Ashtead has been a very good recovery stock.One to watch leading up to results 13th December and beyond.

Positives....

1. AHT have made a number of aquisitions.
2. Won their court case against H&E & been awarded $US20.1M......guaranteed.
3. Been up-graded by Moodys to a Ba3 rating on its recent re-financing.
4. Successfully re-financed at a far cheaper rate with better terms & conditions attached.
5. Won a number of significant contracts in the UK.
6. A number of AHTs US peers have produced significantly positive figures.
7. UBS buy rec at 200p.
8. PMUR buy rec upped from 170p to 200p.
9. Hurricanes have hit US, creating work.
10. "positive impact of stronger US$ compared to this time last year".

Watch and wait for breakout above 165p.

Short term target prices between 175p-200p.Would expect furthing re-rating post results.Breakout hold & close above 165p.

Perking up as near open in US.164.75p-165p

What a chart.Today the promised breakout above 165p.sp held onto gains which bodes well.Looking for next target 175p.Results Dec 13th.

AHT

Ashtead Group PLC
Daily Commentary


Our system posted a BUY-IF today. The previous BUY recommendation that was confirmed was made on 15.11.2005 (15) days ago, when the stock price was 153.5000. Since then AHT has gained 10.10% .

Are you eager to sell your shares? Well we say: Stick to them for the moment! Market mood is again bullish. Our SELL-IF alert is not confirmed. It is now null and void and should be ignored. Besides, we have a bullish pattern, now. This may be a call for another buying opportunity. Again it is time to be on your toes. First, be aware of what happened at after hours trading and futures. Then, follow the next session very carefully. This candlestick pattern is a bullish one, but we have to see whether it will be confirmed or not.

Do you see a gap-up at the market open? Do you see a white candlestick forming with a higher close at the session's end? Shortly, is it a nice bullish day? If so, increase your holdings or open new long positions.

Well, things do not go as expected sometimes. You may rather see a gap-down at the open or a black candlestick forming with a lower close in the next session. If this is the case, humbly accept the market verdict, cancel the buy orders and cover any long positions that you might have opened.

[MOTTO OF THE DAY]
When the bulls are still strong
Buying more will not be wrong

BUY-IF

169.00
+6.0000 +3.68%

Candlestick Analysis
Todays Candlestick Patterns:

White Opening Marubozu
Bullish Separating Lines

Today a White Opening Marubozu was formed. This shows that the day opened and then the prices continued to go up all day long without coming below the opening level thus forming a long white body, however prices did not close at the high of the day and thus they created an upper shadow.

For more about this candlestick click here.

The last two candlesticks formed a Bullish Separating Lines Pattern . This is a bullish continuation pattern that confirms the current uptrend. However, its reliability is low and it definitely requires confirmation.

For more about this pattern click here.

For those that do not know 80% of Ashteads business is done in the US.Companies is same sector doing very well.Speedy Hire reported recently business up.

Possibility of resuming dividend payments which would please institutional investors.

Closed 168.75p-169p.There was a lot of buying today at 170p & 171p all of which bodes well for tomorrow.If nothing else place AHT on your monitors.Expecting brokers target price 200p to be met and more.

Good morning everyone.How long sp below 170p?

edit:
lex1000 - 1 Dec'05 - 10:38 - 54250 of 54251 edit


Lost a bit of momentum and chance to buy between 167.5p-170p.Off out will look in later pm after US opens. ps time to be holding and not selling this close to results and break above 170p.

fingers xxd - 1 Dec'05 - 10:49 - 54251 of 54251


Just 'popped in' for a quick look ..

Yesterday afternoons 'uptrend' has failed, and the price is moving towards the 'lower uptrend' put in place yesterday morning, which should start lifting the price around midday.

168.5p-169p.Still time to buy for under 170p . Merry Christmas.

High volumes.169.5p-169.75p.Breakout maybe soon!?
edit:tick down

sp decided to go in for a bit of triangularization.Direction will be decided on monday.Results expected to be excellent.

