Why Brunswick Shares Popped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of recreational products company Brunswick popped as much as 11% after reporting its fourth-quarter earnings results.

So what: It was a mixed quarter for Brunswick, which recorded a 9% rise in revenue to $829.8 million as it squeaked by with a $0.02 profit. Relative to Wall Street's estimates, the company was shy by more than $19 million in sales but eclipsed the consensus EPS estimate of a loss of $0.07 by a wide margin. Furthermore, Brunswick's 2013 guidance calls for EPS in the range of $2.20-$2.45 and revenue to increase by 3%-5%. Wall Street's current estimates are for EPS of $2.24 on a 1% improvement in revenue.

Now what: Even with an in-line estimate for 2013, I still can't say I'm particularly excited about Brunswick's prospects. Domestically, higher taxes on upper-income earners are going to drag on boat purchases for which Brunswick is a major parts and accessories supplier. In addition, Europe is in little shape to mount a comeback and will continue to drag on Brunswick's results. Based on its latest rally, I'd call shares more than fully valued here.

Craving more input? Start by adding Brunswick to your free and personalized Watchlist so you can keep up on the latest news with the company.

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The article Why Brunswick Shares Popped originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Sean Williams has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name TMFUltraLong, track every pick he makes under the screen name TrackUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle @TMFUltraLong.Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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