Core Insights - U.S. sustainability policy is evolving, yet manufacturers are leveraging domestic production to achieve climate, governance, and workforce improvements [1] Group 1: Investment Trends - The reshoring movement has led to significant investments, with Apple committing over $500 billion to U.S. operations in the next four years and Johnson & Johnson planning to invest $55 billion in domestic production by 2029 [2] - Manufacturers are reassessing reshoring's potential for resilience and sustainability gains due to new tariffs affecting production costs [3] Group 2: Supply Chain and Operational Strategy - Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 highlighted vulnerabilities, prompting companies like Caterpillar to prioritize reshoring while balancing sustainability and production costs [4] - Ahuja from Caterpillar noted that 70% of their dependency was on a single region, leading to efforts to mitigate single-country risks through optimization programs [5] Group 3: Decision-Making Factors - According to the 2025 Reshoring Survey Report, long-term sustainability and short- to medium-term profitability are primary factors influencing reshoring decisions, while environmental, social, and governance factors are less prioritized [6] - Companies are considering the reduction of supply chain and geographic risks as key opportunities for reshoring, alongside improved visibility into worker safety and regulatory compliance [6] Group 4: Success Metrics - Success metrics for reshoring may include reductions in scope 3 emissions, waste, water usage, and energy management, as well as improvements in job safety, job creation, sourcing, and traceability [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record-breaking results in Q3, with revenues of $147.3 million, a 10% increase year-over-year [21] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12% to $35.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.2% [25] - GAAP earnings per share rose to $0.55, up from $0.54 in the prior year, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 18% to $0.66 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - OpEx revenues were $122 million, a 5% increase compared to last year, representing 83% of total revenues [22] - Large project revenue was $25.4 million, up 37% year-over-year, reflecting improved project execution [22] - The company reported a 14% increase in orders to $158.2 million, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USLAM market saw a 10% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by demand for large capital projects [26] - EMEA revenue increased by 37%, attributed to strong execution and rising demand related to electrification and decarbonization [26] - APAC delivered 9% revenue growth, supported by ongoing project activity [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on trends such as the growth of data centers, decarbonization, and electrification [7] - Strategic initiatives include expanding into the data center market and medium voltage heaters, which are seen as key growth areas [7][14] - The company is raising its fiscal 2026 guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, reflecting confidence in ongoing momentum [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving macro conditions and capital project momentum, supporting a positive outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year [8] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from macroeconomic drivers such as reshoring and increased power demand [30] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities [28] Other Important Information - The company has a backlog of $180 million in the power sector, up 58% year-over-year, with over 60% of opportunities in the US market [11] - The liquid load bank solutions for data centers are expected to drive significant growth, with quoting activity doubling to $60 million [16] - The medium voltage heater pipeline has expanded to over $150 million, benefiting from global electrification trends [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the sustainability of the 46%-plus gross margin? - Management noted that improved gross margins are driven by productivity gains, pricing, and a favorable project mix, with expectations for sustained margins [35][36] Question: How have conversations with potential customers in the data center industry evolved? - The company has formed relationships with various stakeholders, including construction contractors and end users, enhancing its market position [39][41] Question: What is the competitive landscape for liquid load banks? - Management confirmed that the market remains robust, with a significant increase in quoting activity, indicating strong future demand [48][49] Question: How do you see the medium voltage opportunity progressing? - The company has a backlog of $11 million and a quote pipeline exceeding $150 million, indicating a multi-year growth opportunity [55][56] Question: Can you discuss the growth drivers in the LNG and midstream markets? - Management highlighted ongoing projects in LNG liquefaction and midstream gas processing, which are expected to drive demand for their products [57][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record-breaking results in Q3 2026, with revenues up 10% year-over-year, reaching $147.3 million [6][17] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12% to $35.