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Even a few of our detractors have now come around
In May I noted on ‘fast-moving consumer products’ company Supreme plc (SUP) that it stated that it “continues to trade well and looks forward to updating the market further at the announcement of its year end results in July”, but that I noted clear challenges and, at a 135p share price, I continued to avoid. Today that results announcement.
Almost every week J Sainsbury (SBRY) makes a food delivery to our home. It is probably not the cheapest nor the highest quality supplier, but it is proximate, reliable and - in my opinion - an above average player. Spot my aspirational middle-class background! I cannot remember the last time I have held shares in the company though, and that’s been a good year-to-date call. Despite offering a 5% dividend yield, the shares are down over 20% so far in 2022. Is it time to buy or keep on avoiding after numbers today?
Hello Share Wallowers. The old punter has drawn your wise attention to copper in a few fairly recent articles. The fact is that it’s used widely in the production of electricity. And it’s useful in both dirty ways of producing power and in the green revolution. Its conductive powers are going to be in increasing demand. Which leads me to Antofagasta (ANTO), which owns several copper mines in South America.
Packaging company DS Smith (SMDS) has announced results for its year ended 30th April 2022, with it emphasising “a strong improvement in profitability and high cash generation… The new financial year has started well, building on the momentum”. This sounds good.
Hello, Share Splashers. I think you might consider whether to buy shares in City of London Investment Group (CLIG). Why might this be a good idea?
Back in April I called the Imperial Leather, Cussons Baby, Cussons Kids, Carex, Original Source, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez seller PZ Cussons (PZC) a “bad day buy” below a 200 pence share price. I think we might have had a few of those year-to-date. But if you have bought some shares - like me - then you certainly have not made a fortune (yet) as the shares are basically 200p this morning. Still, it could be a lot worse…
B.P. Marsh & Partners (BPM), the specialist investor in early stage financial services businesses, has announced results for its year ended 31st January 2022, emphasising its growth trajectory despite the current “headwinds for all businesses”.
Hello Share Mashers. My favourite housebuilder Berkeley Group (BKG) has released some chirpy full-year figures. The group’s house sales were well up on last time, though selling prices and costs ate into earnings. Never mind, profit before tax still rose 6.4% to £551.5 million. And as long as profits keep on rising, despite all the headwinds blowing around these days, share kickers like us should be happy.
I previously wrote about DS Smith (SMDS) back in late April when I was a fan of the “leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services worldwide”, but the shares have fallen back a bit since. So how do I feel about the company now following the publication of its full-year 2021/22 numbers?
Any disruption to production is obviously a big issue for oil producers, and even more so when a company only has a small number of operations and it causes a significant impact on output.
Online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) has made announcements today which have currently sparked the shares more than 20% higher to 475p. So what’s the news?...
Writing on electrical components and control equipment group Dewhurst (DWHT) at the start of this month, I noted delayed report of “cyber incident”, impact far from minimal. So what of now half-year results?...
Hello Share Twiddlers. Reckitt Benckiser (RKT) makes very well-known hygiene products. And during and after Covid there’s more demand for this kind of thing. Among its well-known brands are Lysol and Dettol. The names conjure up in the mind heavy duty attacks on germs. During the hard times we’re encountering at the moment, folks are often tempted to buy cheaper supermarket own makes but such is the strength of Reckitt’s brands this issue doesn't seem to apply to it.
Jadestone Energy (JSE) has announced results for the 2021 calendar year and that it still expects 2022 average production to increase to 15,500-18,500 boe/d. So what of a share price slipping to 101p in response?
Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has issued a trading and dividend update ahead of results for its year ended 30th April 2022, helping its shares further higher to 17.5p.
Hello Share Mates. This week I’ve reviewed Shell (SHEL) and Tullow (TLW) in the oil game. Today let’s take a gander at another likely contender to continue growing its share price: the mighty BP (BP.).
Back in November 2020 I noted about Workspace Group (WKP), the “leading provider of flexible space for London’s brightest businesses”, that it was “fortunate it does not have the huge legacy debts of many of its commercial property peers, so it will survive…but the structural headwinds are still most clearly there: fewer clients wanting more discounts”. The shares have gone a bit up and a bit down since then but, despite being up about 1% this morning to a 732p share price after full year numbers, they are basically unchanged over the last nineteen months or so. In short no disaster…but what should investors think now?
Previously writing on optical components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH), in February with the shares at 1045p I concluded that previously noted forecast earnings per share approaching 42p this year, up from 41p delivered last year, suggested, at best, little room for any disappointment and a risk/reward avoid. So what of half-year results today, and the shares currently at 900p?...
At the peak of a raging bull market ADVFN (AFN) managed an almost unique event in its history, it reported a profit. Facing a "sack the board" threat from Yair Tauman it recklessly started paying dividends. Now, as we slip into a bear market and with Yair’s nominees in charge we see how that payout was foolish and unsustainable as a ghastly warning of steep losses and worrying cashburn is served up.
Miner in Azerbaijan, Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) states that it “is pleased to announce its final audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021”. However, the shares are down to 85p to buy in response.
Back in November I observed that below a 300p share price it might be worth having a look at Kingfisher (KGF). Thanks to the market volatility of the last three months we have been at that level, but there have been other stocks I have been more interested in. So what do I think after today’s first quarter trading update?
Back in November last year I wondered if I was going to choose Royal Mail (RMG) as a new buy for 2022. But when it got the end of December the share price had risen from about 430p to approximately 520p and hence I was happy to keep on ignoring it. So why did Royal Mail shares react badly to its numbers last week, meaning their year-to-date fall is now nearly 40%? It is a good job then that I decided to ignore the share late last year…but is it a potential buy now?
I am a bit of a fan of DCC plc (DCC), the “leading international sales, marketing and support services group with a clear focus on performance and growth…operate through three divisions: Energy, Healthcare and Technology”. Back in late December I called it one of my tips of the year for 2022. So how is it getting on?
Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its half year ended 31st March 2022 emphasising “stabilisation of our core combustible business” and “successful consumer trials validate our approach and strengthen our confidence in our Next Generation Product strategy”. This sounds encouraging.
Hello Share Marchers. Though it seemed likely it would rise, the share price of BT Group (BT.A) continues to underwhelm. You would think all those home worker signing up to its powerful broadband would send its income soaring. But latest number shows underlying revenue of £20.8 billion. That sounds a lot but it was 2% down, though underlying EBITDA inched up by 2% to £7.6 billion.
Hello Share Riders. Regular readers will know this old punter favours REIT companies. These are outfits committed to paying over most of their profits to shareholders by way of dividends. Today’s offering deals in buildings in the Smoke and home counties. It’s called Capital & Counties Properties (CAPC), known as Capco.
Hello Share Fans. There’s growing support in the City for a big utility. That company is SSE plc (SSE). And the reason for the optimism is that it seems more interested in alternative energy than most other gas and electricity suppliers.
Previously writing on Concurrent Technologies (CNC), in January with the shares at 88p I concluded cautiously. The shares last closed at 87p but are currently below 80p on the back of full-year 2021 results.
Previously writing on ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON), in February with the shares at 80p I noted it’s further margin pressure ahoy and continue to avoid. The shares last closed at 90p but, on the back of results for its half-year ended 31st March 2022, are currently down to 75p.
