Q2 2026 Ibstock PLC Earnings Call

August 5, 2026

Speaker #1: Right, good morning and welcome to Ibstock's 2026 half-year results presentation. I'm joined today by Simon Bedford, our interim CFO, and I'd like to thank Simon for his support and leadership during his time as interim CFO.

Joe Hudson: Good morning and welcome to Ibstock's 2026 H1 results presentation. I'm joined today by Simon Bedford, our interim CFO. I'd like to thank Simon for his support and leadership during his time as interim CFO. As previously announced, Will Wilkins has also joined Ibstock as CFO earlier this week and is with us here today in the front row. You'll have the opportunity to meet Will after the presentation today. Before I begin, it's also worth recognizing that we've been proudly marking 200 years of the original site of Ibstock. A few industrial businesses can trace their roots back over two centuries. We're really proud of that. Let's turn to the agenda. I'll share an overview of the H1 and how we're navigating what remains a very challenging market.

Joe Hudson: Good morning and welcome to Ibstock's 2026 H1 Results Presentation. I'm joined today by Simon Bedford, our interim CFO. I'd like to thank Simon for his support and leadership during his time as interim CFO. As previously announced, Will Wilkins has also joined Ibstock as CFO earlier this week and is with us here today in the front row. You'll have the opportunity to meet Will after the presentation today. Before I begin, it's also worth recognizing that we've been proudly marking 200 years of the original site of Ibstock. A few industrial businesses can trace their roots back over two centuries. We're really proud of that. Let's turn to the agenda. I'll share an overview of the H1 and how we're navigating what remains a very challenging market.

Speaker #1: As previously announced, Will Wilkins also joined Ibstock as CFO earlier this week and is with us here today in the front row. You'll have the opportunity to meet Will after the presentation today.

Speaker #1: Before I begin, it's also worth recognizing that we've been proudly marking 200 years of the original site of Ibstock, and few industrial businesses can trace their roots back over two centuries. We're really proud of that.

Speaker #1: With that, let's turn to the agenda. I'll share an overview of the first half of the year, and how we're navigating what remains a very challenging market.

Speaker #1: Simon will then take us through the financials in more detail, including the divisional results, cash flow, and balance sheet. I'll then come back to update you on market dynamics and on the progress across our five strategic levers, and I'll then summarize our outlook for the remainder of the year before we move on to Q&A.

Joe Hudson: Simon will take us through the financials in more detail, including the divisional results, cash flow, and balance sheet. I'll then come back to update you on market dynamics and on the progress across our five strategic levers. I'll then summarize our outlook for the remainder of the year before we move on to Q&A. We entered into the year with the expectation that there would be some growth in the market. Poor weather and macroeconomic events led to more volatile conditions and subdued market demand across our key end markets. Against this backdrop, the business has delivered a solid performance in line with our expectations. The clay business delivered a resilient performance in the period.

Speaker #1: Turning first to the overview: We entered the year with the expectation that there would be some growth in the market. However, poor weather and macroeconomic events led to more volatile conditions and subdued market demand across our key end markets.

Speaker #1: Against this backdrop, the business has delivered a solid performance in line with our expectations. Some key messages to point out: the clay business delivered a resilient performance in the period; UK domestic brick deliveries for the first five months were down around 8% year-on-year, and our comparable sales volumes were down around 7%, meaning we gained domestic clay market share in the period.

Joe Hudson: UK domestic brick deliveries for the first 5 months were down around 8% year-on-year. Our comparable sales volumes were down around 7%, meaning we gained domestic clay market share in the period. While our concrete business has also been impacted by the challenging backdrop, most of our categories have outperformed the market. We've acted decisively to manage capacity, production, volumes, and inventory. We continue to align output to demand, manage inventory carefully, and maintain discipline on overhead and costs. In parallel, our teams have continued to make strong progress across the five strategic levers that underpin our medium-term value creation plan. I'll go into more detail on that later.

Speaker #1: While our concrete business has also been impacted by the challenging backdrop, most of our categories have outperformed the market. We've acted decisively to manage capacity, production, volumes, and inventory, and we continue to align output to demand, manage inventory carefully, and maintain discipline on overhead and costs.

Speaker #1: In parallel, our teams have continued to make strong progress across the five strategic levers that underpin our medium-term value creation plan, and I'll go into more detail on that later.

Speaker #1: Despite not anticipating any meaningful market improvement, we expect to achieve a stronger adjusted EBITDA in H2 than in H1, supported by customer order intake, an anticipated stronger performance from our concrete and futures businesses, and normal seasonal weighting toward the second half.

Joe Hudson: Despite not anticipating any meaningful market improvement, we expect to achieve a stronger adjusted EBITDA in H2 than in H1, supported by customer order intake, an anticipated stronger performance from our concrete and Futures businesses, and normal seasonal weighting towards the H2. With near-term conditions expected to remain challenging, the full-year outturn is anticipated to be around the lower end of current market expectations. Finally, while the timing of recovery remains uncertain, Ibstock is well-placed to deliver growth and value creation as market conditions improve. We have a market-leading position, a more efficient asset base, major capital projects largely complete, and further optionality to generate cash from our land and clay reserves. With that overview, let me hand you over to Simon to take you through the financials.

Speaker #1: With near-term conditions expected to remain challenging, the full-year outturn is anticipated to be around the lower end of current market expectations. And finally, while the timing of recovery remains uncertain, Ibstock is well placed to deliver growth and value creation as market conditions improve.

Speaker #1: We have a market-leading position, a more efficient asset base, major capital projects largely complete, and increasing optionality to generate cash from our land and clay reserves.

Speaker #1: And with that overview, let me hand you over to Simon to take you through the financials.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Jay, and good morning, everybody. I will now take you through the financial performance for the first half. As Jay said, the market backdrop remained challenging, but the business has performed in line with our expectations, with focused cost, capacity, inventory, and cash management.

Simon Bedford: Thanks, Joe, and good morning, everybody. I will now take you through the financial performance for H1. As Joe said, the market backdrop remained challenging, but the business has performed in line with our expectations, with focused execution across pricing, cost, capacity, inventory, and cash management. Turning first to the financial summary. Group revenue for H1 was GBP 164.2 million, compared with GBP 193.4 million in the prior year. On a reported basis, this represents a reduction of 15%, reflecting both the market backdrop and the sale of our non-core Forticrete roofing site to the end of 2025. On a like-for-like basis, revenue is down around 10%. Adjusted EBITDA was GBP 25.7 million, compared with GBP 35.5 million last year, with a reduction driven principally by lower volumes, the fixed-cost absorption impact of deliberate production and inventory management actions, and continuing cost inflation.

Speaker #2: Turning first to the financial summary: Group revenue for the first half was $164.2 million, compared with $193.4 million in the prior year. On a reported basis, this represents a reduction of 15%, reflecting both the market backdrop and the sale of our non-core Forticrete roofing sites at the end of 2025.

Speaker #2: On a like-for-like basis, revenue is down around 10%. Adjusted EBITDA was $25.7 million, compared with $35.5 million last year, with a reduction driven principally by lower volumes, the fixed cost absorption impact of deliberate production and inventory management actions, and continuing cost inflation.

Speaker #2: This was partially offset by the benefit of around half the $5 million annualized cost savings from the right-sizing action taken in 2025, as well as ongoing efficiency actions.

Simon Bedford: This was partially offset by the benefit of around half the GBP 5 million annualized cost savings from the right sizing action taken in 2025, as well as ongoing efficiency actions. Adjusted EPS was GBP 0.007, compared with GBP 0.03 in the prior period. Net debt to EBITDA leverage was 2.5x on a banking covenant basis at H1, compared with 1.9x in June 2025. This reflects lower earnings and a small increase in net debt. Net debt and leverage are expected to reduce in H2 as cash generation strengthens. While ROCE was disappointing in the period, we expect to return to our target ROCE of 20% as the market recovers. The board has proposed an interim dividend of GBP 0.005 per share. Moving now to cover the revenue bridge. Group revenue reduced by GBP 29.2 million year on year, from GBP 193.4 million to GBP 164.2 million.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EPS was $0.70, compared with $0.03 in the prior period. Net debt to EBITDA leverage was 2.5 times on a banking covenant basis at the half-year, compared with 1.9 times in June 2025.

Speaker #2: This reflects lower earnings and a small increase in net debt. Net debt and leverage are expected to reduce in the second half, as cash generation strengthens.

Speaker #2: While ROKI was disappointing in the period, we expect to return to our target ROKI of 20% as the market recovers. The Board has proposed an interim dividend of $0.50 per share.

Speaker #2: Moving now to cover the revenue bridge: Group revenue reduced by $29.2 million year-on-year, from $193.4 million to $164.2 million. The first quarter was particularly challenging, given subdued demand and weather impacts, but we saw improving volume trends during the second quarter.

Simon Bedford: Q1 was particularly challenging, given subdued demand and weather impacts, but we saw improving volume trends during Q2. Clay revenues were 10% lower on a reported basis, with core clay revenue down 8%. That reflected lower volumes in H1, partially offset by positive pricing. We implemented annual price increases in February and introduced a temporary surcharge in June to help mitigate additional energy and fuel-related inflation. Concrete revenues were down 26% on a reported basis and around 11% on a like-for-like basis. The reported decline reflects the Forticrete roofing sale while the like-for-like movement reflects continued weakness in residential and RMI markets, partially offset by improving demand for rail and infrastructure projects, a bit from a relatively low base. Overall, the bridge reflects the reality of a difficult market, but also the actions we are taking to protect value through pricing discipline.