Fantastic set of results

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

RECORD FIRST HALF PROFITS & DIVIDEND PAYMENTS RESUMED

Unaudited results for the half year and second quarter ended 31 October 2005

Ashtead Group plc, the equipment rental group serving the US and UK
construction, industrial and homeowner markets, announces its results for the
half year and second quarter ended 31 October 2005.

Highlights

* Group Q2 profit before exceptional items & tax increases from 13.4m to
27.9m

* Group H1 profit before exceptional items & tax increases from 18.3m to
40.2m

* After exceptional items of 1.9m, the H1 profit before tax is 38.3m (2004
- 18.3m)

* Sunbelt's H1 operating profit before exceptional items rises 53.7% to
$96.4m (2004 - $62.7m)

* A-Plant's H1 operating profit is up 3.5% to 8.9m (2004 - 8.6m)

* Market conditions in the United States expected to remain favourable

* Payment of dividends resumed - interim dividend of 0.5p per share declared

Ashtead's chief executive, George Burnett, commented:

'Sunbelt achieved substantial first half profit growth by maintaining last
year's record levels of utilisation on a fleet which was on average 7% larger
than a year ago and by continuing to grow its market share. Although A-Plant's
profit growth was more modest, it did achieve improved return on capital year
on year through rigorous cost control. Ashtead Technology took advantage of the
strong offshore market to record a 67% profit increase.

I am pleased that the strength of the Group's first half performance, our
confidence in the outlook and the completion of the capital reorganisation has
enabled the Board to announce the resumption of dividend payments to
shareholders for the first time since 2002.

With interim profits more than double those of last year, continuing strong
trading conditions at Sunbelt and Ashtead Technology and a stable position at
A-Plant, the Board looks forward with confidence.'

Contacts:

Cob Stenham Non-executive chairman 020 7299 5562
George Burnett Chief executive )
Ian Robson Finance director ) 01372 362300

Brian Hudspith The Maitland Consultancy 020 7379 5151


PRESS RELEASE

Overview

The Group achieved a record first half performance with revenue up 14.2% to
313.8m and a first half profit before tax and exceptional items of 40.2m, more
than double last year's 18.3m. After net exceptional items of 1.9m, the first
half pre-tax profit was 38.3m. Exchange rates were similar in both periods and
consequently currency translation changes did not have a significant effect on
reported performance.

Basic earnings per share were 6.9p before and 6.5p after exceptional items
compared to 2.8p a year ago. On a cash tax basis, earnings per share before
exceptional items were 10.6p (2004 - 5.5p). An interim dividend of 0.5p per
share will be paid on 28 February 2006.

The Group now reports its results under international financial reporting
standards (IFRS) and comparatives have been restated accordingly. Full details
of the migration to IFRS are included in the separate statement published on 20
September 2005 and available on the Company's website at
www.ashtead-group.com
.

Review of first half trading performance

Revenue EBITDA* Profit*
------- ------- -------
2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Sunbelt in $m 406.8 342.0 159.8 120.2 96.4 62.7
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Sunbelt in m 226.1 188.1 88.9 66.1 53.6 34.5
A-Plant 79.7 80.6 26.9 27.4 8.9 8.6
Ashtead Technology 8.0 6.0 4.1 2.9 2.3 1.4
Group central costs - - (3.5) (3.3) (3.5) (3.3)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
313.8 274.7 116.4 93.1 61.3 41.2
----- ----- ----- -----
Interest (21.1) (22.9)
----- -----
Profit before tax 40.2 18.3
----- -----
* in 2005 before exceptional items

As a result of Sunbelt's performance in particular and reflecting the Group's
operational gearing, the 14.2% revenue increase resulted in a 25.0% increase in
EBITDA before exceptional items to 116.4m and an increase of 48.8% in
operating profit before exceptional items to 61.3m. These improvements were
reflected in the Group's margins. EBITDA margins grew from 33.9% to 37.1% and
operating margins rose from 15.0% to 19.5%.