Hello Share Pickers. When uncertainty stalks the world’s economies, it often pays to seek out promising insurance companies. They can thrive on nervousness as more people turn to their protective policies. One lesser known, but still substantial, company to consider is Beazley (BEZ). It recently issued a trading statement for the three months to the end of March. And it’s rather a jolly one.
You can invest in many different sectors apart from equities, bonds and cash. For myself I like having some gold exposure too, but you can also have (I guess) bitcoin or hedge funds, a second or third home, artwork, green investment angles or infrastructure exposure. The latter is worthy and reasonable but, let’s face it, a bit boring. Nevertheless I am sure a few of you are big fans of 3i Infrastructure (3IN) with its (oh so excitable) aim to “invest responsibly in infrastructure, delivering long-term sustainable returns to shareholders and having a positive impact on our portfolio companies and their stakeholders”...
Hello Share Seekers. Tom and Steve from the N50 team recommend we buy BP (BP.) shares on the back of its recent results. As usual, they rightly look at value before offering this tip. And their case here, with among other factors its dividend and reduction of debt, is strong enough. And when also taking future prospects into account, the case for collecting more BP shares looks stronger than ever.
It isn’t really surprising that any companies operating in the region where the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine is going on have taken a big hit to their share price since it all kicked off, but that can also present opportunities as long as you are prepared to take on the risks associated with that.
BP (BP.) has announced a first quarter of the year $20.4 billion loss... though also reduced net debt to $27.5 billion, a maintained 5.46 cents per share dividend and a proposed further $2.5 billion share buyback. So what’s going on?
Hello Share Cheerers. A company in the brick trade I've commended before is flying higher than expected. Ibstock (IBST) makes bricks and other building blocks. And you would anticipate success in this continuing bull market for houses and flats.
Centamin (CEY) has announced a quarterly update including “as planned, Q1 2022 production reflected the successful transition to owner mining in the underground… reiterates its 2022 full-year guidance”, so what of a share price response currently down closer to 90p?
Shares in Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO) remain below levels of earlier this year despite recent results showing encouraging recovery and noting an encouraging start to this year, with there looking to be scope for further recovery in profitability and for the share price.
Fully-listed Gold miner in Egypt, Centamin (CEY), offered up its Q1 report this morning and whilst there were a few corners to celebrate, there was bad news – at least temporarily – for shareholders as the company reported cashflow of MINUS $21.4 million on reduced sales as the business model changed to owner-mining and much-increased costs. As I write, the shares are down 7% on the news at 90p, capitalising the company at £1.05 billion. But are things as bad as they seem?
Hello Share Tempters. There are two very big British pharmas you could invest in. A long time ago I chose GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), rather than AstraZeneca (AZN). I sometimes regret that choice as AstraZeneca seems to have been the more dynamic company, including with a Covid vaccine for example. But I would not swap holdings now, as I think things are happening at GSK that could improve its share price.
Hello Share Changers. National Grid (NG.) doesn't get much coverage by financial journalists. That’s because it’s an old reliable that continues to do what it’s always done. But if you want a bit of stability in your portfolio, while you launch more speculative punts elsewhere, then it could be a sensible share to hold. And these days, the capacity for the grid to grow its share price looks strong.
The share price of 888 Holdings (888) has remained pretty weak during the completion of its acquisition of William Hill, and as a result of revenue in the final quarter of 2021 showing a substantial fall.
It is about eight hundred days since I last wrote about Dunelm Group (DNLM), “the UK's leading homewares retailer”. Back in mid-February 2020 I observed that “I am still not shopping there let alone buying the shares (1000p round number new support level?)”, which is kind of fascinating as the share price today is close to being at the aforementioned 1000p share price level. So what is going on?
It might be a couple of days before Good Friday but there is a lot going on in global markets. After all yesterday American consumer price index numbers were at a 41 year high, whilst today’s equivalent numbers in the UK were ‘only’ at a 30 year high. Of course, this is a big worry for many people but - as anyone who has been working for 20 plus years knows very well - you should never ignore the threat of inflation (unless you anticipate negligible economic growth for the rest of the 2020s). And all this chat brings me onto numbers from Tesco (TSCO) this morning which have helped push its shares down 5%…
Equipment rental company Vp plc (VP.) has issued a trading update announcement which is headlined “Expected performance ahead of expectations driven by increased demand”. This sounds good.
Previously writing on cosmetics company Warpaint London (W7L), in June with the shares at 163.5p I concluded cautiously as the valuation already looked to factor in some clear earnings upside. The shares last closed at 124.5p, though are currently back up above 140p on the back of a trading update.
The performance of CMC Markets (CMCX) has been pretty disappointing in recent times, but now there are some signs of its financial performance improving and a potential demerging of the business on the horizon.
Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced in a trading update “first-half adjusted group operating profit ahead of last year on constant currency basis” and full-year outlook in line with guidance.
For a non-smoker it is a bit of a surprise that I am such a fanboy of Imperial Brands (IMB) shares. So what about today’s pre-close trading update?
Hello, Share Chirpers. Share brokers do well in times of uncertainty. When there’s big volatility, folks like us do more trading. And brokers don’t care whether we sell or buy as long as some dealing is going on. We’ve had a lot of uncertainty for more than two years now. And so there seems to me a possibility that my favourite broker will be making bigger profits than usual.
Six months ago Malcolm wrote about Michelmersh Brick Holdings (MBH) that “This Brick Maker Makes Hay While the House Boom Shines”. He is absolutely correct at many levels as today’s FY21 results are headed by the observation of “strong performance surpassing record adjusted 2019 financial year and positive momentum into FY22”. So why are its shares down over 13% during the last six months?
Central Asia Metals (CAML) is one of those companies which I think is consistently undervalued by the market, and although it carries some degree of geo-political risk, I believe that too large a discount is applied for that.
I am sure many of you have shopped at a Next (NXT) store, from one of its catalogues or online over the years. Next may not be super-fashionable or super-cheap but it is super solid, hence why over the last five years the shares have not embarrassed themselves like M&S (MKS), boohoo (BOO) or Debenhams have. But I need to have a think about Next shares because since I last wrote about the company in early January the stock is down over 20%. So whilst I did title my article ten weeks ago “Good job Next, but your positive Christmas trading is factored in”, is the share price now cheap?
Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced an update on its actions and impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concluding on Russia “an orderly transfer of our business as a going concern would be in the best interests… have begun negotiations with a local third party about a transfer”.
Building services company TClarke (CTO) has announced 2021 results and that it is “winning a wide range of work” across its chosen market sectors, clearly reflected in the strength of its order book.
Well, I look a right Charlie. Having spent the last 18 months trying to restore the investment case for fully-listed Egyptian Gold miner Centamin (CEY), the board now intends to chop the payout and the shares have tanked. What to do?
Europe’s leading floorcoverings distributor group Headlam Group (HEAD) has announced its results for the 2021 calendar year and said “trading in January and February 2022 in line with plan, with the strong margin performance in 2021 maintained into 2022”.
Capricorn Energy (CNE) has seen its share price weaken since it announced a tender offer as opposed to a special dividend, which many investors had been expecting, but remains one to hold.
Regular readers may recall what I said about Phoenix Group Holdings plc (PHNX), “one of the largest providers of insurance services in the United Kingdom” last August, when I observed that it was smarter to watch “a Phoenix Nights DVD rather than (own) Phonenix Group shares”. If you haven’t ever watched the comedy series from about twenty years ago, then my view remains that you really should. But what about shares in the latter which had its full year numbers today?
