CaesarStone Sdot-Yam Ltd. (CSTE, Financial) is an Israeli-based manufacturer of engineered quartz surfaces for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. CaesarStone invented the first quartz surface over 25 years ago and today has leading market positions in 42 countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada and Israel. Quartz countertops offer an exciting growth story, having outgrown the $33 billion global countertop market by four-fold over the last decade, while still representing just 8% of the market, vs. granite at 27%. Consumers like quartz over granite for its superior scratch and stain resistance, variety of design options and comparable price point. We think CaesarStone can double its revenues and expand margins over the next five years, as construction activity rebounds (particularly in the U.S.), quartz penetration increases, and the company introduces new, higher priced products. Management is making significant investments to expand its manufacturing capacity in anticipation of demand. (David Kirshenbaum)
From Baron Funds' first quarter 2014 commentary.
