Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record first quarter revenue of $634.7 million, an increase of 4% year-over-year, primarily driven by higher cement and wallboard sales volume, as well as contributions from recently acquired aggregates businesses [4][14] - Diluted net earnings per share decreased by 5% to $3.76, attributed to lower earnings in cement due to higher operating costs, partially offset by a 3% reduction in fully diluted shares from the share buyback program [4][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the heavy materials sector, revenue increased by 5%, driven by increased cement sales volume and a 21% increase in concrete and aggregates revenue. Aggregates sales volume surged by 117%, including contributions from recently acquired businesses, with organic aggregates sales volume up 29% [15] - The light materials sector saw a 1% increase in revenue, reflecting higher wallboard sales volume, but was partially offset by lower wallboard sales prices. Operating earnings in this sector decreased slightly due to lower net sales prices, despite lower input costs [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregate volumes improved significantly year-over-year, aided by the integration of two recently acquired quarries and organic growth [8] - Cement volumes also improved year-over-year, marking the first quarter since December 2023 with an increase in cement sales volumes, despite weather disruptions in several markets [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on operational improvement and sustainability initiatives, aiming to enhance its competitive advantage as a low-cost producer [5][6] - Strategic investments are being made in modernization and expansion projects, including the Laramie, Wyoming cement plant and the Duke, Oklahoma wallboard facility, with a total capital spending expectation of $475 million to $525 million for fiscal 2026 [12][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding demand trends, noting stable order trends across major business lines despite macroeconomic uncertainties [8] - The company anticipates that high capacity utilization rates in the cement industry will lead to an improved pricing environment as cement sales volumes rebound [9][11] Other Important Information - The company generated operating cash flow of $137 million, reflecting improved working capital management, and repurchased 358,000 shares for $79 million during the first quarter [16][17] - The net debt to capitalization ratio remained at 46%, with a net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 1.6 times, indicating significant financial flexibility [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Wallboard performance and demand drivers - Management noted that geographic positioning and trailing twelve-month volume analysis are key factors in outperforming the market, despite ongoing affordability issues in housing [20][21] Question: Cost expectations for wallboard - Natural gas prices have stabilized, and the company has sufficient natural gypsum reserves, indicating no immediate cost concerns [22][23] Question: Impact of ramp-up at new facilities - The ramp-up at the new facility has been a drag on earnings, but improvements are expected as operations stabilize [26][27] Question: Future wallboard margins - Margins are expected to have natural seasonality, but no one-time issues are anticipated moving forward [28][29] Question: Cement volume trends and regional dynamics - Cement volume trends have been consistent, driven by infrastructure spending, with no significant deviations noted across regions [34][36] Question: Outlook for wallboard volumes - Demand for wallboard is expected to remain under pressure due to housing affordability issues, but long-term prospects are viewed positively [41][42] Question: Cement pricing outlook - Management is optimistic about mid to long-term pricing potential as supply-demand dynamics tighten, although short-term price increases may be challenging [49][50]