Crest Nicholson (#CRST) – H1 sales value +4.2%, but residential -4%
- 2019-05-15 07:29:25
UK 09:59 Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Breaking news and expert analysis on fast-moving AIM and LSE listed shares
Back in June I discussed the housebuilder Crest Nicholson (CRST), observing that with likely lower margins and a shabby housing market: 'There's still only one conclusion on the housebuilders from a reasonable total return perspective for the next year or two: sell 'em all'. Well back then, the shares were a little above four pounds. As I write now, the share price is only ten pence or so above the three quid level…
A month ago, I wrote a piece about housebuilders generally and Crest Nicholson (CRST) specifically, which concluded with the observation: "Lower prices and lower margins...that's the way forward for housebuilders. Sell 'em all". Today's formal half year numbers from Crest fully reiterate this clear theme...
I do not think I have formally written about the housebuilders before but I know they are beloved by many investors out there citing yield, cash back to investors, an inherent shortage of housing and other attributes probably including their ability to walk on water. Any hopes of God-given capabilities have come crashing down to earth today though with an update from Crest Nicholson (CRST), shares in which have fallen another 13% to a new 12 month low. So what did it say? Here's the key excerpt from today's update:
Hello share screamers. I've had mixed encounters with brokers this week. It looks as though TD Waterhouse is handing the reins to Interactive Investor. Not sure I'm happy about that. Then I bought some stock in my ordinary trading account instead of my ISA. It took TD a heck of a long time to sort that out and a helpful chap called Cal worked efficiently and tirelessly on my behalf. Thanks Cal.
We all know that house builders have done well recently and with the government (in other words, taxpayers) providing “free money” to those who want it coupled with the nation’s obsession of owning a property showing no pace of slowing the sector should continue to show positive results going forwards.
