TSTL

23 February 2018
By Maynard Paton

Update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Interim results and shareholder presentation for the six months to 31 December 2017 published 20 February 2018

Summary: These first-half figures were slightly better than I had expected, with December’s AGM statement having downplayed the group’s underlying progress. Welcome revenue advances — both in the UK and abroad — were delivered by TSTL’s main disinfectant products, while adjusted profit would have soared 24% were it not for the costs of entering North America. Sadly it remains anyone’s guess as to when those costs will eventually see any payback. Nonetheless, the first North American milestone is looming — an EPA product approval decision is expected on 16 April, and the share price is optimistic. I continue to hold.

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25 October 2017
By Maynard Paton

Update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Final results and shareholder presentation for the year to 30 June 2017 published 19 October 2017

Summary: July’s trading statement from this medical disinfectants specialist had already signalled these record results. However, the update showed underlying revenue growth of just 7%, with the UK up 3% and overseas up 10%. I’ve therefore had to delve deep into the numbers to ensure TSTL’s main products continue to sell relatively well. At least the company’s accounts and recent acquisition showed more obvious appeal. I must confess, I am nervous comparing the share-price valuation against the medium-term expansion potential, especially with the prospect of sizeable North American revenue as distant as ever. I continue to hold.

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26 July 2017
By Maynard Paton

Long update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Shareholder open-day presentation and trading update for the year ending 30 June 2017 published 19 July 2017

Summary: Similar to last year’s open day, this was a very useful shareholder event that accompanied a better-than-expected trading update. However, I thought the lack of any reference to UK revenue was odd and I await October’s full-year results for the finer details. For now at least, the disinfection specialist appears on course to meet its three-year targets and there are some promising developments with the planned venture into North America. Plenty of optimism, though, appears to be priced into the shares. I continue to hold. 

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02 March 2017
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Interim results, City presentation and investor webinar for the six months to 31 December 2016 published 23 February 2017

Summary: These first-half figures were slightly better than I had expected, with the finer details confirming December’s AGM statement had downplayed the group’s underlying progress. Impressive 20%-plus revenue advances — both in the UK and abroad — were delivered by the group’s main medical disinfectant products, while adjusted profit would have soared 29% were it not for the costs of entering North America. Sadly it remains anyone’s guess as to when those costs will first see any payback. Nonetheless, TSTL remains on course to meet management’s ambitious three-year growth projections… and the shares are priced accordingly. I continue to hold.  

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21 October 2016
By Maynard Paton

Long update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Audited results, annual report and shareholder presentation for the year to 30 June 2016 published 17 October 2016

Summary: July’s upbeat trading statement from this medical disinfectants specialist had already signalled these record results. The finer details revealed UK revenue enjoying a healthy second-half performance and overseas operations progressing consistently well. The financials appear to be in order, too, although cracking the United States is taking a bit more time and money than expected. The executives remain confident and have issued bold new projections, which is all reflected by the elevated share-price rating. I continue to hold.

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26 July 2016
By Maynard Paton

Long update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Shareholder open day, presentation and trading update for the year ending 30 June 2016 published 21 July 2016

Summary: A very useful shareholder event that accompanied a better-than-expected trading update. The bright spot was recovering UK revenue, although management oddly could not explain why the rebound occurred. Another special dividend and the purchase of an Australian distributor were welcome developments, too. Plenty of interesting snippets were disclosed during the day, including certain products having their prices doubled. However, I still disagree with management about past disclosures. I continue to hold. 

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24 February 2016
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Interim results published 24 February

Summary: Oh dear — these results were something of a letdown :-( It seems TSTL’s projections of c%15 revenue growth have been dropped as UK turnover starts to stall. At least now we know why December’s AGM statement never mentioned sales! A startling £1m share-based payment and a signal for a pedestrian 5% dividend lift were other features I did not expect. Though I still hold TSTL, I have been selling during recent weeks and sold more today.

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15 December 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: AGM statement published 15 December

Summary: It looks as if this medical-wipes specialist is all set to surpass profit expectations for 2016, and probably its own targets for 2017 as well. Throw in some new (to me) speculation about deals with FTSE multinationals, and it’s no wonder the share price has performed so well of late. In fact, this holding has grown to become 18% of my portfolio — and I must admit to some nerves given the premium growth rating. Anyway, I continue to hold.

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13 October 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Final results and annual report published 12 October

Summary: It’s always nice to see your largest holding issue good figures and watch the share price rally strongly! These results met or exceeded my expectations, with bumper H2 margins, good all-round revenue growth and upbeat management commentary. The firm’s repeat-purchase and patent-protected products continue to promise further growth — notably in the United States — and the current valuation reflects such optimism. I continue to hold. 

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22 May 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Trading update published 21 May.

Summary: At last — one of my shares has issued an ‘ahead of expectations’ trading statement! TSTL’s medical wipes appear to be selling very well and second-half profits now seem set to grow by 35%. There could be further upside, too, if TSTL’s past ‘sandbagging’ form is anything to go by. My valuation sums still suggest annual returns of 15%-plus could be earned. I continue to hold. 

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25 February 2015
By Maynard Paton

Here’s a an update on Tristel (TSTL).

Event: Half-year results published 25 February.

Summary: Figures met my expectations, showing good all-round progress. Management commentary noticeably upbeat — confidence underlined by first RNS mentions of group sales target and ‘North America’. Firm’s healthcare products remain attractive to investors — repeat purchase and patent protected. Share-price upside could be attractive if growth forecasts come good. I continue to hold.

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17 December 2014
By Maynard Paton

Today I’m catching up with Tristel (LON: TSTL), a small-cap supplier of patented chemical products that are used to disinfect medical equipment and hospital floors. I’m pleased the company has progressed well since my initial write-up back in March 2014.

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20 March 2014
By Maynard Paton

Today I am going to tell you about my latest purchase and why I believe the share price could double within three years.

The company is Tristel (LON: TSTL), a £20m supplier of heavy-duty hospital disinfectants. I’ve been a buyer since December 2013 and my average entry price is 46p. If all goes to plan, my projections suggest the price could trade beyond 100p by 2017.

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