Core Viewpoint - CMS Energy Corporation is enhancing its operations through significant investments in renewable energy while phasing out coal generation, although it faces challenges related to coal ash disposal costs [1][5]. Group 1: Investment and Growth Plans - CMS Energy plans to invest $20 billion in infrastructure upgrades and clean power production from 2025 to 2029 [2]. - The company aims to add 9 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 2.8 GW of wind capacity to its renewable generation portfolio between 2025 and 2045 [3]. - CMS Energy will invest $5.2 billion in renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric generation, during the same period [3]. Group 2: Coal Phase-Out Strategy - The company is reducing its coal-generating capacity to lower emissions, with plans to retire the J.H. Campbell coal-fired unit in 2025 and the D.E. Karn oil and gas-fueled unit in 2031 [4]. - CMS Energy aims to end the use of coal-fueled generation by 2025 [4]. Group 3: Financial Position and Risks - As of March 31, 2025, CMS Energy had $0.53 billion in cash and equivalents, $16.26 billion in long-term debt, and $0.71 billion in current debt, indicating a weak solvency position [6]. - The company expects to incur $237 million in costs related to coal ash disposal compliance from 2025 to 2029 [5]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Over the past year, CMS shares have increased by 15.5%, slightly trailing the industry's growth of 15.8% [7].

Transaction Overview - Blackstone Infrastructure 将以每股 61.25 美元的价格收购 TXNM Energy，总企业价值为 115 亿美元[10] - 该价格较未受影响的股价溢价 23%[10] - TXNM Energy 预计在交易完成前发行 8 亿美元的股权[10] Benefits and Commitments - TXNM Energy、PNM 和 TNMP 将保持本地管理和运营[10, 16, 17] - 总部将保留在新墨西哥州和德克萨斯州[10, 17] - 员工将被保留，工会合同将得到尊重[10, 16] - 现有管理团队将留任[10, 17] - 承诺保持 PNM 和 TNMP 的投资级信用评级[10] Financing Details - Blackstone Infrastructure 将通过购买 800 万股 TXNM 新发行的普通股投资 4 亿美元的股权[18] - 预计 TXNM Energy 在交易完成前额外发行 4 亿美元的股权[18] - 该交易以股权和现有债务承担提供资金，不会发行增量债务[18] Approval Process and Timeline - 预计在获得监管部门批准后，将于 2026 年下半年完成[19] - 预计在 60 天内发出委托书[21] - 需要股东批准[19, 21] - 需要获得多个监管机构的批准，包括 NMPRC、PUCT、FERC、司法部和核管理委员会[20, 21]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry is experiencing cautious optimism in 2025, primarily driven by public sector demand supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) [1] - The residential and private nonresidential sectors are facing challenges due to high interest rates and affordability issues, while the industrial segment, particularly data center and warehouse construction, is stabilizing [1][3] - Companies like Vulcan Materials Company and Martin Marietta Materials are leveraging favorable trends to navigate uncertainties in the macroeconomic landscape, weather-related issues, and increased labor costs [1] Trends Influencing the Industry - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with other legislative measures, signifies a strong commitment to revitalizing American infrastructure, which is expected to provide a solid foundation for growth in construction companies [3] - The industry is focusing on acquisitions and operational efficiency to enhance domestic and international portfolios while maximizing earnings and cash flows [4] - Industry players are facing challenges from fluctuating input prices, weather-related risks, and a shortage of skilled labor, which can impact production schedules and profitability [5] Industry Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Building Products - Concrete & Aggregates industry ranks 96, placing it in the top 39% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating solid near-term prospects [6][7] - The industry's earnings estimates for 2025 have increased from $2.08 to $2.23 per share, reflecting growing confidence in earnings growth potential [8] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader construction sector, with a collective loss of 7.6% compared to a 10.8% gain in the S&P 500 [10] Current Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.4X, slightly below the S&P 500's 21.59X and above the sector's 18.17X [13] - Historically, the industry has traded between a high of 24.39X and a low of 13.86X over the past five years, with a median of 20.08X [13] Company Highlights - **Vulcan Materials Company**: Focuses on strategic initiatives to enhance price performance and operational efficiencies, with a 2025 EPS estimate of $8.63, reflecting a 14.6% growth from the previous year [17][18] - **Martin Marietta**: Capitalizes on strategic acquisitions and robust demand in public infrastructure, with a 2025 EPS estimate of $18.86, indicating a focus on optimizing its portfolio and enhancing margin-generation capabilities [21][22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter was $239 million, down $49 million from the same period in 2024 [17] - Gross profit was $21.5 million, an increase of $1.1 million from the same period in 2024, with a gross profit margin of 9%, up from 7.1% in the prior year [18][19] - The company reported a net loss of $4.5 million or a loss of $0.08 per share, compared to a net loss of $400,000 or a loss of $0.01 per share in the same period last year [19] - EBITDA for the quarter was $10.1 million, compared to $10.9 million for the same period in 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Civil segment had revenues of $103 million, up from $84 million in the same period in 2024, with a gross profit of $23 million, an increase of $5 million [20] - The Transportation segment had revenues of $137 million, a decrease of $67 million from the same period in 2024, with a gross loss of $1 million compared to a gross profit of $3 million in the prior year [21] - The materials and paving business line contributed $18 million to revenue but had a negative gross profit of $9 million due to increased project costs [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added approximately $137 million in new awards during the quarter, bringing the total backlog to approximately $2.5 billion [12][22] - The historical client mix consists of approximately 80% government agencies and 20% private