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Shares in the builders’ merchant have held up well in the sell-off

Travis Perkins (TPK) £14.95

Loss to date: 6.3%

Original entry point: Buy at £15.96, 16 January 2020


Considering that we recommended Travis Perkins (TPK) just days before the coronavirus outbreak hit the headlines in January, we aren’t deterred by the small loss in the shares to date.

As the latest results showed, the core merchanting business is outperforming the market with 3.3% like-for-like sales growth last year, split evenly between price and volume increases.

The Toolstation business delivered an outstanding performance last year, with like-for-like revenue growth of 16.3% and overall sales growth of more than 25% due to new store openings, consolidating its market-leading position.

The TradePro and Kitchen & Bathroom units also performed well with an increased share of revenues from higher-margin installation services.

Even the Wickes retail business, which is being demerged from the group next quarter, turned in close to 10% revenue growth thanks to new ranges in decorating and landscaping.

With the housing market still chronically short of supply, and demand rekindled following the election, the repair, maintenance and installation market should see a tangible improvement this year.


SHARES SAYS: As the leading player in its respective markets, and with a clearer focus on trade customers post the Wickes demerger, we believe Travis is set for further growth and a re-rating of the shares.

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