Actuant Corporation: Fluid solutions

Whether it's tools, or complex engineered solutions, some folks just know electro-hydraulics. There is an outfit in Butler, Wisconsin that has been engineering answers along that line for 97 years.

Actuant Corporation (NYSE: ATU) is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of industrial products and systems. Its Tools and Supplies group offers high-force hydraulic tools, electrical tools and electrical consumables to the general industrial, construction, production automation and do-it-yourself retail markets. Its Engineered Solutions group provides motion control systems for the heavy-duty truck market. These include recreational vehicle slide-outs and leveling systems, heavy truck cab-tilt systems and electro-hydraulic convertible top actuation systems. Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN) is a major competitor.

The company surprised the Street last week, when it reported Q1 EPS of 52 cents and revenues of $415.1 million. Analysts had been looking for 48 cents and $394.7 million. In discussing the solid numbers, the CEO cited "robust industrial segment sales as well as continued strength in the European truck market." Management also guided Q2 EPS to 39-42 cents (42 cent consensus), Q2 revenues to $385-$395 million ($379.56M consensus), FY08 EPS to $1.95-$2.05 ($1.96M consensus) and FY08 revenues to $1.62-$1.66 billion ($1.6B consensus). BMO Capital Markets subsequently reiterated its "outperform" rating on the issue and boosted its price target to $40. ATU shares popped on the news and then moved into the initial stage of a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.