Nucor earnings beat by $0.08, revenue fell short of estimates
Investing.com -- Shares of Ibstock (LON:IBST) edged up 1% following the company’s announcement of a strong start to the year, driven by robust demand in the new build residential sector and a weaker comparative period in the previous year. The UK-based brick manufacturer reported that volumes in the first quarter were up year-on-year (YoY), aligning with a 17% increase in UK brick deliveries reported for January and February.
The company has implemented mid-single-digit price increases in March, starting to see the benefits of this strategy despite a more competitive pricing environment and some deferrals from peers. However, the sales mix, with a strong new build residential market and a flat Merchanting end market, presented a 200 basis point headwind in the first quarter.
Consequently, EBITDA margins declined in percentage terms YoY due to cost inflation preceding the price hikes, sales mix, and additional investments into the network which had a £1-2 million impact in the quarter. Historically, the first quarter accounts for approximately 15-20% of the full year EBITDA.
Looking ahead, Ibstock’s management maintained its 2025 guidance, with expectations for an adjusted EBITDA of £92 million, in line with consensus and UBS estimates. The company anticipates a second-half-weighted year, with approximately 45:55 H1:H2 EBITDA split, suggesting an H1 adjusted EBITDA of around £41 million. The key components contributing to the expected £13 million increase in EBITDA YoY remain unchanged, with approximately £10 million from Clay, £1-2 million from Concrete, and around £2 million from Futures.
Additionally, the company has increased its 2025 energy coverage from about 70% to roughly 80% at stable prices YoY. Capital expenditure is projected to stay at around £40 million, including £20 million for maintenance, and the working capital outflow for 2025 is forecasted to be between £5-10 million, with a seasonal build-up in the first half of the year.
UBS analysts commented on the company’s prospects, stating: "we think a return to 2022 volumes would return EBITDA to £140m. In addition, the investment in Atlas (£18m EBITDA potential) and brick slips (£12m EBITDA potential) would take EBITDA above £160m over the medium-term."
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