Market's view on Headlam
Published on April 2024
- A stock watcher purchased shares when they dropped to 177p.
- A former employee and current customer of the company since 1992 claims the company is clueless.
- Current management reportedly achieved a £41.7m profit before tax in 2022, surpassing a competitor’s performance.
- Before the 2007-8 crisis, the company prospered significantly when carpet was dominant. Now, there’s a shift towards other types of domestic flooring like wood and ceramic, with manufacturers often bypassing distributors. Brands are attempting to confuse customers with “own label lookalikes”, but customers are not easily fooled.
- Distribution and management have issues due to lack of integration post-acquisitions according to a stock watcher. The fate of current management, in light of past experiences, remains uncertain.
- A discussion highlighted that the company was left in disarray after a key figure was fired, leading to a lack of experienced personnel on the board.
- A stock watcher noted that the business was “flatlining” before a significant leadership change, leaving a complex and bloated structure unprepared for market changes.
- A comparison was drawn between the company’s performance and the financial crisis, with concerns over how the current management is handling the tougher economic conditions.
- There are concerns about competition and discounting practices in the market, with some distributors struggling to stay afloat.
- A stock watcher criticized the company for poor financial communication and corporate governance, suggesting a potential takeover due to the company’s undervaluation.
- The company’s webinar presented full-year results for 2023, highlighting ongoing business strategies and challenges.
- Discussions around market expectations reveal multiple downgrades without formal profit warnings, a significant drop in profit, and a decrease in dividends despite an increase in commercial sales.