Louisiana-Pacific Corporation’s (LPX) Strong Performance Reflects Asset Quality and Management Expertise
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SouthernSun Asset Management, LLC, an investment management firm, released its “SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy” third quarter 2024 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. As the third quarter of 2024 ends, the firm considers the complex elements that have shaped global markets and influenced its investment strategies. In the third quarter, the strategy returned 10.59% on a gross basis (10.38% net) compared to a 9.27% return for the Russell 2000 Index and 10.15% for the Russell 2000 Value Index. The strategy returned 25.16% on a gross basis (24.22% net) for the trailing twelve months compared to 26.76% and 25.88% respectively for the indexes over the same period. In addition, please check the top 5 holdings of the strategy to know its best pick in 2024.
SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy highlighted stocks like Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) in its Q3 2024 investor letter. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) provides building solutions for new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. The one-month return of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) was -5.43%, and its shares gained 72.30% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On November 4, 2024, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) stock closed at $101.14 per share with a market capitalization of $7.108 billion.
SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:
"Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) was the top contributor in the Small Cap strategy in the third quarter. LPX is a market leader in the manufacturing of engineered wood siding and oriented strand board (OSB). The company’s siding products have been on a secular growth trend, taking share from other forms of siding in recent years due to a superior value proposition tied to factors such as aesthetics, ease of use, and quality. During the second quarter, LPX siding sales performed strongly and management increased 2024 segment guidance. Market data suggests the company is gaining share from vinyl and other siding products in the new builder, repair and remodel, and retail channels, and has a long-term opportunity to continue this trend. The company’s OSB assets and leading market position remain an important component of the company’s long-term value. The largest use for OSB is sheathing for residential new construction, and thus demand for OSB is correlated with housing starts. OSB prices are largely dependent on supply and demand dynamics within the industry. During the second quarter, prices were relatively strong, which combined with strong operating performance by the company, led to strong profits. Management expects lower prices and thus lower OSB profits in the third quarter. Overall, we believe recent performance underscores the quality of the company’s assets and management’s skill, and we continue to expect satisfactory long-term results as shareholders."