Hello Share Punchers. House building seems to me a promising sector and my favourite member of the group continues to be Berkeley (BKG). The future looks bright with underlying sales reservations slightly better than before the virus.
Have you enjoyed the last week in the financial markets? It certainly has been volatile but such is life in the stock market world and – as I have observed before – if you see volatility as more of a threat than an opportunity, get somebody else to manage your investment portfolio as it will make you a lot less stressed and a lot wealthier. Meanwhile for us obsessed with the world of the financial markets the key always remains how you react. And that brings me this morning to the just announced FY21 numbers of SIG (SHI).
Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI) has made an update with the disposal of the Tasman drilling equipment and services division now substantially complete. So what of a share price rise to a current 167.5p?…
Hello Share Runners. One of the biggest Footsie fallers because of the war is one of my financial favourites. Legal & General (LGEN) has dropped rather a lot. Before the invasion it was not far short of 300p. As the tanks rolled it has dropped to below 250p. Yet, this could be one of the fastest shares to recover in the usual rally that seems to come a month or so after a new war breaks out.
I am sure many people have almost given up on picking stocks and related investment efforts but as I noted here on Sunday if you are not being greedy about looking for investment opportunities when the global markets are fearful, then let an investment company mention your pension and go to bed. As for individual stocks though, there are plenty of interesting things happening today…
PGMs tailings materials retreatment company in South Africa Sylvania Platinum (SLP) has announced results for its half-year ended 31st December 2021, noting a net profit of $24.4 million, “cash balance at 31 December 2021 of $110.1 million (HY1 FY2021: $67.1 million)” and that it is expecting second half-year PGM ounce production improvement.
Packaging group Macfarlane (MACF) has announced results for the 2021 calendar year and that 2022 trading in the early months has been “encouraging” and that it is confident it will deliver further growth.
Tharisa plc (THS) has announced agreements with “BEE shareholders Thari Resources owning 20% and The Tharisa Community Trust owning 6%” to acquire their interests to make a wholly owned subsidiary. What now, with the shares having responded up to 144p to buy?
Earlier this month HERE, I observed that the ‘Methodist Church threatens to pull stake from Rio Tinto (RIO) over damning sexual harassment report’. I am not sure if its investment committee listened to the mining sector giant’s conference call earlier today but – if it did – it will be pleased with the huge amounts of ESG mentions in the first few minutes of the call. Most investors though will be more excited by the news of ‘record financial results and total dividend of 1,040 US cents per share for 2021, a 79% payout’, equivalent to over a 10% dividend yield. Whilst some of this was a special dividend reflecting remarkable metals sector prices during 2021, how should investors feel now about the FTSE-100 giant with a market cap of just shy of £94 billion?
A busy geopolitical Tuesday on the markets, but a far from impossible day for anybody (being very boring) and holding a massive FTSE 100 position. A busy UK earnings day too and, whilst I was amused listening to the thoughts of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) CEO earlier, its shares are back above the 50 quid level (as seen – but not maintained – in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and now 2022). Still, I am looking forward to staying at a Regent Hotels and Resorts location (if the lottery win ever comes through). Whilst I wait for this, my thoughts turn again to the company which says it aims ‘to give you all the tools, information and support you need to make the most of your money’, Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.). I am sure many folks stuffed into Woodford funds by Hargreaces as Hargreaves itself sold down its managed fund holdings in the same Woodford funds might not agree with that boast!
Hello Share Takers. One of the safer ways to buy shares is to make a choice that depends on the success of a wide range of companies. And if you’re worried about the longer term effects of Covid on the British market, then there’s a case for buying into an investment group that invests in far-flung places. But you need to choose a venture that really moves with the times.
On 13th January a trading statement from ‘cake, bread and morning goods’ manufacturer Finsbury Food Group (FIF) emphasised “a robust H1 performance”, with sales growth to £166.5 million and that, though it “has faced persistent pressure from input cost inflation, staff shortages and other supply chain disruptions… it has been able to successfully mitigate the impact of these pressures to date”. The shares closed then at 98p and last closed at 88.5p… and are currently further lower on the back of the half-year results. What’s the story?…
Is it time for me to sell my (extremely small) NatWest Group (NWG) shareholding? The last time I wrote about the stock in August 2020 with the mad world of stimulus and ultra-low interest rates – and despite the government’s still 60%+ shareholding in NatWest then - I thought the sector was cheap. Since then the shares have approximately doubled to their current just shy of 235p level. So time to sell the NatWest holding or not?
There was good news this morning for shareholders in AIM-listed Ariana Resources (AAU) as it confirmed dates for the second tranche of its special dividend. As a loyal shareholder, I am looking forward to topping up my supplies of Ouzo o the proceeds.
Hello Share Breakers. Recently, I suggested Primary Health Properties (PHP) was worth a look. Well, the full year results are out and show that underlying net profit improved by 13.8% to £83 million. The company has delivered reliable growth for the last 25 years and with the increasing demand for health services, it’s easy to see how profits will continue the upward path.
Last October I observed that Reckitt Benckiser (RKT) ‘without working hard offers the scope for a £60-70 share price plus picking up a dividend’. In short a holding in the ‘home to the world’s best loved and trusted hygiene, health and nutrition brands’ group theoretically for FY22 is probably over ten times more interesting than government bonds or money in the bank. How many times a month do you – or someone in your household – use Finish, Dettol, Air Wick, Nurofen, Vanish, Harpic, Calgon or Durex products? My guess is more than once. So what about the shares today post the group’s full year numbers publication?
Another interesting week in the global investment markets. I was certainly very lucky to spend my first five years working in the City between 1996 and 2001 because a whole load of geopolitical, macro and corporate stuff happened during that period. I also visited Russia for the first time during that period. For another time are some insights on what you would have found back then if you were a hungry/thirsty driver on a ‘motorway’ stop in Siberia, but it did at least provide me with some useful PGM industry and related insights. I have always been a bit of a sector fan in any case, which brings me to BHP Group (BHP) numbers today…
BP plc (BP.) has announced fourth quarter and full year 2021 results and argues “strong progress” in its transformation to an ‘integrated energy company’.
Hello Share Spooners. One of my larger cap investments has been doing ok but not quite as well as I expected given the Footsie’s recent progress. A month or so ago Legal & General (LGEN) was tickling its all time highs around 315p. Today’s share price is around 280p. One reason is that insurance giants can no longer charge their old customers more than their new ones. You know, when your car insurance goes up every year while if you bought for the first time it would be cheaper.
For a non-smoker I undoubtedly do comment about the world’s leading tobacco names far too much. As an investor though there have been opportunities in the names over recent years, initially in terms of dividends but more recently via total return levels. It is certainly no disgrace to see Imperial Tobacco (IMB) shares up c. 10% year-to-date, whilst shares in British American Tobacco (BATS) are up nicely over 15%. Smoking! So where do us investors go from here on the names?
