Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Former BP division to float at 160p

Robert Cole
Friday 18 March 1994 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

INSPEC, the speciality chemicals group spun off from British Petroleum, will float on the Stock Exchange at 160p, writes Robert Cole.

The price equates to about 16 times' broker estimates of current year earnings per share.

This means the stock will probably start trading at a discount to other chemicals companies. The sector average prospective multiple is about 18 times.

The unambitious pricing is likely to see the shares rising in value, netting subscribers an immediate gain of at least 20p unless market conditions change.

Inspec also declared a notional dividend that would have produced a yield of 2.7 per cent at the issue price. It is using the flotation to raise money and reduce debt. The company hopes to receive pounds 35m from the issue.

Since parting from BP in 1992, Inspec's sales have risen from pounds 37m to pounds 49m and operating profit from pounds 2.9m to pounds 7m.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in