Question-and-Answer SessionBill, as I walk over to you, just starting off. There's a lot going on in Atkore. As you know, you're undergoing a strategic review, which includes a lot of potential alternatives, potential sale of the company, maybe some divestitures. So any sort of update on to what's going on? And why did the Board, you think, decide to go this route?William WaltzPresident, CEO & Director Yes. So I'll try to do it, Andy, great kickoff question. Chronologically, I assume like all companies, but ...

Core Insights - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is opening a new campus in Houston, Texas, on February 18, 2026, focusing on career training in four growing industries: automotive, welding, electrical, and HVAC [1][2] - The Houston campus is expected to contribute to filling over 240,000 job openings projected in these fields across Texas by 2032 [1][7] - The campus aims to address skills gaps in the workforce and enhance career opportunities for graduates, reinforcing Lincoln Tech's long-standing presence in Texas since 1966 [2][6] Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation has been a leader in specialized technical training for 80 years, providing career-oriented programs in transportation, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology [8][9] - The company operates 22 campuses across 12 states under three brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College [9] Training Facilities - The Houston campus features fully equipped labs and shops designed to replicate real-world conditions, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce with the necessary technical expertise [5][6] - Programs offered include Automotive Service, Electrical & Electronics, HVAC, and Welding, all tailored to meet industry demands [5][11]

This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter. Young workers and even college graduates are looking at skilled trades more than white collar work this year in a search for stability and solid pay, a survey by a resume-assistance company shows.  Six in 10 Gen Zers plan to pursue jobs in construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, building maintenance and manufacturing, among other trades, according to the sur ...

Core Insights - Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) reported a remarkable third quarter with same-store revenue increasing by 33% and earnings per share more than doubling compared to the previous year [1] - The company achieved over $500 million in free cash flow for the quarter, significantly reshaping business expectations [1] Financial Performance - Revenue reached $2.5 billion, an increase of $639 million from the previous year, driven primarily by the electric segment which saw a 71% revenue increase, while mechanical revenue grew by 26% [2] - The company generated more than $400 million in quarterly EBITDA for the first time, reflecting a 74% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Business Focus and Strategy - Comfort Systems operates across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services for various sectors including commercial, institutional, and industrial customers, focusing on projects such as data centers, hospitals, schools, and manufacturing plants [3] - Management has prioritized operational execution and maintaining a skilled workforce, while also adopting new construction methods like modular building to enhance efficiency [4] Growth and Diversification - The company has diversified its exposure to faster-growing markets such as advanced technology and healthcare, with acquisitions being approached with discipline to enhance capabilities without compromising margins [5]

Summary of Japan Equity Strategy Outlook Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Japanese equity market, specifically the TOPIX index, with a target of 3,600 points by December 2026, indicating a potential increase of nearly 10% from current levels [2][9][15]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Economic Growth and Inflation**: Japan is transitioning from a low-inflation environment to one where inflation is expected to approach 2%, leading to growth, wage increases, and improved pricing flexibility [4][12]. 2. **Corporate Governance Reforms**: Reforms by the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Financial Services Agency are enhancing corporate governance, prompting companies to rethink balance-sheet management [4][13]. 3. **Investment Opportunities**: The report highlights sectors poised for growth, including Construction & Materials, Machinery, Electrical Equipment & Precision Instruments, IT Services, and Banks, while expressing caution towards Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Transportation sectors [9][40][46]. 4. **External Risks**: Significant uncertainty from external shocks is acknowledged, with a wide dispersion between bullish and bearish equity outlooks. Key risks include a potential US economic slowdown and sharp appreciation of the Japanese yen [5][9][35]. 5. **Fiscal Policy**: The Takaichi administration is expected to emphasize economic security and strategic investments in technologies essential for national security, such as AI and semiconductors [5][39]. Important but Overlooked Content 1. **Earnings Projections**: EPS growth for TOPIX constituents is projected at +16% for 2026, with a further +9% increase in 2027, indicating robust corporate earnings momentum [19]. 2. **Valuation Metrics**: The report outlines a forward P/E ratio of 15.0x for the base case, with a potential range from 12.2x in a bear case to 17.0x in a bull case, reflecting a significant range of market expectations [14][19]. 3. **Sector-Specific Insights**: - **Cyclical Sectors**: The report recommends focusing on cyclical sectors that can withstand US economic uncertainties, particularly those backed by government investment [39][40]. - **Underperforming Sectors**: Structural headwinds in Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Transportation sectors are highlighted, with expectations of underperformance during economic expansions [46]. Conclusion - The overall outlook for Japanese equities remains positive, with a strong emphasis on building resilient portfolios to navigate potential external shocks. The anticipated fiscal policies and corporate governance reforms are expected to drive long-term growth and profitability in the Japanese market [5][15][19].

