Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 2% year-over-year increase in revenues for Q2 2025, marking a return to sales growth after a period of decline [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 51.4% compared to the previous year, driven by improved margins in the infrastructure segment and lower SG&A spending [7][12] - Net debt decreased to $77.4 million, with gross leverage improving to 2.2 times compared to 2.7 times last year [8][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure segment sales rose by 22.4%, primarily due to a 36% increase in precast concrete sales [6][16] - Rail revenues declined by 11.2%, although friction management sales within the rail segment increased by 17.2% [7][14] - The backlog for rail products increased by 42.5% during the quarter, indicating strong future demand [7][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog for infrastructure solutions totaled $139.2 million, with a 36.8% increase in protective coatings demand [17][25] - The overall backlog improved by 42.5% during the quarter, with significant gains in both rail products and global friction management [15][24] - The company noted that federal project funding began to release in Q2, positively impacting rail customer demand [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic growth and capital allocation towards growth projects, while also maintaining a stock buyback program [39][21] - The strategic execution in the infrastructure segment is expected to drive continued growth, particularly in precast concrete due to government funding programs [27][28] - The company is also exploring tuck-in acquisitions to support its long-term strategy while managing existing operations effectively [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding steady rail customer demand through the remainder of 2025, supported by federal funding [26] - The UK market remains challenging, but the company is taking steps to right-size its operations there [26] - The company anticipates a strong second half of 2025, with a solid order book and favorable business mix [30] Other Important Information - The company successfully negotiated an amendment to its revolving credit facility, increasing borrowing capacity and extending the facility tenure to June 2030 [22] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was reported at 55%, but management expects this to improve as profitability in the UK increases [70][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there high return opportunities in acquisitions or reinvesting in growth projects? - Management indicated a focus on organic growth and capital allocation towards existing operations, while also being open to acquisitions that align with their strategy [39] Question: Is there follow-through on backlog composition for infrastructure and rail products? - Management confirmed strong growth in friction management and precast concrete, with positive backlog support for the second half of the year [41][42] Question: What is the status of the UK business and remaining exposure? - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in the UK but expressed confidence in the right-sizing efforts and the strength of the US operations [50][52] Question: How does the company envision sales growth across segments in the second half? - Management expects strong seasonal performance in Q3 and Q4, supported by a solid backlog and improved gross profit margins [54][55] Question: What is the focus on the EnviroCast business and its expected contribution? - Management emphasized a cautious approach to entering the new market, focusing on quality and productivity, with expectations for long-term growth rather than immediate contributions [58][60]