Colfax – solid results in a still sluggish environment
As always Seeking Alpha published the conference call transcript of Colfax Corp. Q1 2013 Conference Call.
Adjusted EPS for the 2013 first quarter came in at $0.26 per share, an increase of 13%.
Net sales were $947.1 million, an increase of 6.8% from Q1 2012 net sales of $886.4 million
Sales in the gas- and fluid handling segment were 2% lower compared to last year’s first quarter, but fabrication technology segment grew revenue by 13,2% year over year to $522.0 million
The most interesting news this quarter certainly is how the company is improving margins!
Colfax’s gross profit margin in the quarter was 30.7% in the quarter, increasing 340 basis points year over year and the adjusted operating margin is now 8.3%
They are applying their cost control measures called „CBS“ – Colfax Business System – to all recently acquired segments and companies. They will continue to apply these measures over the year even repeatedly and therefore are able to confirm their 2013 earnings guidance.
Colfax stock yesterday rose about 1% on an otherwise down day of the stock market to $ 46.21
It now sells at a p/e of 23, not cheap for an industrial company.
If you want to build a new position in Colfax you probably should wait for better days!