tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
H.B. Fuller Company (FUL)
NYSE:FUL

H.B. Fuller Company (FUL) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
228 Followers

Top Page

FUL

H.B. Fuller Company

(NYSE:FUL)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$58.00
▲(11.43% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:01/16/26
The score is held back primarily by moderate financial performance (revenue softness, pressured cash conversion, and meaningful leverage), partially offset by constructive technical momentum (price above major moving averages with positive MACD). Valuation is somewhat demanding (P/E 23.53 with a modest 1.46% yield), while the earnings call supports a mid-level uplift due to margin/profit guidance despite muted top-line growth and near-term cash/working-capital headwinds.
Positive Factors
Diversified consumable revenue
H.B. Fuller’s core revenue comes from formulated, repeat‑use consumables across multiple end markets, creating durable recurring demand tied to customer production. Technical services and formulation customization increase switching costs and support price realization, underpinning steady revenue even in cyclical periods.
Structural margin improvement program
Management’s combined levers—disciplined pricing, raw‑material optimization and manufacturing/warehouse consolidation (Project Quantum Leap)—are delivering multi‑year, structural cost savings. These actions support sustainable EBITDA margin expansion toward the >20% target, improving operating leverage beyond one‑off cycles.
Disciplined bolt-on M&A
A repeatable, low‑multiple bolt‑on M&A approach has meaningfully added EBITDA and product breadth. Successful integration and synergy capture show the company can scale faster than organic growth alone, diversifying revenue and improving margins through accretive add‑ons over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
Material leverage (net debt/EBITDA ~3.1x) and substantial interest expense constrain financial flexibility for reinvestment, dividends or faster M&A pacing. Sustained leverage increases sensitivity to cyclical revenue swings and limits buffer against unexpected demand or margin shocks over the medium term.
Top-line softness and volume pressure
Recent organic revenue and volume declines highlight persistent demand headwinds in key end markets (packaging, construction, some HHC segments). Structural top‑line softness curtails operating leverage benefits from margin programs and raises execution risk for growth targets absent sustained market recovery or successful new wins.
Weaker cash conversion & working capital drag
FCF conversion weakness and elevated working capital from transformation projects (Quantum Leap, SAP) absorb cash and delay deleveraging. Lower cash conversion reduces capacity to self‑fund capex, buybacks or accelerated debt paydown, and can prolong leverage above target even if EBITDA improves.

H.B. Fuller Company (FUL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

H.B. Fuller Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionH.B. Fuller Company, together with its subsidiaries, formulates, manufactures, and markets adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymers, tapes, encapsulants, additives, and other specialty chemical products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives; Engineering Adhesives; and Construction Adhesives. The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives segment produces and supplies specialty industrial adhesives such as, thermoplastic, thermoset, reactive, and water-based and solvent-based products for applications in various markets, including food and beverage containers, flexible packaging, consumer goods, package integrity and re-enforcement, and non-durable goods; corrugation, folding carton, tape and label, paper converting, envelopes, books, multi-wall bags, sacks, and tissue and towel; disposable diapers, feminine care, and medical garments; and health and beauty. The Engineering Adhesives segment produces and supplies high performance industrial adhesives such as reactive, light cure, two-part liquids, silicone, polyurethane, film, and fast cure products to the appliances and filters, windows, doors and wood flooring, and textile, transportation, electronics, medical, clean energy, aerospace and defense, appliance, heavy machinery, and insulating glass markets. The Construction Adhesives segment provides products used for tile setting, commercial roofing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and insulation applications, as well as caulks and sealants for the consumer market and professional trade. The company sells its products directly through distributors and retailers. H.B. Fuller Company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneyH.B. Fuller primarily makes money by selling formulated adhesive, sealant, and related specialty chemical products to business customers, generating revenue largely from product sales (typically recognized when control of goods transfers to customers) across multiple end markets and geographies. Key revenue streams come from supplying high-volume, repeat-use consumables—such as hot-melt, water-based, solvent-based, reactive, and pressure-sensitive adhesives, as well as sealants and coatings—into customers’ ongoing production runs (e.g., packaging converting, hygiene product manufacturing, and industrial assembly), which can create recurring demand tied to customers’ throughput. The company also earns revenue through application expertise and service embedded in these sales (e.g., formulation customization, technical support, and process optimization), which can strengthen customer relationships and support pricing based on performance attributes rather than commodity inputs. Profitability is influenced by product mix (specialty vs. more standardized formulations), value-added custom formulations, scale in manufacturing and distribution, and the company’s ability to manage raw-material costs and pricing. Information on specific material partnerships or customer-level agreements is null.

