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Company Overview - Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:WOR) is a diversified metals manufacturing company involved in steel processing and pressure cylinders production, competing with major players like Steel Dynamics and Nucor Corporation [1][5] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $2.67 billion, indicating its significant presence in the industry [4][5] Stock Performance - The stock price for WOR is currently $53.67, reflecting a decrease of 10.93% from its previous value [3][5] - During the trading day, the stock fluctuated between $50.62 and $55.50, showcasing notable volatility [3] - Over the past year, WOR's stock has reached a high of $70.91 and a low of $37.88, further indicating significant price fluctuations [3] Recent Developments - On September 24, 2025, CJS Securities upgraded Worthington to an "Outperform" rating, with the stock initially priced at $51.80 [1][5] - Worthington held its Q1 2026 earnings call on the same day, featuring key figures from the company and analysts from Thompson Research Group and Goldman Sachs Group, who provided insights into the company's financial performance and future outlook [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported Q1 sales of $304 million, an 18% increase from $257 million in the prior year quarter [10] - Gross margin improved to 27.1% from 24.3% year-over-year, despite a $2.2 million purchase accounting charge related to inventory from Elgen [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $65 million, up from $48 million in Q1 of last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.4% compared to 18.8% in the prior year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer products segment sales were $119 million, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $16 million and a margin of 13.6% [15] - Building products segment sales grew 32% year-over-year to $185 million, driven by higher volumes and contributions from Elgen, which added $21 million in sales [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for building products was $58 million, with a margin of 31.3%, compared to $40 million and 28.4% in Q1 last year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains cautious, with demand closely correlated to point-of-sale activities [15] - The building products segment is benefiting from a transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, contributing to growth in cooling and construction products [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on building a sustainable growth platform through innovation, transformation, and acquisitions [6] - The acquisition of Elgen is seen as a strategic move to enhance capabilities in commercial HVAC and broaden market reach [7][74] - Company aims to leverage its culture and operational efficiencies to drive growth and improve margins [8][71] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds such as cautious consumer behavior and high interest rates impacting construction activity, yet remains optimistic about future growth [5][8] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while pursuing growth opportunities through M&A [48][50] - Management believes that the ongoing initiatives will lead to improved free cash flow conversion as capital expenditures normalize [14] Other Important Information - Company reported a trailing 12-month free cash flow of $156 million, representing a 94% conversion rate relative to adjusted net earnings [12] - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share payable in December 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the margin improvements in the building products segment? - Management indicated that solid execution in normalized markets and growth in heating and cooking products contributed to margin improvements, with expectations of reaching 12-13% over time [22] Question: What are the drivers for WAVE's outperformance? - WAVE's strong performance is attributed to healthy end markets such as education and healthcare, which offset weaknesses in office and retail sectors [25] Question: How is the company addressing tariff impacts? - Management noted that tariffs have created complexities, but being a domestic manufacturer provides a competitive edge in pricing [28] Question: Can you discuss the M&A pipeline and capital allocation priorities? - The company is focused on balanced capital allocation with a bias towards growth, actively seeking high-margin, low-asset intensity businesses for acquisition [48][49] Question: How is the company managing operational efficiencies? - The company is implementing 80/20 initiatives to reduce complexity and improve results, with plans to expand these efforts across the portfolio [69][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings of $0.70 per share, up from $0.48 per share in the prior year quarter, with adjusted earnings at $0.74 per share compared to $0.50 per share last year [10][11] - Consolidated sales for the quarter were $304 million, an 18% increase from $257 million in the prior year quarter, driven by higher volumes in the building product segment and the inclusion of Elgin Manufacturing [10][11] - Gross margin improved to 27.1% from 24.3% year-over-year, despite a $2.2 million purchase accounting charge related to Elgin [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer products sales in Q1 were $119 million, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $16 million and a margin of 13.6%, down from $18 million and 15.1% last year [15] - Building products sales grew 32% year-over-year to $185 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $58 million and a margin of 31.3%, compared to $40 million and 28.4% in Q1 last year [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains cautious, with demand closely correlated to point-of-sale activities, while the building products segment showed strength in cooling and construction products [15][16] - Elgin Manufacturing contributed $21 million in sales for Q1, enhancing the company's position in commercial HVAC [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on building a sustainable growth platform through innovation, transformation, and acquisitions, with recent product launches driving market share growth [6][7] - The acquisition of Elgin Manufacturing is seen as a strategic move to enhance capabilities in commercial HVAC and broaden market reach [7][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds such as cautious consumer behavior and high interest rates but expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory and ability to capture market opportunities [5][8] - The company is optimistic about future performance, believing that its best days are ahead despite ongoing challenges in various end markets [8][9] Other Important Information - The company invested $13 million in capital expenditures during the quarter, with $9 million related to facility modernization projects [12][14] - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share