Speaker #2: Clay revenues were 10% lower on a reported basis, with core clay revenue down 8%. That reflected lower volumes in the first half, partially offset by positive pricing.

Speaker #2: We implemented annual price increases in February and introduced a temporary surcharge in June to help mitigate additional energy and fuel-related inflation. Concrete revenues were down 26% on a reported basis, and around 11% on a like-for-like basis.

Speaker #2: The reported decline reflects the Forticrete roofing sale, while the like-for-like movement reflects continued weakness in residential and RMI markets, partially offset by improving demand for rail and infrastructure projects, albeit from a relatively low base.

Speaker #2: Overall, the Bridge reflects the reality of a difficult market, but also the actions we are taking to protect value through pricing discipline. Turning now to Clay: Clay delivered a resilient performance against a challenging backdrop, with market share gains in the period.

Simon Bedford: Turning now to clay. Clay delivered a resilient performance against a challenging backdrop with market share gains in the period. Total revenue was GBP 119.9 million, down GBP 13.6 million year on year. Core clay revenue excluding Ibstock Futures was GBP 118.1 million, down 8%. Volumes were lower in H1. However, as Joe mentioned earlier, that was better than the wider domestic market in the period up to the end of May. Headline pricing remained marginally positive. The February price increase and the temporary fuel and energy surcharge introduced in June helped to offset part of the cost inflation in the period. In terms of mix, we continued to see stronger performance in new build housing and wire cut bricks while demand for soft mud bricks remained more subdued, particularly in RMI in the Southeast and London markets.

Speaker #2: Total revenue was $119.9 million, down $13.6 million year on year. Core clay revenue, excluding futures, was $118.1 million, down 8%. Volumes were lower in the first half; however, as Jay mentioned earlier, that was better than the wider domestic market in the period up to the end of May.

Speaker #2: Headline pricing remained marginally positive. The February price increase and the temporary fuel and energy surcharge introduced in June helped to offset part of the cost inflation in the period.

Speaker #2: In terms of mix, we continue to see stronger performance in new build housing and wire-cut bricks, while demand for soft mud bricks remained more subdued, particularly in RMI and the southeastern London markets.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA for Clay was $23.4 million, compared with $32.8 million last year, with the margin reducing to 19.5%. The reduction reflected lower volumes and the temporary fixed cost absorption headwind from our deliberate management of capacity, production, and inventory levels.

Simon Bedford: Adjusted EBITDA for clay was GBP 23.4 million, compared with GBP 32.8 million last year, with margin reducing to 19.5%. The reduction reflected lower volumes and the temporary fixed cost absorption headwind from our deliberate management of capacity, production, and inventory levels. Those actions reduced EBITDA by approximately GBP 5 to 6 million in the period, they are the right actions to align output with demand and manage cash. Within clay, the Ibstock Futures cost base increased as Nostell ramps up with net costs of GBP 2.5 million compared with GBP 1.5 million in the prior year. As Joe will cover later, customer engagement around Nostell is encouraging, and we remain confident in the long-term opportunity. Turning to concrete. Concrete revenue is GBP 44.3 million, down 26% on a reported basis and 11% on a like-for-like basis. The reported movement reflects the impact of the Forticrete roofing sale in Q4 2025.

Speaker #2: Those actions reduced EBITDA by approximately £5 million to £6 million in the period, but they are the right actions to align output with demand and manage cash.

Speaker #2: Within Clay, the Ibstock futures cost base increased as Nostal ramps up, with net costs of $2.5 million compared with $1.5 million in the prior year.

Speaker #2: As Jay will cover later, customer engagement around Nostal is encouraging, and we remain confident in the long-term opportunity. Turning to concrete: concrete revenue is $44.3 million, down 26% on a reported basis and 11% on a like-for-like basis.

Speaker #2: The reported movement reflects the impact of the Forticrete roofing sale in Q4 2025. The market backdrop remained challenging across private residential and RMI, with flooring products, particularly affected by the subdued activity.

Simon Bedford: The reported movement reflects the impact of the Forticrete roofing sale in Q4 2025. The market backdrop remained challenging across private residential and RMI, with flooring products particularly affected by the subdued activity. However, infrastructure demand provided some support with rail-related sales improving during the period and most other concrete categories declining less than the market. Adjusted EBITDA was GBP 3.7 million compared with GBP 6 million last year, reflecting lower volumes and continued weakness across key end markets. EBITDA margin was 8.3% down on the prior year. During the period, we saw continued strategic investment in selected manufacturing sites. That temporarily reduced production capacity as lines were taken offline for upgrades, it positions the division to deliver operational and efficiency benefits in the H2 and beyond.

Simon Bedford: The market backdrop remained challenging across private residential and RMI, with flooring products particularly affected by the subdued activity. However, infrastructure demand provided some support with rail-related sales improving during the period and most other concrete categories declining less than the market. Adjusted EBITDA was GBP 3.7 million compared with GBP 6 million last year, reflecting lower volumes and continued weakness across key end markets. EBITDA margin was 8.3% down on the prior year. During the period, we saw continued strategic investment in selected manufacturing sites. That temporarily reduced production capacity as lines were taken offline for upgrades, it positions the division to deliver operational and efficiency benefits in the H2 and beyond. While the near-term market remains difficult, we continue to see medium-term opportunities in concrete, particularly as rail and infrastructure activity improves and as our investment in selected sites begins to deliver benefits.

Speaker #2: However, infrastructure demand provided some support, with rail-related sales improving during the period and most other concrete categories declining less than the market. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.7 million, compared with $6.0 million last year, reflecting lower volumes and continued weakness across key markets.

Speaker #2: EBITDA margin was 8.3%, down on the prior year. During the period, we saw continued strategic investment in selected manufacturing sites. That temporarily reduced production capacity as lines were taken offline for upgrades, but it positions the division to deliver operational and efficiency benefits in the second half and beyond.

Speaker #2: So, while the near-term market remained difficult, we continue to see medium-term opportunities in concrete, particularly as rail and infrastructure activity improves and as our investment in selected sites begins to deliver benefits.

Simon Bedford: While the near-term market remains difficult, we continue to see medium-term opportunities in concrete, particularly as rail and infrastructure activity improves and as our investment in selected sites begins to deliver benefits. Moving now to cash flow. Adjusted free cash flow was an outflow of GBP 22.3 million compared with an outflow of GBP 9.6 million last year. The principal driver was the reduction in adjusted EBITDA together with seasonal working capital movements. Working capital was an outflow of GBP 17.2 million, compared with GBP 12.4 million in the prior period. The outflow reflects the normal seasonal pattern. Inventory levels did increase modestly against the comparative period as trading volumes were softer than expected. CapEx reduced to GBP 15.2 million, compared with GBP 20.9 million last year. Of this, around GBP 4 million relates to organic growth investment and GBP 11 million relates to sustaining CapEx and improvement projects.

Speaker #2: Moving now to cash flow: adjusted free cash flow for the period was an outflow of $22.3 million, compared with an outflow of $9.6 million last year.

Simon Bedford: Moving now to cash flow. Adjusted free cash flow was an outflow of GBP 22.3 million compared with an outflow of GBP 9.6 million last year. The principal driver was the reduction in adjusted EBITDA together with seasonal working capital movements. Working capital was an outflow of GBP 17.2 million, compared with GBP 12.4 million in the prior period. The outflow reflects the normal seasonal pattern. Inventory levels did increase modestly against the comparative period as trading volumes were softer than expected. CapEx reduced to GBP 15.2 million, compared with GBP 20.9 million last year. Of this, around GBP 4 million relates to organic growth investment and GBP 11 million relates to sustaining CapEx and improvement projects. The important point is that our major organic growth programs are largely complete. As a result, we'd expect an acceleration in free cash flow generation as CapEx normalizes and as trading conditions improve. Turning to the balance sheet.

Speaker #2: The principal driver was the reduction in adjusted EBITDA, together with seasonal working capital movements. Working capital was an outflow of $17.2 million, compared with $12.4 million in the prior period.

Speaker #2: The outflow reflects the normal seasonal pattern: inventory levels did increase modestly against the comparative period, as trading volumes were softer than expected. Capex reduced to $15.2 million, compared with $20.9 million last year.

Speaker #2: Of this, around $4 million relates to organic growth investment, and $11 million relates to sustaining capex and improvement projects. The important point is that our major organic growth programs are largely complete.

Simon Bedford: The important point is that our major organic growth programs are largely complete. As a result, we'd expect an acceleration in free cash flow generation as CapEx normalizes and as trading conditions improve. Turning to the balance sheet. Net debt at the 30 June was GBP 151.3 million. This was in line with expectations and reflects the normal seasonal increase in working capital, lower earnings in the H1, and the broader trading backdrop. Leverage was 2.5 times at the half year compared with 1.9 times at June 2025. We expect net debt and leverage to reduce in the H2, supported by stronger cash generation, with leverage moving towards 2x by the end of 2026. We continue to manage cash carefully with a clear focus on liquidity, cash generation, and maintaining financial flexibility through the cycle.

Speaker #2: As a result, we would expect an acceleration in free cash flow generation as capex normalizes and as trading conditions improve. Turning to the balance sheet, net debt at 30 June was $1,531.3 million. This was in line with expectations and reflects the normal seasonal increase in working capital.

