Pace (LON:PIC) is in the telecommunications equipment sector – making STBs (set-top boxes), “gateways” (ADSL, fibre and other connecting devices) and “software” (user interface software for video content).
I have been a shareholder since 2009. Life as a PIC shareholder is never dull. But not always in the nice way necessarily.
PIC trades on a modest PE of 11.9 at 316p, has a market cap of £991m, and is in the FTSE250 index. Its 6-month relative strength is 32% – placing it well into the top quintile of momentum on a 6-month basis. Its price to 50dMA (50-day moving average) is 22% – which I would normally consider as a hold rather than a buy, and at a level where I might look be getting ready for an exit.
Having said that, on a PFCF (price to freeflow) of 8.2, that really does put it in bargain territory. PIC passes 7 Stockopedia (http://www.stockopedia.com/) screens in criteria for growth, value, momentum, quality and bargains. So there’s something for everyone to like.
Interims results were released on 30 July (http://is.gd/hyGv1T), with a strong H1 trading performance. Revenues were up 31%, adjusted EBITA was up 57%, adjusted EPS was up 73%, the interim dividend was increased by 27%, and net debt was slashed. “Trading in the first half of the year has been strong and the outlook for the remainder of the year has improved. As a result we anticipate that full year profits for the Group will be higher than previous guidance”
It is interesting to note that AKO Capital has a short position of 4.48% (http://is.gd/IiGgq9) – a position that must, almost certainly, be showing them considerable loss.
I am a holder.
315.90p
