Core Viewpoint - Xeriant, Inc. has successfully completed an 80-minute internal fire test for its NEXBOARD™ nanotechnology-based fire retardant, marking a significant milestone towards commercial production [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Development - The 80-minute fire test was conducted under controlled lab conditions, designed to exceed extreme fire exposure scenarios for certification [2] - Xeriant's proprietary fire-retardant formulation utilizes nanotechnology to create a chemically stable, heat-resistant barrier without toxic halogens or heavy metals [2][3] - NEXBOARD is an eco-friendly construction panel intended to replace traditional materials like drywall, OSB, and plywood, offering superior durability against fire, water, mold, insects, cracking, and abrasion [4][6] Group 2: Market Positioning - As fire safety regulations tighten across industries, Xeriant aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable fireproofing technologies [4] - The successful test results bring the company closer to delivering a commercially viable solution that meets the global demand for non-toxic, fire-resistant building products [3][4]

For further information, please contact: Robert Intile, CEO Argo Living Soils Corp. Email: robert.intile@argolivingsoils.com Phone: 604-763-4017 The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, Argo creating an established bran ...

Group 1: Company Performance - Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL) is experiencing strong momentum in the Construction Materials segment, with a 2% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, driven by higher sales in the non-residential construction market and acquisitions [1] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit revenue growth for the Construction Materials segment in 2025, supported by strong contractor backlogs and customer demand [2] - CSL's acquisitions, including ThermaFoam, Plasti-Fab, and MTL Holdings, have positively impacted net sales growth by 4.6% in Q1 2025, expanding its product offerings and market presence [3][4] Group 2: Shareholder Returns - In Q1 2025, CSL rewarded shareholders with a dividend payment of $45.2 million, an increase of 8.9% year-over-year, and repurchased shares worth $400 million, up 166.5% year-over-year [5] Group 3: Challenges - The Weatherproofing Technologies segment is facing challenges, with organic revenues declining by 11.7% year-over-year due to lower volumes from a slowdown in the residential construction market and project delays [9] - The company is also dealing with rising raw material and labor costs, which have increased selling and administrative expenses by 16.3% and cost of sales by 1.8% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth of 26%, outpacing a 12% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025, with a margin expansion of 190 basis points [6][21] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was maintained at 2.9 times, with expectations to reduce leverage to a target of 2 to 2.5 times over the next twelve months [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Construction Products**: Revenues increased by 5%, driven by the Stabola acquisition, but organic revenues declined by 6% due to lower freight revenues and divestitures [11][12] - **Engineered Structures**: Revenues increased by 23%, largely due to higher wind tower volumes and the inorganic impact from the Amaron acquisition, with adjusted segment EBITDA increasing by 90% [15][16] - **Transportation Products**: Revenues were up 6%, with adjusted segment EBITDA increasing by 13%, driven by higher tank barge volumes [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aggregates business represented 69% of construction materials revenues, with average organic pricing up 7% year-over-year and total pricing up 10% due to the Stabola acquisition [10][12] - The company expects continued investment in U.S. infrastructure to benefit operations, with strong demand conditions in various end markets [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic vision, with a commitment to reducing leverage and enhancing operational efficiency [5][7] - The integration of the Stabola acquisition is expected to contribute positively in the second quarter, with a strong outlook for construction products and engineered structures [20][23] - The company anticipates sustained demand growth in utility structures due to increased electrification and renewable energy needs [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving macroeconomic environment, citing strong demand in most end markets and solid visibility from backlogs [8][9] - The company expects a strong 2025, reiterating full-year guidance with anticipated revenue of $2.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $570 million, reflecting a 17% and 30% increase, respectively [21][22] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its capital expenditure guidance of $145 to $165 million for the full year, with a focus on maintenance CapEx [20] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $30 million, but management expects improvement in the second half of the year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the wind tower contribution to sales and profit dollars in the quarter? - Management highlighted strong demand and volume growth in utility structures, with the wind tower facility ramping up effectively, contributing positively to margins [36][38] Question: What are the expectations for the construction products business moving forward? - Management indicated no surprises in the Stabola operations, with good demand and orders expected to improve significantly in the second quarter [66][71] Question: How is the company managing pricing versus volume declines in aggregates? - The company is focusing on margin rather than volume, with local decision-making to balance cost absorption and pricing strategies [92][93] Question: What is the outlook for the housing market and its impact on the business? - Management expects stabilization and a potential recovery in the housing market in the second half of the year, although not a booming market [104][105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned for its most profitable year in history, forecasting record revenue, net income, and adjusted EBITDA [6][9] - The first quarter results were in line with expectations, with a seasonal loss of approximately 8% of annual EBITDA, which is an increase from the historical 5% due to recent acquisitions [10][11] - The company spent approximately $8 million in the first quarter on SG&A, primarily related to acquisitions and business development activities [10][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregate volumes are expected to increase by high single digits for the full year, despite a 9% decline in the first quarter due to lower demand in Oregon and weather impacts [26][50] - Ready mix revenue increased by 9% due to higher average selling prices and volume growth, with expectations for high teens volume growth for the full year [28] - Asphalt activity was light in the first quarter, which typically accounts for less than 5% of the full year's volume, but is expected to pick up in the second quarter [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong backlog, with public projects representing 87% of it, and has seen increased bidding activity compared to last year [18][19] - The company is tracking 51 transportation funding bills at the state level, with significant funding approved in states like Idaho and North Dakota [16][17] - The company is experiencing pressure in private construction markets, particularly in Oregon and Montana, while seeing strength in Hawaii, California, and Texas [41][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively pursuing an acquisition program, having closed on Strata Corporation and evaluating additional deals [7][11] - Investments in operational improvements and competitive edge strategies are ongoing, including dynamic pricing initiatives and technology deployment [12][13] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined approach to bidding and project selection to optimize margins and minimize risk [19][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term strategy and the potential for record results in 2025, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [7][9] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from infrastructure investments, with significant funding available for public projects [15][34] - Management noted that while private projects have seen some delays, they expect many to resume in the second half of the year [96] Other Important Information - The company has raised its full-year guidance, expecting consolidated revenue between $3.25 billion and $3.45 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $530 million and $580 million [33] - SG&A expenses are expected to increase by $20 million for the full year, primarily due to acquisition-related costs and business development activities [30][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Resiliency in private construction markets - Management noted that private construction is strong in Hawaii, California, and Texas, while facing pressure in Oregon and Montana [41][42] Question: Update on Strata integration - Integration is going well, with expectations for positive contributions to margins and overall operations [44] Question: Volumes across segments - Management indicated that aggregate volumes were down 9% in the first quarter but are expected to increase in the coming months [50][51] Question: End market mix post-acquisitions - The company remains heavily exposed to public works, with 87% of construction revenue coming from public projects [52][54] Question: SG&A breakdown for the quarter - SG&A increased by $13 million, with $8 million related to the step-up in investment and $4 million from acquisitions [62][63] Question: Impact of oil price decline on costs - Management stated that the decline in oil prices has not materially changed cost expectations across segments [86] Question: Future investment cycles - The company views the current $20 million step-up in SG&A as a one-time investment to support future growth [94] Question: Delayed private projects - Delays are primarily in private contracts, with expectations for many to resume in the third quarter [96][97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned for its most profitable year in history, forecasting record revenue, net income, and adjusted EBITDA [5][22] - The first quarter results were in line with expectations, with a seasonal loss of approximately 8% of annual EBITDA due to recent acquisitions [8][10] - SG&A expenses increased by $13 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to acquisition-related costs and business development activities [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregate product line saw a 6% year-over-year increase in average selling price, but overall volumes were down 9% due to lower demand in Oregon and weather impacts [25][26] - Ready mix revenue increased by 9% driven by higher average selling prices and volume growth, with expectations for high teens volume growth for the full year [26][27] - Contracting services experienced higher revenues, particularly in the Mountain segment, but gross profit was lower compared to the previous year due to project types and incentives recognized [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong public project backlog, representing 87% of total backlog, with increased bidding activity noted in recent months [16][17] - The West segment saw revenue and EBITDA increases, particularly in Hawaii and California, while Oregon faced decreased demand due to funding issues [19][20] - The Mountain segment is benefiting from new transportation funding in Idaho, with positive signs for future growth [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively pursuing an acquisition program, having closed on Strata Corporation and planning further deals focused on materials-led companies [6][10] - Investments in operational improvements and competitive edge strategies are expected to drive long-term profitable growth [6][12] - The company is committed to safety and operational excellence as part of its corporate culture [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term strategy despite macroeconomic uncertainties, highlighting a resilient business model insulated from tariff impacts [6][7] - The company anticipates benefiting from significant infrastructure investment needs, with a strong funding backdrop for public projects [14][15] - Management remains optimistic about achieving record results for the full year, supported by recent acquisitions and ongoing operational improvements [22][32] Other Important Information - The company has approved $68 million for organic growth projects for the full year, with significant capital expenditures planned [30][31] - The company ended the quarter with $86 million in unrestricted cash and no borrowings on its revolver, indicating strong liquidity [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Resiliency in private construction markets - Management noted that Hawaii, California, and Texas are showing positive activity in private construction, while Oregon and Montana are experiencing pressure [38][40] Question: Update on Strata integration - The integration of Strata is progressing well, with expectations for positive contributions to margins and overall operations [41][44] Question: Volumes across segments - Management indicated that while the first quarter saw a 9% decline in aggregate volumes, 70% of states experienced increases, and they remain confident in achieving guidance numbers [49][50] Question: End market mix post-acquisitions - The company confirmed that 87% of construction contracting revenue is from public works, with Strata's addition slightly increasing private market influence [52][53] Question: SG&A clarification - Management provided a breakdown of the $13 million increase in SG&A, attributing $8 million to the step-up in investment and $4 million to acquisition-related costs [60][62] Question: Impact of delayed private projects - Delays are primarily in private projects, with expectations for many to resume in the third quarter, particularly in the West Coast region [96][100] Question: Future investment and margin targets - The $20 million step-up in SG&A is seen as an investment in future growth, with management confident in reaching long-term margin targets [92][95]

