Concrete levelling specialist Somero Enterprises (SOM:AIM) has seen its PE (price to earnings) ratio sink almost 40% to 7.9 times since the start of the year, despite 2022 earnings estimates rising by 10%.

Even a record first half performance wasn’t enough to reverse continued weakness in the shares which are around 30% lower than the peaks in January.

This looks odd, given clear momentum in the business, rising cash balances and higher dividends. Finncap estimates the shares offer almost a 10% dividend yield based on the expected 2023 pay out.

Earnings per share have grown at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 20% a year over the last five years which arguably qualifies Somero as a growth share.

Somero designs and manufacturers top of the line laser-guided concrete floor flattening equipment that is becoming vital for the acres of automation-laden warehouse space needed as more businesses embrace digital commerce.

But investors have seemingly been reluctant to attach a growth PE multiple to the stock. This is perhaps understandable given the cyclicality of Somero’s business which serves the construction industry.

That said, the company’s long-term growth profile suggests structural growth despite the ups and downs of the general economy. Somero has grown net profit by a CAGR of 15% a year since floating in 2006.

Had the market viewed the company as a growth stock the brutal share derating (falling PE) might be understandable. After all, growth stocks have been heavily punished in the last year as interest rates have risen.

The conundrum for investors is that Somero’s shares exhibit clear value and quality characteristics which have been in vogue over the last year.

VALUE TRAP OR LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY?

Could there be factors not yet visible which explain the low rating of the shares or is more patience required?

Around 80% of Somero’s sales come from the US and fears of a recession have been building in recent months. A downturn would lower corporate cash flows, and potentially slow demand for the company’s products, particularly given the links to online shopping.

During the last big economic downturn in 2008 Somero’s revenue dropped sharply, from $66.4 million to $22 million while profits turned into losses. Construction firms were particularly hard hit during the banking crisis.

Succession planning is a potential worry given the ages of CEO Jack Cooney (74) and chair Larry Horsch (87). Notably, Cooney has been selling shares over the last few years but still owns around 2% of the company.

A management vacuum could attract predatory activity. Shares recently highlighted  the company could be vulnerable to a takeover by private equity.

While it appears a lot of potential bad news has been priced into the shares, it is worth remembering how volatile the share price has
 been historically. 

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