UK 04:33 Monday, 21 September 2026
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Back in September last year I asked the question “is Associated British Foods (ABF) cheap or boring?”. My answer back then was the latter and since then the stock has fallen a further 15% to a share price level last seen in late 2012. So should we buy shares in the diversified international food, ingredients and retail (including Primark) group following its 24 weeks ended 5th March 2022 numbers out earlier today?
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.
Associated British Foods (ABF) is a FTSE 100 name that is ‘a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £13.9 billion, 133,000 employees and operations in 53 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia’. It has been years and years since I last owned the shares and despite it being a very diversified business with Grocery (Twinings and Ovaltine), Sugar (UK beet sugar factories typically produce well over 1 million tonnes of sugar annually), Agriculture (animal feed, nutrition- and technology-based products and offers data services for the agri-food industry), Ingredients (yeast and bakery ingredients production) and Retail (hello Primark). And with regard to the shareholder base, don't forget that '54.5% of ABF is owned by Wittington Investments. 79.2% of the share capital of Wittington Investments is owned by the Garfield Weston Foundation, which is one of the UK's largest grant-making charitable trusts'. Lots of history...and secure ownership makes a real difference.
Hello, Share Tasters. One of the most popular shops on the street is Primark. It’s had a hard time of the pandemic though, as it doesn’t do online trading. Never mind, its stores are opening now. And thanks mainly to that, its parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) has seen a surge in revenue. It’s currently up by nearly a half on last time, reaching £3.6 billion.
Hello Share Shifters. You don’t hear of the fabled Santa Rally these days. After all, we do have more important virus-related issues to consider. However, there will be the usual Christmas boost to most shares and added to the joy of new vaccines that should see a bigger seasonal boost than ever to our shares. Though, as always, the opportunity to make money will be limited as the New Year should bring the usual market hangover.
Hello, Share Minders. There are some companies that you feel are more likely to withstand any disasters thrown at them, including the virus. One such firm is Associated British Foods (ABF), which has the cost-cutting clothing high street stores Primark and a food supply bit...
Hello, Share Seekers. This humble commentator has oft recommended that you should consider Associated British Foods (ABF). Not just because of the grocery side, but mainly because of the amazing attraction to shoppers of its Primark arm. Of course, this enthusiasm was knocked off course by the virus closing down Primark stores but now they’re open again and there seems to be an unseemly rush of buyers eager to make up for lost time...
