Louisiana-Pacific Beats on Both Top and Bottom Lines

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE: LPX  ) reported earnings on Feb. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Louisiana-Pacific beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded significantly and GAAP earnings per share expanded.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
Louisiana-Pacific logged revenue of $458.7 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $444.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 47% higher than the prior-year quarter's $312.2 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.34. The 13 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.21 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.32 for Q4 versus -$0.42 per share for the prior-year quarter.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 21.4%, 1,460 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 10.3%, 1,770 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.1%, 2,840 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $508.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.45.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.03 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.09.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Louisiana-Pacific is hold, with an average price target of $16.70.

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