Core Insights - Capstone Holding Corp. is successfully executing a disciplined, accretive M&A strategy that enhances shareholder value [1] - Recent acquisitions by Lowe's and Home Depot support the consolidation trend in the building materials sector, which Capstone is leveraging to expand its operations [1] - The company is on track to achieve a $100 million run-rate revenue target [1] Company Strategy - Capstone's acquisition strategy focuses on expanding its footprint and scaling operations to drive immediate revenue and EBITDA growth [1] - The validation of Capstone's strategy comes from the recent activities of major competitors in the industry, indicating a robust market environment for consolidation [1]

Core Points - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. will report its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 6, 2025, after market hours [1] - An analyst call will be held on November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial performance [2] - The company is Canada's only fully integrated national distributor in the building materials sector, operating multiple divisions and distribution centers across Canada and the U.S. [4] Company Overview - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DBM [4] - The company operates distribution centers and treating plants strategically located across Canada and the U.S., including 21 treating plants and multiple facilities in various states [5]

Core Viewpoint - QXO has transitioned from a software and technology firm to a significant player in the building products distribution market following its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, leading to substantial growth in sales and market presence [1][7]. Company Overview - QXO operates in the building materials sector, offering products across three segments: exterior materials, interior materials, and tools & supplies [2][3]. - The company provides a wide range of products including decks, railings, lumber, windows, drywall, insulation, and various tools [2]. Financial Performance - In 2Q25, QXO reported net sales of $1.91 billion, a significant increase from $14.5 million in 2Q24, exceeding forecasts by $32.7 million [7]. - The company's non-GAAP EPS for the same quarter was 11 cents, surpassing expectations by 7 cents [7]. Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - QXO has garnered attention from major banks, with Morgan Stanley highlighting its potential for a 40% CAGR in EBITDA over the next decade, significantly outpacing its peers [8]. - The stock is currently rated as a Strong Buy based on 12 analyst reviews, with a price target of $35, indicating a potential upside of 89% from its current trading price of $18.50 [8].

Market Overview - Mid-cap stocks advanced in Q3, with the Russell Midcap Index returning 5.3%, driven by monetary policy shifts and stabilizing earnings [2] - Value stocks outperformed growth stocks, with the Russell Midcap Value Index returning 6.2% compared to 2.8% for the Russell Midcap Growth Index [2] Policy and Sentiment - Investor sentiment improved due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and progress on trade agreements, reducing policy uncertainty [3] - Earnings estimates stabilized, particularly in technology and AI sectors, despite some economic segments remaining weak [3] Portfolio Performance - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy outperformed its benchmark, with strong stock selection in consumer staples and health care [4] - Performance Food Group and Casey's General Stores were key contributors, benefiting from strategic initiatives and strong execution [4] Sector Contributions - Health care was a significant driver of outperformance, with companies like argenx and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals showing strong results [5] - AppLovin's stock rallied due to excitement around its new e-commerce business, indicating potential for cash flow growth [6] Challenges - Stock selection in consumer discretionary and materials sectors posed challenges, with Chewy and Crown Holdings underperforming [7][8] New Positions - A new position was initiated in QXO, a building materials distribution platform, expected to consolidate the industry and improve efficiency [9] - Bio-Techne was also added to the portfolio, capitalizing on recent weakness and offering durable revenue streams [10] Exits - The position in ATS Corporation was exited due to leadership changes raising concerns about future performance [11] Outlook - The outlook for mid-cap equities remains constructive, with expectations for selective stock picking amid potential volatility [13] - The focus will be on businesses with competitive advantages and resilient cash flows [14] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy saw contributions from 10 of 11 sectors, with IT and industrials being the largest contributors [16] - Stock selection in consumer staples, IT, and health care sectors positively impacted performance, while consumer discretionary and materials sectors detracted [17]

Core Insights - American Securities and CD&R have completed the sale of Foundation Building Materials, Inc. (FBM) to Lowe's Companies, Inc. for approximately $8.8 billion [1] Company Overview - FBM is a leading North American distributor of interior building products, including drywall, metal framing, ceiling systems, commercial doors and hardware, and insulation, serving both residential and commercial professionals [2][4] - Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Ana, California, FBM operates over 370 locations across the U.S. and Canada [4] Financial Performance - Under the ownership of American Securities and CD&R, FBM has achieved significant growth, with a 27% annual revenue growth and a 31% annual EBITDA growth since its acquisition in 2021 [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company has successfully completed the acquisition of Specialty Products and Insulation (SPI) for an all-cash transaction valued at $1 billion, enhancing its position in the mechanical insulation solutions market [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of SPI is aimed at strengthening the company's capabilities as a leading specialty distributor and fabricator of mechanical insulation solutions for various end markets, including commercial, industrial, and residential sectors [2]. Group 2: Financial Aspects - The transaction is valued at $1 billion, indicating a significant investment by the company to expand its market presence and product offerings [1].

