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:
white arrow pointing down

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 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.

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

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Share Fallers

Guess which ASX 200 stock is crashing 42% on big news

Big bad news is weighing heavily on this stock today.

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Share Fallers

Why Beetaloo, Botanix, Cobram Estate, and Origin Energy shares are falling today

These shares are having a poor session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why Antipa Minerals, Northern Star, Pilbara Minerals, and Synlait Milk shares are falling today

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

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why Evolution Mining, G8 Education, Lottery Corp, and Lynas shares are tumbling today

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

Read more »

Two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen at a mine site.
Gold

Down 50% in a year, time to pounce on this beaten-down ASX 200 gold stock?

A leading expert offers his verdict on this beaten-down ASX 200 gold miner.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Share Fallers

Why CBA, G8 Education, JB Hi-Fi, and Vault Minerals shares are falling today

These shares are falling on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

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

These were the worst ASX 200 shares to buy in June

These shares took a tumble last month. But why?

Read more »

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.
Share Fallers

Why Domino's, Helia, Qantas, and Zip shares are sinking today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »