Encore Wire Corp (WIRE - Free Report) , a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) is a low-cost manufacturer of copper electrical building wire and cable. The Company is a significant supplier of both residential wire for interior electrical wiring in homes, apartments and manufactured housing, as well as building wire for electrical distribution in commercial and industrial buildings.
Recent Earnings Data
The company reported Q4, and FY 2017 results on February 20th where they beat the Zacks consensus earnings and revenue estimates for the second consecutive quarter. On a year over year basis, earnings grew by +38.2% while revenues rose by +25.9%. There were several reasons for the impressive results; an increase in unit volumes (measured in copper pounds contained in wire sold) by +5.8%, a +22.8% rise in average selling price per copper pound, and a +30.1% increase in sales prices. Moreover, the company’s gross margins improved more than previously expected.
Management’s Take
According to Daniel L. Jones, Chairman, President, and CEO, “We are pleased to report a great fourth quarter and full year. Our unit sales were up in both copper and aluminum building wire for the year. One of the key metrics to our earnings is the spread between the price of copper wire sold and the cost of raw copper purchased in any given period. The copper wire spread increased 9.9% in 2017 versus 2016, as the average price of copper purchased increased 25.4% in 2017 versus 2016, and the average selling price of wire sold increased 19.8%. We are also encouraged by the fact spreads improved during the fourth quarter of 2017 versus the third quarter of 2017.” Mr. Jones continued, “Our balance sheet is very strong. We have no long-term debt, and our revolving line of credit is paid down to zero. In addition, we had $123.4 million in cash at the end of the quarter. We also declared another cash dividend during the quarter.”
Looking Forward
The company is expected to see significant tax savings due to the new corporate tax rates; WIRE will see its effective tax rate fall from about 33% to approximately 22%. Also, the continued positive housing and permit data shows that the need for electric wiring will remain in place though 2018.
Price and Earnings Consensus Graph
Due to the strong 2017, lower tax rate going forward, and the elevated housing situation, the stock price and future earnings estimates have moved upwards.
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From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
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Encore Wire Corp (WIRE - Free Report) , a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) is a low-cost manufacturer of copper electrical building wire and cable. The Company is a significant supplier of both residential wire for interior electrical wiring in homes, apartments and manufactured housing, as well as building wire for electrical distribution in commercial and industrial buildings.
Recent Earnings Data
The company reported Q4, and FY 2017 results on February 20th where they beat the Zacks consensus earnings and revenue estimates for the second consecutive quarter. On a year over year basis, earnings grew by +38.2% while revenues rose by +25.9%. There were several reasons for the impressive results; an increase in unit volumes (measured in copper pounds contained in wire sold) by +5.8%, a +22.8% rise in average selling price per copper pound, and a +30.1% increase in sales prices. Moreover, the company’s gross margins improved more than previously expected.
Management’s Take
According to Daniel L. Jones, Chairman, President, and CEO, “We are pleased to report a great fourth quarter and full year. Our unit sales were up in both copper and aluminum building wire for the year. One of the key metrics to our earnings is the spread between the price of copper wire sold and the cost of raw copper purchased in any given period. The copper wire spread increased 9.9% in 2017 versus 2016, as the average price of copper purchased increased 25.4% in 2017 versus 2016, and the average selling price of wire sold increased 19.8%. We are also encouraged by the fact spreads improved during the fourth quarter of 2017 versus the third quarter of 2017.” Mr. Jones continued, “Our balance sheet is very strong. We have no long-term debt, and our revolving line of credit is paid down to zero. In addition, we had $123.4 million in cash at the end of the quarter. We also declared another cash dividend during the quarter.”
Looking Forward
The company is expected to see significant tax savings due to the new corporate tax rates; WIRE will see its effective tax rate fall from about 33% to approximately 22%. Also, the continued positive housing and permit data shows that the need for electric wiring will remain in place though 2018.
Price and Earnings Consensus Graph
Due to the strong 2017, lower tax rate going forward, and the elevated housing situation, the stock price and future earnings estimates have moved upwards.
Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>
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