KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 27): Sabah-based fast food operator and energy outfit Borneo Oil Bhd has proposed a 1-for-6 renounceable rights issue of up to 2.374 billion shares at an indicative issue price of 10 sen per share, together with 1-for-2 free detachable warrants (warrants C) of up to 1.187 billion warrants, at an entitlement date to be determined later.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia this evening, Borneo oil said it intend to raise a minimum gross proceeds of RM223.39 million, the bulk of which will be channeled into the exploration of gold and limestone mining activities, working capital for fast food operations, future investments and repayment of bank borrowings.
Borneo Oil said its substantial shareholders – Victoria Ltd (25.48%) and Hap Seng Insurance Services Sdn Bhd (16.72%) have pledged to subscribe in full for their respective entitlements, while the public portion of the right Issue will be underwritten by RHB Investment Bank Bhd.
The issuance of the rights issue and free warrants are expected to enlarge Borneo Oil’s issued capital to 3.956 billion shares from 372.319 million shares currently.
Borneo Oil is the exclusive sub-contractor for the exploration and mining of alluvial and lode gold in three districts in Pahang — Mukim Batu Yon, Lipis; Hutan Simpan Hulu Jelai, Lipis; and Hutan Simpan Bukit Ibam, Rompin — covering a total of 1,565.1ha.
The group also operates a 389.743-acre limestone mining operation in Ulu Segama, Lahad Datu, Sabah.
“In the longer term, the company harbours ambitions to become a major player in the gold mining industry domestically and regionally, with the ultimate objective of constantly expanding and strengthening its business base in order to always maximise returns for loyal shareholders.
“The board of directors is confident that, with the addition of the gold mining business starting to come to fruition, these positive developments augur well for the financial performance of Borneo Oil in both the foreseeable and long-term future,” Borneo Oil said in a media statement, adding that it expects to complete the transaction by the third quarter of this year (3Q15).
The indicative issue price of 10 sen per rights share represents a discount of approximately 41.11% to its theoretical ex-price of 16.98 sen per share, which was based on the five-day weighted average market price of 79.8 sen that was calculated up to April 21, 2015.
“For illustrative purpose only, the gross proceeds that is expected to be raised upon full exercise of the warrants C based on the indicative exercise price of 10 sen per share is approximately RM111.70 million under the minimum scenario and approximately RM118.69 million under the maximum scenario,” the group said.
Borneo Oil added that the gross proceeds to be raised from the exercise of the warrants C will be used as additional working capital.
Borneo Oil (fundamental: 1.65; valuation: 0.5) has appointed RHB Investment Bank Bhd as its adviser for the corporate exercise.
The stock ended 0.65% higher at 78 sen, with 1.414 million shares traded, for a market capitalisation of RM286.76 million.
(Note: The Edge Research's fundamental score reflects a company's profitability and balance sheet strength, calculated based on historical numbers. The valuation score determines if a stock is attractively valued or not, also based on historical numbers. A score of 3 suggests strong fundamentals and attractive valuations)