Core Insights - AZZ Inc. reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that fell short of analyst expectations, leading to a more than 4% decline in share price [1] - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.55, missing the consensus estimate of $1.59, while revenue increased by 2% year-over-year to $417.3 million, but was below the expected $428.79 million [1] Business Unit Performance - Metal Coatings revenue increased by 10.8% to $190.0 million, driven by strong demand in construction, industrial, and electrical transmission markets [2] - Precoat Metals sales decreased by 4.3% to $227.3 million due to ongoing weakness in building construction, HVAC, and appliance sectors [2] Full-Year Guidance and Financial Metrics - The company maintained its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, forecasting revenue between $1.625 billion and $1.725 billion and adjusted EPS between $5.75 and $6.25, aligning with consensus expectations of $1.664 billion in revenue and $6.04 EPS [3] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was reported at $88.7 million, or 21.3% of sales, compared to $91.9 million, or 22.5%, in the same period last year [3] - Operating cash flow improved by 23% to $58.4 million from $47.5 million a year earlier [3]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales increased by 2% to $417.3 million from $409 million in the prior year period [9] - Adjusted earnings per share rose by 13.1% to $1.55 compared to $1.57 in the prior year [14] - Operating cash flow improved by 23% [5] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $88.7 million, reflecting a margin of 21.3%, down from 22.5% in the prior year [14][15] - Reported net income for the second quarter was $89.3 million, compared to $35.4 million for the prior year quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment achieved a sales increase of 10.88%, driven by higher volumes and infrastructure-related spending [9] - Precoat Metals' sales declined by 4.3% due to a weaker end-market environment, particularly in building construction, HVAC, and appliance end markets [9][10] - Metal Coatings margins were at 30.8%, slightly down due to a mix of lower-margin solar and transmission distribution projects [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - End-market sales for utilities increased by 19%, and consumer sales were up by 7.6%, while construction sales were up by less than 1% compared to the same quarter last year [18] - The demand outlook for Precoat's end markets remains mixed, with ongoing tariffs contributing to customer hesitation on non-infrastructure-related projects [7][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on technology upgrades, including migrating data systems to Oracle and exploring AI opportunities [8] - The company anticipates multi-year tailwinds associated with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) spending, particularly in energy and power generation capacity [17][22] - The company is pursuing strategic growth opportunities, including bolt-on acquisitions that align with its market leadership in metal coatings [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of core markets and growth potential for galvanized steel in construction and industrial projects [5] - The company reiterated guidance for total sales in the range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion for the fiscal year 2026 [23] - Management noted that while markets may be choppy in the second half of the fiscal year, strength in projects and structural steel demand forecasts support their outlook [23] Other Important Information - Interest expense for the second quarter was $13.7 million, a significant improvement from the prior year due to debt paydown and repricing [12] - The company generated cash flow from operations of $58.4 million and invested $19.3 million in capital expenditures [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on Precoat market share gains? - Management indicated that market share gains were due to a significant decline in pre-painted imports because of tariffs, allowing the company to capture approximately 3% to 4% of market share despite a 9% to 10% market decline [28][30] Question: What is the outlook for Precoat Metals segment volumes in the back half of the year? - Management expects to sustain market share gains and anticipates ramping up production at the Washington, Missouri facility, which is currently operating at about 20% capacity [32][33] Question: What factors could drive the adjusted EBITDA guidance higher? - The biggest impact on EBITDA guidance is the loss of AVAIL equity income, with management hopeful for a strong fall season in the remaining AVAIL business [43] Question: How is the M&A pipeline looking? - Management noted a healthy pipeline with nine good opportunities in various stages, expressing hope for closing deals before the end of the year [65] Question: What is the impact of zinc prices on margins? - Management indicated that while zinc prices have rebounded, they have sufficient inventory to mitigate immediate impacts on margins, with minor effects expected for the current year [96][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales increased by 2% to $417.3 million from $409 million in the prior year period [9][14] - Adjusted earnings per share rose by 13.1% to $1.55 compared to $1.57 in the prior year [14] - Operating cash flow improved by 23% [5] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $88.7 million, reflecting a margin of 21.3%, down from 22.5% in the prior year [14][15] - Reported net income for the second quarter was $89.3 million, compared to $35.4 million for the prior year quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment achieved a sales increase of 10.88%, driven by higher volumes and infrastructure-related spending [9] - Precoat Metals' sales declined by 4.3% due to a weaker end-market environment, particularly in building construction, HVAC, and appliance end markets [9][10] - Metal Coatings margins were at 30.8%, slightly down due to a mix of lower-margin solar and transmission distribution projects [5][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - End-market sales for utilities increased by 19%, and consumer sales rose by 7.6%, while construction sales were up by less than 1% compared to the same quarter last year [18] - The demand outlook for Precoat's end markets remains mixed, with ongoing tariffs contributing to customer hesitation on non-infrastructure-related projects [6][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on technology upgrades, including migrating data systems to Oracle and exploring AI opportunities [8] - AZZ is pursuing strategic growth opportunities through capital allocation strategies, including organic growth and M&A [16][24] - The company anticipates multi-year tailwinds from infrastructure spending, particularly in energy and power generation capacity [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of core markets and growth potential for galvanized steel in construction and industrial projects [5] - The company reiterated guidance for total sales in the range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion for the fiscal year 2026 [23] - Management remains cautious about the mixed demand outlook for Precoat Metals but is optimistic about market share gains and new customer wins [6][19] Other Important Information - Interest expense for the second quarter was $13.7 million, a significant improvement from the prior year due to debt paydown and repricing [12] - The effective tax rate decreased to 21.9% from 25.6% in the prior year, attributed to increased R&D tax credits [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on Precoat market share gains? - Management noted that share gains were due to a significant decline in pre-painted imports because of tariffs, allowing them to capture approximately 3% to 4% of market share despite a 9% to 10% market decline [27][28] Question: What are the expectations for Precoat Metals segment volumes in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that sustaining market share gains and ramping up the Washington facility would be key, with optimism about a potential rebound in construction [31][32] Question: What would take you to the higher end of the adjusted EBITDA guidance range? - The biggest impact on EBITDA guidance is the loss of AVAIL equity income, with potential upside from operational improvements and market conditions [42][43] Question: How is the M&A pipeline looking? - Management reported a healthy M&A pipeline with several opportunities in various stages, expressing hope for potential acquisitions before the end of the year [64][65] Question: What is the outlook for interest expense for the fiscal year 2026? - Management expects interest expense to improve in the second half of the year due to debt reduction and favorable market conditions [84] Question: Can you provide insights on the zinc market? - Management noted that zinc prices have rebounded, which could create pricing opportunities, but current inventory levels mitigate immediate impacts on margins [96][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales increased by 2% to $417.3 million from $409 million in the prior year period [9] - Adjusted earnings per share rose by 13.1% to $1.55 compared to $1.57 in the prior year [13] - Operating cash flow improved by 23%, reflecting disciplined execution [4] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $88.7 million, with a margin of 21.3%, down from 22.5% in the prior year [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment achieved a sales increase of 10.88%, driven by higher volumes and infrastructure-related spending [9] - Precoat Metals' sales declined by 4.3% due to a weaker end-market environment, particularly in building construction, HVAC, and appliance end markets [9][10] - Metal Coatings margins were 30.8%, slightly down due to a mix shift towards lower-margin markets [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - End-market sales for utilities increased by 19%, while consumer sales rose by 7.6% [18] - Construction sales were up by less than 1% compared to the same quarter last year [18] - The demand outlook for Precoat's end markets remains mixed, with ongoing tariffs contributing to customer hesitation on non-infrastructure-related projects [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on technology upgrades, including migrating data systems to Oracle and exploring AI opportunities [8] - AZZ is pursuing strategic growth opportunities through capital allocation strategies and evaluating bolt-on acquisitions to extend market leadership in metal coatings [23] - The company anticipates multi-year tailwinds from infrastructure spending, particularly in energy and power generation capacity [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of core markets and growth potential for galvanized steel in construction and industrial projects [4] - The company reiterated guidance for total sales in the range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion for the fiscal year 2026 [21] - Management remains optimistic about the operational performance