Orbis efficiently & strategically accumulating. Now holding 14.5%. So what are their motivations? Obviously the dividend yield of ~12% is attractive - though whether that will be sustained longer-term is questionable. A seat at the Westpac-dominated table? OR Building a strategic stake in anticipation of a tilt at control? A cheeky attempt to snare HDF for their own? Positioning for a resumption of the acquisitive overtures of KKR (deep-pocketed private equity)/TCW (ie Societe Generale offshoot). These were apparently rebuffed by the RE. But have they exited the scene? Given their purchasing power & M&A history it is doubtful. Or maybe they forsee the attractiveness of the Epic assets...in particular...for other Energy sector players. Origin is an obvious candidate; but others could be in the wings. Eitherway Orbis activity may provide a catalyst to increased focus on HDF; & hopefully for the small, non-Westpac aligned shareholders, the means by which the parasitical external management structure can be disposed of and the true value of the Epic assets can be developed & realised. Raving
HDF Price at posting:
98.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held