Through The Fly's Eyes: Newell Rubbermaid

from Theflyonthewall.com





Another Very Solid Quarter

Newell Rubbermaid (NWL) reported another very solid quarter under the reign of CEO Mark Ketchum. Newell grew organic revenue 4.7% before the impact of the DYMO acquisition. Including the DYMO acquisition, revenue grew 8.5% -- very solid numbers for a company that has struggled with revenue growth for a long time.

Guidance Highlights:

• Ketchum expects organic growth to continue
• Resin costs, a big expense for Newell, should continue to moderate and begin benefiting the company
• Costs savings to continue which should lead to gross margin expansion
• Expects lower double digit operating income growth

Newell, who has been in the investors' doghouse for years, is beginning to perform well, both in terms of operating performance and share price. The stock has had a good run increasing from $22 to $30 during the past year. The stock might pull back due to Newell re-investing in its business at the SG&A line which might impact 1Q07 results. However, use any price weakness to get into this stock.