Core Viewpoint - Solar A/S has successfully completed an offering of 646,000 new B-shares, raising gross proceeds of DKK 123,386,000 through an accelerated bookbuilding process [1][2]. Offering Details - The offer price for the new shares is set at DKK 191 per share, contributing to the total gross proceeds of DKK 123,386,000 [2]. - The offering was oversubscribed, leading to an individual allocation of the new shares [4]. - The proceeds from the offering will be utilized to partly finance the acquisition of Sonepar Norge AS [4]. Capital Structure - Following the capital increase, Solar's share capital will consist of nominally DKK 90,000,000 A-shares and nominally DKK 710,600,000 B-shares, totaling a nominal value of DKK 800,600,000 [5]. - The new shares represent approximately 10% of Solar's total B-shares outstanding and about 8.78% of the registered share capital before the capital increase, decreasing to approximately 8.07% after the increase [6]. Trading and Listing - The new shares will be issued in the systems of VP Securities A/S and will be delivered to investors under a temporary ISIN code, which will later merge with the existing ISIN code for the B-shares [7]. - Nasdaq Copenhagen has confirmed that the new shares are expected to be listed under the existing ISIN code on or around 17 November 2025, subject to certain conditions [8]. Lock-Up Commitments - Solar has agreed to a customary lock-up commitment for 180 calendar days from the settlement of the offering, with the executive board and board of directors also committing to a similar lock-up period [3]. Company Overview - Solar is a leading European sourcing and services company focused on electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, and energy solutions, generating revenue of approximately DKK 12.2 billion in 2024 [14][15].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $8.25 per share for Q3 2025, doubling the earnings from the same quarter last year [5] - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2.5 billion, an increase of $639 million or 35% compared to the previous year [7] - EBITDA for the quarter reached $414 million, a 74% increase from $238 million in Q3 2024 [10] - Free cash flow for Q3 2025 was $519 million, with year-to-date free cash flow at $632 million [10] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $292 million, compared to $146 million in Q3 2024 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electrical segment revenue grew by 71%, while mechanical revenue increased by 26% [7] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $608 million, up $226 million from the previous year, with a gross profit percentage of 24.8% [8] - Service revenue increased by 11%, now accounting for 14% of total revenue [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial customers represented 65% of total revenue in the first nine months of 2025, with technology making up 42% of revenue, up from 32% the previous year [12][13] - The backlog at the end of Q3 2025 was a record $9.4 billion, a 65% increase year-over-year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the acquisition of two companies, FZ Electrical and Meisner Electric, expected to provide over $200 million in incremental annual revenue [6][11] - The company plans to continue investing in its modular business, aiming for 3 million square feet of space by early 2026 [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continuing growth and strong results in 2025 and 2026, driven by solid bookings and demand [7] - The company expects same-store revenue growth in the high-teens range for Q4 2025 and low to mid-teens for full-year 2026 [8] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by 20% to $0.60 per share [6] - The company has a net cash position of $725 million as of the end of September [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Does the bidding activity match the bookings and revenue growth seen in Q3? - Management confirmed that the pipeline remains robust, with more opportunities than can be handled [19] Question: How is the company thinking about capital allocation with strong free cash flow? - Management indicated a preference for deploying cash into acquisitions and share buybacks, while also considering accumulating cash if necessary [20][21] Question: Can you provide insights on the backlog growth and its timing? - Management noted that most of the backlog consists of jobs that have already started, with new bookings expected to begin within the next year [68] Question: What is driving the strength in service revenue growth? - The service business is seeing broad strength due to effective execution and investment in Salesforce collaboration [70] Question: How sustainable is the pace of hiring to support growth? - Management indicated that while hiring has been strong, they do not expect to maintain the same growth rate indefinitely, but are focused on training and apprenticeship programs [75]

