Topic: How To Invest

Pat: Could I have your views/analysis on Globe Specialty Metals? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Globe Specialty Metals, $15.23, symbol GSM on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 75.1 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; www.glbsm.com), is among the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based specialty alloys. These products are used in a range of industrial and consumer goods. The company’s customers include silicone chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, producers of photovoltaic solar cells and computer chips, the auto industry, iron foundries and concrete producers. Globe has manufacturing plants in the U.S. states of Ohio, West Virginia, Alabama and New York, as well as in Argentina’s Mendoza province and China’s Ningxia province. In the three months ended September 30, 2012, Globe’s revenue rose 14.8%, to $200.7 million from $174.9 million a year earlier. The increase came mostly from last year’s acquisition of Quebec Silicon. However, earnings per share, excluding one-time items, fell 42.9%, to $0.16 from $0.28. Globe holds cash of $182.1 million, or $2.42 a share. Its $134.4-million long-term debt is just 12.2% of its $1.1-billion market cap…