Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, what do you think about the prospects of Armstrong World Industries Inc., (symbol AWI) going forward? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: Armstrong World Industries Inc., $106.34, symbol AWI on New York (Shares outstanding: 47.9 million; Market cap: $5.1 billion; www.armstrongworld industries.com), is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension systems. The company has 2,500 employees working from 14 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. On December 15, 2020, Armstrong completed the acquisition of Arktura LLC, a Los Angeles-based maker of architectural specialty metal ceilings, and felt walls, partitions and facades. Armstrong paid $91 million in cash up front. It will also make another $24 million in deferred cash payments and pay $6 million in Armstrong stock—both will come over five years. Arktura had 2019 revenue of $37 million. The two companies plan to create Arkura Ventures LLC, which will incubate new products and solutions for engineering and construction customers. The acquisition was Armstrong’s third of 2020 and its eighth since spinning off Armstrong Flooring Inc. (symbol AFI on New York) in 2016. Overall revenue fell 27.6%,…