H.B. Fuller Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 14, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted meaningful progress on profitability, margin expansion and successful M&A execution, with Q4 showing strong adjusted EPS (+39% YoY), EBITDA growth (+~15% YoY) and structural cost actions (pricing, raw-materials, Quantum Leap) that support management's 2026 EBITDA and EPS guidance. Offsetting these positives are ongoing top-line and volume pressures (organic revenue down 1.3% in Q4), a planned ramp-down of the solar business (~$30M headwind in 2026), muted construction and packaging end markets, and near-term cash/working-capital drag from transformation initiatives and seasonality (Chinese New Year timing). Overall, the company appears to be trading some near-term revenue growth for improved margins and long-term structural improvements, with management projecting flat to modest revenue growth but continued margin and profit expansion in 2026.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
EPS and Profitability Expansion
Q4 adjusted EPS $1.28, up 39% year-over-year; Q4 adjusted EBITDA $170 million, up ~14.6-15% YoY; Q4 adjusted EBITDA margin 19%, up 290 basis points YoY; adjusted gross profit margin 32.5%, up 290 basis points YoY.
Strong Segment Margin Performance (EA and HHC)
Engineering Adhesives (EA) adjusted EBITDA up 17% YoY with EBITDA margin 23.5% (up 260 bps); EA organic revenue +2.2% in Q4 and ~7% excluding solar. H.B. Fuller Consumer (HHC) EBITDA up almost 30% YoY with margin improving 380 bps to 17.5%, driven by pricing, raw material savings and acquisitions.
M&A Execution and Contribution
Acquisitions from 2023-24 (8 companies) delivered $73 million of EBITDA in 2025 versus $41 million pre-acquisition (post-synergy purchase price multiple ~6.7x). GEM/Medifill revenue up ~15% and EBITDA up ~30% versus pre-acquisition 2024; targeted bolt-on fastener coating buys ($17M spend) expected to generate ~$3M EBITDA in 2026; pipeline intact for disciplined M&A cadence.
Pricing, Raw Material Actions and Quantum Leap Cost Savings
Combined price and raw-material benefits delivered about $30M in 2025 with an expected carryover and incremental benefit of ~$35M in 2026; Project Quantum Leap manufacturing/warehouse consolidation driving structural cost savings, with ~ $10M incremental savings expected in 2026 and additional long-term maintenance CapEx and inventory efficiency benefits.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Progress
Q4 cash flow from operations $107M, up 25% YoY; net debt / adjusted EBITDA improved to 3.1x (down from 3.3x sequentially); repurchased ~1 million shares in fiscal 2025 supporting EPS; 2026 operating cash flow guidance $275M–$300M.
Geographic and Product Wins
Asia Pacific organic revenue +3% in Q4 and excluding solar APAC +10%; China showed a rebound and is a green shoot; wins in LNG and data-center projects; glass product (4SG) grew 18% in 2025 despite a 6% decline in housing starts.
Corporate Recognition and Culture
Recognized externally: Newsweek named H.B. Fuller one of America's Most Admired Workplaces for 2026 and Forbes named the company one of America's Best Employers for engineers.
2026 Financial Guidance
Management expects 2026 net revenue flat to +2% (organic ~flat), adjusted EBITDA $630M–$660M, adjusted EPS $4.35–$4.70, continued margin expansion toward the >20% EBITDA target.
Negative Updates
Top-Line Pressure and Volume Weakness
Consolidated Q4 net revenue down 3.1% YoY; organic revenue down 1.3% YoY; volumes down 2.5% while pricing was +1.2% in Q4. Even after adjusting for the Flooring divestiture, net revenue was only up ~1%.
BAS Segment Underperformance
BAS organic sales decreased 4.8% in Q4 with EBITDA down ~7% YoY; construction-related end markets remained muted and Q4 2024 comparables were strong, creating a tough year-over-year comparison.
Packaging and HHC Volume Softness
HHC organic revenue down 1.8% in Q4 driven by lower volumes in packaging and CPG customers (notably in North America), with increased competitive intensity and affordability pressures weighing on demand.
Solar Business De-emphasis Creating Near-Term Headwind
Solar revenue was approximately $80M in 2025 and is expected to ramp down to ~$50M in 2026 as the company deemphasizes that product—a ~$30M revenue reduction that will be a near-term headwind.
Working Capital and Free Cash Flow Pressure from Transformational Initiatives
Net working capital rose to 15.8% of annualized net revenue (+130 bps YoY) and free cash flow conversion remains muted; Quantum Leap and SAP carry higher near-term inventory and CapEx (Project Quantum Leap ~$50M of 2026 CapEx) which will likely keep working capital above target into 2026–2027.
Legal Reserve Related to Divested Flooring Business
Recorded a $35M pretax (~$25M after tax) reserve in Q4 for a product liability legal claim tied to the divested flooring business; the reserve is non-cash in the quarter and insurance coverage is expected to offset a substantial portion, but it introduces P&L volatility.
Leverage and Interest Expense Remain Elevated
Net debt / adjusted EBITDA at 3.1x (improved but above the 2.5–3.0x target band); expected 2026 net interest expense ~ $120M and D&A ~ $185M, indicating continued interest and leverage-related costs.
Near-Term Timing and Seasonality Impact — Q1 2026
Management expects Q1 2026 revenue down low single digits primarily due to late Chinese New Year timing shifting $15M–$20M of revenue into Q2 and an EBITDA impact of ~$6M–$8M; Q1 adjusted EBITDA guide $110M–$120M.
Company Guidance
Guidance for fiscal 2026: H.B. Fuller expects full-year net revenue flat to +2% (organic ~flat) with roughly +1 percentage point FX tailwind, adjusted EBITDA of $630–$660 million (continuing toward a >20% EBITDA margin target) and adjusted EPS of $4.35–$4.70; core tax rate 26–27% (vs. 25.9% in 2025); net interest ≈ $120 million; depreciation & amortization ≈ $185 million; weighted average diluted shares 55–56 million; operating cash flow $275–$300 million (weighted to back half of year) and capital expenditures ≈ $160 million (≈ $50 million for Project Quantum Leap). Q1 is expected down low single digits in revenue with adjusted EBITDA of $110–$120 million, with Chinese New Year timing shifting about $15–$20 million of revenue and $6–$8 million of EBITDA from Q1 into Q2. Key assumptions driving the guide include a ~$35 million net price/raw-material benefit in 2026 (about $25M carryover plus incremental actions), pricing roughly +0.5–1% across all GBUs, FX contributing modestly, ~ $10M of incremental Quantum Leap savings, offset by ~ $20M of wage/inflation and ~ $10M of higher variable compensation; net debt/adjusted EBITDA finished FY25 at 3.1x and M&A cadence is expected to normalize as leverage permits.