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.2% [6][19] - GAAP earnings per share rose to $0.55, up from $0.54 in the prior year, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 18% to $0.66 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - OpEx revenues were $122 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, representing 83% of total revenues [17] - Large project revenue surged by 37% to $25.4 million, reflecting improved spending in major project markets [17][18] - The backlog increased by 10%, driven by a positive book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USLAM market saw a 10% revenue increase, while EMEA experienced a robust 37% growth due to electrification and decarbonization trends [20] - APAC delivered a 9% revenue growth, supported by ongoing project activity [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically positioned to benefit from macroeconomic drivers such as reshoring, electrification, and decarbonization [25] - Focus on organic growth through investments in new product lines, including liquid load banks and medium voltage heaters, is evident [10][14] - The company is raising its fiscal 2026 financial guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, reflecting confidence in continued momentum [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving macro conditions and strong customer relationships supporting a positive outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year [6][10] - The company anticipates continued growth in the data center market and medium voltage heaters, with significant opportunities in LNG and midstream gas processing [11][52] Other Important Information - The company generated $13.1 million in free cash flow during Q3, up from $8.4 million in the prior year [22] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $4.9 million, reflecting investments in growth initiatives [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the sustainability of the 46%-plus gross margin? - Management noted that improved gross margins are driven by the Thermon Business System, productivity gains, and a favorable project mix [30][31] Question: How have conversations with potential customers in the data center industry evolved? - The company has formed relationships with various stakeholders, including data center construction contractors and end users [34][35] Question: What is the current market size for liquid load banks? - Management confirmed that the market size estimate remains around $80 million-$90 million, with a robust quote log indicating strong demand [42][43] Question: How do you see the medium voltage opportunity progressing? - The company has a backlog of $11 million and a quote pipeline exceeding $150 million, indicating a multi-year growth opportunity [49][50] Question: Can you elaborate on the LNG and midstream growth drivers? - The company is actively involved in LNG liquefaction and midstream gas processing, with several projects underway [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue increased by 44% year-over-year, reaching $809.5 million, with 3.5% organic growth and 40.6% from acquisitions [5][14] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 63% to $112.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.9%, the highest first quarter margin in company history [5][15] - Net income was reported at $17.2 million, while adjusted net income was $26.4 million, translating to adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.47 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a project backlog of $3.09 billion, indicating strong demand across its markets [5][18] - The commercial sector is experiencing steady project bidding, supported by population migration to the Sun Belt and reshoring trends [6][8] - The public sector is expected to see a 10%-15% increase in contract awards for FY 2026 compared to FY 2025, particularly in small and medium-sized maintenance projects [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively participating in approximately 1,000 commercial sector projects across eight states [7] - The federal and state governments are continuing to invest in infrastructure, which is expected to drive demand for the company's services [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to double its revenue to over $6 billion by 2030, targeting an EBITDA margin growth to approximately 17% [12][13] - Recent acquisitions, including GMJ Paving Company, are part of a strategy to strengthen market position and expand geographic footprint [10][11] - The company is focused on both organic growth and strategic acquisitions to enhance shareholder value [12][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for infrastructure projects and the positive impact of recent acquisitions on future growth [9][10] - The company anticipates a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities and plans to continue using cash flow from operations to fund these acquisitions [81][82] - Management remains optimistic about the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Program, expecting increased funding for infrastructure projects [82][83] Other Important Information - Cash flow from operations was $82.6 million in Q1, up from $40.7 million in the same quarter last year [16] - The company expects to convert 75%-85% of EBITDA to cash flow from operations in FY 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the acquisition pipeline? - Management indicated a robust pipeline with a mix of platform deals and tuck-ins, emphasizing strategic and cultural fit in acquisitions [24][25] Question: What is the size and scope of the data center project mentioned? - Management clarified that data centers are part of their commercial projects, with ongoing demand in southern and southeastern markets [28][29] Question: How do you expect to achieve the organic growth target of 7%-8% for the year? - Management explained that delays in project starts and competitive dynamics affected Q1 organic growth but reaffirmed the full-year target [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for public sector bidding? - Management expects public sector contract awards to increase by 10%-15% this year, with steady demand in the commercial market as well [50][54] Question: How confident are you in reducing leverage to 2.5 times by year-end? - Management expressed confidence in achieving the leverage target through strong cash flow generation and strategic acquisitions [78][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue increased by 44% year-over-year, reaching $809.5 million, with a breakdown of 3.5% organic growth and 40.6% from acquisitions [5][13] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 63% compared to the previous year, totaling $112.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.9%, the highest first quarter margin in company history [5][15] - Net income was reported at $17.2 million, while adjusted net income was $26.4 million, translating to earnings per diluted share of $0.47 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a project backlog of $3.09 billion, indicating strong demand across its markets [5][18] - On the commercial side, the company is actively bidding on approximately 1,000 projects across eight states, driven by trends such as population migration to the Sun Belt and reshoring of manufacturing [5][6] - Public contract bidding is expected to increase by 10%-15% over FY 2025, particularly for small and medium-sized maintenance projects [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that federal, state, and local contract awards will rise significantly, reflecting ongoing investments in infrastructure [7][8] - The commercial market is described as steady, with expectations for stronger performance in the spring and summer [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to double its size to over $6 billion in revenue by 2030, targeting an EBITDA margin growth to approximately 17% [11][12] - Recent acquisitions, including GMJ Paving Company, are part of a strategy to strengthen market position and expand geographic footprint [9][10] - The company is focused on both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, with a robust pipeline of opportunities identified [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a leverage ratio of approximately 2.5 times by late 2026, supported by strong cash flow generation [16][81] - The company remains optimistic about the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Program, expecting increased funding for infrastructure projects [82][83] Other Important Information - Cash flow from operations was $82.6 million in Q1, up from $40.7 million in the same quarter last year [16] - The company expects to convert 75%-85% of EBITDA to cash flow from operations in FY 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the acquisition pipeline? - Management indicated a robust pipeline with a mix of platform deals and tuck-ins, emphasizing strategic and cultural fit in acquisitions [23][24][25] Question: Can you elaborate on the site prep job for data centers? - Management highlighted ongoing projects related to data centers, driven by macro trends such as reshoring and migration to the Sun Belt [27][28][29] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth? - Management reaffirmed a full-year organic growth expectation of 7%-8%, despite a lower Q1 figure due to project delays and competitive dynamics [33][34] Question: How is the integration of recent acquisitions progressing? - Management noted successful integration of recent acquisitions, which is expected to create organic growth opportunities [35][36][37] Question: What is the outlook for public sector bidding? - Management expects public sector contract awards to increase by 10%-15%, with steady performance in the commercial market [49][50][51] Question: What is the expected impact of M&A on revenue in FY 2026? - Management projected an M&A rollover impact of approximately $260 million-$280 million for FY 2026 [65][67] Question: How confident is the company in achieving its leverage target? - Management expressed confidence in reducing the leverage ratio to around 2.5 times by the end of the year, primarily funded by cash from operations [78][81]

Core Insights - The company reported a net investment income of $11.3 million for the quarter, reflecting a decline due to increased expenses and lower interest income despite a rise in average earning assets [3][7][8] - The total assets increased to $923 million, primarily driven by investments valued at $903 million, while liabilities rose to $445 million [8][9] - The company has a robust pipeline of late-stage deals exceeding $100 million, indicating strong investment activity despite a decline in earning assets [5][6] Financial Performance - Interest income rose to $23.9 million, a 1% increase, attributed to a $20.3 million rise in average earning assets, although the weighted average yield declined by 30 basis points to 12.2% [3][7] - Total investment income reached $24.5 million, with fee income increasing by $400,000 from the previous quarter [7] - Net realized gains were $300,000, offsetting a $1.4 million write-off related to note refinancing [2] Investment Activity - Fundings for the quarter totaled $99.1 million, including two new private equity-sponsored investments [4] - Net originations were $46.3 million, with exits and prepayments