Sunbelt

In the six months to 31 October 2005 revenue grew 18.9% to $406.8m. This was
achieved through increased investment in the rental fleet which was 7% larger
than a year ago and by significant increases in rental rates which grew
approximately 10%. Average utilisation remained at last year's record level of
72% despite the increased investment. Revenue growth was broadly based with all
regions and all major product areas trading ahead of last year. In a strong
trading environment where US non-residential construction rose 7.4% in the 12
months to end October according to figures published by the US Department of
Commerce, Sunbelt continued to take market share. Sunbelt's operating profit
before exceptional items was up 53.7% to $96.4m, representing a margin of 23.7%
(2004 - 18.3%).

In the second quarter Sunbelt was actively involved in the clean-up efforts on
the US Gulf Coast and in Florida following hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
No Sunbelt store suffered significant damage from the hurricanes and none of
its staff was hurt. Sunbelt also incurred no significant costs for lost or
damaged rental equipment. Although we now expect that the impact of the
clean-up and reconstruction work on the current financial year will be more
significant than the impact we have seen from storms and natural disasters in
earlier years, hurricane related revenues are still anticipated to account for
only around 2% of Sunbelt's full year revenues.

Sunbelt invested $151.8m in the first half to maintain the quality of its
rental fleet and reduce its age as well as for growth. This included the
opening of three new greenfield stores. A further fifteen new general equipment
rental stores have been acquired in the first half for a consideration of
approximately $100m. In August Sunbelt also disposed of 12 west coast
specialist scaffold locations for approximately $24m generating an estimated
disposal profit of $5.4m (3.0m) which is included in exceptional items. The
new stores continue Sunbelt's strategy of clustering major metropolitan
markets. Additional infill acquisition opportunities are under consideration
but Sunbelt also continues to emphasise organic growth. 17.3% of the total
first half revenue growth of 18.9% was delivered by stores open throughout both
periods.

A-Plant

In a continued competitive market, A-Plant's first half revenue of 79.7m
compares to 80.6m last year but was achieved from a fleet which on average was
approximately 2% smaller than last year. This reflected the year on year effect
of last year's downsizing of the business which has now been concluded. The
growth in rental rates was approximately 3% whilst average utilisation
decreased from 66% to 65%.

Careful management of operating expenses continued and these declined 0.8% year
over year reflecting principally the full year impact of measures taken last
year. A-Plant's first half operating profit grew 3.5% to 8.9m (2004 - 8.6m),
representing a margin of 11.2% (2004 - 10.7%).

During the first half a major restructuring of A-Plant's sales operations was
introduced with a view to serving, in a more focussed way, the differing
requirements of national, regional and local customers. Senior sales management
resources have been increased as has the size of the sales force with the cost
of this investment being largely funded by administrative savings elsewhere. In
November, A-Plant returned to delivering year on year revenue growth.

Ashtead Technology

Ashtead Technology's performance continued the trend established in the second
half of last year with revenues up 33.3% to 8.0m (2004 - 6.0m). This reflects
increased investment by the oil majors which is delivering higher offshore
exploration and construction activity as well as continued growth in
Technology's on-shore environmental business. These trends are expected to
continue. As a result Technology's first half operating profit grew 66.9% to
2.3m (2004 - 1.4m).

Exceptional items

In addition to the trading results discussed above, operating profit as
reported in the consolidated income statement below includes 2.9m of
exceptional items. These comprise a 3.0m estimated profit on disposal of
Sunbelt's 12 scaffold stores on the US west coast and in Texas less 0.1m of
post acquisition integration costs. Additionally the 4.8m net cost of last
summer's capital reorganisation, mainly relating to the 12% premium payable on
the 42m of sterling senior secured notes redeemed early out of the proceeds of
the equity placing, is included as an exceptional item within finance costs.

Taxation

Overall for the first half, following the capital reorganisation and related
internal restructuring of our US financial structure, the effective accounting
tax rate on the profit before exceptional items has fallen to a more normal 38%
compared to the very high effective accounting tax rates seen in recent years.
The cash tax rate remains low at 5%. Although the Group's cash tax rate is
likely to remain well below the accounting rate, the rapid increase in
Sunbelt's profitability together with the $20.1m receipt discussed below from
the Head & Engquist litigation now make it probable that the cash tax rate will
rise into double digits in 2006/7.

