Trex Company, Inc. (TREX) is the largest and lowest cost manufacturer of composite decking and railing in the U.S. – a category Trex pioneered in the 1990s – with 40% market share. 90% of sales stem from repair and replacement and 10% from new construction. Management, whom we respect, estimates that there are 40 million wood decks in the U.S. that will eventually rot, a significant portion of which will be replaced with composite decks. Composite represents approximately 11% of the total industry, up from 1% in 1999, with the remainder mostly wood. Consumers have opted to convert from wood to composite because composite looks similar, but performs better (doesn’t stain, rot or splinter). Trex is well positioned to benefit from this replacement demand. In addition, Trex has been growing its market share through new products and distribution wins and by expanding internationally. Trex also has recycling expertise, which it may apply to new industries in the future. (David Kirshenbaum)
From Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio)’s Baron Funds Second Quarter 2014 Report.