clients, providing insulation from broader economic uncertainty [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its leadership team and enhancing performance, with recent appointments including a new CFO and Chief Strategy Officer [6][7] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined bidding approach and improve execution to drive strong margins [14] - Upcoming opportunities include significant projects in the Civil segment and transportation projects in various regions [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management does not expect current tariffs to materially affect the business, citing minimal direct exposure to cross-border material procurement [10] - Demand for infrastructure projects remains strong, particularly from federal and state clients, with expectations for continued robust demand [11] - The company anticipates substantial completion of legacy projects by the end of 2025, with a focus on generating positive operating cash flow [50] Other Important Information - The company celebrated the 125th anniversary of its American Bridge subsidiary, highlighting its commitment to safety and engineering innovation [8] - The company has made significant progress in improving its balance sheet, with unrestricted cash position more than double compared to the end of Q1 last year [53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for Civil segment revenue - Management is optimistic about the Civil business, expecting strong double-digit margins and a potential shift towards civil projects as the paving business winds down [29][30] Question: Profit impact from Materials and Paving - The gross profit impact from Materials and Paving was $9 million, with a non-cash charge of $3.5 million related to a contract closeout [31] Question: Transportation booking outlook - Management is excited about the transportation market, with several projects in the pipeline and an expected uptick in bidding in the second half of the year [35] Question: Updates on alternative delivery projects - Progress is being made on the Winnipeg and Burnside Bridge projects, with expectations to develop them into construction contracts [42] Question: Bonding capacity status - The company maintains a strong relationship with surety partners and is targeting strategic projects in civil and transportation segments [44] Question: Margin profile expectations for the summer - Management anticipates a reduction in legacy impacts as new core projects ramp up, contributing positively to margins [50][52] Question: Free cash flow outlook - Positive operating cash flow was generated in Q1, with expectations for stronger cash flow in the latter half of the year [68]

Construction Partners Spring 2025 Investor Presentation Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained herein that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1939 and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "seek" "continue," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "targeting," "may," "may," "will," "expect," "should," "anticipate," ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry is experiencing strong growth driven by favorable long-term trends, despite facing near-term challenges such as high interest rates and labor market pressures [1][8] - The industry includes mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building service providers, focusing on heavy civil construction projects like highways, bridges, and ports [3] Growth Drivers - A robust federal infrastructure agenda is unlocking significant investments in transportation, broadband, and energy networks, leading to increased demand in high-growth sectors [2] - The data center market's expansion is creating new opportunities for heavy construction companies, as demand for large-scale infrastructure solutions rises [5] - The ramp-up of 5G projects is benefiting industry players, with increased demand for wireline and wireless networks [6] Company Performance - EMCOR Group Inc. is benefiting from surging demand in data centers and healthcare, with a backlog of $11.8 billion reflecting strong long-term demand [32] - MasTec, with a backlog of $15.88 billion, has seen a 23.7% year-over-year increase, driven by growth across all segments [29] - Granite Construction has a record-high CAP of $5.7 billion, supported by federal and state infrastructure funding [21] Market Outlook - The industry's Zacks Industry Rank is 10, placing it in the top 4% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating solid near-term prospects [10][11] - Aggregate earnings estimates for the industry have increased from $5.61 to $5.76 per share for 2025, reflecting growing analyst confidence [12] Recent Performance - The Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector and the S&P 500, gaining 12.3% over the past year compared to the sector's 7.9% decline [14] - The industry's current forward P/E ratio is 17.43, lower than the S&P 500's 20.43, suggesting potential value [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $132.8 million, down 9% year-over-year due to demand softness in vehicle and industrial markets, with an unfavorable FX impact of $1.8 million [11] - Sequentially, revenue decreased by $10.8 million or 9%, but adjusted EPS increased nearly 50% from Q4, reaching $0.46 per share [7][20] - Gross margin expanded 70 basis points sequentially to 32.2%, while operating margin rose 130 basis points to 6.6% [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and defense revenue increased by 25%, driven by key program deliverables [12] - Vehicle revenue declined by 34%, reflecting softness in powersports demand and a shift from lower-margin programs [13] - Industrial markets showed mixed results, with power quality solutions for HVAC and data center infrastructure growing, but overall industrial market sales were down due to reduced demand in automation [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to U.S. customers represented 52% of revenue, down from 58% in Q1 last year, with contributions from Europe, Canada, and Asia Pacific [11] - The industrial sector contributed 