Q2 2026 AZZ Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #4: Good Good day, and welcome to AZZ's second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings conference call and webcast. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the STAR key followed by zero.

Operator: Good day and welcome to AZZ Inc.'s second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings conference call and webcast. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on a touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Sandy Martin of Three Part Advisors. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press STAR, then 1 on a touchtone phone.

Speaker #4: To withdraw your question, please press STAR, then 2. Please note, this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Sandy Martin of 3Part Advisors.

Speaker #4: Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning. Thank you for joining us today to review AZZ's second quarter fiscal 2026 results for the period ended August 31st, 2025. Joining the call today are Tom Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Crawford, Chief Financial Officer and David Nark, Chief Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations Officer.

Sandra Martin: Good morning. Thank you for joining us today to review AZZ Inc.'s second quarter fiscal 2026 results for the period ended August 31, 2025. Joining the call today are Tom Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jason Crawford, Chief Financial Officer, and David Nark, Chief Marketing, Communications, and Investor Relations Officer. After today's prepared remarks, we will open the call for questions. Please note that the live webcast for today's call can be found at www.azz.com/investor-events. Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that our discussion today will include forward-looking statements made in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking statements are uncertain and outside the company's control.

Speaker #5: After today's prepared remarks, we will open the call for questions. Please note that the live webcast for today's call can be found at www.azz.com/investor-events.

Speaker #5: Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that our discussion today will include forward-looking statements made in accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Speaker #5: By their nature, forward-looking statements are uncertain and outside the company's control. Except for actual results, AZZ's comments containing forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties some of which are detailed from time to time in documents filed by AZZ with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the latest annual report on Form 10-K.

Sandra Martin: Except for actual results, AZZ Inc.'s comments containing forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties, some of which are detailed from time to time in documents filed by AZZ Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the latest annual report on Form 10-K. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon them. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations. In addition, today's call will discuss non-GAAP financial measures, which should be considered supplemental and not as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. We refer our shareholders to our reconciliations from GAAP to non-GAAP measures contained in today's earnings press release. I would now like to turn the call over to Tom Ferguson.

Speaker #5: These statements are not guarantees of future performance; therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon them. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations.

Speaker #5: In addition, today's call will discuss non-GAAP financial measures, which should be considered supplemental and not as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. We refer our shareholders to our reconciliations from GAAP to non-GAAP measures contained in today's earnings press release.

Speaker #5: I would now like to turn the call over to Tom Ferguson.

Speaker #6: Thank you, Sandy. Good morning, and thank you for joining us to review AZZ's financial results today. We delivered solid second-quarter results. Total sales increased by 2%, adjusted earnings per share rose 13.1%, and operating cash flow improved by 23%.

Tom Ferguson: Thank you, Sandy. Good morning, and thank you for joining us to review AZZ's financial results today. We delivered solid second quarter results. Total sales increased by 2%, adjusted earnings per share rose 13.1%, and operating cash flow improved by 23%, underscoring our disciplined execution in a highly dynamic environment. Metal Coatings achieved a strong double-digit sales growth supported by higher volumes and sustained momentum related to robust infrastructure project activity. Metal Coatings margins of 30.8% were down slightly as our mix of solar and transmission distribution increased, and these tend to be slightly lower margin markets. We remain confident in the strength of our core markets and the growth potential ahead for galvanized steel in construction, industrial, and electrical utility projects this year.

Speaker #6: Underscoring our disciplined execution in a highly dynamic environment. Metal Coatings achieved a strong double-digit sales growth, supported by higher volumes and sustained momentum related to robust infrastructure project activity.

Speaker #6: Metal coating margins of 30.8% were down slightly, as our mix of solar and transmission distribution increased. These tend to be slightly lower margin segments.

Speaker #6: We remain confident in the strength of our core markets and the growth potential ahead for galvanized steel in construction, industrial, and electrical utility projects this year.

Speaker #6: Similar to others in the industry this quarter, Preco Metals faced some mixed market conditions, particularly in relation to tariffs. But focused on protecting margins while pursuing market share opportunities.

