Brief Australia: Nutrien’s Move On Ruralco Makes Agronomic Sense and more

In this briefing:

1. Nutrien’s Move On Ruralco Makes Agronomic Sense
2. Pressure on the RBA Mounts

1. Nutrien’s Move On Ruralco Makes Agronomic Sense

Ruralco Holdings (RHL AU) has announced it has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed in which Nutrien Ltd (NTR CN) has agreed to take Ruralco private at $4.40/share – a 44% premium to last close and the one-month VWAP. The Offer values Ruralco at A$469mn and an enterprise value of $615mn.

A fully franked special dividend of A$0.90 will reduce the Scheme consideration. An interim dividend of A$0.10 will be added.

The Scheme is subject to shareholder approval, and approval from the ACCC and FIRB. Previous commentary bv ACCC’s Rod Sims would indicate this regulatory approval will not be an issue.

Ruralco’s directors unanimously recommend the Offer in the absence of a superior proposal and a favourable independent expert opinion.

Concerning shareholder reception to the Scheme, Ruralco’s CEO Travis Dillon said “The feedback we’ve had … with all stakeholders, but including our shareholders (has been) overwhelmingly positive.“

This is a pretty clean deal and the gross/annualised spread of 1.4%/4.1%, assuming late June completion, reflects this.

A counter offer from Elders Ltd (ELD AU) cannot be ruled out. But given its comparative size, Nutrien would be the likely winner in such a scrap, potentially reducing the likelihood of Elders making an offer.

2. Pressure on the RBA Mounts

The pressure is building on the RBA to cut rates as the construction data proves much weaker than expected in the second half of 2018; pointing to sub-trend GDP growth over the year ahead.  The RBA may cling to their outlook for stable rates, for the time being, citing recent strength in the labour market, and hopes of a rebound in infrastructure spending. But they will feel the heat as market commentators bay for their blood if the economy continues to struggle through the year.  The relatively weak AUD appears to be reflecting the heightened concern over the weak housing market, but it remains difficult to short, considering the potential for a US-China trade deal, Chinese policy stimulus, rising confidence that the UK will avoid a cliff-edge hard Brexit, dovish noises from the Fed, and stronger commodity prices and global risk appetite.