Investors looking for stocks in the Building Products - Home Builders sector might want to consider either Persimmon Plc (PSMMY) or NVR (NVR). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
JP Morgan has reiterated its positive stance on Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN), calling the housebuilder's mid-term targets "a significant source of earnings and valuation upside". The shares are rated 'overweight' with a price target of 1,520p, implying plenty of headroom from their current level.
Shares in housebuilders such as Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) and Barratt Redrow PLC (LSE:BTRW) rose on Tuesday after a reassuring trading update from Bellway PLC (LSE:BWY) settled nerves that might have crept in from a profit warning from smaller rival MJ Gleeson last week. FTSE 250-listed Bellway nudged up its expectations for completed sales and average selling prices, leading to new operating profit guidance that was ahead of the consensus forecasts.
Persimmon (PSMMY) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Here is how Persimmon Plc (PSMMY) and Construction Partners (ROAD) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Housebuilder Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) has agreed to sell its broadband business, FibreNest, to utilities provider BUUK Infrastructure in a deal worth around £100 million. The company will receive £70 million upfront, with further payments tied to FibreNest's future performance.
Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) reported an increase in its sales rate in the first four months of 2025 and reiterated its guidance for the full year. Shares in the housebuilder fell 2% in early trading but were flat by mid-morning at 1,294p.
Investors with an interest in Building Products - Home Builders stocks have likely encountered both Persimmon Plc (PSMMY) and NVR (NVR). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors?
Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) shares rose 3.7% to 1,214p after the housebuilder delivered a small beat to City forecasts for its 2024 calendar year results. The FTSE 100-listed group delivered 10,664 homes in the year, up 7% of the prior year, with average selling prices 5% ahead at £268.5k.
Persimmon PLC has already signalled strong trading for the year just gone, leaving focus in next Tuesday, 11 March's result on its outlook as uncertainty clouds the housing sector. Completions grew 7% to 10,664 in 2024, Persimmon said in January, outdoing market expectations.
Persimmon is a potential turnaround investment, trading near its 5-year low, with a focus on affordable housing and first-time buyers. The investment thesis hinges on expected BOE rate cuts in 2025, boosting mortgage demand and benefiting Persimmon. Labour Party's housing policy aims to build 1.5 million new houses, providing a significant tailwind for Persimmon.
Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) has been rated as its Top Pick among UK housebuilders by US broker Jefferies. On its calculations, the share price currently assumes no improvement to its return on equity from 2024.