Analyst Ryan Merkel Reiterates Buy on James Hardie, Citing Strong Siding Volume Momentum Despite Near-Term Margin Pressure
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.William Blair analyst Ryan Merkel reiterated a Buy rating on James Hardie (JHX), citing strong siding volume momentum and market share gains in repair and remodel, despite near-term margin pressure from freight costs. He views decking underperformance as temporary and expects positive estimate revisions after the August 6 results. Truist Financial also maintained a Buy rating with a $24.78 price target.
William Blair analyst Ryan Merkel has maintained their bullish stance on JHX stock, giving a Buy rating today.
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Ryan Merkel has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors that highlight James Hardie’s operational momentum and market opportunity. He notes that siding and trim revenue materially exceeded prior guidance, with implied double‑digit volume growth even as new residential construction remains soft, indicating effective execution on strategic initiatives and market share gains in repair and remodel.
Merkel also emphasizes that the upside in core siding volumes, supported by programs like Statement Essentials and aided by a competitor’s exit, sets a constructive tone for the fiscal year despite near‑term margin pressure, which he attributes in part to freight costs. While decking underperformed because of channel destocking, he views this as a temporary drag rather than a structural issue, and expects further clarity and potential estimate revisions after the full results on August 6, reinforcing his positive stance on the stock’s risk‑reward profile.
According to TipRanks, Merkel is a 4-star analyst with an average return of 4.1% and a 50.48% success rate. Merkel covers the Industrials sector, focusing on stocks such as Ferguson PLC, Fastenal Company, and Aaon.
In another report released today, Truist Financial also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $24.78 price target.