Tom Ferguson: Similar to others in the industry this quarter, Precoat Metals faced some mixed market conditions, particularly in relation to tariffs, but focused on protecting margins while pursuing market share opportunities. While Precoat benefited from the tariff impact on pre-painted imported metal, they faced headwinds due to softer building construction that extended to HVAC and appliance end markets. Looking ahead, we're encouraged by Precoat's new customer wins, which are generating market share gains. This is primarily due to a strong focus on key markets impacted by reduced access to imported pre-painted metal, including the aluminum container market. Our container and beverage results continue to reach new highs during the quarter, indicating that the shift from plastic to aluminum is gaining momentum as we ramp production at the new facility in Washington, Missouri.

Speaker #6: While Preco benefited from the tariff impact on prepainted imported metal, they faced headwinds due to softer building construction that extended to HVAC and appliance end markets.

Speaker #6: Looking ahead, we are encouraged by Preco's new customer wins which are generating market share gains. This is primarily due to a strong focus on key markets impacted by reduced access to imported prepainted metal.

Speaker #6: Including the aluminum container market, our container and beverage results continue to reach new highs during the quarter, indicating that the shift from plastic to aluminum is gaining momentum as we ramp production at the new facility in Washington, Missouri.

Speaker #6: However, the overall demand outlook remains mixed for Preco's end markets. So we are maintaining a cautious outlook as ongoing tariffs have contributed to customer hesitation on non-infrastructure-related projects.

Tom Ferguson: However, the overall demand outlook remains mixed for Precoat's end markets, so we are maintaining a cautious outlook as ongoing tariffs have contributed to customer hesitation on non-infrastructure-related projects. Dave will provide more details on industry trends and AZZ's end markets shortly. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $88.7 million, reflecting a margin of 21.3%. The divestiture of the Electrical Products Group through the AVAIL joint venture created a modest EBITDA headwind in the quarter, which Jason will address shortly. At our new Washington, Missouri facility, sales continue to increase and operating leverage is improving as we ramp up production. We remain confident in achieving gross margin improvements as volumes grow at the new site through the second half of the year. AZZ's proprietary technology continues to set us apart.

Speaker #6: They will provide more details on industry trends and AZZ's end markets shortly. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was 88.7 million dollars, reflecting a margin of 21.3%.

Speaker #6: The divestiture of the electrical products group through the Avail joint venture created a modest EBITDA headwind in the quarter, which Jason will address shortly.

Speaker #6: At our new Washington, Missouri facility, sales continued to increase and operating leverage is improving as we ramp up production. We remain confident in achieving gross margin improvements as volumes grow at the new site through the second half of the year.

Speaker #6: AZZ's proprietary technology continues to set us apart. We continue to pursue technology upgrades ranging from updating system applications, continuing to migrate data systems to Oracle, exploring AI opportunities, and developing new galvanizing and coating processes to drive operational efficiencies across our broad network of facilities.

Tom Ferguson: We continue to pursue technology upgrades ranging from updating system applications, continuing to migrate data systems to Oracle, exploring AI opportunities, and developing new galvanizing and coating processes to drive operational efficiencies across our broad network of facilities. As is normal for our Metal Coatings team, they quickly integrated the newly acquired Ohio facility onto Oracle and DGS, which is our proprietary digital galvanizing system. With that, I will turn it over to Jason.

Speaker #6: As is normal for our Metal Coatings team, they quickly integrated the newly acquired Ohio facility onto Oracle and DGS, which is our proprietary digital galvanizing system.

Speaker #6: With that, I will turn it over to Jason.

Speaker #7: Thank you, Tom. For the second quarter, we reported sales of $417.3 million, representing a 2% increase from $409 million in the prior year period.

Jason Crawford: Thank you, Tom. For the second quarter, we reported sales of $417.3 million, representing a 2% increase from $409 million in the prior year period. Growth was led by our Metal Coatings segment, where sales increased 10.88% over the prior year's quarter, driven by higher volumes and supported by infrastructure-related spending across our largest verticals. In contrast, Precoat Metals' sales declined 4.3% due to a weaker end-market environment, reflecting lower volumes in building, construction, HVAC, and appliance end markets. As Tom mentioned, Precoat continues to win market share in a competitive and dynamic marketplace. The second quarter's gross profit was $101.3 million, or 24.3% of sales, compared to $103.5 million, or 25.3% of sales in the same quarter of the prior year.

