CGS-CIMB Research analyst Ngo Siew Teng said the deal would further strengthen LBS Bina’s development portfolio, given the lands’ strategic location near Genting Highlands.
PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina Group Bhd
’s acquisition of 309.95 acres of land in Bentong, Pahang is seen as a positive move for the property developer and transacted at a fair purchase cost.
CGS-CIMB Research analyst Ngo Siew Teng said the deal would further strengthen LBS Bina’s development portfolio, given the lands’ strategic location near Genting Highlands.
On July 22, LBS Bina announced that its subsidiary Casa Inspirasi Sdn Bhd was acquiring two parcels of leasehold land, measuring 309.95 acres for RM97.85mil from Perbadanan Setiausaha Kerajaan Pahang.
The land is strategically located within the vicinity of landmarks, namely Genting Highlands, Genting Premium Outlet, Awana Genting Golf Course and Gohtong Jaya.
It is also close to LBS Bina’s Midhills serviced apartment and its flagship Scapes Hotel.
“This (purchase price of RM97.85mil) translates into an acquisition cost of about RM7.25 per square foot, which is fair, in our view, as the acquisition costs of similar transactions are in the range of RM5 to RM8 per sq ft.
“The land is zoned for residential, tourism and commercial development, under leasehold titles of 99 years, expiring on March 12, 2119,” she said in a note issued yesterday.
LBS Bina estimates that the land has a gross development value (GDV) of about RM9bil, translating into a low land cost-to-GDV ratio of 1%, below the industry’s normal threshold of 20%.
The group aims to develop the land into mixed developments comprising residential (serviced apartments, terrace houses), tourism activities and amenities such as schools and a hospital, subject to relevant authorities’ approvals.
LBS Bina plans to fund the land deal via internally generated funds or borrowings.
“We estimate that its net gearing ratio could increase by six percentage points from 60% as at end-March 2022, after factoring in the land acquisition,” said Ngo.
Looking ahead, he said LBS Bina is poised to benefit from the government’s focus on affordable housing as the majority of its products are priced below RM500,000 per unit.
“Key downside risks are a deterioration in property market sentiment and lower-than-expected sales,” she said.
CGS-CIMB Research has lowered its target price for LBS Bina to 51 sen from 64 sen previously, following a lower valuation or price-to-book value (P/BV) ratio of 0.56 times for the financial year 2023.
The reduced valuation was to reflect concerns over weaker market sentiment, arising from higher construction costs, interest rate hikes and inflation.
“We use a five-year mean P/BV to reflect the trading range pre- and post lockdowns following business normalisation.
“Retain “add” given the potential value arising from its development at Zhuhai International Circuit and improving balance sheet,” said Ngo.
