Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims of potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (B&W) and its officers or directors [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation is prompted by allegations that B&W may have engaged in securities fraud [1] - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information regarding the investigation [1] Group 2: Allegations and Impact - On March 12, 2026, Wolfpack Research published a report claiming that B&W's contract for supplying boilers for a $2.4 billion power generation project is linked to BRC Group Holdings, B&W's largest shareholder [3] - The report suggests that the deal may serve as a means for BRC Group to provide exit liquidity, leading to a significant drop in B&W's stock price and harming investors [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Babcock & Wilcox reported consolidated revenues of $587.7 million for 2025, a modest increase from $581 million in 2024 [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was 53% higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, while operating income increased by 373% year-over-year [12] - The company achieved a net debt of $119.7 million at the end of 2025, a significant improvement of $217.3 million compared to $337 million at the end of 2024 [13][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Parts and services revenues grew by over 17% in 2025, driven by increased coal generation usage and growing baseload demand in North America [5][14] - The backlog for continuing operations rose to $2.8 billion, a 470% increase compared to the end of 2024 [11] - The pipeline of over $12 billion grew by roughly 20% in 2025, even after converting the recent project to backlog [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing coal plants in the U.S. have been operating at less than 50%, with utilities reconditioning these plants to meet rising power demand [5] - The demand for power in North America is expected to continue growing, positioning Babcock & Wilcox to support AI data center expansion and increased baseload generation [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on the growing global demand for baseload electrical generation, with a robust pipeline exceeding $12 billion in project opportunities [18] - Babcock & Wilcox is focusing on the AI data center space, with a significant contract valued at $2.4 billion to deliver 1.2 gigawatts of electricity [7][9] - The company is also exploring new power generation utilizing coal technologies, driven by rising demand for fossil fuel-based power generation [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's growth prospects, anticipating strong financial performance throughout 2026 [18] - The company is confident in meeting construction timelines for the Base Electron project, leveraging previously engineered boilers to accelerate delivery schedules [27][28] - Management highlighted the importance of partnerships with manufacturers and labor unions to ensure timely delivery and project execution [19][50] Other Important Information - Babcock & Wilcox fully paid off outstanding bonds due in February 2026 and expects to pay off remaining bonds due in December 2026 [12][17] - The company is celebrating its 160th anniversary, reflecting on its historical milestones and innovations in power generation technologies [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the dynamics of the Base Electron project and its timeline? - Management explained the transition from a limited notice to proceed to a full contract, emphasizing the variability in project scope and timelines [25][26] Question: What is the visibility into the guidance increase and expected contributions from the power generation project? - Management indicated that the guidance increase includes contributions from the power project, but specifics depend on cost recognition and project timelines [29][30] Question: Can you provide an update on the coal to gas project and its timeline? - Management confirmed that the project is on schedule, with completion expected in 2026 and into 2027 [36] Question: How mature are the discussions for other projects in the pipeline? - Management acknowledged that discussions are mature but did not provide specific timelines, indicating potential announcements in the coming weeks [59] Question: How significant has the announcement of the Applied contract been for attracting new interest? - Management noted a significant increase in inbound interest from various market participants following the announcement, indicating validation of their solutions [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Babcock & Wilcox reported consolidated revenues of $587.7 million for 2025, a modest increase from $581 million in 2024 [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was 53% higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, with operating income up 373% year-over-year [20] - The company achieved a significant reduction in net debt, ending 2025 with $119.7 million, down from $337 million at the end of 2024 [22][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Parts and services revenue grew by over 17% in 2025, driven by increased coal generation usage and growing baseload demand in North America [9][25] - The backlog for continuing operations rose to $2.8 billion, a 470% increase compared to the end of 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing coal plants in the US have been operating at less than 50% capacity, with utilities reconditioning these plants to meet rising power demand [8] - The company’s pipeline of opportunities exceeded $12 billion, growing by roughly 20% in 2025 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Babcock & Wilcox is focused on expanding into power generation for AI data centers, with a robust pipeline of project opportunities [31] - The company announced a full approval for a $2.4 billion project with Base Electron, aimed at delivering 1.2GW of electricity [11][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting construction timelines for the Base Electron project, with site visits and manufacturing processes already underway [42][44] - The company anticipates strong financial performance throughout 2026, driven by global demand for baseload electrical generation [32] Other Important Information - The company is celebrating its 160th anniversary, reflecting on its historical milestones and innovations in power generation technologies [34][35] - Babcock & Wilcox is actively working with the Boilermaker Union to prepare the labor force needed for upcoming projects [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the dynamics of the Base Electron project and its timeline? - Management explained the transition from a limited notice to a full notice to proceed, highlighting the variability in project scope and final amounts [40][41] Question: What is the visibility into the guidance increase and expected contributions from the power generation project? - Management indicated that the guidance increase includes contributions from the power project, but specifics will depend on cost recognition as work progresses [46][47] Question: Can you provide an update on the coal to gas project and the pipeline for similar opportunities? - Management confirmed that the coal to gas project is on schedule, with additional conversion projects being discussed due to rising natural gas prices [54][56] Question: How mature are the discussions on other projects compared to Base Electron? - Management noted that discussions are ongoing and some projects are in advanced stages, but specific timelines cannot be disclosed yet [80][82] Question: How has the announcement of the Applied contract impacted market interest? - Management reported significant inbound interest from various market participants following the announcement, indicating a positive market response [85][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenues were $587.7 million, a modest increase from $581 million in 2024 [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was 53% higher compared to Q4 2024, while operating income increased by 373% year-over-year [12] - Net debt at the end of 2025 was $119.7 million, a significant improvement of $217.3 million from $337 million at the end of 2024 [13][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Parts and services revenue grew by over 17% in 2025, driven by increased coal generation usage and growing baseload demand in North America [5][14] - The backlog for continuing operations rose to $2.8 billion, a 470% increase compared to the end of 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for power in North America is increasing, leading to a re-engagement of existing coal plants, which have been operating at less than 50% capacity [5][10] - The company’s pipeline of project opportunities exceeded $12 billion, growing by roughly 20% in 2025 [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on the growing global demand for baseload electrical generation, particularly in the AI data center space [19] - A significant contract with Base Electron, valued at $2.4 billion, is expected to deliver 1.2 gigawatts of electricity, supporting AI factory campuses [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting construction timelines for the Base Electron project, with site visits and manufacturing processes already underway [30] - The company anticipates strong financial performance throughout 2026, driven by robust demand for its technologies [19][20] Other Important Information - The company has fully paid off outstanding bonds due in February 2026 and expects to pay off remaining bonds due in December 2026 [12][18] - The BrightLoop advancements are evolving, focusing on converting solid and gas fuels to hydrogen or steam generation while capturing CO2 [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the dynamics of the Base Electron project and its timeline? - Management explained the transition from a limited notice to a full notice to proceed, highlighting the variability in project scope and contract terms [27][30] Question: What is the visibility into the guidance increase and expected contributions from the power generation project? - The guidance increase includes contributions from the power project, but specifics depend on the timing of costs incurred on-site [31][32] Question: Can you provide an update on the coal to gas project and its timeline? - Management confirmed that the project is on schedule, with completion expected in 2026 and into 2027 [38] Question: What is the capacity to take on additional projects in the pipeline? - The company is working closely with turbine manufacturers to ensure capacity and has confidence in meeting the demands of upcoming projects [48][50] Question: How have recent announcements impacted market interest? - Management noted a significant increase in inbound interest from various market participants following the announcement of the Applied contract [64][66]

Core Insights - Madison Mid Cap Fund's fourth-quarter 2025 performance showed a decrease of 1.2%, underperforming the Russell Midcap Index, which increased by 0.2% [1] - The Russell Midcap Index achieved a full-year return of 10.6%, marking an annual increase of over 14% [1] - The market in 2025 favored more volatile and speculative companies, presenting challenges for the Fund's focus on high-quality, profitable businesses [1] Company Insights - A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) was added to the Madison Mid Cap Fund's portfolio, recognized as a leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers, and water treatment products [2][3] - The stock of A. O. Smith Corporation closed at $69.82 per share on March 10, 2026, with a one-month return of -12.96% and a 52-week gain of 6.37% [2] - A. O. Smith has a market capitalization of $9.655 billion [2] - The company benefits from a consistent demand profile, with 80-85% of water heater demand coming from replacement units [3] - A. O. Smith is positioned to capitalize on upcoming energy regulations and improved capital deployment under new CEO Steve Shafer [3] Market Position - A. O. Smith Corporation is not among the 40 most popular stocks among hedge funds heading into 2026, with 34 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q4 2025, down from 46 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, certain AI stocks are viewed as offering greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to A. O. Smith [4]