Simon Bedford: Net debt at the 30 June was GBP 151.3 million. This was in line with expectations and reflects the normal seasonal increase in working capital, lower earnings in the H1, and the broader trading backdrop. Leverage was 2.5 times at the half year compared with 1.9 times at June 2025. We expect net debt and leverage to reduce in the H2, supported by stronger cash generation, with leverage moving towards 2x by the end of 2026. We continue to manage cash carefully with a clear focus on liquidity, cash generation, and maintaining financial flexibility through the cycle. For those looking for the technical guidance for 2026, this is included in the appendix section. With that, I will hand back to Joe to cover our market drivers and strategic progress.

Speaker #2: Lower earnings in the first half and the broader trading backdrop. Leverage was 2.5 times at the half-year, compared with 1.9 times at June 2025.

Speaker #2: We expect net debt and leverage to reduce in the second half, supported by stronger cash generation with leverage moving towards 2 times by the end of 2026.

Speaker #2: We continue to manage cash carefully, with a clear focus on liquidity, cash generation, and maintaining financial flexibility through the cycle. For those looking for the technical guidance for 2026, this is included in the appendix section.

Simon Bedford: For those looking for the technical guidance for 2026, this is included in the appendix section. With that, I will hand back to Joe to cover our market drivers and strategic progress.

Speaker #2: With that, I will hand back to Jay to cover our market drivers and strategic progress.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Simon. So, at the folio presentation in March, we set out five strategic levers that will help us to drive shareholder value over the medium term.

Joe Hudson: Thanks, Simon. At the full year presentation in March, we set out five strategic levers that will help us to drive shareholder value over the medium term. These are market leadership, growth in new market sectors, product innovation, efficiencies, and strategic options. We've made some good progress across each of the five strategic levers in H1 2026, and this is strengthening the business today, as well as building additional sources of value and diversification for the medium term. Before sharing progress across the levers, let's start with an update on the market. If we turn to the core markets, you can see from the chart that there's been a big swing in industry forecasts related to housing starts and completions.

Speaker #1: These are market leadership, growth in new market sectors, product innovation, efficiencies, and strategic options. We've made some good progress across each of the five strategic levers in the first half of 2026, and this is strengthening the business today as well as building additional sources of value and diversification for the medium term.

Speaker #1: Before sharing progress across the levers, let's start with an update on the market. If we turn to the core markets, you can see from the chart that there's been a big swing in industry forecasts related to housing starts and completions.

Speaker #1: For us, housing starts are a key indicator, and the CPA have moved from forecasting an 8% growth in 2026 in their winter forecast to a 9% decline now in their summer forecast.

Joe Hudson: For us, housing starts are a key indicator, the CPA have moved from forecasting an 8% growth in 2026 in their winter forecast to a 9% decline now in their summer forecast. There's a similar picture for heavy side RMI, but a more encouraging picture for infrastructure output, which is showing low single-figure digit growth. The macro environment is not helping with the evolving situation in the Middle East and the UK changing political landscape affecting consumer confidence. House builders are experiencing build cost inflation and margin challenges, and it's difficult to see this changing meaningfully in the short term without some sort of targeted intervention from the government, such as a support for first-time buyers. The longer term fundamentals are still positive. The UK continues to face a significant housing shortage. We have also an aging housing stock that requires ongoing investment and renewal.

Speaker #1: There's a similar picture for heavyside RMI, but a more encouraging picture for infrastructure output, which is showing low single-digit growth. The macro environment is not helping, with the evolving situation in the Middle East and the UK's changing political landscape affecting consumer confidence.

Speaker #1: House builders are experiencing bill cost inflation and margin challenges, and it's difficult to see this changing meaningfully in the short term without some sort of targeted intervention from the government, such as support for first-time buyers.

Speaker #1: The longer-term fundamentals are still positive. The UK continues to face a significant housing shortage. We also have an aging housing stock that requires ongoing investment and renewal.

Speaker #1: Planning reforms in the recent announcements about building council housing are very interesting, but this will all take time, and we need to a short-term action to improve the pace of recovery.

Joe Hudson: Planning reforms and the recent announcements about building council housing are very interesting, this will all take time and we need a short-term action to improve the pace of recovery. While we remain cautious about the near term, we continue to believe the medium-term opportunity is significant. Turning to the brick market. Clearly, there's a strong correlation with the housing and RMI markets and brick dispatches. Domestic brick deliveries for the first five months of the year were down around 8% year on year. As I've mentioned, Ibstock clay volumes were down around 7% for the same period. Imported products were stable at around 19% of the overall market. At the same time, there's been discipline on production and inventory.

Speaker #1: So, while we remain cautious about the near term, we continue to believe the medium-term opportunity is significant. Turning to the brick market: clearly, there's a strong correlation with the housing and RMI markets and brick dispatches.

Speaker #1: Domestic brick deliveries for the first five months of the year were down around 8% year-on-year. As I've mentioned, Ibstock's clay volumes were down around 7% for the same period.

Speaker #1: Imported products were stable at around 19% of the overall market. At the same time, there's been discipline on production and inventory. UK manufacturing inventory levels were broadly in line with December 2025, reflecting the actions we and others have taken to align output with demand rather than allowing stock to build.

Joe Hudson: UK manufacturing inventory levels were broadly in line with December 2025, reflecting the actions we and others have taken to align output with demand rather than allowing stock to build. Looking at our own clay capacity. As stated, we've reduced our production in H1, our plan for the year will continue to align production with market demand. Managing production and stock to recent volatile market conditions is a challenge, we need to balance the short term with the need to supply a market that must see some recovery in the midterm. At this stage, we expect to see some improvement in volumes from H1 to H2. Should that not happen, we will flex our production down further. As Simon explained, this would create a margin headwind in the short term, but would be the right approach for cash discipline and longer term value.

Speaker #1: Looking at our own clay capacity, as stated, we've reduced our production in H1, and our plan for the year will continue to align production with market demand.

Speaker #1: Managing production and stock to recent volatile market conditions is a challenge, and we need to balance the short term with the need to supply a market that must see some recovery in the mid-term.

Speaker #1: At this stage, we expect to see some improvement in volumes from H1 to H2. Should that not happen, we will flex our production down further.

Speaker #1: And as Simon explained, this would create a margin headwind in the short term, but would be the right approach for cash, discipline, and longer-term value.

Speaker #1: Okay, let's turn to our first strategic lever: market leadership. With more than 200 years of trusted knowledge and expertise, the breadth of our offering, the strength of our customer relationships, our national footprint, and technical capabilities gives us a very, very strong brand position.

Joe Hudson: Okay, let's turn to our first strategic lever, market leadership. With more than 200 years of trusted knowledge and expertise, the breadth of our offering, the strength of our customer relationships, our national footprint, and technical capabilities gives us a very, very strong brand position. As customer requirements continue to shift, our expertise in product performance, durability, technical specification, and sustainability are important differentiators. While many of our customers are local, increasingly larger players are looking to have national offers across a range of clay, concrete, and façade products and solutions under one unified Ibstock proposition, we're definitely benefiting from that. During the H1, our focused commercial strategy has gained market share, along with further deepening customer relationships, improved service, and using insights more effectively to inform future growth priorities. Turning to growth in other sectors.

Speaker #1: As customer requirements continue to shift, our expertise in product performance, durability, technical specification, and sustainability are important differentiators. And while many of our customers are looking increasingly local, increasingly larger players are looking to have national offers across a range of clay, concrete, and façade products and solutions under one unified Ibstock proposition, and we're definitely benefiting from that.

Speaker #1: During the first half, our focused commercial strategy has gained market share, along with further deepening customer relationships, improving service, and using insights more effectively to inform future growth priorities.

Speaker #1: Turning to growth in other sectors, I mentioned in our last market update that we see significant medium-term opportunities in the areas of social and affordable housing, mid- to high-rise buildings, along with a huge pipeline of public sector buildings and infrastructure projects.

Joe Hudson: I mentioned in our last market update that we see significant medium-term opportunities in the areas of social and affordable housing. Mid to high-rise buildings, along with a huge pipeline of public sector buildings and infrastructure projects. We know the government's GBP 39 billion affordable homes program provides a strong foundation, with additional discussions on council house building expected to drive further activity in the years ahead. While we've yet to see funding fully translate into a meaningful increase in delivery, our focus on end user relationships and housing association engagement is helping to build, share, and strengthen our pipeline. Several strategic relationships are tracking double-digit year-on-year growth, demonstrating the value of this more targeted approach. Although building safety issues have constrained recent activity levels, mid to high-rise is an important long-term opportunity, especially for façade systems.

Speaker #1: We know the government's £39 billion affordable homes program provides a strong foundation, with additional discussions on council house building expected to drive further activity in the years ahead.

Speaker #1: While we've yet to see funding fully translate into a meaningful increase in delivery, our focus on end-user relationships and housing association engagement is helping to build share and strengthen our pipeline.

Speaker #1: Several strategic relationships are tracking double-digit year-on-year growth, demonstrating the value of this more targeted approach. Although building safety issues have constrained recent activity levels, mid- to high-rise is an important long-term opportunity.

Speaker #1: Especially for façade systems. Alongside this, the remediation market remains a sizable opportunity, with thousands of buildings still needing re-cladding. The third area is public sector investment.

Joe Hudson: Alongside this, the remediation market remains a sizable opportunity, with thousands of buildings still needing recladding. The third area is public sector investment. The government has committed GBP 718 billion to infrastructure and public sector buildings over the next decade across areas including education, healthcare, and justice. This chart shows the anticipated spending splits, we are increasingly targeting these markets. You can see on this next slide an example of our proposition within the education sector. The range of Ibstock products that align to the Department for Education's construction framework is very broad and is enabling earlier engagement with customers. As a result, we've seen strong engagement from notable tier 1 contractors with millions of GBP of pipeline opportunities. As with the education example, we also see similar opportunities in health, social care, and the recently announced defense infrastructure spend. The third strategic lever is product innovation.