Back in December I observed that Johnson Matthey (JMAT) had fallen out of the FTSE 100 and “it might not be one of my top two tips for next year, but it probably makes the top five and that most certainly makes it a BUY”. Part of the rationale for doubling my shareholding in the 204 year old ‘multinational speciality chemicals and sustainable technologies company’ is that I bought during the early COVID-19 fear days at a share price of below 2000p. That worked well until – as mentioned late last year – there was a bit of share price volatility, ultimately taking the shares from above 30 quid a year ago to about an 18 quid share price now. I still think though there are many reasons for holding this share in 2022, and that brings us to today’s 31 page ‘Clean Air: delivering sustainable cashflow’ presentation by the company…
My views on the state of the economy as a result of Covid are well known – which is why I have piled a large chunk of my cash into Gold-related investments. And that brings me to this morning’s news from Great Portland Estates (GPE, formerly GPOR) of the FTSE250, which is apparently up a whopping 33% on a trading update. Is it too good to be true?
Hello Share Fans. There’s little doubt that companies which service the NHS should be able to benefit from more government spending on the medical world. Hospitals will have more funds and so will GP’s. And that’s jolly good news for a company I’ve mentioned before called Primary Health Properties (PHP).
It is going to be a busy week. Even beyond the world of US tech giants, there are loads of UK stocks reporting including Shell, BT Group (BT.A) and Vodafone (VOD), with the latter having a bunch of (overly) excitable new active investor chat. Who said the FTSE 100 was boring…(although for various reasons it has been a shabby performer for the last decade or so, but obviously what always really matters is tomorrow and not yesterday). Later in the week the Bank of England will be giving an update where a further interest rate increase is surely highly likely. And of course that makes the importance of corporate analysis even more important, which brings me today to Porvair (PRV).
Hello Share Collectors. This old punter has long thought the company that invents the everlasting battery would find overnight it had the fastest growing share of all time. But like the indestructible tyre, that’s probably not going to happen. Nevertheless, a company which specialises in longer-lasting giant batteries could be worth a look.
You should never mind a bit of hindsight from the 0.001% of people who did something a bit bonkers and made a fortune. I guess I should have theoretically invested a couple of thousand quid in bitcoin eight or ten years ago and would now look like a genius. Whilst I am sure there are a few people who have made themselves absolute fortunes this way, I reckon 99% of people who did buy a few bitcoin back then, probably did not make much money (even if they could log into their electronic link successfully). Famously I sold my ASOS (ASC) shares a gazillion years ago after doubling my money, which was not very smart from the perspective of where the shares ended up fifteen years or so later. I am still living and learning 26 years into my actual investment life. And that brings me back to Diageo (DGE) which had its latest numbers last Thursday…
I always find it hard to buy shares where I see fundamental good value and where I am intending to hold them as an actual investment rather than just a short term trade based on momentum.
Centamin (CEY) has announced “the final quarter delivered what was a highly successful 2021” and that it is now looking forward to delivering on a clear roadmap to growing and unlocking further value from the Sukari gold mine in Egypt and its exploration portfolio. The shares have responded up to 93.425p and look to have much further to go.
I see Emma Walmsley – the current (but surely not for much longer) CEO of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) – is very excited this morning, after the company announced hiring a new Chief Scientific Officer designate who will take the full job in August. I do agree with Emma that the appointment is positive and important, but I do wonder whether there will be also be a newly announced Glaxo CEO come August, irrespective of the company’s big intellectual and R&D push over the next few years. Even if Glaxo shares are back below 17 quid, you know my continuing positive thoughts as mentioned a few days ago HERE. Meanwhile, let’s talk about Burberry (BRBY).
The Edge Performance VCT reconvened AGM and General Meetings finally took place today, including the sack-the-board requisitioned meeting. The bottom line is that the Board survived and voting was heavy so it is hard to complain, even if the eventual votes went against the rebels. But…..
Of course I am excited to see GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) shares up nicely today. No surprise, akin to my comments here yesterday, that it has formally told Unilever (ULVR) where to go. Suffice to say there is going to a load of full year number updates from the two names on 9th February (GSK) and 10th February (Unilever), but today’s additional announcement by the former of ‘detailed financial information and future growth ambitions for the new Consumer Healthcare business at a virtual Capital Markets Day for investors and analysts on Monday 28th February 2022’, is really going to be worth a listen to. As noted in my update yesterday I am holding onto my GSK shares. Let’s talk about something else and I see Taylor Wimpey (TW.) is out with its ‘trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2021’ today.
Hello Share Placers. I sang the praises of Tesco (TSCO) recently. But I also rate the chances of Sainsbury (SBRY) improving its share price. Like Tesco, it did well before Christmas with trading better than expected by the City. My local store has had a few gaps on the shelves caused by the general transport supply problems, but it’s not too much to worry about as customers will find alternatives.
Hello Share Makers. Though I’m not sure why folks would regularly shop at Tesco (TSCO) when budget supermarkets can work out cheaper, I rather like the look of the shares. Over the last year, the company’s done rather well and I think the positive trend could continue. The supermarket was already ahead in online sales when the pandemic came along and so was in poll position to take advantage.
It was two years and three placings ago that Eurasia Mining (EUA) first predicted on social media that it was on the point of paying a dividend. Now, three and a bit months after a potential bidder completed its due diligence on a bid for nearly all its assets there has been no offer, as yet, so Eurasia needs another ruse to keep its moronic shareholders happy.
Describing itself as “a world leading specialist in high-end embedded computer products for critical applications” Concurrent Technologies (CNC) for 2021 “expects to report revenues and profitability slightly ahead of market expectations” and notes “a robust order book and an exciting pipeline of innovative product releases to grow our customer base and revenues in 2022 and beyond”. Sounds good, but what does it mean financially?…
Previously writing on ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON), last month with the shares at 109p I concluded that the numbers suggest the shares of potential interest but, ahead of the full-year results with the boardroom flux, only on the watchlist. Today the full-year results, and the shares currently down to 107.5p…
I have made and and I have lost money in Centrica (CNA) shares over the last twenty-five odd years. I guess – helped by the dividend flow – I am probably ahead over time, but it has only been a bit more interesting than keeping money in your bank (and let’s not even talk about the reality of underlying inflation over time for this). Unlike over thirty of its peers in the gas/electricity industry, it is highly unlikely to ever go bust though as at least it hedges its purchasing (and the benefit of being ‘British Gas’ for ever, is that you have seen almost all the possible historical challenges out there).
If I was even more of a sad sack than I actually am, I would find on the internet one of those ‘Currys…no worries’ adverts that used to try to convince you to buy some new tech, lounge or kitchen product. However, judging by today’s 10% fall in the Currys (CURY) share price, taking it back to the c. 110p level it was at a year ago, I would say ‘Currys…lots of worries’ would be more apt.
Previously writing on technology company to defence and related markets Cohort (CHRT), in September with the shares lower to 568p I concluded including also noted is that some delays have persisted – with the company noting some extended negotiations, restrictions impact and supply chain challenges… at this juncture, just on the watchlist. The shares last closed at 600p, but are currently lower towards 500p on the back of half-year results. So what’s the story now?…
Packaging company DS Smith (SMDS) has announced results for its half-year ended 31st October 2021 and that it has “confidence to deliver a significant improvement in profitability during the second half of this year” following an increased pre-tax profit to £175 million in the first half.
Hello, Share Gang. You’re probably aware that Primark clothing stores are normally chocker with customers. That’s probably because the gear is low cost and fashionable. Rather oddly, it is a business of Associated British Foods (ABF). And according to its latest numbers, the group is doing rather well.
