Core Insights - The company reported a 9% decline in total net sales to $900 million in fiscal Q1 2026, attributed to inventory normalization and softer global demand [5][53] - North American net sales fell 12%, driven by lower volumes, although there was a 3% increase in average net sales price [6][54] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 21% year-over-year to $226 million, with a margin of 25.1%, reflecting volume pressures and raw material inflation [3][53] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA margin fell 370 basis points to 25.1% in Q1 2026, with North America adjusted EBITDA margin down 400 basis points year-over-year [3][6] - Free cash flow improved by 88% to $104 million due to better operating cash generation and reduced capital expenditures [7][53] - The company expects free cash flow of at least $200 million for fiscal 2026, with capital expenditures projected at approximately $400 million [10][63] Market Outlook - Guidance for fiscal 2026 anticipates a high single-digit decline in total market demand, influenced by homeowner affordability pressures and uncertain macro conditions [3][61] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2026 to be between $1.05 billion and $1.15 billion, including a contribution of $250 million to $265 million from the AZEK acquisition [9][62] - North America fiber cement outlook predicts a low double-digit volume decline for fiscal 2026, primarily volume-driven [11] Strategic Initiatives - The completion of the AZEK acquisition has doubled the company's total addressable market and expanded its product offerings [8][19] - The company aims to achieve over $500 million in commercial synergies within five years, with benefits expected to begin in fiscal 2027 [12][50] - Management is focused on integrating operations and realizing cost synergies, with over 50% of targeted general and administrative cost synergies already actioned [8][44] Regional Performance - Asia Pacific net sales declined 10%, with a 25% volume decrease offset by a 22% rise in average selling price [7][57] - Europe experienced a 7% increase in net sales, driven by higher average selling prices, with an EBITDA margin improvement to 16% [7][59] - The company remains committed to outperforming market demand in both APAC and Europe despite challenging conditions [58][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales decreased by 9% year-over-year to $900 million, reflecting a normalization of channel inventories and lower demand expectations [32][34] - Adjusted EBITDA was $226 million, with a margin of 25.1%, down 21% from the previous year [32] - Adjusted net income was $127 million, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.29 per share [32] - Free cash flow increased by 88% to $104 million, driven by strong cash generation and moderating capital spending [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American net sales declined by 12%, primarily due to lower volumes, although average selling prices (ASP) increased by 3% year-over-year [33][34] - Legacy AZEK performed well, with mid single-digit sell-through growth in June, driven by new product contributions [9] - North American adjusted EBITDA was $206 million, with a margin of 32.1%, down 400 basis points year-over-year due to lower volumes and raw material inflation [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Single-family new construction starts in the South fell approximately 25% since February, leading to a more cautious inventory posture among builders [34] - Asia Pacific net sales declined by 10%, influenced by the cessation of operations in the Philippines, while ASP rose by 22% in Australian dollars [37] - European net sales increased by 7%, driven by higher ASP, with EBITDA margin improving to 16% [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of James Hardie and AZEK aims to create a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a focus on material conversion opportunities [4][5] - The company is committed to a homeowner-focused strategy, emphasizing customer and contractor partnerships to drive demand [11][12] - Future growth will be supported by strategic investments in innovation and localized manufacturing to enhance customer value [12][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand in both repair and remodel and new construction in North America is currently challenging, with homeowners deferring large projects due to affordability issues [6][8] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in end-market demand for the full year, adjusting expectations for softer demand in new construction [8][10] - Management expressed optimism about long-term growth potential, particularly through material conversion opportunities and strategic partnerships with homebuilders [13][72] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve $125 million in cost synergies over three years, with over 50% of the run rate target already realized [26] - Free cash flow for FY '26 is expected to be at least $200 million, with capital expenditures projected at approximately $400 million [42][43] - The company successfully completed a $1.7 billion debt financing, with gross debt standing at approximately $5.1 billion [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help parse out the single-family outlook versus the inventory element? - Management indicated that the Q1 results were as expected, with customers adjusting inventory levels due to a softer outlook, particularly in single-family new construction [50][52] Question: What is the plan to improve margin profiles given the demand challenges? - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to cost management, including freezing headcount and focusing on yield as volumes decline [58][60] Question: How much of the volume decline was attributed to inventory destocking? - Management noted that inventory destocking was significant, particularly in the second quarter, and that they expect some continued impact from this in the upcoming quarters [66][74] Question: How is the single-family new construction segment evolving? - Management reported that single-family new construction has been impacted significantly, with a notable decline in starts, particularly in the South [78][79] Question: What are the assumptions behind the EBITDA contribution from AZEK? - Management clarified that the guidance reflects a conservative outlook due to macroeconomic uncertainties and a cautious approach to channel inventory [85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 of fiscal 2025, consolidated net sales reached $452 million, an increase of 8% year over year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 increased by $11 million or 10% year over year to $124 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.5%, a 40 basis point improvement year over year [28][25] - Net income for Q2 increased by $5 million year over year to $54 million, or $0.37 per share [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential segment net sales for Q2 were $437 million, up 9% year over year, driven by sell-through growth and new products [29] - Residential segment adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $122 million, up 11% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28% [29] - Commercial segment net sales for Q2 were $15 million, down 4% year over year, primarily due to weaker demand [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The residential segment achieved 9% year-over-year growth in Q2, with mid-single-digit sell-through growth [7] - The company noted a stable contractor backlog of approximately seven weeks, indicating steady demand [19][103] - Channel inventory levels are below historical averages, reflecting a conservative inventory strategy [20][76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The proposed merger with James Hardie aims to enhance material conversion and create significant synergies, targeting $125 million in cost synergies and $500 million in incremental sales synergies [11][13] - The company is focused on product innovation, channel expansion, and sustainability, aiming for double-digit long-term growth [10][9] - Investments in new product launches and a vertically integrated recycling network are central to the company's growth strategy [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties while maintaining strong growth momentum [20][21] - The company anticipates steady demand across its outdoor living portfolio, with positive sell-through trends continuing into April [19] - Despite acknowledging potential economic challenges, management believes the company is well-positioned to outperform the market [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized on Barron's list of the 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies for the first time [18] - The acquisition of Northwest Polymers enhances the company's recycling capabilities, supporting long-term growth and margin expansion [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on decking and railing versus exteriors in the second half - Management did not provide specific guidance but noted that deck, rail, and accessories have been outgrowing exteriors [40] Question: Near-term cost structure and PVC pricing - Management indicated that costs have been steady, with some modest inflation offset through pricing actions [41] Question: Sales synergies from the merger - Management highlighted significant sales synergies and emphasized stability in the sales organization during the integration process [46] Question: Recycling asset acquisitions and cost reductions - Management mentioned ongoing investments in recycling to achieve incremental cost savings, with a focus on long-term benefits [49] Question: Demand across retail and pro channels - Growth is observed in both channels, with slightly higher growth in the pro channel compared to retail [55] Question: Impact of tariffs on supply chain - The annualized tariff exposure is estimated between $12 million and $15 million, with pricing actions taken to mitigate impacts [57] Question: Customer reactions to the merger - Positive feedback has been received from contractors and channel partners regarding the merger, indicating excitement about strategic benefits [66] Question: Concerns about affordability due to price increases in components - Management acknowledged tariff impacts on certain products but noted efforts to remain competitive [106]