Incitec Pivot (ASX:IPL) share price sinks 7% on Waggaman update

The Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX:IPL) share price is under pressure again on Monday following the release of an update on its Waggaman operation…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX: IPL) share price has come under pressure on Monday morning.

At the time of writing, the industrial chemicals company's shares are down almost 7% to $2.51.

white arrow pointing down

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the Incitec Pivot share price under pressure?

Investors have been selling Incitec Pivot's shares following a further update on the Waggaman ammonia plant.

Last month the company revealed that the recommencement of operations at Waggaman was being disrupted due to issues with a dry gas seal failure and vibrations in the turbine.

At that point, it warned that the delay would impact its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) by $36 million.

What's the latest?

According to today's update, the Waggaman plant re-started again in the middle of April as expected.

It was operating successfully at nameplate capacity for a total of two weeks before the plant unexpectedly tripped upon the failure of a vibration probe.

Following repairs, the subsequent re-start process was stopped on 8 May due to a coupling failure on the refrigeration compressor, upon which the plant was safely shutdown.

Management advised that bringing the Waggaman plant back to full operation is its highest priority, with all appropriate internal and external resources being deployed to achieve this.

Earnings impact

The release explains that based on current information, repairs and re-start are expected to take two to three weeks.

The additional impact to FY 2021 EBIT from the initial trip to the expected re-start of the plant is estimated to be between $33 million and $42 million. This represents between $26 million and $33 million on a net profit after tax basis.

In all other respects, Incitec Pivot's business performance remains in line with previous update.

Despite today's decline, the Incitec Pivot share price is still up a solid 11% since the start of the year.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why KMD, Tamboran Resources, Whitehaven Coal, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today

These shares are out of form on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Dateline, Karoon Energy, Lindian, and PEXA shares are falling today

These shares are missing out on the good times on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Share Fallers

These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March

These shares were out of form in March. Let's see why investors sold them off.

Read more »

Disappointed man with his head on his hand looking at a falling share price his a laptop.
Share Fallers

Why 4DMedical, New Hope, Santos, and St George Mining shares are dropping today

These shares are under pressure on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.
Share Fallers

These 3 dirt-cheap ASX shares are tipped to climb another 50-90%

These shares are now trading at super low prices.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Share Fallers

Why 4DMedical, Brainchip, Catapult, and Star Entertainment shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why>

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why DroneShield, Hub24, Syrah, and Weebit Nano shares are sinking today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A worried woman sits at her computer with her hands clutched at the bottom of her face.
Share Fallers

These 3 ASX 200 shares have hit fresh multi-year lows: Buy, sell or hold?

One of these stocks has crashed over 50% over the past year alone.

Read more »