AZZ Up on Successful Earnings

AZZ Incorporated

is up on Monday after topping fourth quarter and fiscal 2013 earnings estimates. The Fort Worth-based firm's fourth quarter EPS grew 13 percent to $0.52 and topped analysts' expectations of $0.48. Fourth quarter revenue finished up 13.6 percent year-over-year at $140.4 million, but fell short of the $142.69 million analysts hoped for. Fiscal 2013 EPS closed up 47 percent at $2.37 and easily surpassed the Wall Street consensus of $2.22. Total 2013 revenue jumped 21.6 percent to $570.6 million, but missed estimates of nearly $573 million.

Sales in AZZ's electrical and industrial products segment climbed 17.5 percent during the fourth quarter to nearly $62 million. And, for the year, this segment performed even better, growing over 23 percent to $233.5 million. Meanwhile, the metal fabricator's galvanizing services segment rose 10.6 percent during the fourth quarter and 21.6 percent for the year. It finished with sales of $78.5 and $570.6 million, respectively, in this segment.

AZZ's backlog soared 60 percent year-over-year to close out the fourth quarter at $221.7 million. It was favorably impacted by the company's acquisition of Nuclear Logistics Incorporated's backlog. Investors may recall AZZ acquired Nuclear Logistics in June of 2012.

On April 1, AZZ announced the completion of its acquisition of Aquilex Specialty Repair and Overhaul LLC in which it acquired all of the energy maintenance and repair company's equity interests for a cash consideration of $250 million (as reported in February). The company expects the deal to be accretive for $0.25 to $0.30 per share over the first twelve months of ownership after accounting for an approximately $5 million transaction cost. The said transaction cost will be written off in the first year of operation. Aquilex's first-year sales are anticipated to finish in the $225 to $250 million range. During the second year, it is expected to boost AZZ's EPS by $0.60 to $0.70.

On March 4, AZZ announced that president and CEO David H. Dingus was recently diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and would begin treatment that week. Dingus will remain as CEO during this time. He may have a reduced work schedule at points, but is not expected to miss any extended periods.

AZZ has declared a $0.14 per share dividend on its outstanding common stock. It will be paid at the close of business on May 3 to shareholders of record on April 19.

AZZ has held steady in the mid-to-high $40s for the past two months and continues to do so. The stock has seen a modest bump on word of its successful EPS report. AZZ opens the week up approximately 5 percent.