Capital expenditure and net debt

Capital expenditure in the six months was 131.3m of which 120.0m was invested
in the rental fleet (2004 - 69.1m in total) with the increased expenditure
directed towards expanding Sunbelt's rate of growth. 53.8m of the fleet
expenditure was for growth with the remainder spent to replace existing
equipment. Disposal proceeds were 24.5m (2004 - 15.5m) generating a profit on
disposal of 4.2m (2004 - 2.5m).

Reflecting current strong market conditions, we now expect that gross capital
expenditure for the year as a whole will be approximately 220m, an increase of
40m over our previous guidance. After anticipated disposal proceeds of
approximately 55m (including those earned from the scaffold sale which have
been reinvested in general equipment), net capital expenditure is anticipated
to be approximately 165m. Approximately 100m of the 220m gross expenditure
will be for growth.

Net debt at 31 October 2005 was 515.6m, an increase of 33.3m since 30 April
2005 but still a reduction of 3.4m since 31 October 2004. At constant exchange
rates the increase since year end was 19.6m with debt lowered by 12.4m in the
past year. Availability under the asset based loan facility was $271m at 31
October 2005 ($157m at 30 April 2005).

Amended asset based loan facility

On 14 November 2005, amended terms were agreed with the syndicate of lenders
who make available the Group's first priority asset based senior secured loan
facility to, inter alia, increase the amount, extend the maturity and reduce
the cost of the facility. The amended facility provides us with substantial
flexibility for continued investment in the Group's development.

Following the amendment the weighted average financing cost of our borrowings
(including amortisation of deferred debt raising costs) is currently
approximately 8% and their weighted average maturity is approximately 6.5
years.

Head & Engquist Equipment LLC (H&E) litigation

As announced on 24 November, Sunbelt and H&E have settled their litigation with
H&E paying to Sunbelt the sum of $20.1m (11.7m). The proceeds of the
settlement were applied to reduce borrowings under the Group's asset based
revolver and will be recognised as an exceptional profit in the third quarter.

Dividends

In light of the strong trading performance in the first half, its confidence in
the outlook and following the successful capital reorganisation, the Board is
pleased to be able to announce today the resumption of dividend payments.
Accordingly an interim dividend of 0.5p per share will be paid on 28 February
2006 to shareholders on the register on 17 February 2006.

Current trading and outlook

With interim profits more than double those of last year, continuing strong
trading conditions at Sunbelt and Ashtead Technology and a stable position at
A-Plant, the Board looks forward with confidence.

- o0o -

There will be a presentation to equity analysts at 9.30am today at the offices
of JPMorgan at 10 Aldermanbury, London, EC2V 7RF and a conference call for
bondholders in the afternoon at 3.00pm. A simultaneous webcast of the equity
analysts presentation will be available via the Company's website at

www.ashtead-group.com
and there will also be a recorded playback available from
shortly after the call finishes.

Excellent results,dividend and chart breakout.

Up over 15p.Really surprised little interest shown here.Sliced through target 175p and next target 200p.

I'll keep you company lex! I bought at 169p a week ago - mostly using comments etc on moneyAM and the chatroom - so I'm very happy!
Thanking you - and I'm in till 200p is reached.

Pleased to see others making money here.IF AHT conitnues recovery journey to conclusion then 240p-300p is more than possible.Believe fell from 300p+ down to 2.5p.Can you imagine feeling originally buying 2.5p-10p and price seen today!Oils & gas another good sector to be in.Personally following TLW by coincidence chosen to breakout today.

Hi LEX

i bought aht @9
sadly sold at 75

have been itching to get back in and was tempted yesterday,wish i had now

good luck

AHT looking good for eventual moves to 200p.Consider TLW as very bullish.

Anyone still interested in these? Hitting new highs, broker upgrades and not a peep on this thread for four months.

Pond Life,yes this is my biggest holding at the moment,and it aint showing signs of slowing down . :-)))