Fording Hits New Highs

Article Excerpt

FORDING CANADIAN COAL TRUST $55.20 (Toronto symbol FDG.UN; SI Rating: Average) continues to hit all-time highs, despite a recent 5.7% cut in its quarterly distribution, to $0.50 from $0.53 a unit. The new implied annual rate of $2.00 gives the units a yield of 3.6%. Growing demand for steel in China should lead to higher coal prices in the coal year that started April 1, 2008. Flooding at coal mines in Australia will also cut supply and drive up prices. Fording’s main asset is the Elk Valley coal project in British Columbia. Teck Cominco owns 40% of Elk Valley, and operates it. Teck also owns 19.95% of Fording’s units. Fording is currently exploring strategic alternatives to enhance its value, including a possible sale of Elk Valley or the entire trust. Teck has a right of first refusal over any sale of Fording’s Elk Valley stake. The chance of a takeover has also pushed up Fording’s unit price. Fording faces rising labour, fuel and other…