Speaker #7: Growth was led by our Metal Coating segment, where sales increased 10.8% over the prior year's quarter, driven by higher volumes and supported by infrastructure-related spending across our largest verticals.

Speaker #7: In contrast, Preco Metals' sales declined 4.3% due to a weaker end market environment, reflecting lower volumes and building construction HVAC and appliance end markets.

Speaker #7: As Tom mentioned, Preco continues to win market share in a competitive and dynamic marketplace. The second quarter's gross profit was 101.3 million dollars, or 24.3% of sales, compared to 103.5 million dollars, or 25.3% of sales, in the same quarter of the prior year.

Speaker #7: The Preco Metals segment margins were impacted by customer buying patterns, and the introduction of our new aluminum coil coating facility. Which, when combined contributed to other small dragon margins.

Jason Crawford: The Precoat Metals segment margins were impacted by customer buying patterns and the introduction of our new aluminum coil coating facility, which when combined contributed to other small drag on margins. Whereas in the Metal Coatings segment, product mix was slightly unfavorable in comparison to the prior year quarter. Selling, general, and administrative expenses totaled $32.8 million in the second quarter, or 7.9% of sales. This compares favorably to last year's second quarter, which was $35.9 million, or 8.8% of sales. Operating income for the quarter was $68.5 million, or 16.4% of sales, compared with $67.6 million, or 16.5% of sales in the prior year's second quarter, reflecting the strength in operational execution on lower volumes. As noted last quarter, Fenway, our 60% joint venture partner on AVAIL, divested the majority of its Electrical Products Group business in the quarter.

Speaker #7: Whereas in the Metal Coating segment, product mix was slightly unfavorable in comparison to the prior year quarter. Sailing general and administrative expenses totaled 32.8 million dollars in the second quarter, or 7.9% of sales.

Speaker #7: This compares favorably to last year's second quarter, which was $35.9 million, or 8.8% of sales. Operating income for the quarter was $68.5 million, or 16.4% of sales.

Speaker #7: Compared with 67.6 million dollars, or 16.5% of sales, in the prior year's second quarter. Reflecting the strength in operational execution on lower volumes. As noted last quarter, Fernway, our 60% joint venture partner in avail, divested the majority of its electrical products business in the quarter.

Speaker #7: For the second quarter, this transaction resulted in accounting adjustments to record an additional gain on the sale. Combined with other adjustments and the operating performance of the remaining businesses, we reported equity and earnings of $59.3 million in the quarter.

Jason Crawford: For the second quarter, this transaction resulted in accounting adjustments to record an additional gain on the sale. Combined with other adjustments and operating performance of the remaining businesses, we reported equity earnings of $59.3 million in the quarter. On an adjusted basis, our quarterly equity earnings reflected a loss of $2.3 million from continuing operations. The loss in the quarter is primarily due to the excess overhead costs resulting from the divestiture of the Electrical Products Group business and a traditionally weaker summer season from AVAIL's welding solutions business. Looking ahead, regarding our 40% ownership interest in the remaining AVAIL business, which now consists of welding services, lighting, and some international joint ventures, we are forecasting equity and earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries to be zero for the remainder of the year.

Speaker #7: On an adjusted basis, our quarterly equity and earnings reflected a loss of $2.3 million from continuing operations. The loss in the quarter is primarily due to the excess overhead costs resulting from the divestiture of the electrical products business and the additionally weaker summer season from Avail's welding solutions business.

Speaker #7: Looking ahead, regarding our 40% ownership interest in the remaining Avail business, which now consists of welding services, lighting, and some international joint ventures, we are forecasting equity and earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries to be zero for the remainder of the year.

Speaker #7: Interest expense for the second quarter was 13.7 million dollars, representing a significant improvement of 8.2 million dollars from the prior year, due to a combination of debt paydown, debt repricing, and accounts receivable securitization facility introduced in the quarter.