Speaker #1: The government has committed to £718 billion to infrastructure and public sector buildings over the next decade, across areas including education, healthcare, and justice. This chart shows the anticipated spending splits.

Speaker #1: And we are increasingly targeting these markets. You can see on this next slide an example of our proposition within the education sector. The range of Ibstock products that align to the Department for Education's construction framework is very broad, and has enabled earlier engagement with customers.

Speaker #1: As a result, we've seen strong engagement from notable tier-one contractors, with millions of pounds of pipeline opportunities. As with the education example, we also see similar opportunities in health, social care, and the recently announced defense infrastructure spend.

Speaker #1: The third strategic lever is product innovation. Innovation remains central to our growth strategy. It helps differentiate Ibstock, supports the evolving needs of our customers, and opens new routes to market.

Joe Hudson: Innovation remains central to our growth strategy. It helps differentiate Ibstock, supports the evolving needs of our customers, and opens new routes to market. Revenue from new and more sustainable products now represents around 25% of our group revenue. Looking at the H1 2026, within clay, Atlas is now making 12 products, including the first from our carbon neutral range. That's an important milestone, combining efficient production with enhanced product capability. Atlas will continue to benefit from investment in hydrogen, subject to the forthcoming H2 government funding round. In concrete, we brought to market the Anderton Gen 3 cable trough in June with Network Rail approval. This product is designed to significantly improve installation efficiency and support the demands of critical rail infrastructure projects. Across our façades range, the new Nostell facility is creating a strong platform for growth with good customer engagement and specification activities.

Speaker #1: Revenue from new and more sustainable products now represents around 25% of our group revenue. Looking at the first half of 2026, within Clay, Atlas is now making 12 products, including the first from our carbon-neutral range.

Speaker #1: That's an important milestone, combining efficient production with enhanced product capability. Atlas will continue to benefit from investment in hydrogen, subject to the forthcoming H2 government funding round.

Speaker #1: In Concrete, we brought to market the Anderton Gen3 cable trough in June, with Network Rail approval. This product is designed to significantly improve installation efficiency and support the demands of critical rail infrastructure projects.

Speaker #1: And across our façades range, the new Nostril facility is creating a strong platform for growth, with good customer engagement and specification activities. Taking a closer look at Nostril, this site will deliver some truly differentiated ceramic products and manufacturing capabilities, unlike anything else in the UK.

Joe Hudson: Taking a closer look at Nostell. This site will deliver some truly differentiated ceramic products and manufacturing capabilities unlike anything else in the UK. Factory acceptance testing is now completing, and we've seen a strong customer response in both the new IBrick and FastWall ranges. Orders for the core ranges are already in the low millions, with inquiries in the specification pipeline in the tens of millions. FastWall has also already received industry recognition as Housebuilder's Best New Product of the Year. We look forward to hosting investors at Nostell, showcasing its capability firsthand, and this is currently planned for early October. Get your tickets. Our fourth lever is in driving efficiencies, and this is focused on three main areas. Firstly, our manufacturing estate. Over the last 8 years, we've invested over GBP 3 million to modernize our network.

Speaker #1: Factory acceptance testing is now completing, and we've seen a strong customer response in both the new IBRIX and Fast Wall ranges. Orders for the core ranges are already in the low millions, with inquiries in the specification pipeline in the tens of millions.

Speaker #1: Fast Wall has also already received industry recognition as house building's best new product of the year. We look forward to hosting investors at Nostril, showcasing its capability firsthand, and this is currently planned for early October.

Speaker #1: So get your tickets. Our fourth lever is in driving efficiencies, and this is focused on three main areas. Firstly, our manufacturing estate. Over the last eight years, we've invested over £3 million to modernize our network.

Speaker #1: That investment has created a safer, more automated, efficient, and sustainable asset base, which will return significantly as our utilization levels improve. As Simon mentioned, we've completed improvement projects on our concrete flooring, walling, masonry, and lift shaft factories.

Joe Hudson: That investment has created a safer, more automated, efficient, and more sustainable asset base, which will return significantly as our utilization levels improve. As Simon mentioned, we've completed improvement projects on our concrete flooring, walling, masonry, and lift shaft factories. We expect to see improving performance as some of these investments ramp up from H2 and into the future. We've also used the current market conditions to extend shutdowns in targeted clay factories and invest in high return upgrade projects. An example of this is one of our largest wire cut factories in Nottingham, where we're now seeing higher output and energy savings of between 15% and 20%. We've also launched an operational excellence program, which will deliver long-term efficiencies and cost reductions across all locations. This has now started with key pilot sites and will extend more widely into 2027. The third focus extends beyond manufacturing.

Speaker #1: We expect to see improving performance as some of these investments ramp up from H2 and into the future. We've also used the current market conditions to extend shutdowns in targeted clay factories and invest in high-return upgrade projects.

Speaker #1: An example of this is one of our largest wire-cut factories in Nottingham, where we're now seeing higher output and energy savings of between 15% and 20%.

Speaker #1: We've also launched an operational excellence program, which will deliver long-term efficiencies and cost reductions across all locations. This has now started with key pilot sites and will extend more widely into 2027.

Speaker #1: The third focus extends beyond manufacturing. We continue to drive efficiency through process simplification, systems improvement, and digital enablement. During the first half, this included the implementation of a new customer relationship management platform, alongside a number of initiatives using AI tools designed to improve effectiveness across the group.

Joe Hudson: We continue to drive efficiency through process simplification, systems improvement, and digital enablement. During the H1, this included the implementation of a new customer relationship management platform alongside a number of initiatives using AI tools designed to improve the effectiveness across the group. The last area I'll touch on is further strategic optionality centered on our land and clay reserves. Just to provide a sense of scale, today, we manage over 2,700 acres of land across the UK, spanning our factory estate, clay quarries, where we have unrivaled clay reserves, as well as a much wider natural estate. We see increasing value being realized through several complementary routes. Firstly, the commercialization of calcined clay. Secondly, a program of land development and sales. Thirdly, land-based income streams. Looking at these three routes, starting with calcined clay.

Speaker #1: And the last area I'll touch on is further strategic optionality centered on our land and clay reserves. Just to provide a sense of scale, today we manage over 2,700 acres of land across the UK, spanning our factory estate, clay quarries—where we have unrivaled clay reserves—as well as a much wider natural estate.

Speaker #1: We see increasing value being realized through several complementary routes. Firstly, the commercialization of calcined clay. Secondly, a program of land development and sales. And thirdly, land-based income streams.

Speaker #1: Looking at these three routes, starting with calcined clay. Calcined clay is growing to become a key area for cementitious materials, and Ibstock has scale in the UK.

Joe Hudson: Calcined clay is growing to become a key area for cementitious materials, and Ibstock has invested to develop a major project of scale in the UK. This is an important foundation in decarbonizing the construction industry using a lower carbon, lower cost cementitious replacement material. During the H1 of the year, we've concluded further geotechnical work and investment to maximize the potential of the asset. We also continued to progress commercialization during the period. With an exclusivity period with one counterparty now ending, discussions may broaden to include alternative partnership opportunities as we seek to maximize long-term value from this strategic asset. We will continue to update the market on this initiative, given the current live conversations taking place. Moving to look at land sales.

Speaker #1: This is an important foundation in decarbonizing the construction industry, using a lower-carbon, lower-cost cementitious replacement material. During the first half of the year, we've concluded further geotechnical work and investment to maximize the potential of the asset.

Speaker #1: We also continued to progress commercialization during the period. With an exclusive period with one counterparty now ending, discussions may broaden to include alternative partnership opportunities, as we seek to maximize long-term value from this strategic asset.

Speaker #1: We will continue to update the market on this initiative, given the current live conversations taking place. Moving to look at land sales: again, further work has strengthened our view of the opportunity, and we now expect our well-established land development and sales program to deliver from a previously expected £25–30 million to around £50 million over the next five years.

Joe Hudson: Further work has strengthened our view of the opportunity, and we now expect our well-established land development and sales program to deliver from a previously expected GBP 25 to 30 million to around GBP 50 million over the next five years. The final area is in our land-based income streams. Today, we already generate around GBP 2 million of annual income through inert landfill and energy. We see growing opportunities to create additional value with increased restoration and biodiversity net gain and believe this could more than double. A good example demonstrating this opportunity is our former Dalton Quarry in Lancashire, which is being transformed into a biodiversity habitat bank, generating around GBP 1 million per year. We see the potential for possibly two or three more of these, as well as the need for increased inert landfill projects.

Speaker #1: The final area is in our land-based income streams. Today, we already generate around £2 million of annual income through inert landfill and energy.

Speaker #1: However, we see growing opportunities to create additional value with increased restoration and biodiversity net gain, and believe this could more than double. A good example demonstrating this opportunity is our former Dalton Quarry in Lancashire, which is being transformed into a biodiversity habitat bank, generating around £1 million per year.

Speaker #1: We see the potential for possibly two or three more of these, as well as the need for increased inert landfill projects. Taken together, these opportunities demonstrate the breadth and quality of the asset base and the optionality it provides for long-term value creation.

Joe Hudson: Taken together, these opportunities demonstrate the breadth and quality of the asset base and the optionality it provides for long-term value creation. Bringing that all together, we continue to take all the necessary actions to manage the near term whilst keeping the long-term potential of the business intact. Despite not anticipating any meaningful market improvement, we expect to achieve a stronger adjusted EBITDA in H2 than H1, and that is supported by our customer order intake and anticipated stronger performance from our concrete and futures businesses and the normal seasonal weighting towards H2. With near-term conditions expected to remain challenging, the full-year outturn is anticipated to be around the lower end of current market expectations. Net debt and leverage are expected to reduce towards 2x by the end of 2026, supported by stronger cash flow generation.

