Let's cut right to the chase. I really have no idea whether American Woodmark
Whatever the case, this was one of the good quarters. Sales were up 4% (better than expected), with so-called "core sales" up an even better 9%. What's more, the company's drive to improve margins through tighter operations and an exit from lower-margin segments seems to be paying off. Gross margins improved about three-and-a-half points, and operating margins improved by an even greater extent.
The quality of the earnings report seems solid as well. Sadly, there was no cash flow statement in the release, but growth in both inventories and receivables was moderate.
So what does the future hold for American Woodmark? Heck if I know.
First, you have to account for the pace of new homebuilding (presently weakening) and remodeling or refurbishment. (If you figure that out, go buy or sell Toll Brothers
All in all, we're talking about a company with decent returns, a good operating plan, and solid insider ownership -- but also a large-ish short position. We're also talking about a stock that has been unusually unstable, which operates in an increasingly nervous segment. I wouldn't be too inclined to chase the stock on good days, but it might be worth a look again on one of those seemingly inevitable slides.
For more related Foolishness:
Home Depot is a Motley Fool Inside Value selection. Take the newsletter for top-shelf stocks at bargain-basement prices for a 30-day free spin.
Fool contributor Stephen Simpson but has no financial interest in any stocks mentioned (that means he's neither long nor short the shares).