Jason Crawford: Interest expense for the second quarter was $13.7 million, representing a significant improvement of $8.2 million from the prior year due to a combination of debt paydown, debt repricing, and the accounts receivable securitization facility introduced in the quarter. The accounts receivable facility has a borrowings limit of $150 million and is accounted for as secured borrowings with an interest rate of one month SOFR plus 95 basis points, creating expected annual interest savings of $1.4 million versus current borrowings on the term loan. During the quarter, 100% of the proceeds received from this facility were used to pay down existing debt. The current quarter's income tax expense was $25 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21.9% compared to a 25.6% tax rate in the prior year's quarter.

Speaker #7: The accounts receivable facility has a borrowings limit of 150 million dollars, and is accounted for as secured borrowings with an interest rate of one month so far plus 95 basis points.

Speaker #7: Creating expected annual interest savings of $1.4 million versus current borrowings on the term loan. During the quarter, 100% of the proceeds received from this facility were used to pay down existing debt.

Speaker #7: The current quarter's income tax expense was $25 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21.9%, compared to a 25.6% tax rate in the prior year's quarter.

Speaker #7: The tax rate reduction in the quarter is due to an increase in R&D tax credits, attributable to technology spend and our new build Washington, Missouri facility.

Jason Crawford: The tax rate reduction in the quarter is due to an increase in R&D tax credits attributable to technology spend and our new-built Washington, Missouri facility. Reported net income for the second quarter was $89.3 million, compared to $35.4 million for the prior year quarter. Since our non-GAAP measure for adjusted net income excludes, amongst other items, equity and earnings from the AVAIL divestiture of $61.6 million, AZZ Inc. reported adjusted net income of $46.9 million or adjusted diluted EPS of $1.55. This compares favorably to the prior year's adjusted net income of $41.3 million or adjusted diluted EPS of $1.37, an increase of 13.1% compared to the same period of the prior year. Second quarter adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million or 21.3% of sales compared to $91.9 million or 22.5% of sales in the prior year.

Speaker #7: Reported net income for the second quarter was 89.3 million dollars, compared to 35.4 million dollars for the prior year quarter. Since our non-GAAP measure for adjusted net income excludes amongst other items, equity and earnings from the avail divestiture are 61.6 million dollars, AZZ reported adjusted net income of 46.9 million dollars, or adjusted diluted EPS of $1.55.

Speaker #7: This compares favorably to the prior year's adjusted net income of $41.3 million, or adjusted diluted EPS of $1.37, an increase of 13.1% compared to the same period of the prior year.

Speaker #7: Second quarter adjusted EBITDA was $88.7 million, or 21.3% of sales. This is compared to $91.9 million, or 22.5% of sales, in the prior year.

Speaker #7: Excluding the impact of equity and earnings, our adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter would have been 91 million dollars, or 21.8%, compared to 90.4 million dollars, or 22.1%, in the same quarter last year.

Jason Crawford: Excluding the impact of equity and earnings, our adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter would have been $91 million or 21.8% compared to $90.4 million or 22.1% in the same quarter last year. Turning to our financial position and balance sheet, for the second quarter, we generated cash flow from operations of $58.4 million. Consistent with our capital allocation strategy, in the quarter we invested $19.3 million in capital expenditures for the businesses, invested a further $30.1 million in the acquisition of our new galvanizing facility in Canton, Ohio, and increased our dividend payments to shareholders over the prior year. With a slight paydown of debt in Q2, combined with our continued financial performance, our credit agreement net leverage ratio remained at 1.7 times, compared to 2.7 times in Q2 of last year.

Speaker #7: Coming into our financial position and balance sheet. For the second quarter, we generated cash flow from operations of 58.4 million dollars. Consistent with our capital allocation strategy, in the quarter we invested 19.3 million dollars in capital expenditures for the businesses, invested a further 30.1 million dollars in the acquisition of our new galvanizing facility in Canton, Ohio, and increased our dividend payments to shareholders over prior year.

Speaker #7: With a slight paydown of debt in Q2, combined with our continued financial performance, our credit agreement net leverage ratio remained at 1.7 times, compared to 2.7 times in Q2 of last year.

Speaker #7: As communicated, we continue to maintain a disciplined approach to our capital allocation strategy, transitioning our focus to investments in organic growth and strategic M&A, while returning value to our shareholders through cash dividends and share buybacks, and maintaining our debt leverage in the target range of 1.5 to 2.5 times.

