Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported sales of 128.8 million, a 26.8% increase compared to the prior year [22] - Gross margins for the year improved to 24.3%, an increase of 70 basis points from the previous year [22] - In the fourth quarter, sales were 29.6 million, a 7.9% increase from the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal coatings generated sales of 912 million for fiscal year 2025 [11] - Metal coatings delivered an EBITDA margin of 30.9%, while pre-coat metals had an EBITDA margin of 19.6%, both showing strength from increased volume and improved operational performance [13][14] - The galvanizing segment within metal coatings increased by 2.6% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The construction sector, particularly bridge and highway construction, drove significant sales growth due to infrastructure investments [12] - The company experienced over 200 days of lost production in Q4 due to adverse weather conditions, impacting construction activity [12][13] - Organic top-line growth for the full year was 2.6% over the prior year [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on debt reduction while also prioritizing capital allocation strategies, including paying dividends and investing in enterprise-wide technologies [16] - The strategy includes pursuing both organic market share growth and inorganic acquisition growth [19] - The company is evaluating M&A opportunities in the U.S. market, focusing on synergistic targets that enhance long-term shareholder value [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a strong start in Q1 2026, particularly in metal coatings, recovering from the previous quarter's weather impacts [48][49] - The company anticipates continued infrastructure spending related to the AIIJA program and expects public and private investment to remain resilient [37] - Management reiterated guidance for fiscal year 2026, projecting sales between 1.725 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of 400 million [41] Other Important Information - The company generated cash flows from operations of 975 million, expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2025 [32][33] - The new aluminum coil coating facility in Washington, Missouri, has started commercial production and is expected to ramp up volumes throughout the fiscal year [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for recovery from bad winter weather? - Management indicated that April showed recovery from Q4 shortfalls, with strong performance expected in metal coatings [48] Question: What is included in the guidance for the Avail joint venture? - Guidance reflects minimal impact from the Avail JV, with a nominal level of income expected post-sale [55] Question: How is the order book momentum affected by the macroeconomic environment? - Management reported positive short-term outlooks, with projects moving forward and customer confirmations [60] Question: What are the debt reduction goals following the JV transaction? - Management confirmed that reducing debt by approximately 8 to $12 million due to weather, most of which has been recovered in subsequent months [88] Question: Are there any materials impacted by tariffs? - Management confirmed that while some secondary supply items have been impacted, key inputs like zinc and paint remain unaffected [125][128] Question: What is the potential for acquisitions moving forward? - The acquisition pipeline looks strong, with several active deals being evaluated, particularly in galvanizing and pre-coat segments [101]
AZZ(AZZ) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript