Archived article
Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.
magazineIbstock out in the cold on weather-related weakness
Ibstock (IBST) 281p
Loss to date: -6%
Original entry price: Buy at 299.4p, 10 May 2018
A downbeat trading update from brick manufacturer Ibstock (IBST) means our positive call on the company is off to a shaky start.
Ahead of its AGM on 24 May the company reported that it got off to a slow start in 2018 thanks, for the most part, to what it describes as an ‘extended winter season’. This tallied with reports from at least some of the names in the housebuilding sector. The net result, with higher energy prices also a factor, is a second half weighting to its 2018 numbers.
Although trading has improved, this creates a risk of missing earnings expectations if the shortfall cannot be made up.
More positively, the company also confirmed that the commissioning of its new factory in Leicester is on track. Irish stockbroker Davy says: ‘The tone of Ibstock’s trading update is subdued after a slower-than-expected start to the year (largely weather related).
‘No financial figures have been disclosed but despite the slow start another year of progress is anticipated, albeit H2 weighted. Our initial sense is that there will be little change to full year forecasts, although the weighting towards the second half introduces some possible downside risk.’
Important information:
These articles are provided by Shares magazine which is published by AJ Bell Media, a part of AJ Bell. Shares is not written by AJ Bell.
Shares is provided for your general information and use and is not a personal recommendation to invest. It is not intended to be relied upon by you in making or not making any investment decisions. The investments referred to in these articles will not be suitable for all investors. If in doubt please seek appropriate independent financial advice.
Investors acting on the information in these articles do so at their own risk and AJ Bell Media and its staff do not accept liability for losses suffered by investors as a result of their investment decisions.