I don’t think the 2020s is the 1970s mark two, but I really don’t think it will be the 2010s mark two either. And that suggests you are going to have to pick-and-choose more carefully during the 2020s. This is why, looking back to the 1970s, there are many relevant reasons why ‘gold’, ‘commodities’ and ‘value versus growth’ were the best performers across the decade then…and that should be the same against ‘bonds’ or ‘cash’ and ‘growth stocks’ by the time we get to the end of 2029. Anyhow, all of this brings me to the question of Anglo American (AAL), with its diamonds, copper, nickel, iron ore and metallurgical and thermal coal exposure.
Touch sensors manufacturing company Zytronic (ZYT) has announced results for its year ended 30th September 2021 and noted “the basis for good progress in the coming year”.
PGMs and chrome concentrates producer in South Africa Tharisa (THS) has announced results for its year ended 30th September 2021 and “FY2022 production guidance of between 165 koz and 175 koz PGMs (6E basis) and 1.75 Mt and 1.85 Mt of chrome concentrates” – further increases on the year just ended.
It is an exciting day at many levels, even if ‘the prime minister said it was too early to draw conclusions on the characteristics of Omicron but early indications were that it is more transmissible than Delta’. I see the FTSE 100 is within about 1% of its 2021 high, whilst the CAC 40 in France is even closer – and I won’t bore you with the observation about how close the S&P 500 in the US is to its goodness knows how many new highs this year. It is certainly all good fun for a certain type of investor.
Equipment rental company Vp plc (VP.) has announced results for its half-year ended 30th September 2021 emphasising “a strong and continuing recovery in all of our businesses”. This sounds encouraging.
Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has announced its results for its half-year ended 31st October 2021 and that it “remains confident of the group’s future prospects”. This sounds encouraging.
Packaging group Macfarlane (MACF) has published a trading update including news that it “now expects the group will exceed its previous expectations for the full year”. Sounds good!
Photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH) has announced results for its year ended 30th September 2021 emphasising “delighted with the trading performance of the group in the year… looking forward, the board is very optimistic”. What though of the shares, currently slightly up from a last close 1120p but down from I previously writing?…
UK technology consultancy group Triad (TRD) announced results for its half year ended 30th September 2021 this month. The shares were 120p before the announcement and are currently available at 120p to buy. We believe the announcement though greatly encourages for the future.
Atalaya Mining (ATYM) states it is pleased to announce its quarterly and nine-month results for the period ended 30th September 2021, with it emphasising “another strong quarter… robust operational performance, combined with strong copper prices, has seen our EBITDA for the first nine months of 2021 more than triple from the amount generated during the same period of 2020”. So what of a now more than 400p share price?
Whilst later on today I am looking forward to a capital markets event from Breedon Group (BREE), the ‘leading vertically integrated construction materials group in Great Britain and Ireland’ – which talked of ‘full year result to be slightly above top end of current market expectations’ – for now I am looking at Britvic (BVIC).
Hello, Share Thrashers. You might expect a giant catering combine to be on its knees after covid. But Compass Group (CPG) is getting back on track fast.
Previously writing on ‘celebrations, craft, gifting, stationery and creative play products’ group IG Design (IGR), last month with the shares down to around 300p I concluded that its challenges made the valuation still look ‘challenging’. The shares are currently up today on the back of half-year results, but are 245p. So what’s the story now?…
I will leave others to talk about the joke that is AO World (AO.) which – after today’s return of losses, more debt and a messy outlook – should change its advert to ‘A..O…let’s not go’. I thought this one was overvalued at the time of the IPO,more than 5 years ago but, after it regained that level during the early COVID-19 days, shares in the electrical retailer have correctly fallen over 75% year-to-date. It is a very clear avoid to me so I move onto something far more sensible…
As we get closer to the end of 2021, we all know there has been both some good news and some less good news. Positively – thanks to the world of vaccines and related – the global economy has opened up, to the benefit of the average company and the average stock market listing. Of course – as shown by the weekend excitements in Austria and Belgium – life does not remain simple, but it certainly could be a lot worse…especially when you think about the economic realities of a bit of inflation and too much debt.
Hello, Share Ramblers. Royal Mail (RMG) had been a steady disappointment for this family ever since it went public but more recently it’s been in a bull run and the latest numbers show the rally is likely to continue.
I have commented extensively on the winding down of the I-shares at Edge Performance VCT (EDGI) amid what is surely a scandal of corporate governance. But what of the H-shares (EDGH), following the disposal of approximately 90% of the holding in Unity Software Inc for £10.9 million in cash, a 20 times return according to the company for an investment carried in the books at just £1.2 million, as announced on Thursday 18 November?
Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its year ended 30th September 2021, emphasising “operational improvements supporting growth in net revenue, profit and free cash flow”.
A few years ago I did own some shares in Royal Mail (RMG) on the basis that (1) it could be managed better as a private company rather than a state owned one and; (2) its property ownership in places such as the Nine Elms site in south London offered it the scope to even further improve its alright net cash position. Anyhow, I made a bit of money but lost interest in the shares at/around the 600p level in 2018. For many obvious reasons (fewer letters, worker angst and growing competition in the parcel business), the Royal Mail had a shocking couple of years after that, meaning by June last year I noted that its new chair Keith Williams had a big job going forward. And he certainly did but – as shown by the near tripling of the share price since – I doff my hat to him.
From memory I have never used a product from ‘British multinational enterprise software company’ Sage Group (SGE), but I know enough people who have and they are generally pretty happy with it. Over the last couple of years or so, I have been a bit more of a fan of the shares and noted back in May that the stock was worth a buy with a 800p+ share price target. Back then the shares were about 650p and – after today’s full year numbers – they are at a 750p share price. That is not too shabby then.
There are naturally many different views on tobacco shares. I have never smoked and dislike even being moderately close to smokers, but Imperial Brands (IMB) is in the top half of my personal pension fund portfolio. And, as I noted back in July, it is not the only UK listed name in the global sector which is cheap. I have hardly made a fortune holding shares in Imperial Brands over the last couple of years, but I have done alright, aided by increasing my position earlier this year (and then there have been some very reasonable dividend payments too – more on this later). So what do I make of today’s full year numbers to the end of September?
It is a busy Monday. I will leave some other experts to comment on names such as Cineworld (CINE) – which seems excited by recent UK box office moves but did not talk even remotely sufficiently about potential profit or issues with more debt – or CMC Markets (CMCX), which talked about potentially splitting the business (but which correctly for a spreadbetting firm has a share price fall still notably down year-to-date). Instead I will talk about Serco Group (SRP), who ‘specialise in the delivery of essential public services, with over 50,000 people working in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and other citizen services across our four regions’, and which was apparently formed back in 1929.
Power products manufacturer Volex (VLX) has announced results for its half-year ended 3rd October 2021, emphasising “strong trading and strategic progress with investment in growth”. So why have the shares currently responded towards 400p, more than 9% lower?…
Ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON) announced in September that non-executives Bernd Ratzke and Kevin Sargeant had given notice of their intention to step down, noting that it “is going through a transitional period following the appointment of Mat Norris as CEO. Matt has settled in very well and will lead the group in the next stage of its development to drive growth in all of our businesses”. Today… “Chief Executive Officer resignation”!
Back in September I observed about Halfords (HFD) that ‘despite the slowdown in its cycling business, I would buy it sub 310p’, which was about the then share price. Judging by this morning’s just over 310p share price, we are back to about the same level. That is not however to say there has been no changes, after all the stock is up over 10% this morning. Hence Halfords shares have had a rather mixed couple of months before today. So what is going on?