Core Insights - Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) is recognized as one of the best non-tech stocks to buy, supported by hedge fund interest [1] - UBS has maintained a Buy rating on FIX with a price target of $875.00, citing strong fundamentals and a significant year-to-date stock increase of 67% [2] - The company emphasizes consistent earnings revisions, long-term value development, and robust cash flow return on investment, despite a high valuation of approximately 23 times EBITDA for the next 12 months [3] Company Overview - Comfort Systems USA, Inc. provides design, installation, and maintenance services for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contracts across the United States [4]

Summary of NRW Holdings Conference Call on Acquisition of Freedom Company and Industry - **Company**: NRW Holdings (NWH) - **Acquisition Target**: Freedom, an Australian multi-service electrical, mechanical, HVAC infrastructure technology, and maintenance service provider Core Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: NRW Holdings announced the acquisition of Freedom, which will serve as a strategic fourth pillar called EMIT, enhancing NRW's service offerings and capabilities [2][4] 2. **Freedom's Business Overview**: Freedom operates across four divisions: electrical, mechanical, infrastructure, and technology, employing 2,500 staff and generating $840 million in revenue with normalized EBIT of $38.6 million in FY 2025 [3][4] 3. **Transaction Structure**: NRW will acquire 100% of Freedom for a maximum consideration of up to $200 million, with $122 million payable on completion and an earn-out component based on Freedom's EBIT performance [5][7][9] 4. **Financial Projections**: Freedom is expected to deliver EBIT of approximately $40 million in FY 2026, with 75% of this revenue already secured [17][18] 5. **Strategic Rationale**: The acquisition is seen as transformational, providing NRW with expanded service offerings and access to new markets, particularly in energy transition and digital innovation [11][12] 6. **Workforce Integration**: The acquisition will increase NRW's workforce to approximately 11,500, enhancing its operational capacity [20] 7. **Market Position**: Freedom has a strong reputation, with 70% of its revenue generated from long-term client relationships, indicating reliability and client satisfaction [18] 8. **Pipeline and Growth Opportunities**: NRW has a robust pipeline of $3.5 billion in potential projects, with $1 billion of work already in hand, indicating strong future revenue potential [21][23] 9. **Funding and Financial Strategy**: The acquisition will be funded through available undrawn debt facilities and cash generated by the business, with an initial increase in gearing expected [9][10] 10. **Future Margin Expectations**: NRW targets a 6% EBIT margin for Freedom in the long term, aligning with industry peers [30] Additional Important Content 1. **Sector Diversification**: Freedom's operations span various sectors, including government, healthcare, and infrastructure, providing NRW with diversified revenue streams [14][76] 2. **Due Diligence Process**: A thorough due diligence process was conducted, ensuring confidence in Freedom's ability to meet financial projections [37] 3. **Synergies and Growth Strategy**: The acquisition is not focused on cost synergies but rather on leveraging existing relationships and capabilities to drive revenue growth [28][49] 4. **Client Base Composition**: The client base is predominantly government (66%) versus private (34%), indicating a stable revenue source [77] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding NRW Holdings' acquisition of Freedom, highlighting the strategic importance and expected financial impact of the transaction.

Acquisition Overview - NRW has agreed to acquire 100% of Fredon Industries [20] - The enterprise value is up to $200 million, with an economic effective date of July 1, 2025 [20] - The acquisition multiple is 52x EV/EBIT, assuming maximum Earn Out Consideration is paid [20] - Fredon is expected to generate revenue of approximately $840 million and EBIT of approximately $40 million in FY26 before synergies [20] - The acquisition is funded from existing corporate facilities, including $122 million in initial cash and an earn-out of $45 million to $60 million [20] Fredon's Financial Performance - Fredon generated $840 million in revenue and a normalized EBIT of $386 million in FY25 [16, 20] - Approximately $840 million of revenue is scheduled for delivery in FY26 [17] - Fredon has a pipeline of $36 billion, with submitted tenders of approximately $2 billion [42] Strategic Alignment - The acquisition delivers a 4th pillar "EMIT" aligning with NRW's strategy to grow through expanding the service offering [18] - Fredon has generated approximately 70% of revenue from customers with relationships of over 20 years [34] - NRW expects FY26 full-year revenue to be in excess of $34 billion and EBITA to be between $218 million to $228 million, excluding the Fredon acquisition [51]