CARBO Ceramics, Inc. (CRR, Financial) is the largest provider of ceramic proppants to the global oil and gas industry. Ceramic proppants are a key material in the hydraulic fracturing process, however, demand and pricing for these proppants has been hurt by a combination of reduced natural gas drilling and increased foreign competition. Competitive pressures appear to be easing and CARBO's volumes and cost pressures appear to be stabilizing, so we think volumes and margins should improve in the second half of the year. Nevertheless, reduced earnings expectations hurt the shares in the second quarter. (Jamie Stone)
From Baron Funds second quarter 2013 commentary.
From Baron Funds second quarter 2013 commentary.
