Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Investment Column: Umeco: a little company that could go a long way

Wednesday 02 June 2004 19:00 EDT
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.

Umeco Looks after the little things for aerospace and defence contractors such as Rolls-Royce. It makes sure the company has enough nuts, bolts and rivets for its big engine products. It supplies 85 per cent of the individual parts that make up a typical engine, although they account for just 1 per cent of the cost.

Umeco Looks after the little things for aerospace and defence contractors such as Rolls-Royce. It makes sure the company has enough nuts, bolts and rivets for its big engine products. It supplies 85 per cent of the individual parts that make up a typical engine, although they account for just 1 per cent of the cost.

This outsourcing of supplies is becoming increasingly common across the industries in which Umeco operates. With some judicious acquisitions, it has been strengthening its relationships in the US, and was able to report a modest increase in turnover despite the continuing recession in aircraft manufacturing. Umeco should be able to reverse its profit decline this year and a pick up in the industry should feed through from next year.

The City was a little disappointed that Umeco held its final dividend yesterday, especially when its enthusiastic outlook statement warranted an explicit signal of the group's financial confidence. But assuming a modest increase next year, the shares, down 10p at 352.5p, should still yield a respectable 3.6 per cent. We last wrote on this stock two years ago, saying "buy" at 285p. It is still fairly priced and worth tucking away for the long-term.

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