and cash generation capabilities despite potential market choppiness [22] Other Important Information - Interest expense for the quarter was $13.7 million, significantly improved from the prior year due to debt paydown and repricing [12] - The effective tax rate decreased to 21.9% from 25.6% in the prior year, attributed to increased R&D tax credits [13] - The company plans to buy back $20 million of its shares, indicating confidence in its stock value [88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on Precoat market share gains? - Management noted that share gains were due to reduced pre-painted imports because of tariffs, with a 3% to 4% market share increase offsetting a 9% to 10% market decline [26][27] Question: What are the expectations for Precoat Metals' segment volumes in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that sustaining market share gains and ramping up the Washington facility would be key, with expectations of a rebound in construction [30][31] Question: What would take you to the higher end of the adjusted EBITDA guidance range? - The biggest impact on EBITDA guidance is the loss of AVAIL equity income, with potential upside from operational improvements and market conditions [35][36] Question: Can you provide an update on the M&A pipeline? - Management confirmed a healthy M&A pipeline with nine good opportunities, focusing on bolt-on acquisitions that align with strategic goals [54] Question: What are the expectations for interest expense for the fiscal year 2026? - Management expects interest expense to improve in Q3 and Q4 due to debt paydown and favorable repricing [66] Question: What is the outlook for equity in earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries? - Management guided for zero equity income from AVAIL for Q3 and Q4, with potential for slight positive contributions in Q4 [68]

Financial Performance - Sales reached $417.3 million, a 2.0% increase compared to the previous fiscal year[3] - Adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million, representing a substantial 150.0% increase[3] - Adjusted Diluted EPS stood at $1.55, up by 3.4%[3] Segment Results - Metal Coatings sales amounted to $190 million, reflecting a 10.8% increase[1, 5] with Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 30.8%[5] - Precoat Metals sales were $227.3 million, a decrease of 4.3%[1, 6] with Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 20.2%[6] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash provided by operating activities in Q2 was $58.4 million, a 23% increase[1] - Debt reduction of $5 million was achieved, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 1.7X[1] FY2026 Guidance - The company maintains its FY2026 sales guidance of $1.625-$1.725 billion[1] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of $360-$400 million[1] - Adjusted Diluted EPS is expected to be $5.75-$6.25[1] Shareholder Returns - Total value returned to shareholders year-to-date in FY2026 through dividend payments was $11.1 million[7]

Core Viewpoint - AZZ Inc. experienced a decline in share prices following the announcement of fiscal second-quarter results that fell short of expectations, primarily due to weak demand in several key end markets [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported lower-than-expected sales for the fiscal second quarter, indicating challenges in meeting market demand [1] - The decline in sales was attributed to weak demand across multiple key end markets, which negatively impacted overall performance [1] Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the earnings report, AZZ Inc.'s stock price fell, reflecting investor concerns regarding the company's performance and market conditions [1]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - U.S. stock futures are slightly lower, with Nasdaq futures down approximately 0.1% on Thursday, indicating a cautious market sentiment [1]. Company-Specific Summaries Helen of Troy Ltd (NASDAQ:HELE) - Helen of Troy reported quarterly earnings of 59 cents per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of 53 cents per share [1]. - The company achieved quarterly sales of $431.781 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $418.806 million [1]. - For FY2026, Helen of Troy projects adjusted EPS between $3.75 and $4.25, which is below market estimates of $4.58 [1]. - The company anticipates sales in the range of $1.739 billion to $1.780 billion, compared to market estimates of $1.750 billion [1]. - Shares of Helen of Troy fell 16.7% to $23.00 in pre-market trading following the earnings report [2]. Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) - Ferrari's shares decreased by 12.4% to $420.00 in pre-market trading after the release of its comprehensive 2030 strategic plan and updated near-term financial guidance [4]. Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) - Apogee Therapeutics' stock tumbled 9.6% to $42.70 in pre-market trading after announcing a $300 million underwritten public offering [4]. AZZ Inc (NYSE:AZZ) - AZZ Inc's shares declined by 9.4% to $96.01 in pre-market trading following weak second-quarter results [4]. Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:PLUG) - Plug Power's stock fell 7.8% to $3.37 in pre-market trading after a decline of more than 5% on Wednesday, despite raising $370 million from the immediate exercise of 185.4 million warrants at $2 per share [4]. Other Notable Stocks - Inventiva (NYSE:IVA) shares fell 6.3% to $5.02 in pre-market trading [4]. - NextNRG Inc (NASDAQ:NXXT) saw a decline of 5.8% to $2.59 in pre-market trading [4].

