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
- CPO price increase;
- Growth in FFB processing capacity coming from its new oil mill;
- Increase in log export volumes.
Key risks
- CPO price movement;
- Weather risks;
- 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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