Speaker #1: So, bringing that all together, we continue to take all the necessary actions to manage the near term whilst keeping the long-term potential of the business intact.

Speaker #1: Despite not anticipating any meaningful market improvement, we expect to achieve a stronger adjusted EBITDA in H2 than in H1, and that's supported by our customer order intake, an anticipated stronger performance from our concrete and features businesses, and the normal seasonal weighting towards the second half.

Speaker #1: With near-term conditions expected to remain challenging, the full-year outturn is anticipated to be around the lower end of current market expectations. Net debt and leverage are expected to reduce towards 2 times by the end of 2026, supported by stronger cash flow generation.

Speaker #1: We expect price and actions to broadly offset cost inflation, and we will continue to actively manage production and inventory levels. Our major organic growth projects are now largely complete, and that gives us a more efficient manufacturing network, a strengthened platform for growth, and greater optionality as free cash flow improves.

Joe Hudson: We expect pricing actions to broadly offset cost inflation and will continue to actively manage production and inventory levels. Our major organic growth projects are now largely complete, that gives us a more efficient manufacturing network, a strengthened platform for growth, and greater optionality as free cash flow improves. Over the medium term, we remain confident in the fundamentals in the business. The long-term drivers of demand remain sound. Our market position is strong, our five strategic levers provide clear routes to value creation in addition to market recovery. With that, Simon and I would be very happy to take your questions. As normal, for the record, I would be grateful if you could state your name and institution before asking your question. If you are in the room, you can press the button on the microphone on your seat so people can hear. Aynsley.

Speaker #1: Over the medium term, we remain confident in the fundamentals of the business. The long-term drivers of demand remain sound. Our market position is strong, and our five strategic levers provide clear routes to value creation, in addition to market recovery.

Speaker #1: And with that, Simon and I would be very happy to take your questions. As normal, for the record, I'd be grateful if you could state your name and institution before asking your question.

Speaker #1: And if you're in the room, you can press the button on the microphone on your seat so people can hear. Ainsley?

Speaker #2: Thanks. Is it working or not? Ainsley Lammon from Ibstock. Just two from me, please. When we think about your guidance for the full year, are you assuming any more kind of lack of fixed cost absorption in the second half?

Aynsley Lammin: Thanks. It is working or not. Aynsley Lammin from Investec. Just two from me, please. When we think about your guidance for the full year, are you assuming any more kind of lack of fixed costs and absorption in H2? I think GBP 5 to 6 million in H1. Is there any in H2 expected? You mentioned you might kind of review capacity and stock. The second question just on pricing, I guess, just the way you think about that. You obviously had the price increase in February, you are still sticking with your surcharges, you are confident they kind of cover the cost increases. Are you thinking about another proper price rise in kind of coming into summer and into H2? Thanks.

Speaker #2: I think five, six million in H1. Is there any in H2 expected? And you mentioned you might kind of review capacity and stock. And then the second question, just on pricing, I guess, just where you think about that, you obviously had the price increase in February, and you're still sticking with your surcharges, and you're confident they kind of cover the cost increases, or are you thinking about another proper price rise in kind of coming into the summer and into H2?

Speaker #2: Thanks.

Speaker #1: So, I'll take pricing if you want to take the cost one. We've obviously implemented a price increase in February, and then, given what was happening with the other inflation-based geopolitical stuff, we put one in in June.

Joe Hudson: I'll take pricing if you want to take the cost one. We've obviously implemented a price increase in February, and then given what was happening with the inflation-based geopolitical stuff, we put one in in June. We would expect that to flow through fully for the rest of the year. At this stage, we're not planning on any other price increases. I think we've been really trying to work very closely with our customers. We ate the cost for some time to see what was going to happen, and then we communicated very effectively with them, and we're not looking to have any more. Now, we'll have to wait and see what happens with the macros, but at this stage, we're not planning on any further price increases.

Speaker #1: We would expect that to flow through fully for the rest of the year. At this stage, we're not planning on any other price increases.

Speaker #1: I think we've been really trying to work very closely with our customers. We ate the cost for some time to see what was going to happen, and then we communicated very effectively with them.

Speaker #1: And we're not looking to have any more. Now, we'll have to wait and see what happens with the macros, but at this stage, we're not planning on any further price increases.

Speaker #2: Yeah. And on fixed costs, our aim is to balance sales demand with production demand. And with us, with our outlook moderating on our view of demand in the second half of the year if I just talk bricks, we'd expect probably to produce about between 45 and 55 million less bricks in the second half of the year versus the second half of last year.

Simon Bedford: Yeah. On fixed costs, our aim is to balance sales demand with production demand. With our outlook moderating on our view of demand in H2 of the year, and if I just talk bricks, we'd expect probably to produce about between 45 and 55 million less bricks in H2 of the year versus H2 of last year. We will get, like Joe is alluding to, really that fixed cost absorption headwind in H2 as well.

Speaker #2: So we will get, like Joe is alluding to, really that fixed cost absorption headwind in the second half as well.

Speaker #1: But you will get the full view—the full year—of our cost improvement actions pulling through the second half as well.

Joe Hudson: You will get the full view, the full year of our cost improvement actions pulling through H2 as well.

Speaker #2: While that, Max Hayes and Cavendish, thanks for the presentation. Just on imports—with the shareholding study, what's happened again on pricing versus domestic? And also, has there been any shift in the regional mix, or has it been fairly consistent across the UK?

Max Hayes: Hi there, Max Hayes from Cavendish. Thanks for the presentation. Just on imports, with the shareholding steady, what's happened on pricing versus domestic? Has there been any shift in the regional mix or has it been fairly consistent across the UK? Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Yeah. So imports have remained fairly flat and held their share, I think. Some of the importers have been quite aggressive on price. You would look at some of the pricing points and say, is that variable cost and freight?

Joe Hudson: Yeah. Imports have remained fairly flat and held their share, I think. Some of the importers have been quite aggressive on price. You would look at some of the pricing points and say, Is that variable cost and freight and are you just trying to get cash? That some of the markets overseas are not great as well. We are going to need imports when the market comes back because the UK capacity is below the normalized market volumes. I think a lot of customers want to keep a bit of a foothold. Some of the incumbents have taken more capacity off in the UK and are flexing their wider European capacity to bring things in. I think that's the main reason for it. They're flat. They haven't really changed in the last few years. Yeah.

Speaker #1: And are you just trying to get cash? Some of the markets overseas are not great as well. We are going to need imports when the market comes back, because the UK capacity is below the normalized market volumes.

Speaker #1: And so I think a lot of customers want to keep a bit of a foothold. And then some of the incumbents have taken more capacity off in the UK and are flexing their wider European capacity to bring things in.

Speaker #1: So I think that's the main reason for it. But they're flat. I mean, they haven't really changed in the last few years. Yeah. I think, regional splits-wise, the Southeast and London have been really challenged in the last few years.

Joe Hudson: I think regional splits wise, the Southeast and London have been really challenged in the last few years. We're starting to see some improvement, and there's a little bit more support for making the London market move, it hasn't really meaningfully changed at this stage. It's still a fairly similar pattern.

Speaker #1: We're starting to see some improvement, and there is a bit more support for making the London market move, but it hasn't really meaningfully changed at this stage.

Speaker #1: It's still a fairly similar pattern.

Speaker #2: Hi, Ed Press from Barenberg. On the balance sheet, you talk about working towards two times EBITDA at the year-end. How dependent is that on market recovery, and how dependent is that essentially on achieving H2 EBITDA greater than H1?

Edward Prest: Hi, Edward Prest from Berenberg. On the balance sheet, you talk about working towards 2x EBITDA at the year-end. How dependent is that on market recovery, and how dependent is that essentially on achieving H2 EBITDA greater than H1? Do you have levers at your disposal that you can use to reduce debt without the market recovery coming through?

Speaker #2: And do you have levers at your disposal that you can use to reduce debt, without the market recovery coming through?

Speaker #3: Yeah. So we naturally delever in the second half of the year just by how our weighting works on trading. So it is linked to our view of the market.

Simon Bedford: Yeah. We naturally de-lever in the second half just by how our weighting works on trading. It is linked to our view of the market. It doesn't include any sort of strategic action to improve the balance sheet or net debt position. It is based on trading. We're confident in what Joe said around the indicators we've got around, it's not a massive improvement in brick volumes, it's a small improvement on the H1. We see improvement in the concrete business, we see further sales in futures, that gives us confidence around our net debt just naturally coming down, the H1 was particularly difficult. That gives us a view that we'll approach 2x leverage. Will?

Speaker #3: It doesn't include any sort of strategic action to improve the balance sheet or net debt position; it is based on trading. But we're confident in what Joe said around the indicators we've got.

Speaker #3: It's not a massive improvement in brick volumes; it's a small improvement on the first half. We see improvement in the concrete business, and also, we see further sales in futures.

Speaker #3: And that gives us confidence around our net debt just naturally coming down. In particular, the first half has been particularly difficult. So that gives us a view that we'll approach 2 times leverage.

Speaker #2: Brill?

Speaker #4: Prow will fit from Jeffrey's. Thanks. I think I've just got three questions. The first one is on clay. So, you talked about market share gains.

