Can the Boral share price continue to rise?

The Boral share price has been lagging the market recently until the past two weeks. What is behind the sudden surge and can it continue?

| More on:
assortment of construction materials, building shares, boral share price

Image source: Getty Images

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 Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) share price has risen by 46.7% since the turn of the market on 22 May. It remains down year to date but could be heading higher with sales likely to benefit from the government's 'HomeBuilder' stimulus package. Boral shares are selling at a current price to earnings ratio (P/E) of 25.59, 3 points higher than their 10-year average. 

The construction materials manufacturer has seen poor performance in recent times and the sudden jump in the Boral share price has caught many investors unaware.

What's driving the Boral share price?

With more than a 45% leap in only a couple of weeks, the Boral share price is appreciating faster than many of its S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) peers. There are a number of factors at play here. 

Firstly, the company won a legal battle against Wagners Holding Company Ltd (ASX: WGN) in Queensland last week. Boral is Wagners' largest cement customer and was accused of trying to force down cement contract prices. As a result of the ruling, Boral will continue to purchase cement from Wagners until 2031 at lower rates, reflecting competition in the marketplace.

This followed a snap investment by Kerry Stokes' company Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW), purchasing 10% of the company. Seven Group capitalised on a shake up in the MSCI index last week, buying the Boral shares as investors off loaded them prior to the company being moved out of the index

I believe Seven Group is likely to push for a seat on the Boral board. It may also increase its shareholding in a bid to bolster its influence. 

What are the issues for Boral?

Boral posted a reduction in interim profit of 39% in February amidst a weak outlook for Australian sales. The Boral share price has also had a generally lacklustre performance over the past couple of years. The company is, however, currently undertaking a strategic review with Macquarie Capital and Flagstaff Partners. It is also searching for a replacement for current CEO Mike Kane.

Furthermore, talk of asset sales are swirling around the company. Some industry analysts are suggesting the US-based stone business would be easiest to divest, with Boral's light building products being substantially harder to move. In September 2019, however, investment banker John Wylie approached Boral's chairman suggesting a company break-up. Boral chose to reject this recommendation.  

Foolish takeaway

I believe the Seven Group position in Boral, combined with a strategic review underway, bodes well for the Boral share price. With positive market sentiment likely to continue in the short term, and action afoot to correct lagging performance, I believe we will continue to see rises in the Boral share price.

Should you invest $1,000 in Megaport right now?

Before you buy Megaport shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Megaport wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough trading day for ASX stocks this Monday.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in May

These stocks could be best buys this month according to the broker.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 energy shares plunge on shock OPEC move

ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Santos are tumbling on Monday. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Gold Road, Syrah, and Tyro shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

Rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block.
Gold

2 ASX gold stocks racing higher in Monday's sinking market

Investors are sending these ASX gold stocks flying higher on Monday. But why?

Read more »

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

Why Brainchip, Helia Group, Reliance Worldwide, and Westpac shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Man looking upwards contemplating which shares to buy
Broker Notes

CSL shares have climbed 10% since 11 April. Is it too late to buy?

What are analysts saying about this biotech giant after its recent rally? Let's find out.

Read more »