Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved a 12% increase in net sales compared to the previous year, with adjusted EBITDA growing by 14% and adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 70 basis points [7][21] - The company reported double-digit growth for the second consecutive year, marking the fifth consecutive year of net sales and earnings growth [8][21] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased by 17%, and adjusted free cash flow rose by 16% [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mineral Fiber segment saw a 3% sales growth in Q4, driven by a 6% increase in average unit value (AUV), despite lower sales volumes due to external factors [16][17] - Architectural Specialties (AS) segment delivered an 11% top-line growth in Q4, supported by contributions from recent acquisitions and organic growth [19][21] - Mineral Fiber adjusted EBITDA margin reached a record 42.1% in Q4, while AS segment adjusted EBITDA margin was approximately 18%, below the 20% target due to project delays [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates flat to 1% growth in Mineral Fiber volume for 2026, with AUV growth expected to be around 6% [25][26] - High single-digit organic growth is expected in the AS segment, driven by market penetration and contributions from recent acquisitions [25][26] - The company expects total net sales growth of 8%-10% in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA growth of 8%-12% [25][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation, operational excellence, and expanding its architectural specialties business through acquisitions [30][34] - Recent acquisitions, including Eventscape, are expected to enhance the company's ability to partner with architects and designers, driving growth in commercial buildings [34][37] - The company is prioritizing energy-efficient building solutions and data centers as key growth areas, aligning with macro trends in construction [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about slightly improving market conditions in 2026, despite ongoing uncertainties related to policy and geopolitical events [37] - The transportation vertical is expected to remain a growth area, along with gradual recovery in the office vertical [38] - Management noted that project bids for office spaces are significantly higher than inflationary levels, indicating increased investment in tenant improvements [60][62] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, with $533 million remaining under the existing share repurchase authorization [24] - The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation, prioritizing reinvestment in the business, strategic acquisitions, and returning cash to shareholders [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the price and mix split for the 6% AUV growth in 2026? - Management indicated that the AUV performance was above historical levels, with a slight bias towards price rather than mix due to inflationary pressures [46] Question: How should we think about strategic continuity and top priorities under new leadership? - The new CEO emphasized that there will be no pivot in strategic direction, focusing on innovation, growth initiatives, and productivity [48][49] Question: Can you discuss the operating environment and the momentum of new products? - Management noted that while the overall starts of work in the marketplace are flat, the values of bids for office spaces are significantly higher, indicating a positive trend [58][60] Question: What are the expectations for input inflation in 2026? - Input inflation is expected to be in the mid-single-digit range, with specific components like energy seeing higher inflation [68][69] Question: What gives confidence in the architectural specialties organic growth returning to high single digits? - Management highlighted strong backlog growth and order intake at double-digit levels, indicating confidence in returning to high single-digit growth [85][86]

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 24, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsChris Calzaretta - CFOJohn Lovallo - Managing DirectorKeith Hughes - Managing Director of Sell Side Equity ResearchMark Hershey - COOPhilip Ng - Managing DirectorSean Kelleher - Managing DirectorStephen Kim - Senior Managing DirectorTheresa Womble - VP of Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsTomohiko Sano - Co-head of Japan Equity ResearchVic Grizzle - CEOConference Call ParticipantsAdam B ...

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 24, 2026 10:00 AM ET Speaker7Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Regina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Armstrong World Industries fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question during ...