Is H.B. Fuller Getting Better?

H.B. Fuller (NYS: FUL) doesn't depend on just a few customers. In fact, no single client accounts for more than 10% of its net revenue. That's a big advantage, and it also offers some pricing flexibility. That's probably why the Minnesota-based specialty-chemical maker could balance out low volumes by increasing its product prices.

The company recently posted third-quarter profits in line with market expectations and managed to post revenues above Street expectations. An overall 10.5% price increase helped revenue check in at $387.8 million, a 15% increase from the same quarter last year and a better figure than the $377.9 million analysts were expecting. The company saw revenue growth in every region, the best being Asia Pacific (22.6%) and the Europe, India, Middle East, Africa area (20.4%). Higher raw-material prices continued to pinch H.B. Fuller, though, and the price increases did mean a 2% overall decline in volumes. Favorable currency rates also helped boost earnings.

Fuller products
H.B. Fuller has launched the next generation of its Flextra Fast laminating adhesive, which helps users begin their secondary processing faster and ensures that the laminate can be filled in a short time. This user-friendly product might give the company an edge over adhesive maker 3M (NYS: MMM) and other competitors such as RPM International and Sherwin-Williams.

The company also recently partnered with Graco (NYS: GGG) to enable fluid handling of its Liquamelt adhesive.

The Foolish bottom line
H.B. Fuller's products have uses in various industries, creating diversified buyers and reducing risk. The company has shown good numbers this quarter and is progressively improving its product offerings. What's more, management expects full-year revenue above Street estimates. This seems to be a well-managed company with solid growth prospects. If you'd like to keep up with H.B. Fuller, add it to My Watchlist.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributor Navjot Kaur owns no shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. The Motley Fool owns shares of Graco.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of 3M and Sherwin-Williams. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2011 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.