Building Products Companies' Earnings, Prices Could Face Challenges due to Trump Tariffs, BofA Says

MT Newswires Live
08 Apr

Armstrong World Industries (AWI), Mohawk Industries (MHK) and Owens Corning (OC) are well-positioned despite headwinds from the Trump administration's new reciprocal tariffs on certain countries, BofA Securities said in a note Tuesday.

The analysts said they estimate that building product companies will see an average earnings per share impact of around 20%, with significant variation depending on sourcing, country exposure and gross margin.

To offset the tariff impact, companies may need to raise prices by 1.5% on average, with Fortune Brands Innovations (FBIN) requiring a 6% price increase. While some manufacturers have already announced price hikes, there is a risk that volumes could weaken in a challenging macro environment, according to the note.

The analysts said three "buy"-rated stocks -- Armstrong World, Mohawk and Owens Corning -- are relatively well-positioned if the tariffs remain in place.

Armstrong's tariff impact on EPS is minimal due to its US manufacturing base and "significant" pricing power. Mohawk, despite a 13% drop in shares, will only need a 1% to 2% price increase to maintain margins, whereas competitors may need to raise prices by 20% or more.

Meanwhile, Owens Corning's roofing business, which accounts for 60% of its earnings and is domestically produced, could benefit from lower asphalt prices, the analysts said, adding that with a strong free cash flow yield of about 11%, the company is well-positioned to navigate this current environment.

"Building product companies could face significant headwinds from tariffs, but there is still a lot of uncertainty," the analysts said, adding that while pricing is a key offset, the macro backdrop remains "challenging."

Price: 131.24, Change: +2.89, Percent Change: +2.25

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Most Discussed

  1. 1
     
     
     
     
  2. 2
     
     
     
     
  3. 3
     
     
     
     
  4. 4
     
     
     
     
  5. 5
     
     
     
     
  6. 6
     
     
     
     
  7. 7
     
     
     
     
  8. 8
     
     
     
     
  9. 9
     
     
     
     
  10. 10