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November 21, 2016 at 07:00 PM
Ghansham Panjabi, Ph.D.
Robert W. Baird & Co.
214-220-3040
Solid organic growth: We believe that RPM International (RPM) continues to offset market-related (energy/heavy machinery) and transitory (inventory management issues with caulk & sealants) issues with innovation and increased exposure to higher-growth markets (U.S. commercial construction/etc.).
U.S. commercial construction up mid-to-high single digits: As for the latter, U.S. commercial construction organic sales were up mid-to-high single digits with momentum expected to continue for the remainder of the year.
Meaningful contributions from innovative products: Moreover, product innovations across all three of RPM’s major businesses are expected to contribute positively over the medium term, noting that approximately 15–20% of RPM’s organic growth over the last five years has been generated by new product categories.
Global demand mixed: As for trends outside of the U.S., results have been mixed, with choppiness in Europe (year-over-year comparisons more difficult) offset by a rebound in Latin/South America (constant currency sales +12%) — Asia still small. Longer term, management expects to grow its international presence through organic growth and M&A — noting that the company has realigned its Euclid Chemical and Flow-Crete brands to work collectively to expand their global reach.
Consumer issues transitory: Meanwhile, inventory issues in the caulk and sealants business (within Consumer) are expected to be mitigated through capacity expansion by the end of Q2’F17 (second fiscal quarter 2017) noting that management estimated a loss of 1–2% of sales during Q1’F17 due to the inventory shortfall in the context of strong market demand.
Guidance reiterated despite moving pieces: In terms of guidance, while fiscal year ‘17 guidance ($2.68–$2.78, consensus at $2.77) was reiterated, we note that pension (lower discount rate) and corporate expense are expected to be larger headwinds than previously forecast, offset by lower taxes (26%) and strong operating leverage — organic sales forecast by business largely unchanged.
