
NEWSFLOW
Ibstock (#IBST) – 2021 slightly ahead of expectations, argues well positioned for significant further progress
- 2022-01-20 07:41:45
Hello, Share Bashers. House builders have continued to see rising share prices on a generally moribund stock exchange. But you don't have to just invest in housebuilders to try to take advantage of this jolly situation. It might be worth looking at a company that makes the bricks.
I have written positively a number of times about Ibstock (IBST) - a ‘leading UK manufacturer of clay bricks and a diversified range of clay and concrete products’ - most recently in August. Back then I hoped for a 250p+ share price and that still made me a strong holder, but the share has moved down since to (today) just over 200p. An opportunity or a problem?
Hello Share Tasters. The house building sector is perky. And that’s jolly news for Ibstock (IBST), the leading Leicester company that makes bricks. Trouble is raw materials are getting more expensive and transport costs are going up. However, if the house building market continues to strengthen, then customers for bricks aren’t going to mind paying extra.
The last time that I wrote positively about Ibstock (IBST) - the UK’s largest brick company - was here - back in April. Back then I concluded that ‘assuming further recovery in key sales/profit metrics to closer to the 2019 levels as 2021 progresses. And fair value is still above 250 pence’, which still suggests today a nice 10%+ increase potential in the share price.
Whilst my positive views on the UK’s largest brick company Ibstock (IBST) - most recently written up HERE - have been really well-rewarded over the last six months, I do have one confession to make. Yes, the company did make a loss of £20 million last year. It was clearly a very difficult year due to Covid-19 shutdowns but also Ibstock was taking on board one off costs to help evolve the business. Still, I know some investors will be feeling unhappy.