Return prospects for Five Star investors poor

Debenture holders in Five Star Consumer Finance are only likely to get between 26% and 40% of their investment back.

Thursday, 4 October 2007

Their preliminary review indicates that secured debenture investors are estimated to recover between 26c and 40c of every dollar invested.

In terms of timing, investors will be paid out over time as loans are recovered. The first of these payments is unlikely to be made before December.

Agnew said the receivers were "mindful" of the estimated recovery range for investors but emphasised considerable uncertainties existed in relation to the recoverability of several loans to commercial customers in particular.

Agnew said some of the assets of the companies were likely to deliver very low recoveries, but others were in a much better position and were likely to realise much stronger returns.

Agnew said certain matters would be referred to the "appropriate government authorities" for investigation.

Five Star's loan book essentially comprises a commercial loan book and a number of consumer loan books. In total, Five Star has 11,194 loans with a book value of $65.52m. All loans, except one, have been made to New Zealand based clients.

Five Star provided 72 commercial loans to private individuals and entities in New Zealand and one in Australia. Agnew said there were a number of high value, complex loans which appear to be "outside normal commercial lending practices". He said the receivers are seeking further information and that further investigation was required.

The loans to consumer customers were generally secured. Agnew said the receivers' view was that selling these parts of the loan book would probably lead to the best result for investors.

As at the date of receivership, Five Star had advances of $7.457m to inter-group companies outside of those in receivership. Agnew said the receivers' initial view was that substantial recoveries were unlikely to be made from these loans.

Agnew said the receivers' view is that Five Star's provision for doubtful debts as at the date of receivership was "significantly understated". The preliminary estimated recovery range reflected the large increase in provisions for doubtful debts required in the commercial loans and inter-group advances.

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