declining to $52.8 million [4] - The company is focusing on lower middle market deal flows, which are showing resilience and growth potential [5][11] Balance Sheet and Leverage - The company ended the quarter with a conservative leverage position, with net debt at 93% of NAV [6][9] - The current line of credit facility totals $365 million, with over $150 million available for near-term investment activities [6] - Net assets declined to $477 million, with NAV per share decreasing from $21.34 to $21.13 [9] Market Outlook - The company anticipates continued investment opportunities in the lower middle market, driven by domestic manufacturing and reshoring trends [5][30][31] - There is cautious optimism regarding the sustainability of investments in sectors impacted by government contracts, particularly in light of recent shutdowns [32][34] - The company is monitoring interest rate exposure and has strategies in place to manage potential declines in interest income [39][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fundings for the quarter totaled $99.1 million, with net originations at $46.3 million, reflecting a decline in exits and prepayments to $52.8 million [4] - Interest income rose to $23.9 million, a 1% increase, while net investment income declined to $11.3 million or $0.50 per share [10][12] - Total assets increased to $923 million, with liabilities rising to $445 million, resulting in a net asset decline of $4.7 million to $477 million [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio's investment mix remained stable, with first lien debt and total debt investments at 73% and 91% of the portfolio at cost, respectively [6] - PIK income rose to $2.3 million, accounting for 9.6% of interest income, although the accrued PIK balance declined due to collections [6][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The current line of credit facility totals $365 million, with over $150 million available for near-term investment activities [9] - The company ended the quarter with a conservative leverage position, with net debt at 93% of NAV [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on lower middle-market deal flows and has a robust pipeline of late-stage deals exceeding $100 million [8] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and leveraging bank lines to support growth and dividends [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted resilience in the lower middle market and expressed optimism about the investment pipeline despite traditional slowdowns in Q1 [8] - The company is cautious about the sustainability of investments in sectors like AI and data centers, focusing instead on its core competencies [21][22] Other Important Information - Monthly distributions for February and March will be $0.15 per common share, with an annual run rate of $1.80 per share, yielding approximately 8.8% [12][13] - The company is monitoring potential impacts from interest rate changes and has strategies in place to support dividends amid fluctuating rates [63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the use of revolver and interest rate floors - Management confirmed that most variable rate loans have floors and that they intend to rely more on floating rate debt as interest rates decline [18][19] Question: Opportunities in AI and data center investments - Management clarified that they do not directly invest in data centers but are cautious about the sustainability of related investments [21][22] Question: Increase in PIK income - Management explained that the increase in PIK is due to specific credits needing cash flow flexibility and ongoing business scaling [23][24] Question: Changes in diluted share count - Management indicated that the change is primarily due to convertible debt accounting requirements and will continue as long as the debt is outstanding [31][32] Question: Regulatory updates affecting BDCs - Management noted that discussions around the AFFE rule have been ongoing for years, with no immediate changes expected [38] Question: Pipeline activity and spillover from Q4 - Management acknowledged that some deals have spilled over from Q4, with ongoing diligence affecting transaction timelines [42][43] Question: Appetite for government contractor businesses - Management stated that they generally avoid government contractors but addressed a unique situation related to a specific portfolio company [46][50] Question: Status of eegee's equity performance - Management provided insights into the challenges faced by eegee's, including seasonal impacts and external economic factors, while noting ongoing management efforts [51][55]

Core Insights - Brookfield Business Partners is undergoing a corporate reorganization to create a single, newly listed corporation, which is expected to enhance trading liquidity and broaden investor access [3][4] Market Conditions - In Europe, conditions are challenging with slower activity in cyclical and industrial markets, but early signs of improvement are noted due to fiscal spending increases, stabilizing energy prices, and accommodative monetary policy [1] - North America shows relatively stable conditions with easing rates, steady consumer spending, and resilient labor markets, although near-term growth remains difficult in some end markets [2] Financial Performance - Brookfield Business Partners reported full-year adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, down from $2.6 billion in 2024, attributed to lower ownership in three businesses following partial sales [10] - Adjusted EFO for the year was $1.2 billion, including $161 million of net gains [11] Capital Management - The company generated over $2 billion from capital recycling, repaid approximately $1 billion of corporate borrowings, and invested $700 million in growth acquisitions [4] - Brookfield has repurchased about $235 million of units and shares at an average price of about $26, with a commitment to complete its $250 million buyback program [13] Operational Highlights - Clarios has seen a 40% increase in underlying annual EBITDA since Brookfield's acquisition, with expectations for similar growth over the next five years [5] - Nielsen executed about $800 million in cost savings since acquisition, with EBITDA margins increasing by over 350 basis points [7] - DexKo managed to maintain low single-digit EBITDA growth despite weak end-market conditions [8] Segment Performance - Industrial segment adjusted EBITDA rose to $1.3 billion, up from $1.2 billion, with a 10% increase in performance excluding acquisitions and dispositions [16] - Business services segment adjusted EBITDA was $823 million, reflecting a slight decrease, while the infrastructure services segment saw a decline to $436 million [16] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued momentum in 2026, with multiple opportunities aligned with its strategy, suggesting it could be a very active year [19]

Core Insights - Exco Technologies reported a higher year-over-year profit with modest revenue growth in its fiscal 2026 first quarter, driven by gains in the Automotive Solutions segment which offset weaker demand in die-cast tooling within the Casting and Extrusion segment [4][7]. Financial Performance - Cash provided by operating activities was CAD 10.2 million, slightly down from CAD 10.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Free cash flow increased to CAD 4.8 million from CAD 3.8 million, while cash used in investing activities declined to CAD 4.5 million from CAD 7.7 million [1]. - Consolidated net income was CAD 4.8 million, or CAD 0.13 per share, compared to CAD 4.2 million, or CAD 0.11 per share, in the prior-year quarter. Quarterly consolidated EBITDA was CAD 17.4 million, representing 12% of sales, versus CAD 16.7 million (also 12%) a year ago [2][7]. Segment Performance - The Automotive Solutions segment saw sales climb 10% to CAD 79.3 million, with pre-tax profit jumping 37% to CAD 6.5 million, driven by new product launches and improved operational efficiency [6][8]. - The Casting and Extrusion segment reported a 2% decline in sales to CAD 70.2 million, primarily due to softer die-cast tooling demand amid OEM delays and trade uncertainty, although extrusion sales remained resilient [5][12]. Strategic Focus - Management emphasized a diversification strategy and operational efficiency, with plans to moderate fiscal 2026 capital expenditures to CAD 28 million, down from CAD 36 million in fiscal 2025 [3][17]. - The company is focusing on pricing discipline to mitigate cost inflation and expects sales to benefit from recent and upcoming product launches [10]. Market Conditions - Global trade policy uncertainty, particularly regarding tariffs, remains a significant macro consideration. The company believes that its products comply with USMCA rules of origin, which should keep them exempt from tariffs in the long term [19]. - Demand for aluminum extrusion related to AI data centers is currently low but is expected to grow significantly, providing a future tailwind for the company [20].

Core Viewpoint - Exco Technologies Limited reported solid financial performance for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with increased sales and net income, driven by strong performance in the Automotive Solutions segment and a favorable macroeconomic environment despite challenges in the Casting and Extrusion segment [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Consolidated sales for Q1 2026 were $149.5 million, up from $143.6 million in Q1 2025, representing a 4% increase [3][7]. - Net income for the quarter was $4.8 million, or $0.13 per share, compared to $4.2 million, or $0.11 per share, in the prior year [6][7]. - EBITDA for the quarter totaled $17.4 million, compared to $16.7 million in the same quarter last year, maintaining an EBITDA margin of 11.6% [10][7]. Segment Performance - The Automotive Solutions segment achieved sales of $79.3 million, a 10% increase from the previous year, attributed to stable production volumes and new product launches [4][7]. - The Casting and Extrusion segment reported sales of $70.2 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, impacted by lower die-cast tooling sales due to deferred program launches and regulatory uncertainties [5][9]. Dividend Announcement - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.105 per common share, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 17, 2026 [1][7]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash provided by operating activities was $10.2 million, with free cash flow of $4.8 million, an increase from $3.8 million in the prior year [11]. - The company plans to reduce capital spending to $28 million for fiscal 2026, down from $36 million in fiscal 2025, focusing on improving existing asset performance [11]. Outlook - Exco has withdrawn its fiscal 2026 revenue, EBITDA, and EPS targets due to uncertainties surrounding global trade policies, particularly tariffs [12]. - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth driven by strategic initiatives, including new program launches and market share gains [12][14]. - Exco expects to benefit from reshoring trends in North America, which may increase demand for its tooling products [14][13].