Pick & Mix
It is worth reminding ourselves from time to time that the FTSE 100, and any other index for that matter, is quite a broad brush and there are always over- and under-priced shares in the mix.
I was intrigued by the reactions to two contrasting sets of profit figures this week, at DIY chain Kingfisher (KGF) and Tate & Lyle (TATE). I have never invested in either but if I had to choose I would not hesitate to plump for sweeteners maker Tate, whose products will continue in demand while Kingfisher is subject to the whims of the marketplace.
Kingfisher shares rose despite a fall in sales and profits. Sales have been heavily affected by the weather and hopes for the immediate future are pinned very heavily on a strong recovery in the UK housing market.
If I want to gamble on the housing market I would rather hold shares in a housebuilder or plant hire company (I have modest holdings in Barratt Developments (BDEV), Taylor Wimpey (TW.) and Speedy Hire (SDY)) rather than take chances on a retailer. In any case, a marked improvement is already factored into Kingfisher’s share price.
Tate shares fell despite a 5% rise in sales and a 4% improvement in underlying profits. The performance was achieved in the face of the impact of drought in the US mid-west, which reduced the corn harvest.
The current Tate share price is well below the 12-month high and the yield is better than that at Kingfisher.
Rodney Hobson is a long-term investor commenting on his own portfolio; his comments are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.
Market Performance: May 28-31
FTSE 100 Index: -1.07%
FTSE 250 Index: -0.29%
FTSE All Share Index: -0.93%
FTSE Small Cap Index: +0.30
FTSE AIM 100 Index: +0.63%
FTSE Fledgling Index: -0.51%
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