Atkore (US:ATKR)2025-08-05 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $735 million, with a 2% organic volume growth and adjusted EBITDA of $100 million, while adjusted EPS was $1.63 [8][12][10] - Average selling prices declined by 12% year over year, primarily driven by PVC and steel conduit products, although there was sequential pricing improvement in steel conduit products [12][13][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Electrical segment experienced compressed adjusted EBITDA margins year over year due to pricing declines in PVC and steel conduit products, while the S and I segment saw improved margins driven by volume growth and better productivity [15][12] - Year-to-date volume growth was observed in metal framing, cable management, and construction services, with low single-digit growth in electrical cable and flexible conduit categories [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dodge Momentum Index indicated a slowdown in planning activity across several non-residential categories, with mixed construction sentiment observed [9][10] - Imported steel conduit and PVC conduit volumes declined year over year, indicating a shift in market dynamics influenced by tariffs [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial profile while pursuing strategic actions to enhance its portfolio of domestically manufactured electrical products [23][20] - The ongoing tariff environment is expected to influence market pricing dynamics and broader demand patterns, with a focus on onshoring manufacturing [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged several headwinds for FY 2026, including lower selling prices and broader tariff effects, estimating approximately $50 million of unmitigated headwinds [22][10] - The company remains optimistic about growth in key electrical end markets, despite near-term challenges [23][24] Other Important Information - The CEO announced plans to retire, emphasizing a commitment to a seamless transition and continued focus on the company's strategy and employees [5][6] - The company generated $192 million in cash flow from operations year-to-date and remains committed to returning cash to shareholders [16][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Volume growth visibility for FY 2026 - Management noted that end markets like data centers are experiencing growth, but overall volume forecasting remains challenging due to macroeconomic dynamics [31][32] Question: Demand trends in the water end market - The company is focusing on municipal markets, which are showing growth, while residential-related markets are down [36][37] Question: Impact of tariffs on steel conduit imports - Tariffs have significantly reduced the flow of Mexican steel conduit, with both steel and PVC imports down significantly in the last quarter [48][50] Question: Demand visibility and backlog - The current backlog is approximately two weeks, with distributors holding lower inventories due to recent pricing dynamics [52][55] Question: Pricing surprises in the quarter - Pricing for PVC and steel was slightly better than expected, with two quarters of sequential improvement in steel pricing [59][60] Question: Headwinds for FY 2026 - The majority of the anticipated $50 million headwinds are due to pricing declines experienced in FY 2025, with additional factors like aluminum tariffs also contributing [67][68] Question: Capital allocation and share buyback strategy - The company plans to maintain a capital allocation framework focused on dividends, share repurchases, and M&A, with a commitment to spend $150 million this year [78][80]