Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, what is the outlook for Ferguson Enterprises? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Ferguson Enterprises Inc., $156.51, symbol FERG on New York (Shares outstanding: 198.7 million; Market cap: $30.2 billion; www.corporate.ferguson.com), is a U.S. distributor of construction products. Founded in 1953, Ferguson initially focused on Europe, Canada, and the U.S. In the early 2000s, the company moved to concentrate on what it sees as more attractive North American markets. Consequently, the company sold its European businesses. Today, Ferguson is a value-added distributor. That means the company goes beyond standard distribution by offering services like customization, technical support, and training. Ferguson is the largest specialized distributor in the $340-billion residential and non-residential North American construction market. The company provides expertise and a wide range of niche products and services. These include systems for plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, valves and fittings, and water and wastewater solutions. Ferguson sells through distribution centres, with specialist sales associates, showroom consultants and e-commerce channels. The company operates through two segments: the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. segment contributed 95.1% of Ferguson’s sales…