Core Insights - A. O. Smith Corporation (AOS) is experiencing strong demand for commercial water heaters and boilers in North America, with organic sales in India increasing by 12.9% year over year in 2025 [1][8]. Group 1: Sales and Growth - A. O. Smith expects sales from its North America boiler business to grow approximately 6-8% in 2026, while volumes from the commercial water heater business are anticipated to increase in mid-single digits [1]. - The company completed the acquisition of LVC Holdco LLC (Leonard Valve) for $470 million in January 2026, which is expected to contribute approximately $70 million to its sales in 2026 [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - In 2025, A. O. Smith paid dividends totaling $195.7 million and repurchased shares worth $400.8 million, with a 6% increase in dividends to 36 cents per share announced in October 2025 [3]. - The company expects to repurchase shares worth approximately $200 million in 2026, and it had cash and cash equivalents of $174.5 million at the end of 2025, significantly higher than its current debt of $42.3 million [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Risks - The Rest of the World segment faced challenges with lower volumes of residential water treatment and water heater products in China, leading to a 4% decline in revenues year over year in 2025 [7][8]. - A. O. Smith issued a lackluster sales outlook for China, expecting a mid-single digit decrease in local currency for 2025 [7]. - Rising operating expenses, particularly a 2.7% increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses in 2025, pose a threat to the company's bottom line [8][9].

Core Insights - Burnham Holdings, Inc. reported strong growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by record net sales and strategic portfolio adjustments aimed at enhancing its core boiler business [1][4] - The company recognized a loss of $23.5 million from the divestiture of legacy asbestos liabilities, impacting net income significantly [2][4] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q4 2025 reached $91.1 million, a 13.8% increase from Q4 2024, while full-year net sales climbed to $258.1 million, up from $233.2 million in 2024 [4][11] - Gross profit margin improved to 25.0% in Q4 2025 from 24.2% in Q4 2024, with a year-to-date gross margin of 23.0% for 2025, up from 22.3% in 2024 [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $12.0 million (13.2% of net sales), an increase from $7.9 million (9.9% of net sales) in Q4 2024 [4][16] - Net income for Q4 2025 was a loss of $31.3 million, or $6.68 per share, compared to a net income of $4.5 million in Q4 2024 [4][11] Strategic Initiatives - The company divested a substantial portion of its subsidiaries' legacy asbestos liabilities, transferring responsibility to Burnham Industries, LLC, which included a loss on divestiture of $23.5 million [2][4] - A group annuity contract was purchased to transfer $90.4 million of pension obligations to a third-party insurance company, resulting in a non-cash pre-tax pension settlement charge of $23.0 million [3][4] - The company initiated a strategic wind-down of operations at Crown Boiler to enhance manufacturing efficiency and focus on growth avenues, incurring impairment charges totaling $3.9 million [5][4] Shareholder Returns - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.23 per share, payable on March 26, 2026 [7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025 improved to $1.62, up from $0.96 in 2024, marking a new all-time high for the full year at $2.55 compared to $1.76 in 2024 [4][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase over the previous year, with earnings per share (EPS) rising 6% to a record $3.85 [10][6] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $546 million, a 15% increase compared to 2024, with a free cash flow conversion rate of 100% [13][14] - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly up from 2024, with a segment margin of 24.4%, an increase of 20 basis points year-over-year [10][11] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% due to higher commercial and residential volumes [7][10] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [8][9] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to lower sales in China [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [9][11] - The company expects China sales to decrease mid-single digits in 2026 due to ongoing market challenges [20][21] - The India business, including Pureit, is projected to grow approximately 10% as the company leverages brand synergies [21][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence as key strategic priorities [22][24] - The acquisition of Leonard Valve is aimed at expanding into the water management market, enhancing digital capabilities and integrated product offerings [26][27] - The company plans to continue investing in gas tankless offerings and other energy-efficient products to maintain market leadership [16][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the U.S. residential market is expected to remain flat to down due to pressures in new home construction [18][19] - The company anticipates a return to growth in China in the second half of 2026, driven by internal actions and market recovery [21][38] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate competitive pressures and maintain profitability through strategic actions [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, with a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share approved [14][15] - The company expects to repurchase approximately $200 million of its stock in 2026 [17][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, with emergency and proactive replacements remaining stable [36][37] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management highlighted the need to move past the impact of government subsidies and focus on remodeling and refurbishments as key drivers for growth [38] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management noted that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but emphasized their strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [42][43] Question: What is the growth outlook for the water treatment business? - Management expressed optimism about continued growth and margin expansion in the water treatment business, driven by strategic focus and integration efforts [70][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase over the previous year, with