Almost 13 months ago I observed about Cake Box (CBOX) that ‘all I have to do to complete my due diligence is…eat one of its cakes’. For a couple of reasons it did not happen, but the shares are up 4% today and up by more than 120% during the last year. That is far from shabby! But how do I feel now about the ‘Eggfree Cake’ company, where ‘having an egg free, fresh cream, celebration cake is as easy as 1,2… that’s it’?
BP (BP.) has announced third quarter of the year results, emphasising it is delivering significant cash to strengthen finances, growing distributions to shareholders and investing in strategic transformation.
Have you ever had a can of Vimto? I do now and again and you can find it in most supermarkets here. Anyhow, the company behind the soft drink is Nichols (NICL), which itself was formed back in 1908 in the Scottish town of Shortridge (although now it is based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside). Today, sales are around 80% in the UK with the balance in the Middle East and (growing) in Africa. It is interesting to read today that full year 2021 profits are expected to be ahead of current market expectations, which is not too shabby given that, whilst UK sales were up 4.5%, elsewhere in the world growth was up over 36%.
Hello, Share Finders. As expected by some city analysts, including my humble self, BT Group (BT.A) is forging ahead. It’s half year report this week shows the company is modernising fast while at the same time slashing costs.
Back in June I observed that BT Group (BT.A) might have been floated in the 1980s but if you have been holding shares since then it has not exactly been a fantastic run. The company is having to change along with the world of telecommunications and I hold some shares because – in my opinion – the CEO Philip Jansen may have a good idea or two. The trouble is evolving a business can take time and cost a lot of money.
Engineering and Technology recruitment company Gattaca (GATC) has announced results for its year ended 31st July 2021 and that “since February we have seen the markets returning to growth across the majority of our major sectors, which has led to a candidate short market”. Why then currently a share price down 13.5% at below 180p?…
Previously writing on Braemar Shipping Services (BMS), last month with the shares up to above 263p I noted ‘ahead of previous guidance’. How’s the balance sheet now?. So what do half-year results today show?…
Petrofac (PFC) shares have been good for trading over the past few years, assuming you managed to get your entries right, but the company has had too many potential issues to really have been considered an investment, unless you had a very high appetite for risk.
Platinum group metals recovery company in South Africa, Sylvania Platinum (SLP) has announced results for the first quarter of its year, including “net profit of $8.6 million… Cash balance of $132.7 million”. Good news?
Hello, Share Collectors. Somewhere in the bible, it says ‘All is vanity’. And that’s probably why cosmetics are so popular. An AIM company which does well in the make-up game is Warpaint London (W7L). Interim results for the six months ended 30th June showed tasty growth in sales, profits and cash generation.
The Oxymorons at AIM Regulation, led by the hapless poltroon Mr. Marcus Stuttard, the bogus Sheriff of AIM, like to claim that they have created the world’s most successful growth market. But the events of the past two years at Eurasia Mining (EUA) have shown that those who want to run rings around Marcus and the clowns who work for him don’t have to try too hard. I have written to Marcus and his colleagues about the farce at Eurasia and the supposed bid talks. Enough is enough. Will AIM Regulation force a statement? The answer to that one may involve myself and Ms Cheryl Cole.
Johnson Matthey (JMAT) has seen its share price take a bit of a hit in recent months and is now trading at a similar level to where it started the year, despite the world economy looking in better shape now than it did then.
As a boring large cap-focused investor, I often look at the medium-term. I certainly bought a few Barclays (BARC) shares too early in 2017-18, but it did give me the rationale to double my holding during some dog days last year. But fundamentally it has told me for a while to take my profits and run when the share materially breaks the 2 quid plus level.
Fully-listed Egyptian Gold miner Centamin (CEY) has this morning released its Q3 report and the good news is that, once again, all is on track. Guidance remains in place, with a couple of positive tweaks – and that suggests the dividend is safe. Indeed, it is possible that it could increase from guidance.
I have not written about Moneysupermarket.com (MONY) before but Malcolm has, as you can see here just over a year ago. He was absolutely correct that helping to identify good value car insurance, home insurance, credit card deals, travel insurance, pet insurance and broadband deals, along with the ownership of MoneySavingExpert.com (thanks Martin Lewis), was popular with lots of people. And whilst COVID-19 issues with the travel industry has caused some challenges over the last year, a business with some overall net cash on its balance sheet and free cash flow generation helping to support a 5%+ dividend yield certainly could have been a lot worse. But the shares have had a very poor last few months as, whilst the travel insurance business has been only slow to improve, the energy deals business has been an absolute shocker recently.
Hello, Share Scrapers. Many commodities are rising in value as the world returns slowly to normal after covid. One of the world’s most useful metals is copper, especially in the plumbing and electrical areas. Think electric cars, for example. Therefore a company which produces and sells the stuff is probably going to see a rise in its profits and consequently its share price.
Previously writing on ‘infection prevention products’ company Tristel (TSTL), in July with the shares at 620p I reviewed why they were down in response to ‘confident for strong growth’ update. Today full-year results, and the shares are further down.
Shares in Central Asia Metals (CAML), having recently been hit further following already sector malaise, have responded 4.5% higher on the back of a Q3 “operations update”. There looks more to come.
Imperial Brands (IMB) is “pleased to report the business continues to perform well… on track to deliver our full-year results in line with expectations”. That suggests upside potential from a below 1500p share price.
I was impressed by a couple of corporate updates today. I wrote about Imperial Brands (IMB) most recently back in May, noting that despite never being a smoker I thought the stock was still a buy. It has hardly romped in recent months – including today – despite what seems to me a pretty good pre-close trading update.
A “Trading Statement” from iron casting and machining company Castings (CGS) includes “the current conversion rate of forward schedules to actual sales is significantly below what we would normally expect”. How does the statement make a current share price fall to 340p look?…
It is easy to make investment selection errors but it is also easy to miss out on sensible investment opportunities. Over the last 10 months I have written twice about the industrial flooring company James Halstead (JHD), most recently back at the end of March. Back then I talked about that ‘looking for a bad day (or three) share price below 500p feels like a sensible longer-term buy of this sensible family influenced name forged in 1915’. Judging by today’s update from the company, I should have taken advantage of the opportunity I had to do that back in May.
Back in July I observed that Next plc (NXT) ‘shares might not be cheap but they are quality’. Since then the stock has traded either side of an £80 share price, including being up 2% today after the publication of H1 numbers. With all the challenges for the clothes sector, you have had plenty of opportunities to buy Next shares over the last five years at a 40 quid or below share price. The share price this year though has been nicely above the previous all-time highs in late 2015 when the world was a different place for all of the biggest clothing names. Whatever happened to most of them?! Next has always been a bit different.
Central Asia Metals (CAML) has announced results for the first half of 2021 and said that the outlook for the remainder of 2021 is positive, including strong demand for the metals that it produces.
Miner in Azerbaijan, Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) has announced results for the first half of 2021 and that “FY 2021 Production guidance of between 64,000 to 72,000 gold equivalent ounces remains unchanged”.
