Regulated markets still difficult, costs being addressed

Strix’s trading update includes some emerging positives: volumes continue to build, particularly in less‑regulated control markets, growth has returned to Consumer Goods, and the recent disposal of Billi has transformed the balance sheet, leaving the group with net cash and capacity for shareholder returns.

However, activity levels in the higher‑margin regulated segment are recovering more slowly, and the combination of softer revenue expectations, a lower‑margin mix and rising commodity prices leads to reduced estimates. Management has reinforced its cash‑conservation focus and implemented further cost‑reduction measures, while notifying customers of upcoming price increases.

Given the operational uncertainty, we continue to base our fair value assessment on the estimated NAV of 62p per share.