Atkore (NYSE:ATKR) 2026 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Atkore - **Date**: February 18, 2026 - **Speakers**: Bill Waltz (President and CEO), John Deitzer (CFO) Key Points Strategic Review and Company Direction - Atkore is undergoing a strategic review, considering various alternatives including potential sale or divestitures to enhance shareholder value [1][2][4] - The board is focused on long-term strategic planning, particularly emphasizing the electrical industry [2][4] - Recent actions include selling the Tectron operation in Wisconsin and exploring alternatives for HDPE [4] Market Performance and Growth Indicators - Atkore anticipates mid-single-digit growth, with half of this expected to come from organic growth [6][18] - Strong performance is noted in data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, and multifamily housing, while single-family housing remains weak [6][18] - The company is experiencing favorable growth trends, supported by leading indicators such as DMI [6] Data Center Market Strategy - Atkore is focusing on direct sales to data centers and chip manufacturers, bypassing distributors in some cases [11][15] - The company has established off-site manufacturing locations to preassemble products for data centers, which has been successful in the U.S. and is expanding to international markets [15][17] Volume Growth and Market Outlook - The company reported low single-digit volume growth in Q1 but maintains a full-year outlook of mid-single-digit growth [18][20] - Anticipated growth in the solar business and construction services is expected to contribute positively to volume growth [20][21] Pricing and Cost Dynamics - Pricing for products has seen a moderation, with a 2.7% decrease in Q1 2026 compared to a 12% decrease in Q1 2025 [59] - The company is managing cost pressures from raw materials, particularly copper and aluminum, which have experienced significant volatility [40][41] Margin Improvement Initiatives - Atkore is closing three manufacturing facilities, which is expected to yield $10-$12 million in benefits, primarily in fiscal 2027 [54][56] - The company is also divesting underperforming businesses to improve margins and return on invested capital [56] Inventory and Channel Health - Channel inventories are reported as normal, with no significant destocking or overstocking observed [26] - Distributors are optimistic about market growth, indicating a healthy channel environment [26] Competitive Landscape and Pricing Strategy - Atkore's pricing strategy involves maintaining a premium for its products through strong relationships with distributors and bundling services [28][36] - The company is navigating the competitive landscape with a focus on differentiating its offerings despite market commoditization [28][36] Future Growth Areas - The company is optimistic about growth in the municipal water sector, with plans to expand its product offerings [91][96] - Atkore is also exploring opportunities in the residential market, although recovery has not yet materialized [101][107] Cash Management and Capital Allocation - Atkore has paused M&A activities and is focusing on internal initiatives, including maintaining its quarterly dividend [114][120] - The company is evaluating its capital allocation strategy, balancing dividends and potential share repurchases [114][120] Emerging Trends and Innovations - The strategic review emphasizes a focus on core electrical products and services, aligning with industry trends [132] Conclusion - Atkore is strategically positioning itself for growth in the electrical industry while managing market challenges and exploring new opportunities in data centers, solar, and municipal water sectors. The company is focused on improving margins through operational efficiencies and divestitures, while maintaining a healthy channel inventory and pricing strategy.