Hi Tony,
Brambles (BXB AU) is the global leader in the pallet rental business operating with a pool of over 300mn wooden pallets, the company is highly penetrated into the FMCG supply chain. As you say BXB has indeed been a top performer over the last 12-months rallying 58% from its April’22 low with the most important question being can it continue.
Last week they delivered a strong 3Q23 update plus they also upgraded FY23 guidance. A few things playing out. There is a shortage of pallets globally which means they can charge more while the cost of new ones has dropped as the price of lumber has fallen. This has driven a return to positive free cash flow. While things will go back to normal as supply chains pick up and pallet availability improves, BXB is in a good position, and on 20x Est FY’23 earnings we are adopting a mildly bullish stance at this point in time.
- The specific answer to your question is BXB’s current price can be justified as its underpinned by strong earnings growth.