Universal Forest Posts Upbeat 2Q Earnings

Zacks

Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFPI) reported quite decent second quarter 2013 financial results on Jul 17, 2013. The company rode high on the back of double-digits revenue growth in its five market segments.

Adjusted net income in the quarter surged 19.1% over the year-ago earnings. On a per share basis, earnings came in at 79 cents, reflecting an increase of 17.9% over 67 cents reported in the year-ago quarter and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 72 cents.

Revenue

Net sales in the second quarter were $738.4 million, up 24.4% year over year as Universal Forest benefited from healthy growth in all five end-markets. Lumber prices were also up roughly 15% on a year-over-year basis.

End-market revenue of Universal Forest has been briefed below:

Retail Building Materials revenues (41% of second quarter total gross sales) were up 12.9% year over year to $315.1 million. Residential Construction sales (13%) improved 57.3% to $94.3 million. Commercial Construction and Concrete Forming sales (5%) were $37.5 million, up 56.2% year over year. Industrial packaging/components sales (26%) were $193.4 million, up 20.6% year over year. Manufactured Housing sales (15%) were up 35.7% year over year to $109.5 million.

Margins

In the second quarter 2013, Universal Forest’s cost of goods sold represented 89.1% of total revenue, up 120 basis points year over year while gross margin decreased by the same magnitude to settle at 10.9%. Selling, general and administrative expenses were roughly $53.1 million and accounted for 7.2% of total revenue.

Balance Sheet

During the first quarter 2013, Universal Forest’s cash position was weak and after finally exiting the quarter, the company reported a cash overdraft balance of $3.4 million. This, however, represents an improvement of over $7.7 million overdraft reported at the end of the previous quarter.

As far as the debt position was concerned, the Universal Forest's long-term debt balance decreased 8.2% sequentially to $142.5 million.

Cash Flow

Net cash position from operating activities in the second quarter 2013 improved to $35.7 million as compared with $25.1 million in the year-ago comparable quarter.

Capital spending, on the other hand, reflected a slight year-over-year improvement of 69.6% and came in at $13.4 million.

Going forward, management of Universal Forest anticipates improving its top-line growth through additions of new customers and products to its portfolio. Also, operating margin enhancement remains a prime area of focus for the company.

Universal Forest Products Inc. manufactures, treats, distributes, and installs lumber, composite wood, plastic and other building products.

The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks to watch out for in the industry are Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (LPX), Weyerhaeuser Co. (WY) and Rayonier Inc. (RYN).

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