Jason Crawford: As communicated, we continue to maintain a disciplined approach to our capital allocation strategy, transitioning our focus to investments in organic growth and strategic M&A, while returning value to our shareholders through cash dividends and share buybacks and maintaining our debt leverage in the target range of 1.5 to 2.5 times. With that, I'll turn the call over to David.

Speaker #7: With that, I'll turn the call over to David.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Jason. Let me begin with an update on the infrastructure investment in Jobs Act. As of August of this year, the Department of Transportation reported that 73% of IIJA program funds totaling $399 billion had been committed to specific projects.

David Nark: Thank you, Jason. Let me begin with an update on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As of August of this year, the Department of Transportation reported that 73% of IIJA program funds, totaling $319 billion, had been committed to specific projects, with approximately $177 billion already outlaid. Similarly, according to the Department of Energy website, 77%, or $74.9 billion, had been obligated to certain projects. Both agencies are expected to continue to announce awards for initiatives throughout the balance of this year. We believe that because the current legislation is scheduled to expire in 2026 and requires projects such as utility-grade solar to be completed by the end of next year, IIJA-related spending is having a positive effect on demand for our metal coating segment. We expect multi-year tailwinds associated with IIJA spending and will continue to monitor discussions regarding potential reauthorization beyond 2026 once the government reopens.

Speaker #2: With approximately $177 billion already outlaid, according to the Department of Energy website, 77%, or $74.9 billion, had been obligated to certain projects. Both agencies are expected to continue to announce awards or initiatives throughout the balance of this year.

Speaker #2: We believe that because the current legislation is scheduled to expire in 2026 and requires projects such as utility-grade solar to be completed by the end of next year, IIJA-related spending is having a positive effect on demand for our Metal Coating segment.

Speaker #2: We expect multi-year tailwinds associated with IIJA spending and will continue to monitor our discussions regarding potential reauthorization beyond 2026 once the government reopens. During AZZ's second quarter, we continued to see infrastructure, non-building, and civil works projects as a bright spot.

David Nark: During AZZ's second quarter, we continue to see infrastructure, non-building, and civil works projects as a bright spot, offset by softness in non-residential and residential building construction. Reported end-market sales for AZZ were up, including utilities up 19%, consumer up 7.6%, while construction sales were up by less than 1% as compared to the same quarter last year. As noted today and in prior quarters, end-market growth in utilities is elevated due to IIJA-related project spending, particularly solar, transmission and distribution, and data center projects. As Tom mentioned, the transition to aluminum packaging in both the food and beverage sectors remains a significant growth driver for AZZ. Our container end market has sustained strong momentum this year, supported by a continued ramp-up of the production at our new Greenfield facility in Washington, Missouri, and recent share gain activity.

Speaker #2: Offset by softness in non-residential and residential building construction. Reported end market sales for AZZ were up, including utilities up 19%, consumer up 7.6%, while construction sales were up by less than 1% compared to the same quarter last year.

Speaker #2: As noted today, and in prior quarters, end market growth in utilities is elevated due to IIJA-related project spending, particularly solar, transmission, and distribution, and data center projects.

Speaker #2: As Tom mentioned, the transition to aluminum packaging in both the food and beverage sectors remains a significant growth driver for AZZ. Our container end market has sustained strong momentum this year, supported by continued ramp-up of the production at our new Greenfield facility in Washington, Missouri, and recent share gain activity.

Speaker #2: While we have seen increased opportunities from tariffs associated with imported prepainted aluminum steel, weakness in both non-residential building, particularly commercial office and retail construction, as well as residential building has created some divergence in our construction end market sales.

David Nark: While we have seen increased opportunities from tariffs associated with imported pre-painted aluminum steel, weakness in both non-residential building, particularly commercial, office, and retail construction, as well as residential building, has created some divergence in our construction end-market sales. However, our teams remain well-positioned to execute through the balance of the fiscal year, and we are approaching calendar year 2026 with measured optimism. With that, I will now turn the call back over to Tom.

Speaker #2: However, our teams remain well-positioned to execute through the balance of the fiscal year, and we are approaching calendar year 2026 with measured optimism. With that, I will now turn the call back over to Tom.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Dave. We continue to see a strong pipeline of project-related activity driven by megatrends such as the energy transition and the growing demand for electricity generation to support the rapid growth of data centers.

