Great Eastern Holdings (GEH) has reached a new all-time high in its share price. Closing at $15.73 on September 16, this valuation exceeds the theoretical exit offer that Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) would have made had the delisting vote succeeded, and represents a $5.86 premium over the $25.60 (pre-bonus issue) price offered to GEH minority shareholders in the previous year.
Given that GEH operates as a consolidated entity within OCBC, fluctuations in its share price are unlikely to significantly affect overall valuations. For OCBC investors, the critical metric remains GEH's contribution to OCBC's net profit. However, the Wong family and other minority stakeholders, including hedge fund Palliser, have seen their wealth increase substantially.
In Malaysia, Sungei Bagan Rubber Company maintains a position of 4.765 million shares based on GEH's 2024 annual report. Following the 1-for-1 bonus issue implemented as part of the relisting initiative, Sungei Bagan's holdings are expected to double to 9.53 million shares. These holdings qualify for GEH's complete first-half fiscal year 2025 dividend distribution, providing the Malaysian company with an additional $2.383 million.
Despite the volatile nature of daily market prices, Sungei Bagan has achieved a net gain of 42 cents per share in net asset value, equivalent to RM1.38 excluding dividend payments, as of September 16.
With Sungei Bagan's net asset value per share standing at RM11.37 as of June 30 and closing at RM5.82 on September 16, GEH's price appreciation has reduced Sungei Bagan's theoretical price-to-net asset value ratio to 0.45x on a temporary basis. However, this impact may dissipate by September 17 or could become more significant, reflecting the inherent volatility of stock market valuations.