Priyal Woolf: Priyal Woolf here from Jefferies. Thanks. I think I've just got three questions. The first one is on clay. You talked about market share gains. I think there was a similar message from your other main listed peer. I just wanted to check where do you think those market share gains are coming from? Second question, just on Nostell, you talked about tens of millions of revenue potentially from inquiries. How should we sort of phase that in our forecasts over the next couple of years? The last question is just in terms of the exclusivity period ending with regards to that calcined clay, all those conversations, what were the sort of main points of attrition that led to that exclusivity ending without a contract being signed? Thanks.

Speaker #4: I think there was a similar message from your other main listed peers, so I just wanted to check: Where do you think those market share gains are coming from?

Speaker #4: Second question, just on Nostal. You talked about tens of millions of revenue potentially from inquiries. How should we sort of phase that into our forecasts over the next couple of years?

Speaker #4: And then the last question is just in terms of the exclusivity period ending, with regards to that Cal signed clay, all those conversations, what were the sort of main points of attrition that led to that exclusivity ending without a contract being signed?

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Good, yeah. So, I mean, we've given some numbers here to show the first five months' market share on clay. So I can't really comment on other businesses and what they're saying.

Joe Hudson: Good. Yeah, we've given some numbers here to show the first five months market share on clay. I can't really comment on other businesses and what they're saying. If they have taken share, there's not that many players in the market, so someone's lost some share. It's pretty simple maths. I think the main thing for us is really the range of products we have and the close customer connections, and the strategic nature of the relationships we have deepening over time. We supply a broad diversity of the market, and that's house building, RMI and other. I think the team's done a really good job at engaging our customers and working with them. I'm pretty confident that our brand will continue to maintain and drive share. Nostell is really interesting. This is truly a differentiated factory. It's still building up.

Speaker #1: If they have taken share, there are not that many players in the market, so someone's lost some share. So it's pretty simple maths. I think the main thing for us is really the range of products we have, the close customer connections, and the strategic nature of the relationships we have deepening over time.

Speaker #1: We supply a broad diversity of the market, and that's house building, RMI, and other. And I think the teams have done a really good job at engaging our customers and working with them.

Speaker #1: So I'm pretty confident that our brand will continue to maintain and drive share. Nostal is really interesting. I mean, this is truly a differentiated factory.

Speaker #1: It's still building up. And the thing about specification products that link to the facade market is they've got a lead time. Typically, a specification project—a mid- to high-rise building—will be planned in.

Joe Hudson: The thing about specification products that link to the facade market is they've got a lead time. Typically, a specification project, a mid to high-rise building will be planned, and it'll be between 12 and 18 months. They're already in the pipeline with architects and developers at stage 1, for example. We see that, and we've had inquiries come in. The real thing for us now is to see how fast we can translate those inquiries into physical orders, which I mentioned that we've got in the low millions now, and then how quickly they get called off. There's no doubt that mid high-rise buildings with space constraints, speed, labor shortages, really need these types of products.

Speaker #1: It'll be between 12 and 18 months. So we are getting there, but they're already in the pipeline with architects and developers at stage one, for example.

Speaker #1: We see that, and we've had inquiries come in. The real thing for us now is to see how fast we can translate those inquiries into physical orders, which, as I mentioned, we've got in the low millions now.

Speaker #1: And then how quickly they get called off. But there's no doubt that mid- and high-rise buildings, with space constraints, speed, and labor shortages, really need these types of products.

Speaker #1: So we're very excited about it, and we think that the versatility of our Nostal site and the innovation—we've had lots of customers visit already, and they're getting very, very excited about it.

Joe Hudson: We're very excited about it, and we think that the versatility of our Nostell site, and the innovation, we've had lots of customers visit already, and they're getting very, very excited about it. This is definitely going to change the market. It's not going to cannibalize the brick market. We still are going to have lots of traditional building going on in the UK. We think in the mid high-rise space and in certain sort of government infrastructure projects, this is going to be a flyer, and I think it'll ramp up over the next two years. It's not going to ramp up fully this year or next year, but we definitely see it ramping up within three years, it'll be to the business case that we've talked about before. Look, when you have discussions and complicated negotiations, it's always quite complicated.

Speaker #1: So, this is definitely going to change the market. It's not going to cannibalize the brick market—we're still going to have lots of traditional building going on in the UK.

Speaker #1: But we think in the mid-high-rise space and in certain government infrastructure projects, this is going to be a flyer. And I think it will ramp up over the next two years.

Speaker #1: It's not going to ramp up fully this year or next year, but we definitely see it ramping up within three years. It'll be to the business case that we've talked about before.

Speaker #1: Look, when you have discussions and complexated negotiations, there's always it's always quite complicated. I can't go into any detail because these conversations are confidential.

Joe Hudson: I can't go into any detail because these conversations are confidential. We are still talking to a key counterparty. I think Given the fact that the exclusivity period is ending, and in order to maintain the maximum value creation for the longer term, I'm open to broadening those conversations to other partnership potentials. Christian.

Speaker #1: We are still talking to a key counterparty, but I think, given the fact that the exclusivity period is ending, and in order to maintain maximum value creation for the longer term, I'm open to broadening those conversations to other partnership potentials.

Speaker #1: Christian?

Speaker #2: Christian, you're from Deutsche Bank. You managed to find the mic at the end. First question, just to maybe help make it really simple for us.

Christian York: Christian York from Deutsche Bank. Managed to find the mic at the end. First question, just to maybe help make it really simple for us. I think the full-year guidance, in essence, is like a mid-single-digit EBITDA increase versus the H1. How should we think about, given the areas, but in terms of the quantitative piece, how should we think about bridging that gap? The second one, I think, Joe, you mentioned for the full year, you expect price and cost to broadly offset. I assume that's in absolute EBITDA terms, the way we should think about it, rather than margin terms. Also, I assume that was that the same for H1 as well, where price and cost broadly offset at the EBITDA line, or is there a bit of catch-up to come in H2? Thank you.

Speaker #2: I think the full-year guidance, in essence, is like a mid-single-digit EBITDA increase versus the first half. So, how should we think about—you sort of gave the areas—but in terms of the quantitative piece, how should we think about bridging that gap?

Speaker #2: And the second one, I think, Joe, you mentioned for the full year, you expect price and cost to broadly offset. I assume that's an absolute EBITDA terms, the way we should think about it, rather than margin terms.

Speaker #2: And also, I assume that was the same for H1 as well, where price and cost broadly offset at the EBITDA line, or is there a bit of catch-up to come in H2?

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Speaker #1: I'll take the second one if someone can take the guidance one. I mean, we had some benefit in the first half from pricing, but we only put the—I said we ate some cost with the inflationary-based environment.

Joe Hudson: I'll take the second one. Simon can take the guidance one. We had some benefit in the H1 from pricing. I said we ate some cost with the inflationary-based environment, and we waited to see, is this a temporary thing? Is it going to change? We didn't want to rush to just put price increases straight away. I think that was fair for our customers, so we ate some cost. Now that we put it in in June, you will see that cost largely offset inflation at its current levels for the H2.

Speaker #1: We waited to see: is this a temporary thing? Is it going to change? We didn't want to rush to sort of just put prices in straight away.

Speaker #1: Price increases straight away. And I think that was fair for our customers. So we ate some cost. But now that we've put it in in June, you will see that cost largely offset inflation at its current levels.

Speaker #1: For the second half.

Speaker #2: So yeah, in terms of guidance, if you just talk H2 '26 versus H1 '26, we see, as Joe just alluded to, really, we see some catch-up in pricing as the sort of difference between pricing and cost is a lot more normalized in the second half there.

Christian York: Yeah, in terms of guidance, if we just talk H2 2026 versus H1 2026, Joe just alluded to, really, we see some catch-up in pricing as the difference between pricing and cost is a lot more normalized in the H2 there. We see that. We see some growth in clay volumes, but only low single-digit increase in clay volumes H1 2026 to H2. So we get a little bit of benefit there. We do see improvement in the two other areas of the business, one being concrete and the other being Futures. Concrete is, yeah, we have done several investment projects in the H1, which will be finalized and therefore will deliver product into the market, which the market needs. Also we expect some gain from rail infrastructure a bit more in the H2.

Simon Bedford: Yeah, in terms of guidance, if we just talk H2 2026 versus H1 2026, Joe just alluded to, really, we see some catch-up in pricing as the difference between pricing and cost is a lot more normalized in the H2 there. We see that. We see some growth in clay volumes, but only low single-digit increase in clay volumes H1 2026 to H2. So we get a little bit of benefit there. We do see improvement in the two other areas of the business, one being concrete and the other being Futures. Concrete is, yeah, we have done several investment projects in the H1, which will be finalized and therefore will deliver product into the market, which the market needs. Also we expect some gain from rail infrastructure a bit more in the H2.

Speaker #2: So, we see that. We do see some growth in clay volumes, but only a low single-digit increase in clay volumes from H1 to H2, so we get a little bit of benefit there.

Speaker #2: We do see improvement in the two other areas of the business, one being Concrete, and the other being Futures. Concrete is—yeah, we have done several investment projects in the first half of the year, which will be finalized.

Speaker #2: Therefore, we'll deliver product into the market, which the market needs. We also expect some gain from rail infrastructure, with a bit more in the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: And also, as the sort of inquiries around Nostal and futures increase, that will translate into sales and cover the fixed cost. What we're suffering from a bit in the first half is the fixed costs are in.