payable in December 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the margin in the building product segment? - Management indicated that solid execution in normalized markets and growth in heating, cooking, and cooling products contributed to improved margins, with expectations of reaching 12-13% over time [22][23] Question: What are the drivers for WAVE's outperformance? - WAVE continues to perform well, driven by strong end markets in education, healthcare, and transportation, with expectations of steady performance moving forward [25] Question: How is the company addressing tariff impacts? - Management noted that tariffs have created complexities, but being a domestic manufacturer provides a competitive edge, allowing for better pricing strategies [26][28] Question: What is the outlook for the M&A pipeline? - The company remains optimistic about M&A opportunities, focusing on high-margin, low-asset intensity businesses in niche markets [49][50] Question: How does seasonality affect the business? - Management explained that Q1 and Q2 are typically weaker due to seasonality, with expectations for stronger performance in Q3 and Q4 [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings of $0.70 per share, up from $0.48 per share in the prior year quarter, with adjusted earnings at $0.74 per share compared to $0.50 per share last year [10][11] - Consolidated sales for the quarter were $304 million, an 18% increase from $257 million in the prior year quarter, driven by higher volumes in the building product segment and the inclusion of Elgin Manufacturing [10][11] - Gross margin improved to 27.1% from 24.3% year-over-year, despite a $2.2 million purchase accounting charge related to Elgin [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer products segment sales were $119 million, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $16 million and a margin of 13.6%, down from 15.1% last year due to lower volumes and tariff charges [15][16] - Building products segment sales grew 32% year-over-year to $185 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $58 million and a margin of 31.3%, up from 28.4% last year, driven by higher volumes and contributions from Elgin [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains cautious, with demand closely correlated to point-of-sale activities, while the building products segment benefited from a shift towards environmentally friendly refrigerants and increased capacity from modernization investments [16][17] - Elgin Manufacturing contributed $21 million in sales for Q1, with expectations for growth in commercial HVAC and structural framing markets [17][73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on building a sustainable growth platform through innovation, transformation, and acquisitions, with recent product launches contributing to market share growth [6][7] - The acquisition of Elgin Manufacturing is seen as a strategic move to enhance capabilities in commercial HVAC and broaden market reach [7][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds such as cautious consumer behavior and high interest rates impacting construction activity, but expressed confidence in the company's ability to grow adjusted EBITDA by 34% year-over-year [5][8] - The company remains optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in the commercial HVAC market, and is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing M&A opportunities [50][75] Other Important Information - The company invested $13 million in capital expenditures during the quarter, including $9 million for facility modernization, and returned $9 million to shareholders in dividends [12][14] - The company has approximately $35 million of modernization spend remaining, with expectations for further improvement in free cash flow conversion as capital expenditures normalize [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the margin in the building product segment? - Management indicated strong execution in normalized markets, with growth in heating, cooking, and cooling businesses contributing to improved margins [22][23] Question: What are the drivers for WAVE's outperformance? - WAVE continues to perform well, driven by strong end markets in education, healthcare, and transportation, offsetting weaknesses in office and retail [25][26] Question: How is the company addressing tariff impacts? - Management noted that tariffs have created complexities, but being a domestic manufacturer provides a competitive edge, allowing for better pricing strategies [27][28] Question: What is the outlook for ClarkDietrich? - Management expects ClarkDietrich to face challenges due to lower construction spending but remains optimistic about future recovery as infrastructure projects continue [44][46] Question: What is the M&A pipeline outlook? - The company is actively seeking high-margin, low-asset intensity businesses in niche markets, with a solid pipeline for potential acquisitions [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings of $0.70 per share, up from $0.48 per share in the prior year quarter, with adjusted earnings at $0.74 per share compared to $0.50 per share last year [11][12] - Consolidated sales for the quarter were $304 million, an 18% increase from $257 million in the prior year quarter, driven by higher volumes in the building product segment and the inclusion of Elgin Manufacturing [12][14] - Gross margin improved to 27.1% from 24.3% year-over-year, despite a $2.2 million purchase accounting charge related to Elgin [4][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer products segment sales were $119 million, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $16 million and a margin of 13.6%, down from 15.1% last year due to lower volumes and tariff charges [15][16] - Building products segment sales grew 32% year-over-year to $185 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $58 million and a margin of 31.3%, up from 28.4% last year, driven by higher volumes and contributions from Elgin [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains cautious, with demand closely correlated to point-of-sale activities, while the building products segment showed strength in cooling and construction products [16][18] - Elgin Manufacturing contributed $21 million in sales for Q1, enhancing the company's presence in commercial HVAC [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on building a sustainable growth platform through innovation, transformation, and acquisitions, with recent product launches contributing to market share growth [6][7] - The acquisition of Elgin Manufacturing is seen as a strategic move to enhance capabilities in commercial HVAC and broaden market reach [7][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds such as cautious consumer behavior and high interest rates impacting residential and commercial activities, yet expressed confidence in future growth prospects [5][9] - The company is committed to optimizing operations