Core Insights - Heartland Advisors' "Heartland Value Plus Fund" reported a decline of 0.10% in Q4 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000® Value Index, which gained 3.26% [1] - The fund identified opportunities in overlooked firms expected to achieve high earnings growth in 2026, despite a pullback in the AI sector due to overinvestment concerns [1] Company Analysis - Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) was highlighted as a significant stock in the fund's Q4 2025 letter, with a one-month return of 18.56% but a 52-week loss of 15.29% [2] - As of January 12, 2026, Builders FirstSource, Inc. had a market capitalization of $13.721 billion, with shares closing at $124.08 [2] - The company is recognized as the largest distributor of lumber and building products for contractors and home builders, focusing on consolidating smaller regional lumberyards and enhancing value-added products [3]

Core Insights - SIG reported flat full-year sales for 2025, with a 1% year-over-year increase in volumes, but pricing acted as a net headwind, particularly in the fourth quarter across key markets [1][2] - The company is expected to publish detailed financial results and outlook on March 4 [2] Financial Performance - Group operating profit increased by GBP 7 million to GBP 32 million, attributed to nearly GBP 40 million in cost reductions that offset inflation and translational impacts [3] - Free cash flow for the year was an outflow of GBP 12 million, which management characterized as "pretty solid" given the depressed margins [4] - Year-end liquidity was reported at just over GBP 170 million, with leverage remaining flat year over year at 4.7x [4] Business Highlights - The U.K. Interiors business unit showed growth of 8% in the first half, 3% in the second half, and 5% for the full year, indicating a positive performance despite market conditions [5] - SIG removed the management structure supporting its U.K. Specialist Markets to improve accountability and exploit opportunities in smaller specialist businesses [5] - The company closed a small business called Mayplas in December as part of its ongoing simplification efforts [6]

Core Viewpoint - The housing construction sector is experiencing significant growth, as indicated by the 11.1% surge in the iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (NYSEARCA:ITB) year to date in just nine trading days, reflecting strong demand for new residential and commercial projects [1] Industry Summary - The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (NYSEARCA:ITB) has increased by 11.1% in the current year, showcasing a robust demand in the housing construction sector [1] - The surge in the ETF suggests a positive outlook for both residential and commercial construction projects, indicating a potential trend in the market [1]

NORFOLK, Virginia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Titan America SA (NYSE: TTAM) ("Titan America†or the "Company†), a leading fully-integrated producer and supplier of building materials, services and solutions in the construction industry operating along the U.S. East Coast, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Keystone Cement Company, a Pennsylvania-based cement manufacturer and aggregates producer ("Keystone†), from the Fortaleza, Uniland and Tritadura groups. This transaction. ...

Core Insights - CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. has significantly improved its business operations over time, focusing on enhancing margins and divesting lower-quality businesses [1] Financial Performance - The company has seen improvements in margins over the past decade, indicating a positive trend in operational efficiency [1] Strategic Decisions - CEMEX has strategically eliminated lower-quality businesses, which has contributed to its overall business improvement [1] Debt Management - The company has successfully managed its debt levels, which is a critical aspect of its financial health [1]

Company Overview - Owens Corning is a leading global manufacturer in the building materials industry, focusing on insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites, with a diversified segment structure that provides resilience and competitive differentiation in construction and infrastructure markets [2][5]. Recent Performance - As of January 5, 2026, Owens Corning shares were priced at $113.66, reflecting a decline of 32.13% over the prior year, and underperforming the S&P 500 by 48.69 percentage points during the same period [3]. - The company's stock has slumped approximately 31% over the last 12 months, attributed to a lukewarm construction market and a lack of significant severe weather [6]. Institutional Activity - Paradiem, a financial advisory firm, sold 58,221 shares of Owens Corning during the fourth quarter, resulting in a decline of $9,295,192 in the value of its Owens Corning position, which now represents 0.96% of its 13F assets [4]. Investment Considerations - Owens Corning's shares are currently trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.92, near the stock's five-year low of 0.77 and below its five-year average of 1.24, suggesting potential value for investors [7].

Core Viewpoint - Amrize has agreed to acquire PB Materials Holdings, enhancing its aggregates business and expanding its operations in the high-growth West Texas region [1][2]. Company Overview - Amrize is a leading partner for professional builders in North America, with over 1,000 sites and a revenue of $11.7 billion in 2024 [5]. - PB Materials, formed from three established companies, has a strong regional presence in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico, focusing on aggregates and ready-mix concrete [6]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition is part of Amrize's growth strategy, adding over 50 years of aggregates reserves and 26 operational sites to its network [2]. - The deal is expected to be EPS and cash accretive by 2026, with PB Materials generating over $180 million in revenues [3]. - The acquisition is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [4]. Strategic Importance - This acquisition will allow Amrize to better serve long-term demand driven by infrastructure, energy projects, and commercial investments in the region [2]. - The leadership of both companies expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting a shared commitment to quality and community service [4].

Group 1 - RPM International Inc. is recognized as one of the 13 Best January Dividend Stocks to Invest in [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for RPM to $119 from $127 while maintaining a Neutral rating [2] - Mizuho has also reduced its target to $128 from $138 but keeps an Outperform rating, citing pressure from rising exports from China on basic chemical markets [3] Group 2 - RPM's board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, to be paid on January 30, 2026 [4] - The recent dividend follows a 6% increase in October 2025, marking the 52nd consecutive year of dividend growth, with approximately $3.8 billion returned to shareholders over this period [5] - RPM operates subsidiaries focused on coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services, organized into Construction Products Group, Performance Coatings Group, and Consumer segments [6]

Core Viewpoint - Northann Corp. is set to expand into a major North American retail channel in 2026, leveraging its institutional maturity and innovative surface solutions [1][3]. Company Overview - Northann Corp. was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Fort Lawn, South Carolina, specializing in additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies for the building materials industry [3]. - The company offers innovative flooring, decking, and other construction products under its flagship brand, Benchwick, and holds over 60 granted or pending patents [3]. Strategic Developments - The company has received strong support from stockholders during the Annual General Meeting held on December 31, 2025, indicating confidence in its strategic direction [4]. - Northann's core product lines are set to enter one of the largest retail conglomerates in North America in 2026, marking a significant market expansion [4]. - The company aims to integrate capital market strategies with entrepreneurial innovation to enhance its market presence [4].

Group 1 - Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) has been added to David Tepper's Q3 portfolio with an acquisition of 161,500 shares valued at $22.8 million, indicating strong interest from institutional investors [1] - The average price target for Owens Corning suggests a potential upside of 17%, while the highest target indicates a possible upside of 57% [1] - Analyst Sam Reid from Wells Fargo has maintained an Overweight rating on Owens Corning but has reduced the price target from $150 to $130, citing skepticism in the housing market for 2025 and challenges for 2026 [2] Group 2 - Owens Corning reported a 15% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, now at $0.79 per common share, to be distributed on January 21, 2026 [3] - The company has promoted José Méndez-Andino to Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, focusing on product innovation and new applications in the high-quality building products market [4] - Owens Corning operates through four main segments: Roofing, Insulation, Doors, and Composites, and has been in business since 1938 [5]