Simon Bedford: As the inquiries around Nostell and Futures increase, that will translate into sales and cover the fixed cost. What we are suffering from a bit in H1 is the fixed costs are in, but the sales are just gaining momentum, and therefore we have a net cost in H1. We see that moderating in H2. You get a few of those improvements through, and therefore that's why we believe, yeah, EBITDA in H2, slightly better than H1, and therefore get into that range, number we've guided on.

Speaker #2: But the sales are just gaining momentum, and therefore, we have a net cost in the first half of the year. We see that moderating in the second half.

Speaker #2: So you get a few of those improvements through, and therefore, that's why we believe, yeah, EBITDA in the second half will be slightly better than the first half.

Speaker #2: And therefore, getting to that sort of range number we've guided on.

Speaker #1: Stephen?

Joe Hudson: Stephen?

Speaker #3: All right. So, Stephen Lawrence from Applied Value. Two from me, if I may. Firstly, just thinking about calls on cash over the next 12 to 18 months, would it be right to think that you're moving into a phase of maintenance-only capex during 2027?

Stephen Rawlinson: Hi. Stephen Rawlinson from Applied Value. Two from me, if I may. Firstly, just thinking about calls on cash over the next 12 to 18 months. Would it be right to think that you are moving into a phase of maintenance-only CapEx during 2027? If so, could you give us a guide as to what the annualized level of maintenance CapEx might be? Secondly, some of the routes to market that you use, direct and indirect, seem to be under some financial strain. Could you just give us a few thoughts about your own management of credit risk and the next 12 to 18 months or so as we move forward, because quite clearly the strains start to show through more typically sometimes on recovery than necessarily on the downside. Just give us a clue on that, please.

Speaker #3: And if so, could you give us some guidance on what the annualized level of maintenance CapEx might be? And secondly, some of the routes to market that you use, both direct and indirect, seem to be under some financial strain.

Speaker #3: Could you just give us a few thoughts about your own management of credit risk, and the next 12 to 18 months or so as we move forward?

Speaker #3: Because, quite clearly, the strain starts to show through—more typically sometimes on recovery than necessarily on the downturn. But just give us a clue on that, please.

Speaker #1: Do you want to take the first one on CapEx?

Joe Hudson: You want to take the first one on CapEx?

Speaker #2: Yeah, yeah. So, on capex, we would expect our sustaining or maintenance capex to be around £20 million going forward. I think we'd always expect a small level of improvement projects, which would be only around £2 to £3 million, really, as we look to improve the fleet.

Simon Bedford: Yeah. On CapEx, we would expect our sustaining or maintenance CapEx to be around GBP 20 million going forward. I think we'd always expect a small level of improvement projects, which would be only around GBP 2 to 3 million really, as we look to improve the fleet. You can probably classify that as growth, but that would really be it. We're not anticipating to do any major growth investments in the near future. Yeah, GBP 20 to 25 million would be our CapEx number going forward.

Speaker #2: So you can probably classify that as growth, but that would really be it. We're not anticipating making any major growth investments in the near future.

Speaker #2: So yeah, £20 to £25 million would be our capex number going forward.

Speaker #1: Yeah, at this time, we don't have any major concerns with credit. I mean, I know there was some chatter yesterday, but we obviously have got very good credit insurance, which covers everything.

Joe Hudson: At this time, we don't have any major concerns with credit. I know there was some chatter yesterday. We obviously have very good credit insurance, which covers everything. We monitor that, and we're in discussions all the time. We're not seeing any big strain with our larger customers. With the smaller customers, obviously they go through different routes to market, as you alluded to. I think some subcontractors have probably had a tough time and that's where there's a bit more exposure, smaller subcontractor work, and they tend to be supplied by some of the distribution networks. At this stage, we're not seeing any major credit issues in the market. Harry?

Speaker #1: We monitor that, and we're in discussions all the time. We're not seeing any big strain with our large customers. With the smaller customers, obviously, they go through different routes to market, as you alluded to.

Speaker #1: I think some subcontractors have probably had a tough time, and that's where there's a bit more exposure—smaller subcontractor work, and they tend to be supplied by some of the distribution networks.

Speaker #1: But at this stage, we're not seeing any major credit issues in the market. Harry?

Speaker #2: Yeah, thank you. Harry Dow from Rostral & Co. I think just two questions on inventories. Firstly, your own inventory, I think, was actually up slightly.

Harry Dow: Thank you. Harry Dow from Rothschild & Co. I think just two questions on inventories. Firstly, your own inventory I think was actually up slightly, I think was what you mentioned in the presentation. Are you happy with where inventories are at the moment? I know you talk about aligning production with inventories, could there be a period where we actually see production lower than sales to potentially bring that down? Secondly, just on the channel inventories, do you think there was an impact in H1 from, I think maybe starting maybe even Q4 last year from some of the housebuilders, the merchants maybe starting to destock a bit on signs of weakness, in which case that's maybe a one-off impact that we've seen potentially that might not occur in H2. Thanks.

Speaker #2: I think it was what you mentioned in the presentation. Are you sort of happy with where inventories are at the moment? I know you talk about aligning production with inventories, but could there be a period where we actually see production lower than sales to potentially bring that down?

Speaker #2: And then secondly, just on the channel inventories, do you think there was an impact in the first half from—I don't think, maybe starting, maybe even in Q4 last year—from some of the house builders, the merchants, maybe starting to destock a bit on sort of signs of weakness?

Speaker #2: In which case, that's maybe a one-off impact that we've seen, potentially, that might not occur in the second half. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Yeah, quite insightful, Harry. I think on our own inventories, we want to be really focused. We're probably higher than we would like to be.

Joe Hudson: Quite insightful, Harry. I think on our own inventories, we want to be really focused. We're probably higher than we would like to be. We're not in a desperate situation, we want to really manage that carefully. Obviously, we built more stock last year than we would have wanted, our yards are fuller than they would normally be, and that's why this year we've taken the action to destock. We'll continue to manage that, and if there are changes, we'll continue to flex. It's better to do that than to build more stock levels. As you look at wider inventory levels for manufactured products in the manufacturer's yards, you can see it hasn't changed that much. We obviously took some action to reduce this year, there was quite a pronounced drop in February, in the early part of the year with the weather.

Speaker #1: We're not in a desperate situation, but we want to really manage that carefully. Obviously, we've built more stock last year than we would have wanted.

Speaker #1: And so our yards are fuller than they would normally be, and that's why this year we've taken the action to destock. We'll continue to manage that.

Speaker #1: And if there are changes, we'll continue to flex. It's better to do that than to build more stock levels. But as you look at wider inventory levels for manufactured products in the manufacturers' yards, you can see it hasn't changed that much.

Speaker #1: We obviously took some action to reduce this year, but there was quite a pronounced drop in February, in the early part of the year, with the weather.

Speaker #1: And you just can't. So while our plan was to actually have a working capital sort of inflow, it didn't work out like that. So we'll continue to be focused on that.

Joe Hudson: While our plan was to actually have a working capital sort of inflow, it didn't work out like that. We'll continue to be focused on that. I think the channel, you're right, there's probably quite a bit of destocking as well, because there was quite a bit of stuff in the channels. I think that started to wind through in Q1. Q2 of the year actually was quite optimistic. I was quite optimistic because you start to see better dispatches. I definitely think there was a bit of destocking going on in Q1. Ben.

Speaker #1: I think you're right about the channel—there's probably quite a bit of destocking as well, because there was quite a bit of stuff in the channels.

Speaker #1: And I think that started to wind through in the first quarter. The second quarter of the year actually was quite optimistic. I was quite optimistic because we started to see better dispatches, so I definitely think there was a bit of destocking going on in the first quarter.

Speaker #1: Ben?

Speaker #3: Thanks. Ben Vara, RBC. Just on the pricing point again—was there a difference between putting through prices for soft mud versus extruded? Has it been more difficult, perhaps, in the soft mud area?

Ben Barrow: Thanks. Ben Barrow, RBC. Just on the pricing point again, was there a difference between putting through prices for soft mud versus extruded? Has it been more difficult, perhaps in the soft mud area? Next on land sales, that's obviously increased in your forecast. Could you give us a bit of an idea in terms of timing for that unwind? Thanks.

Ben Varrow: Thanks. Ben Barrow, RBC. Just on the pricing point again, was there a difference between putting through prices for soft mud versus extruded? Has it been more difficult, perhaps in the soft mud area? Next on land sales, that's obviously increased in your forecast. Could you give us a bit of an idea in terms of timing for that unwind? Thanks.

Speaker #3: Next, on land sales, that's obviously increased in your forecast. Could you give us a bit of an idea in terms of timing for that unwind?

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Yeah, I think we differentiate—prices are differentiated in the marketplace. But the general price increase was fairly similar across soft mud and wirecut products. In the UK, I think some competitors may have differentiated a bit more.

Joe Hudson: Yeah, I think, look, prices are differentiated in the marketplace. General price increase was fairly similar across soft mud and wire cut products, in the UK. I think some competitors may have differentiated a bit more. There's definitely a higher cost of production for soft mud products, so, you need to make sure you're capturing that back. I don't think there was any big changes in the general price increase around soft mud versus wire cut. Around land and timing, we've obviously found there's a few more projects that we feel are coming closer. Again, these things, to maximize the value, you don't want to move too quickly because you need to make sure you've got planning and the right conditions to maximize the value of the land. We've said in the next five years. I think some will come before that.

Speaker #1: There's definitely a higher cost of production for soft mud products, so you need to make sure you're capturing that back. But I don't think there were any big changes in the general price increase around soft mud versus wirecut.

Speaker #1: Around land and timing, we've obviously found there are a few more projects that we feel are coming closer. But again, with these things, to maximize the value you don't want to move too quickly, because you need to make sure you've got planning and the right conditions to maximize the value of the land.