47% of trailing twelve-month sales, primarily driven by strong demand for power quality solutions [14] - The medical market was down 2% on a trailing twelve-month basis due to softness in pump-related products [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth themes such as electrification, energy efficiency, automation, and infrastructure investment [9] - The "Simplify to Accelerate Now" program is central to improving operational efficiency and aligning resources with demand [7][27] - The company is taking proactive steps to address global trade challenges, particularly regarding tariffs and rare earth magnet sourcing [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted solid order momentum with total orders increasing 17% sequentially and 13% year-over-year, indicating a healthy book-to-bill ratio of 1.04 times [25] - The external environment remains fluid, but the company is built for resilience with a diverse customer base and global manufacturing footprint [26] - Management expressed confidence in achieving sustainable, profitable growth while continuing to invest in capabilities [30] Other Important Information - Operating cash flow was $13.9 million, up 52% from last year, and net debt decreased by $13.6 million to $174.4 million [21][23] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1.1 million, with an anticipated full-year spend of $10 million to $12 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand and Supply Environment - Management observed positive signs in demand at the start of the quarter, with expectations for incremental growth [36] - Tariff impacts are being managed through cost mitigation strategies and localization of supply chains [37] Question: Competitive Positioning - The company believes it is well-positioned to win business due to its existing footprint and localization efforts [39] Question: Vehicle Business Strategy - Management confirmed a strategic shift away from lower-margin automotive applications towards higher-margin opportunities [46][49] Question: Inventory Turn Targets - The company aims to improve inventory turns beyond 3.1, but acknowledges potential short-term challenges due to geopolitical factors [56] Question: Rare Earth Elements Impact - Management provided insights on the cost impact of rare earth elements, indicating a significant portion of costs could be affected [65] Question: Recreational Vehicle Market - The company is not exiting the recreational vehicle market and sees opportunities for competition, particularly in industrial applications [73][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth of 26%, outpacing a 12% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025, with a margin expansion of 190 basis points [6][21] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was maintained at 2.9 times, with expectations to reduce leverage to a target of 2 to 2.5 times over the next twelve months [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Construction Products**: Revenues increased by 5%, driven by the Stabola acquisition, but organic revenues declined by 6% due to lower freight revenues and divestitures [11][12] - **Engineered Structures**: Revenues increased by 23%, largely due to higher wind tower volumes and the inorganic impact from the Amaron acquisition, with adjusted segment EBITDA increasing by 90% [15][16] - **Transportation Products**: Revenues were up 6%, with adjusted segment EBITDA increasing by 13%, driven by higher tank barge volumes [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aggregates business represented 69% of construction materials revenues, with average organic pricing up 7% year-over-year and total pricing up 10% due to the Stabola acquisition [10][12] - The company expects continued investment in U.S. infrastructure to benefit operations, with strong demand conditions in various end markets [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic vision, with a commitment to reducing leverage and enhancing operational efficiency [5][7] - The integration of the Stabola acquisition is expected to contribute positively in the second quarter, with a strong outlook for construction products and engineered structures [20][23] - The company anticipates sustained demand growth in utility structures due to increased electrification and renewable energy needs [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving macroeconomic environment, citing strong demand in most end markets and solid visibility from backlogs [8][9] - The company expects a strong 2025, reiterating full-year guidance with anticipated revenue of $2.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $570 million, reflecting a 17% and 30% increase, respectively [21][22] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its capital expenditure guidance of $145 to $165 million for the full year, with a focus on maintenance CapEx [20] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $30 million, but management expects improvement in the second half of the year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the wind tower contribution to sales and profit dollars in the quarter? - Management highlighted strong demand and volume growth in utility structures, with the wind tower facility ramping up effectively, contributing positively to margins [36][38] Question: What are the expectations for the construction products business moving forward? - Management indicated no surprises in the Stabola operations, with good demand and orders expected to improve significantly in the second quarter [66][71] Question: How is the company managing pricing versus volume declines in aggregates? - The company is focusing on margin rather than volume, with local decision-making to balance cost absorption and pricing strategies [92][93] Question: What is the outlook for the housing market and its impact on the business? - Management expects stabilization and a potential recovery in the housing market in the second half of the year, although not a booming market [104][105]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Building Products – Wood industry is facing