Guess which ASX 200 industrials stock is crashing 15% today to 52-week lows?

Tough year for the company.

| 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

Investors in plumbing and industrial supplies group Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) have faced a rough ride so far this year.

And today's trading has only added to the woes.

Shares in the ASX 200 industrials stock are changing hands at $11.93 each at the time of writing, marking a 15% drop from Friday's close.

The sell-off dragged the stock to fresh 52-week lows during the session, with the share price now sitting nearly 50% below its January levels.

That's a stark contrast to the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen by 10% since the start of the year.

So, what's behind today's sharp fall?

It appears that Reece's FY25 results from this morning fell flat with investors.

Here, a challenging operating environment stalled revenue growth and sent profits sliding.

Let's unpack the numbers in more detail to see how the year unfolded for this ASX 200 industrials stock.

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX 200 industrials stock FY25 snapshot

Reece has grown into a leading supplier of plumbing, waterworks, and HVAC-R products since inception more than a century ago.

Today, the company operates over 900 branches across Australia, New Zealand, and the US, serving both commercial and residential customers.

But FY25 proved to be a difficult year for the ASX 200 industrials stock.

Revenue of $8.98 billion dipped by 1% from the previous year.

Operating earnings (EBITDA) of $901 million fell by 11%, with net profit after tax (NPAT) of $317 million slipping by 24%.

Earnings per share (EPS) also dropped by 24% to 49 cents per share.

And the total FY25 dividend of 18.36 cents per share was 29% lower.

Regional overview

Management attributed Reece's weaker FY25 results to subdued demand for its products across both operating regions.

In Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), revenue of $3.88 billion grew by 1% but EBITDA of $495 million dropped by 12%.

That said, Reece expanded its footprint in the ANZ region.

It added 15 net new branches during the year to grow its ANZ network to 676 branches in total.

In the US, revenue of US$3.30 billion dipped by 5%, with EBITDA of US$263 million also falling by 10%.

Management cited the competitive nature of the US market for this muted outcome, characterised by a slowdown in new residential construction.

Nevertheless, the company grew its presence in the region after adding 24 net new branches.

It finished the year with 267 branches across the US.

What next for this ASX 200 industrials stock?

Moving forward, the group's FY26 outlook remains subdued with management anticipating a slow recovery in the housing market.

Reece chairman and chief executive officer, Peter Wilson, said:

Looking ahead we anticipate a slow recovery in ANZ with a period of soft activity still to play out. In the US, we expect the housing market to be constrained for the next 12-18 months driven by persistently high mortgage rates and affordability challenges.

However, the ASX 200 industrials stock took a more optimistic tone for its longer-term prospects.

Here, management highlighted the growing need for infrastructure investments across both its operating regions.

It believes that population growth and an undersupply of housing will help drive demand for the group's products in future years.

Motley Fool contributor Bart Bogacz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Earnings Results

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Earnings Results

Why Xero shares are falling despite a big jump in revenue

Xero shares are under pressure as Melio costs weigh on profit.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Earnings Results

ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results

Profit is down but its guidance has been reaffirmed.

Read more »

A group of business people sit dejectedly around a table, each expressing desolation, sadness, and disappointment by holding their head in their hands, casting their gazes down and looking very glum.
Bank Shares

Why are CBA shares crashing 8% today?

Australia's largest bank has released its quarterly update. Here's what it reported.

Read more »

Three women laughing and enjoying their gambling winnings while sitting at a poker machine.
Technology Shares

Aristocrat shares charge higher on strong result and $1b buy-back

This gaming technology company has delivered strong profit growth during the first half.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands after seeing bad news on his laptop screen.
Technology Shares

Why are Life360 shares sinking 8% today?

This tech stock has started the financial year strongly. Here's what it reported.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Earnings Results

Explosive ASX 200 share jumps 8% on first-half profit surge

Profits almost doubled during the first half. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

A woman wearing a yellow shirt smiles as she checks her phone.
Earnings Results

Macquarie shares slip despite FY26 profit jump

The investment bank had a very strong second half.

Read more »

A smiling man at a shop counter takes payment from a customer, with racks of plants in the background.
Earnings Results

Afterpay and Square owner Block shares jump 6% on strong results

This payments giant has outperformed expectations.

Read more »