Barratt (BDEV,  80.25p) directors have been actively buying into the group since November, initiating or significantly increasing their personal holdings as follows (Source: London Stock Exchange):

  • November 18th Robert Lawson, Non exec Chairman, bought 151,000 shares at 65.3p, and now holds the same amount.
  • November 20th Mark Rolfe, Non exec director, bought 30,000 shares at 62p, and now holds the same amount.
  • December 19th Mark Clare, CEO, bought 357,000 at 69p, taking his holding to 529,000 shares.
  • December 19th Mark Pain, CFO,  bought 60,000 at 74.8p, taking his holding to 100,000 shares.
  • December 23rd Stephen Boyes, Executive Director, bought 65,000 shares at 76.4p, taking his position to 107,000 shares.

Between them these directors have invested GBP 450k, at a time of  great uncertainty in both the stock and property markets.

Barratt have however impressed the market with recent results, showing an impressive ability to generate cash and pay down debt, as well as reduce costs by shedding 60% of their employees.

The group today warned of margins being squeezed, and therefore unlikely to meet brokers estimates [ which is probably near term and pretty irrelevant to the long term viability of this business] (FT article).

What matters with this group is that directors are actively buying, and they appear to be managing the economic problems quickly and positively.

On November 8th 2007 (‘Housebuilders- too early to buy’), with Barratt above 500p, we warned of downside in the sector as a result of seeing significant directors share sales at Savills. I’m happy now to be looking for opportunities to invest in Barratt for the longer term below 75p.

View on Barratt Developments: Positive

Strength of signal: Strong (caveat: must be viewed long term ).

barratthomes