AZZ(US:AZZ)2026-01-08 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record sales of $426 million in the third quarter, a 5.5% increase from $403.7 million in the prior year period [4][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $91.2 million, or 21.4% of sales, compared to $90.7 million, or 22.5% of sales for the same period last year [12][13] - Reported net income for the third quarter was $41.1 million, up from $33.6 million in the same quarter of the prior year [12] - The company maintained a cash dividend of $0.20 per share, marking 63 consecutive quarters of returning capital to shareholders [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment sales rose 15.7% year over year, driven by higher volumes and strong demand from infrastructure projects [5][9] - Precoat Metals experienced a sequential improvement over the prior quarter, though sales were down 1.8% year over year due to softness in construction, HVAC, and transportation markets [5][9] - Food and beverage container demand reached new record highs, driven by new customer acquisitions and market share gains [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Increased end market demand was driven by growth in infrastructure modernization, energy transition, and industrial reshoring, along with data center construction and renewable energy projects [6] - The U.S. infrastructure investment cycle and investments in generative AI and machine learning technologies are driving demand for high power density and advanced cooling systems [17] - Non-residential construction remained subdued, primarily due to interest rate and tariff-related uncertainty, while residential construction was also soft [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth opportunities, including evaluating several strategic tuck-in acquisitions to expand market reach in metal coatings and Precoat Metals [20][21] - The proprietary ERP platform is emphasized as a core differentiator, enhancing operational efficiencies and customer connectivity [7] - The company is committed to a disciplined approach to M&A, targeting opportunities that drive sustainable growth and shareholder value [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the markets have stabilized and sees opportunities for growth, particularly in the Metal Coatings segment [25] - The company anticipates a strong finish to the fiscal year, with expectations for flat to modest growth in construction through calendar year 2026 [18][20] - The fourth quarter is expected to present easier year-over-year comparisons due to last year's weather-related impacts [19] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of a majority interest in its welding solutions business, simplifying its portfolio [8] - The net debt position at the end of the quarter was $534.7 million, with a net leverage ratio of 1.6 times [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of government shutdown on order backlogs - Management indicated that the Metal Coatings segment does not have much backlog but has a good forward look from sales, feeling optimistic about finishing the year strong [24] Question: Operating environment for Precoat segment - Management believes the Precoat segment has bottomed and is stabilizing, with opportunities arising from the ramp-up at the Washington plant [26] Question: M&A opportunities - The M&A pipeline is active, focusing on bolt-on acquisitions that align with the company's growth strategy [32] Question: Sensitivity to aluminum prices - Management does not expect significant sensitivity to aluminum prices, as the shift to aluminum in the container market is driven by consumer preferences [35] Question: Impact of weather on fourth quarter performance - Management noted that last year's fourth quarter was impacted by severe weather, and they expect better conditions this year [42] Question: Pricing in the metal coatings segment - Management discussed the impact of larger projects on margins, indicating a disciplined approach to pricing while pursuing volume growth [48]