5th Mar 2026 12:33
(Alliance News) - Ibstock PLC on Thursday said it was well placed to benefit from any industry recovery after market uncertainty saw profit slump in 2025.
The Leicestershire, England-based building products supplier reported a pretax profit of GBP896,000 in 2025 down from GBP20.7 million the year prior.
Revenue rose 1.6% to GBP372.1 million from GBP366.2 million but the bottom line was hit by rising cost of sales and administrative expenses.
In addition, Ibstock took an exceptional charge of GBP19 million in 2025, up GBP12 million a year ago, relating to the sale of its Forticrete roofing assets, surplus land, site closure and decommissioning activities.
Basic earnings per share were 0.8 pence down 79% from 3.8p a year ago.
"The 2025 year started well with a solid increase in volumes. The recovery gave way to tougher conditions in the second half, with market uncertainty weighing on demand," observed Chief Executive Joe Hudson.
"I remain confident that underlying market fundamentals remain firmly intact. Ibstock is well-positioned to capitalise on the recovery, currently anticipated to begin in H2 2026," he added.
Ibstock said that after a weather impacted start to 2026, residential construction and repair, maintenance and improvement markets are expected to remain challenging in the first half of the year.
It anticipates some modest year-on-year volume growth in the second half as markets recover, dependent on demand activity gaining momentum in the Spring.
Pricing actions are expected to offset the impact of cost inflation.
Ibstock said it will be "actively" managing production volumes and inventory which will "create a margin headwind for 2026 but benefit overall cash generation."
Shares in Ibstock fell 1.8% to 118.00 pence each in London on Thursday.
By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter
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