Barloworld is top pick for SIM

A number of factors have prompted a senior industrial analyst to declare industrial brand manager Barloworld as a top performer.

The group operates across a variety of areas, which include cement and line, logistics and industrial distribution.

Listing the appointment of a new chief executive office, a number of strategic decisions and the success of its Caterpillar business as reasons behind the prediction, Sanlam Investment Management’s (SIM) Andrew Kingston also states the group has been "a rewarding choice" over the course of the last year.

Writing on the Moneyweb site, Mr Kingston pointed out to positive themes that are currently evident from the business. He argues that the group is both combating underperformance and trying to "refocus" its overall operation.

In addition, the analyst highlights the fact that Barloworld has outperformed its sector in the All Share and Industrial indices, achieving a share price rises 4.9 per cent and 8.5 per cent higher than each of these measures.

Earlier this year, Barloworld announced in its interim results that its operating profit increased by 25 per cent during the six-month period ending on March 31st 2007.