Tom Ferguson: Thanks, Dave. We continue to see a strong pipeline of project-related activity driven by megatrends such as energy transition and the growing demand for electricity generation to support the rapid growth of data centers. Grid modernization, transmission line expansion, and the integration of multiple energy sources will fuel further demand at our plants. As the country continues its journey to reindustrialize, the AI boom and cloud expansion are driving massive data center projects and infrastructure development. With higher interest rates lasting longer than anticipated, new housing development and related supporting projects remain muted. Public infrastructure spending tends to be less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, as it is often funded through grants, bonds, or supported by subsidies. Overall, we anticipate and have planned for a multi-year tailwind in infrastructure spending, particularly in energy and power generation capacity, despite the potential for continued pressure on residential construction.

Speaker #6: Grid modernization and transmission line expansion and the integration of multiple energy sources will fuel further demand at our plants. As a country continues its journey to reindustrialize, the AI boom and cloud expansion are driving massive data center projects and infrastructure development.

Speaker #6: With higher interest rates lasting longer than anticipated, new housing development and related supporting projects remain muted. Public infrastructure spending tends to be less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, as is often funded through grants, bonds, or supported by subsidies.

Speaker #6: Overall, we anticipate and have planned for a multi-year tailwind in infrastructure spending, particularly in energy and power generation capacity, despite the potential for continued pressure on residential construction.

Speaker #6: For our 2026 fiscal year, we are reiterating guidance for total sales, EBITDA, and adjusted EPS. We anticipate that our sales will be in a range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion.

Tom Ferguson: For our 2026 fiscal year, we are reiterating guidance for total sales, EBITDA, and adjusted EPS. We anticipate that our sales will be in a range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion. Adjusted EBITDA will be within the lower half of the range of $360 million to $400 million due to the lack of AVAIL equity income as they continue to transition without the Electrical Products Group businesses. Adjusted diluted earnings per share will be in a range of $5.75 to $6.25, which translates to an increase of between 10% to 20% over the fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings. Although markets may be choppy in the second half of our current fiscal year, which extends through February 2026, our numbers are supported by strength in projects and structural steel demand forecasts. We continue to strengthen our operational performance and maintain disciplined execution at each of our facilities.

Speaker #6: Adjusted EBITDA will be within the lower half of the range of $360 million to $400 million, due to the lack of available equity income as they continue to transition without the electrical products businesses.

Speaker #6: Adjusted diluted earnings per share will be in a range of $5.75 to $6.25, which translates to an increase of between 10% to 20% over the fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings.

Speaker #6: Although markets may be choppy in the second half of our current fiscal year, which extends through February 2026, our numbers are supported by strength in projects and structural steel demand forecasts.

Speaker #6: We continue to strengthen our operational performance and maintain disciplined execution at each of our facilities. Our liquidity position and balance sheet are strong and flexible, with a low debt-to-EBITDA ratio.

Tom Ferguson: Our liquidity position and balance sheet are strong and flexible, with a low debt-to-EBITDA ratio, especially given our cash generation capabilities. We remain well-positioned to pursue strategic growth opportunities, including our other capital allocation strategies as we have already discussed. Finally, industry consolidation presents ongoing opportunities for our company, and we are actively evaluating bolt-on acquisitions that are strategically aligned, fit our integration playbook, and extend our market leadership in metal coatings. Our M&A pipeline is healthy, and we plan to remain disciplined in pursuing only high-quality opportunities that create long-term accretive value for our shareholders. As always, I would like to express my gratitude to our hardworking and highly talented team for executing AZZ's shared vision of growth, profitability, and operational excellence. Our mission is to create superior value within a culture where our people can grow and traits matter.

Speaker #6: Especially given our cash generation capabilities, we remain well positioned to pursue strategic growth opportunities, including our other capital allocation strategies, as we have already discussed.

Speaker #6: Finally, industry consolidation presents ongoing opportunities for our company. We are actively evaluating bolt-on acquisitions that are strategically aligned to fit our integration playbook and extend our market leadership in metal coatings.

