Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fiscal fourth quarter 2025 net earnings of $151.8 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $103.9 million and net earnings per diluted share of $0.90 in the prior year period [32] - Adjusted earnings for the quarter totaled $155 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, compared to $97.4 million and $0.84 per diluted share in the prior year period [32] - Consolidated core EBITDA was $291.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 33% increase from the $219 million generated during the prior year period [33] - The consolidated core EBITDA margin was 13.8% compared to 11% in the prior year period [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Steel Group generated adjusted EBITDA of $239.4 million for the quarter, equal to $207 per ton of finished steel shipped, an 18% increase compared to the prior year period [35] - The Emerging Businesses Group reported fourth quarter net sales of $221.8 million, a 13.4% increase year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 19.1% to $50.6 million [36] - The Europe Steel Group reported adjusted EBITDA of $39.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to a loss of $3.6 million in the prior year period [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Finished steel shipments increased by 3% compared to a year ago, while rebar shipments from CMC's mills and downstream operations grew at a similar rate [35] - The Dodge Momentum Index reached a record high in September, indicating substantial pent-up demand, particularly within non-residential markets [25] - The company noted a significant backlog of potential projects, with approximately $2 trillion of corporate investments announced in calendar 2025 [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating the acquisitions of Foley Products Company and Concrete, Pipe and Precast (CPMP) to create a large-scale precast platform [5][12] - The strategic entry into precast is expected to broaden the commercial portfolio and enhance exposure to structural trends in construction [7][8] - The company aims to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements to margins, earnings, cash flow, and returns on capital while reducing volatility [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, citing strong demand across various sectors, including infrastructure and energy [45][47] - The company anticipates a multi-year trend of strong spending in construction, supported by significant project backlogs and structural drivers [26] - Management expects to generate significant value for shareholders through strategic initiatives and operational excellence programs [42] Other Important Information - The company modified its method of calculating adjusted EBITDA to exclude the impact of unrealized gains and losses from undesignated commodity derivatives [32] - The total consideration for the acquisitions of Foley and CPMP is approximately $2.5 billion, funded through cash on hand and committed bank financing [16] - The company expects to prioritize deleveraging in the quarters ahead with a goal of returning below two times net leverage within 18 months [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand from different sectors in construction - Management noted strong infrastructure demand driven by the IIJA and a bullish outlook for non-residential spending, particularly in energy and data centers, while residential markets remain lackluster due to interest rates [45][46] Question: First quarter outlook - The first quarter outlook is expected to be consistent with the fourth quarter, with strong performance in the North America Steel Group but challenges in the Europe Steel Group due to seasonal factors and maintenance outages [48][49] Question: Focus on integration or further acquisitions - Management indicated a focus on integrating the newly acquired assets before considering additional acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of successful integration for future growth [54][55] Question: Historical growth rate for Foley - Foley is expected to grow at a level in excess of GDP over the next couple of years, with ongoing expansions in its territories [58] Question: Margin differences between Foley and CPMP - The margin differentials are attributed to different operating models and the recent acquisitions by CPMP, which may take time to improve [62] Question: Outlook for dividends and buybacks - Management confirmed no plans to change the dividend and indicated a focus on integration and organic growth projects while slowing down share repurchases until leverage is reduced [71][72]