Financial Performance & Guidance - Q1 2025 revenue increased to $353.5 million, compared to $329.6 million in Q1 2024[8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $(38.0) million, compared to $(17.7) million in Q1 2024[8] - The company projects full-year 2025 revenue between $3.25 billion and $3.45 billion[8] - Full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $530 million and $580 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.6%[8] Strategic Investments & Acquisitions - SG&A expenses increased due to investments in business development and EDGE initiatives, with approximately $8 million in Q1[15] - The company closed on the acquisition of Strata Corporation and Kalama River Quarry in Q1 for $419 million and $10 million respectively[23, 28] - $68 million of Capex approved for organic growth initiatives in 2025[21] Backlog & Infrastructure Funding - Q1 2025 backlog stands at $938.7 million, near the 1Q24 record of $959.5 million[17] - Approximately 87% of the backlog is public work, with an average project size of $3 million and approximately 87% completed within one year[17] Operational Excellence - PIT Crew investments at aggregates plants in Q1 are expected to improve margins[21] - PIT Crew aggregate plant improvements are expected to result in a 30% to 40% average improvement in production capacity[32] Capital Management - The company has a net leverage of 2.5x, in line with its long-term target[21, 43] - Available liquidity stands at $477 million from the Revolver[21, 43]

Core Viewpoint - Knife River (KNF) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ended March 2025, with the consensus outlook indicating a potential impact on the stock price based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate suggests a quarterly loss of $0.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of -6%, while revenues are projected to be $340.9 million, representing a 3.4% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts have not significantly altered their initial projections during this period [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that the Most Accurate Estimate for Knife River is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +2.83%, suggesting a more optimistic outlook from analysts [10]. Zacks Rank and Predictive Power - Despite the positive Earnings ESP, Knife River currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Knife River exceeded the consensus EPS estimate by delivering earnings of $0.41 per share against an expectation of $0.40, resulting in a surprise of +2.50%. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates twice [12][13]. Conclusion - While Knife River does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, it is essential for investors to consider other factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of its earnings release [16].

Core Insights - SaverOne 2014 Ltd. has signed a new commercial agreement with Cemex Czech Republic to deploy its Driver Distraction Prevention System (DDPS) across Cemex's cement truck fleet in the Czech Republic, marking an expansion of their collaboration in Europe [1][2][3] Company Overview - SaverOne specializes in developing transportation safety solutions, particularly focusing on preventing driver distraction caused by mobile phone usage while driving [5][8] - The company's technology aims to enhance road safety by preventing access to distracting applications while allowing necessary functions like navigation [5][6] Strategic Collaboration - The new agreement with Cemex follows a successful implementation of SaverOne's solutions in other European markets, including Israel [2][3] - Cemex emphasizes safety as a core value and is committed to adopting innovative technologies to protect drivers and communities [3][4] Market Potential - SaverOne targets commercial and private vehicle fleets, vehicle manufacturers, and insurance companies, with a focus on the Israeli, European, and US markets [6][8] - The anticipated EU regulations on monitoring and prevention of cellular distraction systems are expected to positively impact demand for SaverOne's technology [6] Technology and Innovation - SaverOne's system is designed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by mobile phone distractions, which are a leading cause of road accidents globally [5][6] - The company is also developing a sensor system for detecting vulnerable road users through their cellphone footprint [9]

Core Viewpoint - Vulcan Materials Company will host its first quarter 2025 earnings conference call on April 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT, with financial results released before the NYSE market opens [1]. Company Information - Vulcan Materials Company is the largest supplier of construction aggregates in the United States, primarily providing crushed stone, sand, and gravel [3]. - The company is also a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete [3]. - Vulcan is a member of the S&P 500 index and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama [3].