Investors might want to bet on The AZEK Company (AZEK) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Since a changin ...

Core Viewpoint - Rowley Law PLLC is investigating potential securities law violations related to the proposed acquisition of The AZEK Company Inc. by James Hardie Industries plc, which is valued at approximately $8.75 billion [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The proposed acquisition involves stockholders of The AZEK Company receiving $26.45 and 1.0340 shares of James Hardie common stock for each share of The AZEK Company stock they hold [1] - The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025 [1] Group 2: Legal Investigation - Rowley Law PLLC is representing shareholders in the investigation concerning the acquisition [1] - Additional information regarding the investigation can be obtained by contacting Rowley Law PLLC [2]

Core Viewpoint - James Hardie Industries plc (JHX) has agreed to acquire The AZEK Company Inc. for a total transaction value of $8.75 billion, including AZEK's net debt of approximately $386 million as of December 31, 2024 [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Terms - AZEK's shareholders will receive $26.45 in cash and 1.0340 ordinary shares of James Hardie for each share of AZEK common stock they own [2]. - Upon completion of the transaction, shareholders will own approximately 74% of the combined entity, while AZEK shareholders will hold about 26% [2]. - The acquisition is expected to close in the latter half of calendar year 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and AZEK shareholder approval [3]. Group 2: Potential Benefits - The acquisition will allow James Hardie to offer a diversified portfolio of high-performance, low-maintenance building products, enhancing the customer value chain [4]. - The combined market reach in North America is projected to be $23 billion, providing opportunities for accelerated material conversion across product offerings [4]. - The merged companies are expected to generate $5.9 billion in net sales, over $1.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 31% for the trailing 12 months ended December 31, 2024 [5]. Group 3: Financial Outlook - James Hardie anticipates generating over $1 billion in annual free cash flow after achieving run-rate cost synergies from the merger [6]. - The transaction is expected to be accretive to JHX's cash earnings per share in the first fiscal year post-closure [6]. - JHX plans to execute up to $500 million in share repurchases within the first 12 months following the acquisition [6]. Group 4: Stock Performance and Market Context - Year-to-date, JHX stock has declined by 23%, compared to a 4.2% decline in the Zacks Building Products – Miscellaneous industry [7]. - Ongoing uncertainties in the housing market, particularly in multi-family starts, and raw material challenges are impacting the company's prospects [7]. - The strategic acquisition is expected to enhance sales trends across various businesses and support growth in the upcoming period, with optimism about the housing market in the latter half of 2025 [7].

MONSEY, N.Y., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Wohl & Fruchter LLP is investigating the fairness of the proposed sale of The AZEK Company, Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) (“AZEK”) to James Hardie Industries (“James Hardie”) for $26.45 in cash and 1.0340 ordinary shares of James Hardie to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for each share of AZEK common stock. According to a press release announcing the deal, the stock and cash consideration represents a total value of $56.88 per share, based ...

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Construction materials manufacturer Azek (AZEK 12.93%) is in an agreement to be acquired, and investors are excited about the premium being paid.Shares of Azek were up 16% as of 10 a.m. ET after the company agreed to be acquired by Australia's James Hardie Industries (JHX -18.85%) for $8.75 billion, including debt.Combining two like-minded companiesAzek manufacturers decking made primarily of recycled materials, offering a more eco-friendly and sustainable option for homeowners. Hardie, which is based in Au ...

NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK), relating to the proposed merger with James Hardie Industries plc. Under the terms of the agreement, AZEK shareholders will receive $26.45 in cash ...

Outdoor living stock Azek Company Inc (NYSE:AZEK) is headed for its best day ever, up 19.2% to trade at $49.35 at last glance. News that cement manufacturer James Hardie Industries (JHX) will acquire the Chicago-based company in a cash and stock deal worth $8.75 billion is giving the shares a hefty boost. JHX is tumbling after the news, however, last seen down 16.5%. Analysts are chiming in, but not necessarily with positive sentiment. Both Baird and Stephens downgraded the stock to "hold," with price targe ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry includes designers, manufacturers, and marketers of products for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets, including rooftop units, chillers, and thermostats [3] - The industry is currently facing challenges from housing market volatility, economic uncertainty, and shifting regulations, particularly in Europe and China [1][5] Economic and Market Trends - Higher interest rates and cautious consumer spending may slow renovation and construction activity, impacting demand for HVAC products [1][4] - The European market is experiencing political and economic uncertainty, affecting demand for residential HVAC solutions, with upcoming elections and policy changes introducing further uncertainty [5] - Trade policy risks, including potential tariffs on imports and raw materials, may disrupt supply chains and increase production costs [6] Company Performance and Strategies - Companies like Carrier Global Corporation, Comfort Systems USA, and The AZEK Company are positioned to benefit from pro-environmental initiatives in the U.S., supporting demand for energy-efficient solutions [2][9] - Investments in digitalization, distribution expansion, and strategic acquisitions are driving growth, while service-based revenues provide stability during market fluctuations [2][10] Financial Performance - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector and S&P 500 Composite over the past year, gaining 18.1% compared to the sector's 3.1% decline [15] - The industry's current valuation is at a forward P/E of 26.82X, higher than the S&P 500's 21.24X and the sector's 16.36X [17] Company Highlights - **AZEK**: Focuses on environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, with a strong residential segment and recent acquisitions to enhance recycling capabilities [20][21] - **Carrier Global**: Engages in innovative climate and energy solutions, with strategic transformations and new product launches expected to drive revenue [22][23] - **Comfort Systems**: A national provider of HVAC services, with a diversified revenue base and strong growth in technology and manufacturing sectors [25][26]

Investors in The AZEK Company Inc. (AZEK) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Jun 20, 2025 $25.00 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could ...