Atkore (ATKR)2025-05-06 12:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved net sales of 116 million, with adjusted EBITDA margins expanding sequentially to 16.6% from 15% in the previous quarter [11] - Adjusted EPS was reported at 2.4 year-over-year [6][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic volumes increased by 5% compared to a 1% decline in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year [11] - Average selling prices declined by 17% year-over-year, primarily due to decreases in PVC and steel conduit products, although there was sequential pricing improvement for steel conduit [11][12] - The Electrical Cable and Flexible Conduit category grew year-to-date by low single digits, while metal framing, cable management, and construction services saw high single-digit growth [13][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dodge Momentum Index indicated a slowdown in planning activity across several non-residential categories [10] - Despite year-to-date increases in construction starts and planning activities, there are indications of potential slower activity moving forward [19] - The company remains optimistic about demand for U.S.-made steel conduit in 2025, despite uncertainties regarding tariffs and their economic impact [9][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maximizing shareholder value through strategic asset management, including a recent divestiture of its Northwest Polymers recycling business [6][7] - A new five-year labor agreement was ratified with the United Steel Workers, enhancing productivity and customer service capabilities [7] - The company is committed to a balanced capital deployment model, emphasizing cash returns to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [16][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding future demand, noting that while the second quarter exceeded expectations, growth in the Construction Services business is expected to moderate in the second half of the year [18][20] - The company maintains its full-year fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance in the range of 425 million and adjusted EPS between 6.85 [20] - Management highlighted the challenges posed by tariffs and the unpredictability of the macroeconomic environment, which could impact volume expectations [19][20] Other Important Information - An impairment charge of 50 million in shares during the second quarter and increased its dividend to $0.33 per share [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for PVC conduits for the balance of the year - Management indicated that pricing has continued to decline but remains aligned with previous guidance, making it difficult to predict future pricing accurately [29] Question: Market share for PVC conduit - Management believes Atkore remains a leader in the PVC conduit market, despite increasing imports [30][31] Question: Import levels and potential pricing upside - Management noted that PVC imports are up solid double digits year-over-year, but future trends are uncertain due to tariffs and market dynamics [38][39] Question: Net tariff benefit in updated fiscal guidance - Management suggested that a 2% to 3% reduction in volume could be offset by tariff increases, indicating a net positive for shareholders [59] Question: Update on steel conduit imports from Mexico - Management confirmed that while there has been a reduction in imports, they have not completely stopped, and the 25% tariff will impact pricing strategies [61][63] Question: Impairment of HD PVC and competitive changes - The impairment was influenced by emerging technologies in fiber optics and the administration's plans to increase funding for satellite internet [66][67] Question: Direction from the administration on tariffs - Management stated there has been no concrete direction from the administration regarding tariffs, leading to a prudent decision to take the impairment charge [72][75] Question: Profitability of the torque tube business without IRA support - Management confirmed that the torque tube business remains profitable even without IRA support, although the IRA has driven additional demand [83][86] Question: Cadence of demand for products - Management reported that demand has improved month-over-month, with cautious optimism from customers regarding future volumes [93][94] Question: Construction services opportunity and data centers - Management indicated that data centers are expected to become the largest portion of construction services moving forward, alongside chip manufacturing [95][96]