Speaker #1: So we've said in the next five years. I think some will come before that. I don't think we've got any big chunks this year.

Joe Hudson: I don't think we've got any big chunks this year, unless something changes, which it could. I think, in the next two to three years, you'll see some interesting inflows. Clyde.

Speaker #1: But unless something changes—which it could—but I think in the next two to three years, you'll see some interesting inflows. Clyde?

Speaker #3: Just two left, if I may. Clyde Lewis at Peelham. There was a little note about sort of carbon credit emissions spend. It'd be interesting to sort of give us an idea of the scale of that and how you think that's likely to change going forward.

Clyde Lewis: Just two left, if I may. Clyde Lewis at Peel Hunt. There was a little note about sort of carbon credit emissions spend. It'd be interesting to sort of give us an idea of the scale of that and how you think that's likely to change going forward. I suppose partly linked to that is obviously the sort of sustainability element of the business, and I suppose how much pull are you seeing from the customer base at the moment? Has that increased? Has that decreased? Obviously, the Atlas plant is going to be a lot more energy efficient, et cetera, and things like the slips, again, have a very different energy profile compared to traditional bricks. It'll be interesting to see what the customers are talking to you about on that front.

Speaker #3: And I suppose partly linked to that is, obviously, the sort of sustainability element of the business. And I suppose, how much pull are you seeing from the customer base at the moment?

Speaker #3: Has that increased? Has that decreased? Obviously, the Atlas plant is going to be a lot more energy efficient, etc. And things like the slips, again, have a very different sort of energy profile compared to traditional bricks.

Speaker #3: So it’d be interesting to see what the customers are sort of talking to you about on that front.

Speaker #1: Do you want to take the first one, or take the second one?

Joe Hudson: Do you want to take the first one and I'll take the second?

Simon Bedford: Yeah, on carbon emissions, we will look at the market around carbon and look at our exposure in terms of free allowances versus the carbon emissions we've got, we will buy carbon credits at a certain point to manage that dynamic, and that's what we did in H1. We don't see any material difference in what our carbon exposure is at the moment. Obviously, it's driven also by the market and by how we are producing as well.

Speaker #2: Yeah, so on carbon emissions, we will look at the market around carbon and assess our exposure in terms of free allowances versus the carbon emissions we've got.

Speaker #2: And we will buy carbon credits at a certain point to manage that dynamic. And that's what we did in H1. We don't see any material difference in what our carbon exposure is at the moment.

Speaker #2: But obviously, it's driven also by the market, and by how we are producing as well.

Speaker #1: And then on sustainability, as I've said before, for us, sustainability is everything—we're a long-term business, and we want to be a sustainable business.

Joe Hudson: On sustainability, I've said before, for us, sustainability is we're a long-term business, we want to be a sustainable business. We believe that our products actually stand the test of time and are very sustainable anyway. If you think about a brick and the carbon footprint of a brick over the life, not just 60 years, which is what's stipulated in some of the standards, but actually over, they're very, very efficient products. We use energy, we use materials, we want to make sure we're the most sustainable in those areas. I think the Future Homes Standard, it's still a bit of discussion around that. There's a little bit of debate around the costs associated with it and house builders are having a real challenge.

Speaker #1: We believe that our products actually stand the test of time and are very sustainable anyway. If you think about a brick and the carbon footprint of a brick over its life—not just 60 years, which is what’s stipulated in some of the standards—but actually over their life, they’re very, very efficient products.

Speaker #1: But we use energy. We use materials, and we want to make sure we're the most sustainable in those areas. I think the Future Home Standard—there's still a bit of discussion around that.

Speaker #1: And there's a little bit of debate around the costs associated with it, and house builders are having a real challenge. But there's definitely been a lot of work done on future home standards, and on what materials and what sustainability requirements are needed for that.

Joe Hudson: There's definitely been a lot of work done on Future Homes Standards and what materials and what sustainability requirements are needed for that. I think when you talk to architects, they're very conscious about sustainability, specifying the most sustainable products for the long term. They're also talking about resilience, with weather pattern changes and so on. It's more holistic than just carbon. It's a much more holistic thing, sustainability. We think that things like Atlas and the continuing drive to drive our carbon footprint down and other sustainability metrics is a real differentiator for us, we'll keep doing it. How much price are you going to get for it in the short term, given the challenges? Might be a bit debatable, we think in the long term, having the credentials of a strong, sustainable company is key. Charlie.

Speaker #1: I think when you talk to architects, they're very conscious about sustainability—specifying the most sustainable products for the long term. But they're also talking about resilience.

Speaker #1: With weather pattern changes and so on, it's more holistic than just carbon. It's a much more holistic thing—sustainability. We think that things like Atlas and the continuing drive to bring our carbon footprint down and improve other sustainability metrics are real differentiators for us.

Speaker #1: And we'll keep doing it. How much price are you going to get for it in the short term, given the challenges? Might be a bit debatable, but we think that in the long term, having the credentials of a strong, sustainable company is key.

Speaker #1: Charlie?

Speaker #3: Yeah, thanks very much. Charlie Campbell at Stifel. Two, but kind of related. I think just on the surcharges—presumably, those could come off quite quickly.

Charlie Campbell: Thanks very much. Charlie Campbell at Stifel. Two, but kind of related, I think. Just on the surcharges. Presumably those could come off quite quickly. I guess customers would be keen to see that. What are they watching in terms of the signal for those surcharges to come off? Then second is related, really. Just wondering about your hedging policy for 2026, seven, sorry. At what point, which gas prices should we be looking at, and when is the critical point this year in terms of decision on hedging for 2027? Thank you.

Speaker #3: I guess the kind of customers would be keen to see that. So, what are they watching in terms of the signal for those surcharges to come off?

Speaker #3: Then secondly—it's related, really—just wondering about your hedging policy for 2027, sorry, and at what point, which gas prices should we be looking at?

Speaker #3: And when is the critical point this year in terms of decision on hedging for '27? Thank you.

Speaker #1: Yeah. So, the criteria we talked about with our customers when we introduced the surcharge—they asked us to look at a few things. One being: give us criteria on what your cost inputs are.

Joe Hudson: Yeah. The criteria we talked about with our customers when we introduced the surcharge, they asked us to look at a few things. One being, give us criteria, what your cost inputs are, and largely that was linked to the gas price. Then they said, "When things change, give us a chance to make sure that this comes off." We were very clear about that. Obviously, we ate the costs for a few months, and we need to see where those costs go. They started to come off when we thought there was going to be peace, and then they went back up again. They're still in. The other thing to note about how quickly you can take them off, which we will do when things normalize, is you can't keep changing pricing every month.

Speaker #1: And largely, that was linked to the gas price. And then they said, when things change, give us a chance to make sure that this comes off.

Speaker #1: So, we were very clear about that. Obviously, we absorbed the costs for a few months, and we need to see where those costs go.

Speaker #1: They started to come off when we thought there was going to be peace, and then they went back up again. So they're still in.

Speaker #1: The other thing to note about how quickly you can take them off, which we will do when things normalize, is you can't keep changing pricing every month.

Speaker #1: The customers don't like that either, because they've got to change all of their back office, and it's really complicated. And they're often supplying other end users.

Joe Hudson: The customers don't like that either because they've got to change all of their back office, and it's really complicated, and they're often supplying other end users. You've got to be mindful of those things. We're working really closely with our customers, and we're talking to them regularly. In terms of the 2027 hedge, I think we're well hedged, 60%, Simon. We normally like to be about 80% hedged by the time we get to budget. At this time, who knows what's going on? We're not piling in, we're just staying cautious. We've actually got gas that we buy in energy for 2028 and 2029, like some of our competitors. We hedge forward and we take layers of cover as we go. The near-term market, there's too much risk forecast in it. We probably wouldn't go in at the moment.

Speaker #1: So you've got to be mindful of those things. But we're working really closely with our customers, and we're talking to them regularly. In terms of the 2027 hedge, I think we're well hedged.

Speaker #1: 60%, Simon? We normally like to be about 80% hedged by the time we get to budget. At this time, who knows what's going on.

Speaker #1: So we're not piling in or we're just staying cautious. But we've actually got gas that we buy in energy for '28 and '29, like some of our competitors.

Speaker #1: So we hedge forward, and we take layers of cover as we go, but the near-term market—there’s too much risk forecast in it. So we probably wouldn’t go in at the moment.

Speaker #1: I think that might be about it. Any other questions? Good. So, thank you very much for your attention today. Look, it is a difficult backdrop.

Joe Hudson: I think that might be about it. Any other questions? Good. Thank you very much for your attention today. Look, it is a difficult backdrop. There's lots of potential exciting things that may come with some of the announcements from the government, maybe a bit of peace in the Middle East, hopefully. We can get this market moving again. We are really well-positioned for when this market comes back. I think Ibstock is a really strong recovery play for the UK market, and we have to start building more. We will continue to navigate the short-term challenge as well. Thanks very much, and we can have a bit of a chat now if you'd like to stay around.

Speaker #1: There are lots of potentially exciting things that may come, with some of the announcements from the government—maybe even a bit of peace in the Middle East, hopefully.

Speaker #1: And we can get this market moving again. We are really well positioned for when this market comes back. I think Ibstock is a really strong recovery play for the UK market.

Speaker #1: And we have to start building more. But we will continue to navigate the short-term challenge as well. So thanks very much. And we can have a bit of a chat now if you'd like to stay around.

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Q2 2026 Ibstock PLC Earnings Call

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