and maintaining a strong balance sheet, with expectations for improved free cash flow as capital expenditures normalize [13][14] Other Important Information - The company reported a total incident case rate 40% lower than industry peers, reflecting its commitment to safety [9] - A quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share was declared, payable in December 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the margin in the building product segment? - Management indicated strong execution in normalized markets, with solid growth in heating, cooking, and cooling businesses, aiming for EBITDA margins to reach 12-13% over time [24][25] Question: What are the drivers for WAVE's outperformance? - WAVE continues to perform well, driven by strong end markets in education, healthcare, and data centers, with expectations for steady performance [27][28] Question: How are tariffs impacting the business? - Management noted that tariffs have created complexities, but being a domestic manufacturer provides a competitive edge in pricing [30][32] Question: What is the outlook for ClarkDietrich? - Management expects flat to slightly down performance in the near term due to reduced construction spending, but remains optimistic about future recovery [49][50] Question: What is the M&A pipeline outlook? - The company is actively seeking high-margin, low-asset intensity businesses in niche markets, with a solid pipeline for potential acquisitions [52][54]

Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales increased by 18% year-over-year to $304 million, driven by higher volumes in Building Products and contributions from Elgen[5] - Gross margin expanded to 27.1% from 24.3%, and Adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 21.4% from 18.8% in the prior year quarter[5] - Adjusted EPS increased from $0.50 to $0.74[8] - Free cash flow for Q1 was $28 million, with $13 million in capex spend, including $9 million related to facility modernization projects[7] Segment Performance - Building Products Adjusted EBITDA increased from $40 million to $58 million, with Adjusted EBITDA margin improving from 28.4% to 31.3%[5] - Building Products net sales increased from $140 million to $185 million[8] - Consumer Products Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly from $18 million to $16 million, with Adjusted EBITDA margin decreasing from 15.1% to 13.6%[5] - Consumer Products net sales increased slightly from $118 million to $119 million[8] Capital Allocation - The company repurchased 100 thousand shares of common stock during Q1 for $6 million, at an average purchase price of $62.59, leaving 5.3 million shares remaining on the share repurchase authorization[7] - A dividend of $0.19 per share was declared, payable in December 2025[7] - Elgen Manufacturing was acquired for approximately $91 million, net of cash acquired, on June 18, 2025[7] Overall Financial Position - Net sales of $1.2 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $280 million[87] - The company has ample liquidity of $667 million, including $167 million in cash and cash equivalents and $500 million of capacity from undrawn revolver as of 08/31/25[80]

Earnings Performance - Worthington Enterprises reported quarterly earnings of $0.74 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.80 per share, but showing an increase from $0.50 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -7.50% [1] - The company posted revenues of $303.71 million for the quarter ended August 2025, which was 2.63% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and an increase from $257.31 million year-over-year [2] Stock Performance - Worthington Enterprises shares have increased approximately 52.2% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 13.8% [3] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.71 on revenues of $309.4 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.65 on revenues of $1.3 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the Building Products - Wood sector is currently in the bottom 7% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact the stock's performance [8]

Core Insights - Worthington Enterprises Inc. reported strong financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with significant growth in net sales and earnings compared to the previous year [4][5][6]. Financial Performance - Net sales reached $303.7 million, an increase of 18% from $257.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [4][5]. - Net earnings rose by 45% to $34.8 million, up from $24.0 million in the prior year [5][6]. - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 34% to $65.1 million, compared to $48.4 million in the same quarter last year [5][6]. - Diluted earnings per share improved from $0.48 to $0.70, while adjusted diluted EPS increased from $0.50 to $0.74 [5][6]. Segment Performance - The Building Products segment generated net sales of $184.8 million, a 32.2% increase driven by higher volumes and contributions from the recent acquisition of Elgen, which added $20.9 million in sales [12][13]. - Consumer Products segment sales were $118.9 million, slightly up from $117.6 million, although adjusted EBITDA decreased due to lower volumes and increased expenses [12][13]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Operating cash flow remained flat at $41.1 million compared to the prior year, while free cash flow decreased by 12% to $27.9 million due to increased capital expenditures [5][10]. - The company invested approximately $13.2 million in capital expenditures, including $8.6 million for ongoing facility modernization projects [10][11]. Balance Sheet and Debt - The company ended the quarter with cash of $167.1 million, down from $250.1 million at the end of the previous quarter, primarily due to the acquisition of Elgen [10][11]. - Total debt increased to $306.0 million, all of which is long-term debt, reflecting a $3.1 million rise from the previous quarter [11]. Strategic Developments - The acquisition of Elgen Manufacturing for $91.2 million enhances Worthington's position in the commercial HVAC market and broadens its product offerings [5][14]. - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share, payable on December 29, 2025, to shareholders of record on December 15, 2025 [5].

Group 1 - Worthington Enterprises, Inc. is set to release its first-quarter earnings on September 23, with analysts expecting earnings of 70 cents per share, an increase from 50 cents per share in the same period last year [1] - The company projects quarterly revenue of $291.84 million, compared to $257.31 million a year earlier [1] - On June 24, Worthington reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results, leading to a 2.8% increase in share price, closing at $62.75 [2] Group 2 - Goldman Sachs analyst Susan Maklari maintained a Sell rating on Worthington and raised the price target from $44 to $50 [4] - Canaccord Genuity analyst Brian McNamara maintained a Buy rating and increased the price target from $69 to $81 [4]