I was a little bit busy yesterday and therefore could not write about the potential Stagecoach (SGC) and National Express (NEX) combination, as Tom noted HERE. Another time then for me rambling on about the reasons why the last decade or so has seen the latter go from being the hunter to the hunted. Meanwhile as for the Conservative Party Conference next month…I guess I could have gone but I will be too busy washing my hair. There is always another year I guess. It has been far from a boring week in the markets and certainly there are a couple of names that did report yesterday that I will add a few thoughts on over the next few days. Today however I want to talk about PZ Cussons (PZC).
Formerly SimplyBiz Group, provider of technology and support services to the UK Retail Financial Services sector Fintel (FNTL) has announced results for the first half of 2021 and emphasised “significant financial resources to match our ambitions for the business, both in terms of accelerating organic growth and creating value through acquisitions”. What of the valuation, with the shares little changed at around 235p?…
AIM-listed Gold and Silver producer in Turkey, Ariana Resources plc (AAU), announced another round of drilling results from the Kepez North area at Kiziltepe yesterday and the numbers look very promising.
Jadestone Energy (JSE) has announced its results for the first half of 2021, reaffirming full-year production guidance of 11,500-13,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day and anticipating 20,000 boe/d towards the end of the year. We are well up on this 69p offer price share tip but where do we go from here?
I’m surprised to see Central Asia Metals (CAML) showing some share price weakness prior to the release of its interim results next week, as I’ve no reason to suspect that they will disappoint the market – in fact I would expect them to be good!
Recently the markets have been strong and generally have been heading in an upwards direction, which has been great news for many investors holding shares in larger FTSE companies.
I have been a keen cyclist all my life. And even if I am probably too old now to climb the infamous Alpe d’Huez climb in less than an hour, I can still push around my LeMond Buenos Aires carbon road bike at a decent speed. Whilst I could ramble on about the epic Tour of Britain route in Wales later today which I look forward to watching on TV, we need to focus on the investment world and that brings me to Halfords (HFD).
Hello, Share Shooters. The reason Rightmove (RMV) and the like are putting on share value is that house prices are booming. August saw record rises in home values. I’ve mentioned before that housebuilders seem to be a good sector to support. But I suppose the same goes for many outfits that supply the raw materials for the building game.
Hello Share Minders. My favourite house builder is on track. It expects to make a full-year pre-tax profit of about £518 million and possibly more. For this we can thank rising house prices and tighter efficiency. The firm says future orders are now similar to levels before covid.
It has been a really good last year to be a Headlam (HEAD) shareholder but here a couple of months ago I felt there was more to come, and I was pleased to read these thoughts here from Tom and Steve observing their appreciation hopes too. So is there any reason to change tack after the company’s first half numbers out a few days ago?
I have been criticised before for using the phrase ‘emerging markets’ with the observation “so what are they emerging from then?”. And there was I thinking that a bit of ESG utilisation would have made everything okay… Anyhow, I came across an interesting graphic the other day, which hopefully the internal technical genius (i.e. Darren) can upload.
The last time I moved was about fifteen years ago and I bought that without a mortgage in any case. In other words, I am of no interest for mortgage names and housebuilders. Nevertheless, even I have become a bit more interested in the sector over the last eighteen months as noted most recently a couple of months ago. One name I have commented on a few times is Barratt Developments (BDEV), which has published full year numbers this morning.
Financial markets technology and related services group Arcontech (ARC) states it “is pleased to announce its final audited results for the year ended 30 June 2021” and that “as the market comes out of this difficult period we are confident we will return to growth”. So why are the shares, at 140.5p, currently more than 15% lower on the announcement?…
If my maths is correct, it is almost one hundred months ago that I quit being an institutional fund manager. I certainly have no regrets. Anyhow, I do recall that one colleague was banging on about the attraction of Bunzl (BNZL), the ‘specialist international distribution and services’ company, at the time. Including dividends it has delivered a 200% gain since then which is far from shabby…even if at the time (and subsequently in my own pension fund) I’d invested in global companies I have inherently been much more excited by. So – on the last day of August, following the publication of first half numbers – what do I think now?
If you want to invest in London listed precious metals producers your choice of shares is fairly limited, and has become even more so in recent years following takeovers of a couple of the popular miners.
It was a fight to the death – well, not really for ShareProphets readers are far too civilised for that. In the blue corner we had Putneywill thinking that the massively long-awaited special dividend from Ariana Resources (AAU) would see the shares tick down by less than the dividend when it finally arrived. In the red corner we had Pierotlunaire arguing that it would not – and a bet ensued, with ShareProphets’ favourite charity Woodlarks the winner. The stats say there was a winner – but this is ShareProphets, where our readers operate by different standards, and it seems that in the end Woodlarks won one and a half times over.
Nearly seven months ago I observed that you should ‘always believe in gold…but stick with Barrick (GOLD) and Polymetal (POLY) and not Yamana (AUY)’ HERE. Most gold stocks are down year-to-date – after an excitable previous couple of years – and these three stocks have been no different. So what do I make of Polymetal now after it published its first half numbers today?
Hello Share Millers. How’s this for a good set of half year numbers? Persimmon (PSN), the home builder, has seen revenues soar to £1.8 billion. That’s better by more than 54% year-on-year. House sales also soared by more than half, and there’s been just shy of a 5% increase in house prices to an average of £236,000. But as my brighter colleague Steve Moore often reminds us, that kind of boast doesn’t amount to much if profits haven’t shifted. Well, that’s not the case for Persimmon.
Ariana Resources (AAU) has announced it will pay a dividend of 0.35p per share by 26th September, with further payments to then follow.
Previously writing on manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging Robinson (RBN), in June I reviewed sales growth… so why significant share price decline? with the shares down at 112.5p. They last closed at 122.5p, but what now of half-year results which currently see the shares at…112.5p?
Hello, Share Wallowers. Recently, I’ve suggested you take a favourable look at Legal & General (LGEN). One of my reasons is the pensions market is strong and post Covid is likely to get stronger. All that extra money flying around, you see, as folks have been unable to spend it. Another pension play I rather like is XPS Pensions Group (XPS).
I see a year ago that Malcolm observed ‘Balfour Beatty Set to Leap Ahead as Covid Restrictions Thaw’. He was absolutely right as reflected by a share price that has risen from 240p then to just over 300p today. Investors who bought the stock however may be thinking about what to do today given a 5% share price fall following the publication of half year results. So what is going on at the ‘leading international infrastructure group…(which) finances, develops, builds and maintains the vital infrastructure that we all depend on’?
AIM-listed Gold and Silver producer in Turkey, Ariana Resources (AAU) has finally declared the first part of the special dividend resulting from the part-sale of its Turkish assets to Ozaltin and Proccea as part of a three-way joint venture. This has been a painfully long time coming, but we now know that 0.35p per share will be paid up by 26 September, with an ex-dividend date of 26 August (ie next Thursday).
Just over a decade ago I remember selling BHP Group (BHP) shares when I used to call the ‘leading global resources company’ “Billiton”, but time has changed a little. Company name evolutions are a boring thing, but far more interesting is that the Australian miner is set to collapse its 20 year-old dual listed company structure that will see all of its shareholders transferred to the Australia-based BHP Group Ltd. There is plenty of other stuff happening in today’s first half formal numbers also.
Gold miner in Egypt, Centamin (CEY) has announced half-year results emphasising “a strong financial and operating performance”. Now capitalised at £1.19 billion, do the results suggest value?