H.B. Fuller Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement shows resilient operating margins but TTM revenue contraction and weaker net margin (~3%) versus prior years. Balance sheet leverage is meaningful (debt-to-equity ~1.1; net debt/adj. EBITDA 3.1x noted), reducing flexibility. Cash flow remains positive, but free cash flow is down YoY and cash conversion is weaker than ideal.
Income Statement
62
Positive
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue declined versus the prior year, signaling softer demand or pricing pressure. Profitability remains solid for a specialty chemicals profile with steady gross margin (~30%) and stable EBIT/EBITDA margins, but net margin is modest (~3%) and has trended down from stronger levels in 2022–2023. Overall: resilient operating profitability, but growth and bottom-line conversion have weakened recently.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
Leverage is meaningful, with debt running a little above equity (debt-to-equity ~1.1 across recent periods), which reduces financial flexibility versus lower-levered peers. Equity has grown over time and returns on equity are positive but have moderated from earlier highs (down from ~11% in 2022 to ~6% in TTM). Overall: stable asset/equity base, but leverage and declining returns temper the picture.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash generation is positive, with TTM operating cash flow comfortably positive and free cash flow also positive; however, free cash flow is down year over year and free cash flow is only about half of net income, indicating weaker cash conversion than ideal. Operating cash flow relative to revenue is also not especially strong, suggesting working-capital or reinvestment needs are absorbing cash. Overall: consistently positive cash flow, but conversion and recent momentum are soft.
BreakdownNov 2025Nov 2024Nov 2023Nov 2022Nov 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.47B3.57B3.51B3.75B3.28B
Gross Profit1.10B1.07B1.02B963.55M845.13M
EBITDA527.08M490.50M528.60M490.43M438.12M
Net Income151.97M130.26M144.91M180.31M161.39M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.18B4.93B4.72B4.46B4.27B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments107.21M169.35M179.45M79.91M61.79M
Total Debt2.02B2.07B1.90B1.80B1.65B
Total Liabilities3.18B3.10B2.97B2.85B2.68B
Stockholders Equity2.00B1.83B1.76B1.61B1.60B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow121.22M163.20M259.26M126.55M117.23M
Operating Cash Flow263.49M302.44M378.40M256.51M213.32M
Investing Cash Flow-232.25M-407.08M-319.20M-375.29M-94.66M
Financing Cash Flow-107.90M112.09M35.14M160.32M-154.07M

H.B. Fuller Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price52.05
Price Trends
50DMA
62.27
Negative
100DMA
60.41
Negative
200DMA
59.53
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.73
Positive
RSI
19.28
Positive
STOCH
5.45
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FUL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 52.05 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 60.95, below the 50-day MA of 62.27, and below the 200-day MA of 59.53, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.73 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 19.28 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 5.45 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for FUL.

H.B. Fuller Company Risk Analysis

H.B. Fuller Company disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. H.B. Fuller Company reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

H.B. Fuller Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$2.96B38.2134.72%1.87%4.98%30.84%
63
Neutral
$2.84B20.947.98%1.54%-1.30%-36.69%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
61
Neutral
$2.88B53.3516.73%0.50%11.86%1.99%
59
Neutral
$3.02B34.903.48%3.48%1.03%-24.57%
54
Neutral
$2.09B-964.31-0.18%1.37%0.08%-107.33%
50
Neutral
$3.27B-7.30-17.79%19.12%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FUL
H.B. Fuller Company
52.05
-0.66
-1.25%
HWKN
Hawkins
137.95
31.52
29.62%
AVNT
Avient
32.91
-6.30
-16.06%
KWR
Quaker Chemical
120.50
-7.53
-5.88%
WDFC
WD-40 Company
219.45
-15.89
-6.75%
PRM
Perimeter Solutions
21.90
12.63
136.25%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 16, 2026