Group 1: Helen of Troy Ltd - Helen of Troy reported quarterly earnings of 59 cents per share, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 53 cents per share [1] - The company reported quarterly sales of $431.781 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $418.806 million [1] - For FY2026, Helen of Troy expects adjusted EPS of $3.75-$4.25, lower than market estimates of $4.58, and sales of $1.739 billion-$1.780 billion, compared to market estimates of $1.750 billion [1] Group 2: Stock Movements - Helen of Troy shares fell 16.7% to $23.00 in pre-market trading following the earnings report [2] - Ferrari NV shares decreased by 12.4% to $420.00 after releasing its 2030 strategic plan and updated financial guidance [4] - Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. shares tumbled 9.6% to $42.70 after announcing a $300 million public offering [4] - AZZ Inc shares declined 9.4% to $96.01 following weak second-quarter results [4] - Plug Power Inc shares fell 7.8% to $3.37 after raising $370 million from the exercise of warrants [4] - Inventiva shares decreased by 6.3% to $5.02 in pre-market trading [4] - NextNRG Inc shares fell 5.8% to $2.59 in pre-market trading [4]

Core Insights - AZZ Inc. reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55, slightly below the estimated $1.56, with total revenue of approximately $417.3 million, lower than the estimated $426.2 million [1][2] Financial Performance - Total sales increased by 2% year-over-year, reaching $417.3 million [2][6] - Metal Coatings sales rose by 10.8% to $190 million, while Precoat Metals sales declined by 4.3% to $227.3 million [2] - Net income surged by 152.3% to $89.3 million, with adjusted net income increasing by 13.8% to $46.9 million [2][6] - GAAP diluted EPS rose by 150% to $2.95 per share, and adjusted diluted EPS increased by 13.1% to $1.55 [3] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million, representing 21.3% of sales, slightly down from 22.5% the previous year [3] Segment Performance - The adjusted EBITDA margin was 30.8% for Metal Coatings and 20.2% for Precoat Metals [3] - Infrastructure Solutions reported an adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.3 million, excluding gains and other adjustments [3] Strategic Developments - AZZ completed the acquisition of a galvanizing facility in Canton, Ohio, for $30.1 million [4] - The company paid a cash dividend of $0.20 per share to common shareholders [4] - The strong performance of Metal Coatings was driven by infrastructure project spending and growth in construction, industrial, and electrical transmission and distribution markets [4] Market Valuation - AZZ has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 12.19, indicating the market's valuation of its earnings [5][6] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at about 2.00, with an enterprise value to sales ratio of around 2.38 [5] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 7.66, and the earnings yield for AZZ is 8.20% [5] - The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 0.49, suggesting a moderate level of debt relative to equity, and it maintains a current ratio of 1.51 [5]