Atkore (US:ATKR)2025-08-05 13:02Financial Performance - The company reported net sales of $735 million for the third quarter, achieving adjusted EBITDA of $100 million and adjusted EPS of $1.63, with a 2% organic volume growth compared to the previous year [9][13][18] - 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 [13][14][18] Business Segment Performance - 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 [16][18] - Year-to-date volume growth was observed in metal framing, cable management, and construction services, with low single-digit growth attributed to ongoing focus in these areas [15][16] Market Dynamics - The company noted a decline in imported steel conduit and PVC conduit volumes year over year, indicating a shift in market dynamics influenced by tariffs [10][20] - The Dodge Momentum Index indicated a slowdown in planning activity across several non-residential categories, with mixed construction sentiment observed [10][11] Strategic Direction - The company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial profile, focusing on operational excellence through the Atkore business system [24][25] - The management emphasized the importance of onshoring manufacturing and the potential to recapture market share from imports, particularly in steel conduit products [20][21] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and the capabilities of its teams, despite the challenges posed by tariffs and pricing dynamics [7][11] - The outlook for FY 2026 anticipates headwinds from lower selling prices and broader tariff effects, with management actively evaluating measures to mitigate these impacts [11][23] Other Important Information - The company is maintaining its full-year adjusted EBITDA midpoint of $400 million and raising the midpoint of adjusted EPS to $6.5, reflecting improved visibility and stronger earnings leverage [11][18] - The company generated $192 million in cash flow from operations year to date and remains committed to returning cash to shareholders [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Volume growth visibility for FY 2026 - Management acknowledged challenges in forecasting volumes but expressed optimism for growth in data centers and solar markets, indicating reasonable growth expectations for the upcoming year [33][34][36] Question: Demand trends in the water end market - Management noted mixed demand trends in the water end market but highlighted growth in municipal projects, indicating a focus on this vertical moving forward [38][39] Question: Impact of tariffs on steel conduit imports - Management confirmed that tariffs have significantly reduced the flow of steel conduit imports from Mexico, with both steel and PVC imports down significantly in the last fiscal quarter [50][52] Question: Earnings visibility and backlog - Management indicated that the backlog is approximately two weeks, with average inventory levels among distributors, suggesting a cautious approach to inventory management [55][57] Question: Pricing dynamics in the quarter - Management reported that pricing for PVC and steel was slightly better than expected, with two consecutive quarters of improved steel pricing [61][62] Question: Headwinds for FY 2026 - Management outlined that the anticipated $50 million headwinds for FY 2026 are primarily due to pricing declines experienced in FY 2025, with additional pressures from aluminum costs [70][72] Question: Capital allocation strategy - Management reiterated a commitment to a balanced capital allocation model, emphasizing share buybacks, dividends, and strategic investments [80][82]