Hunting flags solid Q3 but sees FY EBITDA at lower end of guidance

(Sharecast News) - Precision engineering group Hunting warned on Thursday that full-year underlying earnings were expected to be "at the lower end" of guidance despite a solid performance in the three months ended 30 September. Hunting said third-quarter group EBITDA had risen 15% to roughly $100.5m, while group EBITDA margins came to approximately 13% and its sales order book stood at $416.4m at the end of September.

However, FY25 EBITDA was expected to be at the lower end of its $135m-$145m guidance range, but still representing "strong year-on-year growth" compared to 2024.

The FTSE 250-listed firm stated restructuring in its Europe, the Middle East and Africa market was expected to yield $11m in annualised cost savings by June 2026 and highlighted that approximately $15.6m of its $30m share buyback has been completed.

Hunting also said it balance sheet remains strong, with net assets of approximately $907m, while total cash and bank borrowings were about $47.1m, and total liquidity was approximately $336.5m.

Chief executive Jim Johnson said: "The encouraging performance at the half year has continued into the third quarter with Hunting delivering a 15% year-on-year increase in its year-to-date EBITDA thanks to trading within the OCTG product group.

"Our balance sheet remains strong, coupled with a robust year-end cash projection and Hunting retains c.$336.5 million of liquidity available to pursue growth opportunities, while also balancing these with increased shareholder returns."

As of 0920 BST, Hunting shares were up 0.91% at 332p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com