Company Profile

Ta Ann is mainly involved in the manufacture and sale of plywood, trading of timber logs and cultivation of oil palms.

Financial summary (MYR)

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Recurring EPS 0.39 0.37 0.41 0.39 0.41
DPS 0.25 0.35 0.32 0.30 0.32
BVPS 4.11 4.18 4.27 4.36 4.45
Return on average equity (%) 8.8 10.0 9.6 9.1 9.2

Valuation metrics

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Recurring P/E (x) 9.69 10.35 9.38 9.63 9.36
P/B (x) 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
FCF Yield (%) 11.2 13.7 18.9 16.6 16.9
Dividend Yield (%) 6.6 9.2 8.4 7.9 8.4
EV/EBITDA (x) 4.46 4.72 3.80 3.74 3.82
EV/EBIT (x) 5.84 6.43 4.91 4.90 4.57

Income statement (MYRm)

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Total turnover 1,681 1,650 1,622 1,626 1,684
Gross profit 410 402 442 419 429
EBITDA 348 331 385 371 345
Depreciation and amortisation (83) (88) (87) (88) (57)
Operating profit 265 243 298 283 288
Net interest 1 6 7 11 15
Pre-tax profit 270 302 335 325 334
Taxation (68) (70) (84) (81) (84)
Reported net profit 157 184 178 174 179
Recurring net profit 173 162 178 174 179

Cash flow (MYRm)

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Change in working capital (19) 18 34 2 1
Cash flow from operations 264 285 372 333 309
Capex (75) (56) (56) (56) (26)
Cash flow from investing activities (104) (101) (86) (86) (26)
Dividends paid (129) (268) (141) (132) (141)
Cash flow from financing activities (238) (334) (171) (162) (171)
Cash at beginning of period 525 500 435 580 696
Net change in cash (79) (151) 115 85 112
Ending balance cash 446 349 550 666 807

Balance sheet (MYRm)

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Total cash and equivalents 500 435 580 696 807
Tangible fixed assets 1,531 1,491 1,460 1,428 1,397
Total assets 2,730 2,674 2,792 2,878 2,965
Short-term debt 163 117 117 117 117
Total long-term debt 19 14 (16) (46) (76)
Total liabilities 723 636 644 618 596
Total equity 2,007 2,037 2,148 2,259 2,369
Total liabilities & equity 2,730 2,674 2,792 2,878 2,965

Key metrics

Dec-23 Dec-24 Dec-25F Dec-26F Dec-27F
Revenue growth (%) (23.2) (1.8) (1.7) 0.3 3.6
Recurrent EPS growth (%) (48.8) (6.4) 10.4 (2.6) 2.9
Gross margin (%) 24.4 24.3 27.3 25.8 25.5
Operating EBITDA margin (%) 20.7 20.1 23.7 22.8 20.5
Net profit margin (%) 9.4 11.1 11.0 10.7 10.6
Dividend payout ratio (%) 70.0 83.9 79.0 76.1 78.9
Capex/sales (%) 4.5 3.4 3.4 3.4 1.5
Interest cover (x) 27.7 43.3 64.3 82.5 129.2

Source: Company data, RHB


Figure 1: TAH’s progress on ESG factors

2022 2023 2024
ENVIRONMENT
GHG emissions Emissions (tCO2e) Not disclosed Not disclosed 43,900
GHG emissions Intensity (tCO2e per tonne of palm product) Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed
Waste treatment Recycling/Repurposing of waste Not disclosed Yes Yes
Energy efficiency (water) Water usage (m3) and intensity (m3/tonne of palm product) Not disclosed 11,520 9,000
Energy efficiency Energy consumption and intensity Not disclosed 210,607 201,974
Certifications RSPO/MSPO/ISPO certified (%) RSPO: Nil
MSPO: 100%
ISPO: N/A
RSPO: Nil
MSPO: 100%
ISPO: N/A
RSPO: Nil
MSPO: 100%
ISPO: N/A
Use of peat land Peat land (%) Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed
Fire accidents Number of accidents Not disclosed / none Not disclosed / none Not disclosed / none
Usage of renewable energy % of renewable energy used Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed
Traceability Traceable to mills (%) Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed
Traceability Traceable to plantation (%) Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed
*Timber is 87% traceable, according to PEFC certification
SOCIAL
Channels for workers to raise concerns Existence of grievance channels to raise concerns Yes Yes Yes
Whistleblowing policy Policies to protect whistleblowers Yes Yes Yes
Employees’ professional/personal development Provision of training and education Yes Yes Yes
Policy for smallholders Policy in place for training, yield improvement and RSPO certification Yes Yes Yes
Employees’ welfare Accommodation and amenities provided Yes Yes Yes
GOVERNANCE
Board composition At least half of the board being independent directors 4/9 are independent 3/8 are independent 3/8 are independent
Limiting to nine years (for independent directors) Limitation of tenure to nine years (for independent directors) No Yes Yes
Gender inclusivity Female representation in the board 22.2% 25.0% 25.0%
Emphasis of sustainability at board level Formation of a sustainability group No No Yes
Remuneration transparency Full disclosure of fees and benefits on named basis Yes Yes Yes

Source: Company data, RHB

Figure 2: TAH’s forecast

FYE Dec FY23 FY24 FY25F FY26F FY27F
Log production (‘000 cu m) 272 183 195 207 213
FFB production (‘000 tonnes) 677 666 717 751 787
Plywood price (USD/cu m) 564 496 515 515 515
Export log price (USD/cu m) 243 214 200 210 210
CPO price (MYR/tonne) 3707 4114 4100 4000 4000

Source: RHB


Recommendation Chart

Price Chart

Chart showing price history from Jul-20 to Jan-25 with various recommendation points.

Source: RHB, Bloomberg

Date Recommendation Target Price Price
2025-05-23 Neutral 3.65 3.98
2025-05-18 Neutral 3.80 3.97
2025-02-26 Neutral 3.90 3.80
2024-11-25 Neutral 4.50 4.31
2024-11-11 Neutral 4.40 4.54
2024-08-27 Neutral 3.60 3.86
2024-08-12 Neutral 3.65 3.85
2024-05-28 Neutral 3.55 3.99
2024-05-03 Neutral 3.95 4.09
2024-02-29 Buy 4.15 3.65
2023-11-28 Buy 4.00 3.51
2023-11-20 Buy 4.10 3.53
2023-08-31 Buy 4.10 3.63
2023-07-23 Buy 4.20 3.57
2023-06-29 Neutral 2.95 3.28

Source: RHB, Bloomberg


RHB Guide to Investment Ratings

Buy: Share price may exceed 10% over the next 12 months

Trading Buy: Share price may exceed 15% over the next 3 months, however longer-term outlook remains uncertain

Neutral: Share price may fall within the range of +/- 10% over the next 12 months

Take Profit: Target price has been attained. Look to accumulate at lower levels

Sell: Share price may fall by more than 10% over the next 12 months

Not Rated: Stock is not within regular research coverage

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Malaysia

This report is issued and distributed in Malaysia by RHB Investment Bank Berhad (“RHBIB”). The views and opinions in this report are our own as of the date hereof and is subject to change. If the Financial Services and Markets Act of the United Kingdom or the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority apply to a recipient, our obligations owed to such recipient therein are unaffected. RHBIB has no obligation to update its opinion or the information in this report.

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DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Analyst Certification

The analyst(s) who prepared this report, and their associates hereby, certify that: (1) they do not have any financial interest in the securities or other capital market products of the subject companies mentioned in this report, except for: … (2) no part of his or her compensation was, is or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.


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