Giverny Capital Asset Management, LLC, an investment management company, recently published its fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the same can be downloaded here. The Portfolio returned 0.01% compared to 2.66% for the S&P 500. YTD, the fund returned 12.58% compared to 17.88% for the Index. The firm faced a challenging fourth quarter and calendar year, despite solid appreciation. The outperformance of a few large technology companies has negatively impacted performance, given the portfolio's und ...

Core Insights - The company reported solid financial results for Q3 2025, generating $2.7 billion in revenue and $638 million in adjusted EBITDA, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24% despite challenging market conditions [5][20][21] - The roofing segment faced a uniquely quiet storm season, impacting demand, while the insulation business experienced weakening residential trends [6][7][10] - The company remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, returning over $700 million to shareholders and maintaining a commitment to return $2 billion over 2025 and 2026 [6][23] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q3 decreased by 3% year-over-year due to lower volumes, but adjusted EBITDA remained strong at $638 million [20][21] - The company achieved an adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.67 for the quarter [21] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $752 million, up from $558 million in the same period last year, reflecting disciplined working capital management [22] Market Conditions - The roofing market was impacted by the absence of named storms in the U.S. for the first time in a decade, leading to lower demand [7][25] - The insulation business saw a 7% revenue decline primarily due to lower demand for residential products and the sale of the building materials business in China [27] - The doors segment experienced a 5% revenue decline, attributed to slower discretionary spending and weaker new construction activity [29] Strategic Initiatives - The company is investing in operational efficiencies and expanding capacity, including a new plant in Alabama for roofing products [12][14] - The contractor network has grown by about 9% since the beginning of the year, reflecting the company's strong commercial position [13] - The company is on track to achieve $125 million in enterprise cost synergies from the doors business integration [30][15] Outlook - For Q4, the company anticipates revenue to decline mid to high teens compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA margins expected to be around 16% to 18% [34][40] - The roofing segment is expected to see a high 20% decline in shipments due to lower storm activity and inventory management [35] - The insulation business is projected to decline high single digits in revenue, primarily due to lower demand in North America [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $2.5 billion for Q1 2025, a 25% increase year-over-year from $2 billion in Q1 2024 [7][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter totaled $565 million, marking a 10% increase from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% [7][19] - The recordable incident rate for safety was 0.54, which is 80% lower than the manufacturing industry average [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Roofing segment revenue was $1.1 billion, up 2% year-over-year, with EBITDA of $332 million and EBITDA margins of 30% [22][24] - Insulation segment revenues were $909 million, a 5% decrease from the previous year, with EBITDA of $225 million and EBITDA margins of 25% [25][27] - Doors business generated revenue of $540 million, with EBITDA of $68 million and EBITDA margins of 13% [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for repair and remodel activities remained challenged, except for non-discretionary re-roofing, which remained solid [9][10] - New residential construction started the year slower due to elevated interest rates, accounting for about 25% of enterprise revenue [9][10] - Non-residential markets, which account for about 20% of the business, remained stable overall [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-value building product categories and is making phased investments in roofing and insulation businesses to support long-term growth [9][12] - Strategic divestitures are ongoing, including the sale of Glass Reinforcements and the Building Materials business in China and Korea, to streamline operations [13][14] - The company aims to reshape itself into a branded building products leader, driving higher returns and long-term value creation [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted mixed market conditions in North America and Europe, with expectations for solid demand in non-discretionary re-roofing but weaker residential new construction [34] - For Q2 2025, the company anticipates revenue growth in the high single digits compared to Q1 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margins in the low to mid-twenty percent range [34] - The management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outperform the market despite mixed near-term conditions [41] Other Important Information - The company published its nineteenth annual sustainability report, highlighting efforts to keep employees safe and reduce greenhouse gas emissions [15][16] - Owens Corning was recognized by Barron's as one of the hundred most sustainable companies in the US, ranking fourth on the annual list [17] - The company will host its 2025 Investor Day on May 14 at its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about scheduled capacity additions in the insulation sector - Management acknowledged the industry dynamics and emphasized the long-term need for insulation materials due to underbuilding in the housing market [43][49] Question: Pricing expectations for fiberglass insulation - Management indicated that while there is a positive pricing environment, the second half of the year may see challenges due to market dynamics [51][52] Question: Tariff mitigation strategies - Management outlined various mitigation strategies, including optimizing supply chains and positioning inventory ahead of tariffs, resulting in a reduced net impact from tariffs [56][60][62] Question: Balancing market share versus defending margins - Management reiterated a focus on value creation for customers while maintaining competitiveness in pricing to defend margins [65][68] Question: Update on roofing demand and storm activity - Management reported strong demand in roofing, with ongoing repair work and a positive outlook for storm season activity [88][90]