Company Overview - Sonoco Products Company reported a total revenue of $7.5 billion and a net income of $591 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - The company has a dividend yield of 4.31% and its stock price was $49.01 as of market close on February 3, 2026, reflecting a 7.9% increase over the past year, although it underperformed the S&P 500 by 9.0 percentage points [4][6] Business Model and Operations - Sonoco operates as a leading global provider of packaging solutions, with a diversified product portfolio that includes industrial and consumer packaging products such as rigid paper containers, metal and peelable membrane ends, and flexible packaging [6][7] - The company has two main segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging, serving a wide range of industries including food, beverage, and construction across global markets [7][8] Recent Financial Activity - Valley Wealth Managers, Inc. sold 479,832 shares of Sonoco Products Company, with the estimated transaction value at $19.9 million, leading to a decline in the fund's position by $20.7 million quarter over quarter [2][6] - Following the sale, the remaining position in Sonoco was reduced to 475 shares, valued at $20,729 at the end of the quarter [6] Market Position and Growth - Despite a significant revenue surge of 42% in 2025, Sonoco is characterized as a relatively slow-growing business with a history of low top-line growth [9] - The company’s competitive position is supported by its broad geographic reach and focus on innovation within the packaging industry [8]

Company Overview - Eagle Materials operates as a leading U.S. supplier of construction materials, with a balanced portfolio that includes cement, aggregates, wallboard, and paperboard [6] - The company generates revenue through the mining, manufacturing, and distribution of heavy and light building materials, serving both commercial and residential construction, as well as infrastructure projects [9] Recent Developments - On February 13, 2026, Black Creek Investment Management Inc. disclosed a new position in Eagle Materials, acquiring 502,120 shares in the fourth quarter with an estimated trade value of $103.78 million [1][2] - This new position accounted for 5.1% of Black Creek's 13F reportable assets as of December 31, 2025 [8] Financial Performance - Eagle Materials reported $556 million in quarterly revenue and $3.22 in diluted EPS for its fiscal third quarter [10] - Cement volumes rose 9% year over year, while organic aggregates volumes climbed 34%, despite a 14% decline in gypsum wallboard volumes [10] - The company has a net debt of approximately $1.37 billion and a net leverage ratio of 1.8x, indicating a disciplined balance sheet [11] Market Position - As of February 12, 2026, shares of Eagle Materials were priced at $232.67, down 5.1% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 18.0 percentage points [8] - The company repurchased about 648,000 shares for $142.6 million in the quarter, reinforcing its capital allocation consistency [11]

Core Insights - Madison Small Cap Fund experienced a challenging third quarter in 2025, with a decline of 1.3% in its performance, significantly underperforming benchmarks due to stock selection and a speculative market environment [1] Company Analysis: Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) - Eagle Materials Inc. is identified as a leading U.S. manufacturer of heavy construction materials and light building materials, with a one-month return of -13.13% and a 52-week loss of 35.57% [2][3] - The stock closed at $202.52 on November 20, 2025, with a market capitalization of $6.572 billion [2] - The company is viewed favorably due to its strong financial traits, including high margins, return on invested capital (ROIC), and return on equity (ROE) [3] - Despite a prolonged downturn in the residential construction cycle, Eagle Materials has gained market share due to its geographical footprint and cost-competitive wallboard assets [3] - The current intrinsic value estimate for Eagle Materials is calculated at $269 per share, based on conservative assumptions regarding margin expansion and share buybacks [3]