Fans of a fantastic comedy show of twenty years note the reference above, but let us talk instead about the large cap company Phoenix Group (PHNX) which is ‘helping people secure a life of possibilities’. In short it is ‘the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business’ and reported earlier this week.
BP (BP.) has announced second quarter of the year results emphasising “generating value for our shareholders today while we transition the company for the future”. Sounds good, but what’s the detail?
In my update of Wednesday on AIM-listed Ariana Resources (AAU) and its latest drilling update I was kicking myself for not buying on Tuesday after the drop to just 4.4p – but still was sorely tempted at the then (mid-) price of 4.65p. My biggest issue, given that I already have far too many of these shares, is one of risk management although I am also very mindful of the current weakness of gold miners.
It might be August, but Thursday is always a busy day for anyone following stock market updates. Today I could write (again) about TUI (TUI) or Entain (ENT) but frankly I said enough on the former back in May, and today’s update may be talking about rising numbers of holidaymakers (but it is still making a loss and has a bunch of corporate debt). Meanwhile the latter has been a really good holding for me over the last 20 months, albeit after a dodgy start. As I previously noted, I still conclude that taking profits over recent months has been very sensible, but it is fine to run a few still (as I do) if you wish. Today though I am going to write more about Aviva (AV.).
Hello Share Splurgers. One of my best Footsie plays has handed in jocund results for the first half of this year. Spirax‐Sarco Engineering (SPX) is a heavy manufacturer dealing mostly in steam power. It’s reported revenue of £643.7 million compared to £569.7 million last time. And even better is that adjusted operating profit came in at £162.9 million, as opposed to £119 million last time.
So says Fleet Street legend Brian Basham. Given that Brian has accused Vast’s (VAST) board of malfeasance and repeatedly called on the useless regulators to act against the company I doubt he has its best interest at heart. This is one case I would love to fight so bring it on Vast: see you Bitchez in Court! So what is Brian’s point?
Hello, Share Bashers. I can’t see how BT Group (BT.A) manages to lose share value. If you examine the fundamentals now, well, they’re not very exciting. But look at the rosy future the telecommunications giant faces. And the p/e is only 11.
Back in May HERE I observed on ‘Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) whose shares have remained stuck in a 1400-1800p share price range over the last year…there is no reason – in my opinion – to own the shares here’. So what do I make of today’s full year to the end of June numbers?
Hello, Share Placers. The latest in my occasional series of suggested climate plays is ContourGlobal (GLO). Even those of you doubt the value of anti-carbon energy companies can still ride the popularity wave for this kind of stock. After all, in 90 days’ time we’ll be hosting one of the biggest climate conferences ever with politicians, millionaire businessmen and celebs jetting in to the UK from across the world to reduce carbon emissions.
Early in July we noted shares in Europe’s leading floorcoverings distributor Headlam Group (HEAD) looked a recovery buy at a 495p offer price, considering there clear potential for outperformance of forecasts based on the trading momentum and the operational improvement programme being implemented. A “Pre-Close Trading Update” sees the shares currently at 528p. Is there still further upside?
Fully-listed Egyptian Gold-miner Centamin (CEY) has delivered in line Interims this morning – although that is no surprise given that we knew most of the data offered already. What was a pleasant surprise was that the interim dividend, which I had expected at 3 US cents per share, has come in at 4 US cents.
Engineered electronics company TT Electronics (TTG) has announced results for the first half of 2021, emphasising “expected revenues for 2021 fully covered and order book visibility for 2022 is building nicely and ahead of where it would normally be at this stage of the year”. What of the valuation, with the shares currently up to 277p in response?…
Back in April I wrote about Taylor Wimpey (TW.), ‘one of the largest British based housebuilding companies’. Back then the shares were above 180p, but even with a decent rise this morning after the publication of first half numbers, the shares are still ten pence or so below the level back then. So what is going on?
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced second quarter of the year results, including stating “strong commercial execution” and “we are likely to deliver full-year Adjusted EPS towards the better end of our guidance range”. So where now for the shares?, with they currently having responded back up to 1400p.
Back in early March I wrote some thoughts about Essentra (ESNT), which describes itself as a ‘three global divisions’ business active in 34 countries and having 50 principal manufacturing facilities. After appraising its business I bought some shares a week or so later…and judging by today’s share price have made absolutely nothing (admittedly after putting aside the volatility of the last month or two in many parts of the market). So what do I think after today’s first half numbers?
Back in late April I wrote about the ‘US tobacco market shocker’ for companies such as Imperial Brands (IMB) and British American Tobacco (BATS), but argued that it was more of an opportunity than a threat HERE. British American Tobacco produced its first half numbers today and whilst there is plenty of difference between current rate and constant rate returns (thanks the rise of the pound against the dollar and related over the last year!), the company is still growing its underlying sales and profits. And whilst the US authorities were very grumpy concerning their desire to ‘ban menthol cigarettes, ban flavoured cigars build on previous flavour ban and mark significant steps to reduce addiction’, not only have the shares edged up since but sales and profits have continued to go up in both the US and around the world.
Centamin (CEY) has issued a second quarter 2021 report, emphasising “in line with budget and on track to meet 2021 guidance”. Is there still attractive upside from a current 102p share price?
Like many oil and gas companies at the lower end of the market, San Leon Energy (SLE) has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but in recent times has been heading in the right direction as it builds its business producing oil in Nigeria.
Ariana Resources (AAU) has made a “Significant Resource Update: Kepez North”-titled announcement and also is “exceptionally pleased to be able to announce the details of the company’s dividend distribution plan”. Should investors be also?
Fully-listed Egyptian Gold-producer Centamin (CEY) released its Q2 report this morning. The good news is that all seems on track to meet full-year guidance as the company continues its recovery from the ground movement issues last autumn and an interim dividend is on the way.
Back in May here, I observed that the Irish international sales, marketing and support services group DCC (DCC) was a buy on ‘a bad day below the current sixty quid share price’. And so I did a few weeks ago. So following a numbers update on Friday, am I still excited?
A trading update earlier this month from Headlam Group (HEAD) included “total revenue for the year-to-date is now in-line with the 2019 comparator, having been slightly below for the four months to 30 April 2021” and “the company’s Operational Improvement Programme delivering revenue growth opportunities and cost improvements”. This combination suggests there is further recovery value in the shares.
Tharisa (THS) has announced “record quarterly chrome concentrate output and increased PGM production supported by stronger pricing” and the shares have nudged up to 130p.
FTSE-100 pharma and healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is currently engaged in somewhat of a battle with well known activist investor Elliott Advisors. However, that is about the level of change as change is coming and Elliott is only involved as it “believes GSK has a substantial value creation opportunity – 45% upside in its share price – ahead of Consumer Health separation and greater beyond”. We concur that there is an attractive value creation opportunity here…
At 425p, shares in fully fibre-based, innovative packaging for consumer goods company DS Smith (SMDS) are well up on our 321.8p offer price November recommendation but is there more to come, particularly following results for its year ended 30th April 2021 and “accelerated opportunities a post-Covid-19 world offers”?…
Hello, Share Lovers. It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed Vistry Group (VTY), the house builder born of a link between Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. On the back of a covid-caused housing boom, it is doing rather well. The first half of Vistry’s financial year saw ‘significantly’ better sales than it expected. And it has high hopes for the rest of the 12 month period. But the shares hardly moved on the news, so there could be some room for us to make hay.
