James Halstead Share Discussion Threads

[essentialinvestor] 06/6/2016 10:36

We can all agree this is a fantastic company, it may not be a fantastic current price, who knows.

[wokingblade] 08/4/2016 06:37

I assume PVC is the main input cost other than energy. Prices have been reduced due to low oil price. In 2015 prices rose in the first half from below Euro700 to 900 per ton by Jul before sliding back to between 750 and 800 a ton by year end. Outlook for this year is stable At around 800 Euro / t. I have not observed a big correlation with raw materials prices but would welcome others views. It seems they manage to pass through reasonably. WB

[trigger blade] 07/4/2016 14:33

One aspect which was mentioned several times in the Chairman's report is exchange rates. Since the half year end, the pound has weakened substantially against most currencies. For example, on 31st Dec, the GBP/Euro rate was 1.36 (and it had been as high as 1.44, although 1.36 was closer to the average). Today, it's 1.24 and for a substantial exporter to Europe, that's a big potential gain, either to sell more profitably or increase volume if it's a price sensitive market. I have no idea what the stronger dollar means in raw material terms and that's complicated by lower oil prices than 12 months ago, somebody cleverer than me can have a go at that one :-)

[nehpets81] 05/4/2016 22:23

Good results indeed actually, but the outlook statement is rather shaky - shame they didn't quantify how difficult trading has been so far in H2.

[wad collector] 04/4/2016 08:33

I like that quote. But even better to pay a low price for a good company?

[wokingblade] 01/4/2016 12:38

I don't think I have ever seen JHD at a truly low multiple. Its in the Warren Buffet school of better to pay a fair price for a good company than a good price for a fair company. A quality share imho and they didn't need to push the divi up so much. One of the best divi growth records out there and no sign of it slowing. One of my favourite LTBH shares. Will be making a modest top up. WB long JHD

[wad collector] 31/3/2016 15:10

Added at 401. Happy to hold.

[essentialinvestor] 31/3/2016 12:59

The forward multiple is still remains rich imv, you pay for quality I suppose.

[wad collector] 31/3/2016 12:57

Which seems to be happening ; not a bargain price but looking tempting.

[rvsy38] 31/3/2016 08:19

I think the results were creditable after the prior warning of the likely impact of strong sterling on performance. I was pleased to see another increase in the dividend and the balance sheet and financials look strong. Am tempted to add on any weakness.

[wad collector] 17/3/2016 23:21

Added at 414 ; surely this will revisit a fiver before too long?

[wad collector] 20/1/2016 10:45

Someone just bought 23 different lots of 1200 shares at 405p over a minute or so. Presumably a Bot that does not collect trading charges! Or trying not to trigger a volume buy limit?

[wad collector] 18/1/2016 12:07

401 limit buy set . Long term strategy.

[wad collector] 12/1/2016 12:32

Added back at 428 ; sharp drop today. The spread has narrowed too. Today's share price graph is misleading ; still suggesting a 435 midprice .

[wad collector] 12/1/2016 11:02

Further share price drop , will be buying back some more soon I think.

[wad collector] 08/1/2016 08:53

Hi Z, 5% profit net of dealing fees , was not xd when I sold , so no dividend but capital gain instead. The special wasn't worth hanging on for in my view. I still have some other earlier sells here to buy back but waiting for more weakness , still suspect this is a little overvalued. Utilities look good to me , though have been buying more UU and SSE. I prefer to keep a close eye on about 50 stocks so have little knowledge outside my list.

[zeppo] 07/1/2016 19:14

Wad collector Is the 5% with the Feb special divi? Sold 1K at 5.1 but have kept a useful amount. Out of CNA and into NG, HHI.and PNN a couple of weeks ago. Not looking too bad a decision currently. Water companies will not need to capitalise new reservoirs etc or anyone have to capitalise a National Water Grid if the present weather trends continue but the will have to work at keeping the water drinkable. z

[wad collector] 07/1/2016 15:07

457 will do ; 5% in 2 months is ok , could have held for the dividend and be 4% down.

[wad collector] 05/1/2016 09:48

Might be time to buy back my holding looking at the drop , though spread still a bit wide.

[saint or sinner?] 18/12/2015 21:54

wad collector - if they sold it what would they do with the proceeeds? They would look for a JHD type company to invest in/ take over. Hence I'm sure they are very happy with (not listening to) the status quo.

[gripfit] 03/12/2015 10:58

not many buyers out there for this business at this price imho

[wad collector] 03/12/2015 09:50

Would the Halstead family really sell out the family business? I guess if the price was high enough .

[greatgiginthesky] 02/12/2015 21:49

Of course the answer is - could be. But the p/e ratio is so high now that any purchase would be highly dilutive for the purchaser's shareholders, so I doubt it.

[rvsy38] 02/12/2015 18:14

I am a recent shareholder. Does anyone think that they could be a bid target ?