challenges due to increased construction costs, high mortgage rates, and potential trade tariffs, which are straining consumer affordability and demand conditions [1][4][5]. Industry Overview - The industry encompasses forest product companies and manufacturers of lumber and wood products used in home construction, repair, and remodeling, including flooring products and timberland REITs [3]. Current Trends - High interest rates and trade policies are significantly impacting the U.S. housing and remodeling market, leading to low buyer urgency and limited residential remodeling activity [4]. - The reimplementation of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber is expected to increase material costs, with estimates suggesting an additional $10,900 to the cost of constructing a new home due to these tariffs [5]. - The industry has historically experienced volatility in lumber prices, affecting inventory costs and profit margins [6]. Positive Developments - There is a strong need for investments in home performance improvements and modernization of aging housing stock, alongside increased funding for infrastructure and ESG-related projects [2][7]. - Companies are focusing on acquisitions, product innovation, and cost-reduction strategies to enhance operational efficiency and support growth [9]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Building Products – Wood industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector but has lagged behind the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, gaining 4.2% compared to the sector's 5.5% decline and the S&P 500's 9.8% increase [14]. - The industry's current forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 22.76, higher than the S&P 500's 20.97 and the sector's 17.33 [17]. Company Highlights - Worthington Enterprises, Inc. has been benefiting from operational excellence, strategic innovation, and disciplined growth execution, with an upward estimate revision for 2025 earnings to $2.75 from $2.67 per share [22][23]. - PotlatchDeltic Corporation is experiencing growth driven by its broad-based strength across timberlands and wood products, with an upward estimate revision for 2025 earnings to 83 cents from 81 cents per share [27][28].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter saw record net service revenue (NSR), margins, and earnings per share (EPS) [11][29] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8% to $290 million, and adjusted EPS rose by 20% to $1.25, both setting new second-quarter highs [13][29] - Free cash flow increased by 141% to $178 million, with $110 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter [13][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NSR in The Americas increased by 6%, with adjusted operating margin rising by 130 basis points to 19.4%, a new second-quarter high [31][32] - In the international segment, NSR increased by 1%, with adjusted operating margin increasing by 10 basis points to 11.1% [33] - Contracted backlog in the design business increased by 5%, supporting confidence in future growth [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market remains robust, accounting for over 50% of NSR, with a record backlog driven by a 1.2 book to burn ratio [20][21] - Canada experienced double-digit growth in revenue and backlog, supported by a $150 billion investment plan [23] - The UK saw increases in NSR and backlog, although larger transportation projects faced delays due to budgetary challenges [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver 50% of revenue from advisory and program management over time, with ongoing investments to accelerate organic growth [16][20] - The competitive edge platform is delivering record high win rates, with an 80% success rate on large enterprise critical pursuits year to date [14] - Investments in innovation, technical excellence, and business development are expected to accelerate in the second half of the year [12][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second half of the year, supported by a record backlog and a growing pipeline of opportunities [14][19] - The company noted that delays in project decisions are common during changes in administration, but the impact on backlog was minimal [12][48] - Management highlighted that the work is highly technical and critical, with a versatile workforce that can adapt to growth opportunities [18] Other Important Information - The company is maintaining its capital allocation strategy, focusing on share repurchases consistent with free cash flow generation [61] - The backlog remains near all-time highs, with a strong pipeline of opportunities across various markets [19][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for second half EBITDA growth - Management indicated balanced growth expectations, with both top-line growth and margin improvement anticipated [38][39][44] Question: Is the company through the worst of the isolated delays? - Management expressed confidence in managing delays, noting that disruptions are typical during transitions in administration [45][48] Question: Free cash flow expectations for 2025 - Management aims to maintain a 10% free cash flow conversion rate, with expectations for continued strong performance [50][52] Question: Private sector exposure and customer confidence - Private sector accounts for approximately 30% of business, with growth expected to continue, particularly in water and environment sectors [56][57] Question: Capital allocation and share buybacks - No changes to capital allocation strategy, with share repurchases aligned with free cash flow generation [60][61] Question: Margin performance in The Americas - Management highlighted significant organic investments and improvements in pricing and efficiency as key drivers of margin expansion [78][80] Question: Expectations for international margins - Management expects international margins to continue improving, although not at the same rate as The Americas [101][103] Question: Update on AECOM Capital wind down - Management confirmed that AECOM Capital should not be modeled for 2026 [111][112]