earnings per share (EPS) rising 6% to a record $3.85 [9][5][4] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $546 million, a 15% increase compared to 2024, driven by lower capital investments and higher earnings [12][10] - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly increasing from 2024, with segment earnings of $728 million, up 2% year-over-year [9][10] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% due to higher commercial and residential volumes [6][7] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [8][6] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to a 12% decline in China [10][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [8][10] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in China sales for 2026, with expected challenges in the first half of the year [20][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its portfolio through acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Leonard Valve, which expands its water management market reach [5][26] - Strategic priorities include portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence to drive long-term growth [21][22] - The company is focusing on expanding its water treatment business and enhancing profitability through targeted investments [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic environment, citing strong performance in commercial markets despite challenges in residential channels [4][5] - The outlook for 2026 includes an expected EPS range of $3.85-$4.15, reflecting a 4% growth over 2025 [14][15] - Management noted that the first half of 2026 may be particularly challenging due to subdued consumer demand in China [20][19] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, with a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share approved [14][13] - The company plans to repurchase approximately $200 million of its stock in 2026 [16][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, with emergency and proactive replacements remaining stable [35][36] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management noted that the return to growth will be driven by moving past the phase of government subsidies and focusing on remodel and refurbishment needs [37][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management explained that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but they maintain a strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [41][42] Question: How do you expect price costs to trend through the year? - Management expects to protect the price-cost relationship but acknowledges potential challenges due to rising input costs [55][54] Question: What are the growth prospects for Leonard Valve? - Management indicated that Leonard Valve has been growing at double digits, and they expect it to contribute approximately $70 million in sales in 2026 [54][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $3.8 billion in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year [9] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 6% to a record $3.85, compared to adjusted earnings of $3.73 per share in 2024 [5][9] - Free cash flow reached $546 million in 2025, a 15% increase over 2024, with a conversion rate of 100% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America segment sales were $3 billion, slightly up from 2024, with a segment margin of 24.4%, an increase of 20 basis points year-over-year [9][10] - North America water heater sales increased by 1%, while boiler sales grew by 8% [6][9] - Water treatment sales in North America decreased by 2%, but sales in priority channels grew by 10% [7][8] - Rest of the World segment sales decreased by 4% to $880 million, primarily due to a 12% decline in China [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, third-party sales decreased by 12% in local currency due to economic weakness and soft consumer demand [8] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit decline in China sales for 2026, with expected challenges in the first half of the year [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio management, innovation, and operational excellence as key strategic priorities [22] - The acquisition of Leonard Valve is aimed at expanding into the water management market and enhancing digital capabilities [25][26] - The company plans to continue investing in gas tankless offerings and expects to generate strong free cash flow in 2026 [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the softness in new home construction is expected to persist into 2026, impacting residential industry volumes [18][35] - The company is optimistic about returning to growth in China in the second half of 2026, driven by internal actions and market recovery [20][36] - The outlook for 2026 includes an expected EPS range of $3.85-$4.15, representing a 4% growth over 2025 [15] Other Important Information - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 [5][14] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share, marking over 30 consecutive years of dividend increases [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is causing the persistent downturn in residential volumes? - Management indicated that the downturn is primarily due to pressures in new home construction, which is expected to continue without stimulus or lower interest rates [34][35] Question: What indicators suggest a return to growth in China? - Management highlighted the need to move past the phase of government subsidies and focus on remodel and refurbishment demand as key drivers for growth [36] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive intensity in the wholesale channel? - Management noted that competitive pressure is increasing due to low new home construction and retail gaining market share, but they maintain a strong position in both retail and wholesale channels [41][42] Question: How will earnings and revenue cadence look in 2026? - Management expects a more normalized year in 2026, with a potential 50/50 split between the first and second halves, contrasting with previous years where the front half was stronger [44][45] Question: What are the growth prospects for Leonard Valve? - Leonard Valve is expected to contribute approximately $70 million in sales in 2026, with a growth rate in the double digits driven by digital market expansion [52][53]