Since September 2020, the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of 105%. But one standout stock has doubled the market - over the past five years, Chart has surged 206% to $199.80 per share. Its momentum hasn’t stopped as it’s also gained 22.6% in the last six months thanks to its solid quarterly results, beating the S&P by 7.1%.
Is now still a good time to buy GTLS? Or is this a case of a company fueled by heightened investor enthusiasm? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Why Are We Positive On GTLS?
Installing the first bulk Co2 tank for McDonalds’s sodas, Chart (NYSE: GTLS) provides equipment to store and transport gasses.
1. Surging Backlog Locks In Future Sales
We can better understand Gas and Liquid Handling companies by analyzing their backlog. This metric shows the value of outstanding orders that have not yet been executed or delivered, giving visibility into Chart’s future revenue streams.
Chart’s backlog punched in at $5.54 billion in the latest quarter, and over the last two years, its year-on-year growth averaged 31.9%. This performance was fantastic and shows the company has a robust sales pipeline because it is accumulating more orders than it can fulfill. Its growth also suggests that customers are committing to Chart for the long term, enhancing the business’s predictability. 
2. Outstanding Long-Term EPS Growth
Analyzing the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) shows whether a company's incremental sales were profitable – for example, revenue could be inflated through excessive spending on advertising and promotions.
Chart’s astounding 28.1% annual EPS growth over the last five years aligns with its revenue performance. This tells us its incremental sales were profitable.
3. Increasing Free Cash Flow Margin Juices Financials
Free cash flow isn't a prominently featured metric in company financials and earnings releases, but we think it's telling because it accounts for all operating and capital expenses, making it tough to manipulate. Cash is king.
As you can see below, Chart’s margin expanded by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years. The company’s improvement shows it’s heading in the right direction, and we can see it became a less capital-intensive business because its free cash flow profitability rose more than its operating profitability. Chart’s free cash flow margin for the trailing 12 months was 11.2%.
Final Judgment
These are just a few reasons why Chart is one of the best industrials companies out there, and with its shares beating the market recently, the stock trades at 14.6× forward P/E (or $199.80 per share). Is now a good time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
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