Timber firms may gain from Japan quake

Malaysian timber companies are likely to benefit from a surge in demand from Japan as the country rebuilds after last week’s earthquake and tsunami, RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd said in a report today.

WTK Holdings Bhd and Ta Ann Holdings Bhd may gain the most as both companies mainly focus on the Japanese market, RHB analyst Toh Woo Kim wrote in the report. Jaya Tiasa Holdings Bhd may also see increased demand, said Toh, maintaining an “overweight” rating on the sector. -— Bloomberg