Takeover Possibility Adds to Its Appeal

Article Excerpt

FORDING CANADIAN COAL TRUST $37 (Toronto symbol FDG.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Units outstanding: 147.9 million; Market cap: $5.5 billion; SI Rating: Average) is a major producer of metallurgical coal, a key ingredient in steelmaking. Its proven reserves should last 25 years. With further development, Fording’s reserves could last 100 years. Fording’s main asset is its 60% interest in the Elk Valley Coal Partnership, which operates six coal mines in British Columbia. Teck Cominco Ltd. owns the other 40% of Elk Valley, and operates the mines. Teck also owns 19.95% of Fording’s units, which gives it a 52% economic interest in Elk Valley. Aims to unlock more of its value Fording is now exploring strategic alternatives to enhance unitholder value, including the sale of its Elk Valley stake or the entire trust. Teck has a right of first refusal over any sale of Fording’s Elk Valley interest. However, a deal to sell Fording itself would not trigger this right. Fording’s revenue rose from…