Shares digital

Finals Tuesday 26 June

BULL POINTS

> Should show good progress with integration of NationsRent

> Likely to say US trading robust

> Expected to show strong growth in A-Plant and Technology

> Outlook forecast should be upbeat

BEAR POINTS

> Financing costs of NationsRent buy may dampen short-term profit growth

SHARES SUMMARY

The plant hire specialist made a major acquisition during the year which should transform its position in the US. There has been cautious sentiment towards the stock because of assumed exposure to the weak US housing market, but the majority of Ashtead’s work in the US construction market is actually on non-residential projects, which have enjoyed strong market conditions. DC