Core Points - General Mills is closing three manufacturing plants in Missouri to enhance supply chain competitiveness [1][2] - The closures include a pizza crust plant in St. Charles and two pet food plants in Joplin, acquired through a $1.45 billion purchase in 2024 [1][2] - Production at the Joplin plants will cease by July 2026, while the St. Charles facility is set to close by the end of June 2026 [4] Financial Impact - The closures are expected to incur approximately $82 million in restructuring charges, which includes around $64 million in asset write-offs and $18 million in severance and other costs [5] - About $49 million of these charges are anticipated to be recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 [6] - The restructuring process is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2029 [6] Employee Transition - Most employees from the Whitebridge plants are likely to be offered positions at General Mills' existing Joplin sites, while TNT Pizza Crust workers will receive support for roles at other company locations [3]

Core Insights - Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) is experiencing strong growth in its Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments, driven by favorable pricing, productivity gains, and successful acquisitions like 3form and Zahner [1] - The company has seen a 37.5% increase in shares year to date, significantly outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry's growth of 1.3% [2] - AWI's 2025 EPS estimate has been revised upward to $7.26 from $7.03, reflecting the effectiveness of its growth strategies despite inflation and tariff concerns [3] Growth Drivers - **Acquisitions**: The successful acquisition of Zahner and 3form has strengthened AWI's product line and market penetration, contributing to double-digit growth in the Architectural Specialties segment [6] - **Digitalization & Technology**: The implementation of digital initiatives like Kanopi has generated new demand, leading to a 16% sales growth and 29% EPS growth year-over-year in Q2 2025 [7] - **Cost-Control Initiatives**: In Q2 2025, net sales rose 16% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS increasing by 29% and adjusted EBITDA growing by 23% [8] Segment Performance - The Mineral Fiber segment achieved a 350 basis points year-over-year EBITDA margin expansion, marking a strong quarterly performance since 2016 [9] - The Architectural Specialties segment reached an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 22%, the highest since Q3 2020 [9] Innovation and Sustainability - AWI is focused on product innovation, with the introduction of the TEMPLOK energy-saving ceiling line enhancing building efficiency and supporting decarbonization goals [11] - The company's commitment to digital tools and design solutions is driving growth across both segments, reinforcing its competitive advantage [11] Financial Metrics - Armstrong's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) stands at 39.8%, significantly higher than the industry's 15.2%, indicating efficient use of shareholders' funds [12]