Core Viewpoint - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. has sold its remaining private timberland holdings in southeast British Columbia to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, marking a strategic shift away from the forestry business and focusing on strengthening its balance sheet [1][3]. Company Overview - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DBM. It is Canada's only fully integrated national distributor in the building materials sector, operating multiple divisions and distribution centers across Canada and the United States [4][5]. Timberland Management - During its nine years of ownership, Doman adhered to rigorous sustainable forest management standards, including the planting of approximately 10 million new seedlings. The company will no longer be materially involved in timber harvesting [2]. Transaction Details - The transaction with the Nature Conservancy of Canada closed on September 29, 2025, and the net proceeds will be utilized to further strengthen the company's balance sheet [3].

Core Viewpoint - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. has sold its remaining private timberland holdings in southeast British Columbia to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, marking a strategic shift away from the forestry business and focusing on strengthening its balance sheet [1][3]. Company Overview - Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DBM [4]. - The company is Canada's only fully integrated national distributor in the building materials sector, operating multiple divisions and distribution centers across Canada and the United States [4][5]. Timberland Management - During its nine years of ownership, Doman adhered to rigorous sustainable forest management standards, including the planting of approximately 10 million new seedlings [2]. - The company will no longer be materially involved in the harvesting aspect of the forestry business following the sale [2]. Transaction Details - The transaction with the Nature Conservancy of Canada closed on September 29, 2025, and the net proceeds will be utilized to further strengthen the company's balance sheet [3].

Group 1: Sands Capital Global Growth Strategy Overview - Sands Capital released its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, highlighting a flexible approach to identify promising growth companies globally [1] - The Global Growth portfolio achieved a return of 21.7% in the quarter, outperforming the MSCI ACWI index, which returned 11.5% [1] - This quarter's performance marked the fourth best since the fund's inception in 2008, both in absolute and relative terms [1] Group 2: Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) Analysis - Builders FirstSource, Inc. is the largest distributor of lumber and building materials in the U.S. by market share [3] - The company experienced a one-month return of 3.19%, but its shares have decreased by 29.58% over the past 52 weeks, closing at $136.99 with a market capitalization of $15.144 billion [2][3] - The U.S. housing market remains sluggish, with housing starts down 5% year-over-year in Q1 2025, indicating a challenging environment for Builders FirstSource [3] Group 3: Strategic Positioning and Market Outlook - Builders FirstSource is focusing on factors within its control to strengthen its competitive position, including investments in digital capabilities, strategic acquisitions, and opportunistic share repurchases [3] - While the timing of a housing market recovery is uncertain, there is confidence that Builders FirstSource is well-positioned to benefit when recovery occurs, presenting an attractive risk-reward profile at current valuation levels [3] - In Q2, Builders FirstSource's sales decreased by 5% to $4.2 billion, and it was noted that 74 hedge fund portfolios held the stock, an increase from 58 in the previous quarter [4]

Financial Performance - Q4 2025 - Net sales reached $8.5 billion, a 6.9% increase compared to Q4 2024, driven by market outperformance[6] - Organic growth contributed 5.8% and acquisitions added 1.1% to the net sales growth[6] - Adjusted operating profit was $972 million, up 13.4% from Q4 2024, with an adjusted operating margin of 11.4%, a 60 bps increase[6] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 16.8% to $3.48[6] Financial Performance - FY2025 - Net sales for FY2025 totaled $30.8 billion, a 3.8% increase compared to FY24[13] - Adjusted operating profit was $2.8 billion, a 0.6% increase compared to FY24[13] - Adjusted diluted EPS reached $9.94, a 2.6% increase compared to FY24[13] - The company generated $1.9 billion in operating cash flow[13] Capital Deployment & Balance Sheet - Capital deployment included $483 million, with 4 acquisitions completed during the quarter, share repurchases of $189 million, and dividends of $165 million[6] - The balance sheet remains strong, with net debt to adjusted EBITDA at 1.1x[6] - Share repurchases completed during the fiscal year totaled $948 million, with approximately 5.0 million shares repurchased[36] - The share repurchase program has an outstanding balance of approximately $1.0 billion[36] Market Performance & Outlook - US net sales grew by 7.1% in Q4 2025, compared to a 1.3% growth in Q4 2024[8] - For FY2025, the company estimates a market decline of approximately 2% in the US, while Ferguson US organic revenue grew by 3.2%[16] - Calendar year 2025 guidance includes mid-single digit growth in net sales and an adjusted operating margin between 9.2% and 9.6%[39]