Core Viewpoint - Stella-Jones Inc. is set to unveil its financial objectives and capital allocation priorities for the 2026-2028 period, emphasizing a growth strategy focused on operational excellence and value creation for stakeholders [1][2]. Financial Objectives - The company has introduced a three-year financial objective framework, starting with the Q4 2026 financial reports, to maintain a three-year outlook [3]. - Key financial targets for 2026-2028 include: - Annual Sales: Targeting approximately $4,000 million by 2028, up from approximately $3,500 million [4]. - Annual Organic Sales Growth: Aiming for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4-5%, compared to 4.5% CAGR for 2023-2025 [4]. - EBITDA Margin: Targeting 17.5-18.5%, slightly below the 17.9% margin achieved in 2023-2025 [4]. - Earnings Per Share (EPS): Aiming for greater than 10% CAGR, a new metric introduced for better alignment with growth strategy [4]. Capital Allocation Strategy - The company expects to maintain an EBITDA-to-free cash flow conversion rate of approximately 50% [5]. - Key priorities in the capital allocation strategy include: - Broadening its vision to be the supplier of choice for utilities and railroads [5]. - Targeting annual sales of approximately $4 billion by 2028, supported by the current asset base [5]. - Maintaining an elevated EBITDA margin of 17.5-18.5% [5]. - Introducing an EPS growth target of greater than 10% to align with strategic objectives [5]. - Shifting to an opportunistic share repurchase strategy in line with growth priorities [5]. Maintenance and Growth Capital Expenditures - The company plans to invest approximately 2.5% of sales annually in maintenance capital expenditures, translating to $85 to $95 million per year [6]. - Strategic growth opportunities will involve investments in capital expenditures and value-accretive acquisitions [6]. Commitment to Financial Health - Stella-Jones is committed to maintaining an investment-grade credit rating and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio within the range of 2.0x-2.5x, with some flexibility for working capital and strategic investments [7]. Key Assumptions - The financial targets for 2026-2028 are based on several assumptions, including organic sales growth in wood utility poles and railway ties, and the impact of recent acquisitions [13].

Financial Performance - Sales for Q2 2025 were $1,034 million, a decrease of $15 million from $1,049 million in Q2 2024 [3][4] - Gross profit was $206 million, down from $226 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 19.9% compared to 21.5% in the prior year [3][7] - Operating income decreased to $155 million from $168 million, with an operating income margin of 15.0% [3][8] - EBITDA for the quarter was $189 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 18.3%, down from 19.1% in Q2 2024 [3][8] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $106 million, or $1.91 per share, compared to $110 million, or $1.94 per share, in Q2 2024 [3][9] Acquisition and Strategic Developments - The company completed the acquisition of Locweld, a steel transmission structure manufacturer, for a total consideration of $58 million [5][15] - This acquisition is expected to enhance the company's infrastructure offerings and position it to capitalize on new investment opportunities [2][5] Market Outlook and Guidance - The company has revised its revenue outlook for 2025 to approximately $3.5 billion, down from the previous estimate of $3.6 billion, due to ongoing macroeconomic challenges [16] - The revised guidance reflects lower-than-expected organic sales growth in utility poles and a modest decline in railway ties sales [16][17] Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of June 30, 2025, the company had available liquidity of $693 million and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.4x [14][17] - The company returned $54 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [14] Segment Performance - Utility poles sales increased to $476 million, while railway ties sales decreased to $240 million, reflecting a shift in treatment practices by a major customer [13] - Residential lumber sales remained stable at $246 million, with higher market prices offsetting softer demand [13]

Financial Performance - Stella-Jones reported sales of CAD 773 million for Q1 2025, a slight decrease from CAD 775 million in Q1 2024, with pressure-treated wood sales down by CAD 36 million or 5% due to lower volumes across most product categories [4][6] - Gross profit for the quarter was CAD 168 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 21.7%, down from 22.2% in the previous year [3][7] - Operating income increased to CAD 143 million, up from CAD 124 million in Q1 2024, aided by an insurance settlement of CAD 38 million [8][9] - EBITDA rose to CAD 179 million, with an EBITDA margin of 23.2%, compared to CAD 156 million and a margin of 20.1% in the same period last year [8][9] Acquisition Strategy - The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Locweld Inc. for CAD 58 million, enhancing its infrastructure offerings in the steel transmission structure industry [2][14] - The acquisition is expected to unlock investment opportunities and create more value for customers and shareholders [2][14] Liquidity and Capital Resources - Stella-Jones maintained robust liquidity of CAD 691 million at the end of the quarter and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.6x [10][32] - The company utilized its liquidity to support seasonal working capital needs, repurchase CAD 15 million of shares, and declared a dividend of CAD 17 million [10][13] Segment Performance - Utility poles sales increased to CAD 419 million, while railway ties sales decreased to CAD 208 million, reflecting a 14% decline in volumes [12] - Residential lumber sales remained stable at CAD 88 million, and industrial product sales increased to CAD 39 million [12]