Speaker #6: Our M&A pipeline is healthy, and we plan to remain disciplined in pursuing only high-quality opportunities that create long-term and creative value for our shareholders.

Speaker #6: As always, I would like to express my gratitude to our hard-working and highly talented team for executing AZZ's shared vision of growth, profitability, and operational excellence.

Speaker #6: Our mission is to create superior value within a culture where our people can grow and trades matter. Our culture is built on providing outstanding quality in services directed within our servant leader mindset.

Tom Ferguson: Our culture is built on providing outstanding quality and services directed within our servant-leader mindset. These principles continue to shape our path forward and underpin our success. I am proud of our team's execution of the fiscal 2026 plan so far this year and remain confident we are positioned for continued growth and success. We are committed to driving top-line growth, enhancing profitability, and generating robust cash flow, all of which are supported by a disciplined capital allocation philosophy. Through the successful execution of our strategic priorities, we believe we will continue to deliver sustainable value for all of our stakeholders. Now, operator, we would like to open up the call for questions.

Speaker #6: These principles continue to shape our path forward and underpin our success. I am proud of our team's execution of the fiscal 2026 plan so far this year and remain confident we are positioned for continued growth and success.

Speaker #6: We are committed to driving top-line growth, enhancing profitability, and generating robust cash flow. All of which are supported by a disciplined capital allocation philosophy.

Speaker #6: Through the successful execution of our strategic priorities, we believe we will continue to deliver sustainable value for all of our stakeholders. Now, operator, we would like to open up the call for questions.

Speaker #4: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press STAR then 1 on your touchtone phone. If you are using a speaker phone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys.

Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speaker phone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star then two. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. Our first question comes from Ghansham Panjabi with Baird. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press STAR, then 2. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster.

Speaker #4: Our first question comes from Ganshan, Punjabi. With that, I’ll turn it over to our operator.

Speaker #7: Hey guys, good morning. I guess, you know, first off on the Preco market share gains that you called out, Tom, you know, can you just give us a bit more color on that dynamic?

[Analyst]: Hey guys, good morning. I guess, you know, first off on the Precoat market share gains that you called out, Tom, you know, can you just give us a bit more color on that dynamic and maybe dimensionalize the boost for AZZ? I'm just asking because obviously volumes were down in the quarter. You cited some of the obvious in terms of construction and, you know, so on and so forth. How should we think about the contribution from the share gain piece?

Speaker #7: and maybe dimensionalize the the boost for AZZ? And I'm just asking because obviously volumes were down in the quarter, you cited some of the obvious in terms of construction and, you know, so on and so forth.

Speaker #7: How should we think about the contribution from the share gain piece?

Speaker #6: Yeah, I think to a couple of things there. One, we picked up share gain because the, and we'd referenced it, the prepainted imports are down significantly due to the tariffs.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, I think a couple of things there. One, we picked up share gain because, and we'd referenced it, the pre-painted imports are, because of the tariffs, down significantly. That's been transitioning to domestic supply and we're painting, you know, at least as much as our share. If you take that, it's probably, David, what, about 10% on imports. We've picked up our share of it. We've picked up 3% or 4% to offset the, you know, roughly 9%, 10% market decline. It's just offsetting, but it's also positioning us, depending on what happens with tariffs, hopefully to sustain that market share and be able to take advantage of it as we go forward. We're picking up new customers, new applications, converting that, and that's pretty much at our normal margin profile.

Speaker #6: So that's been transitioning to domestic supply and, and we're painting the, you know, as, at least as much as our share. but if you, if you take that, it's probably, David, what, about 10% on imports, so we've, you know, picking up our share of it.

Speaker #6: So we've, we've picked up three or three or four percent. to offset the, you know, roughly 9, 10% market decline. So, you know, it, it, it's, it's just offsetting, but it's also positioning us, depending on what happens with tariffs, hopefully to sustain that, that market share and, and be able to take advantage of it as we go forward.

Speaker #6: As we're, you know, picking up new customers, new applications, converting that. And that's pretty much at our normal margin profile. So it's not like we've had to go aggressively discount to take that share.

Tom Ferguson: It's not like we've had to go aggressively discount to take that share, which is why I'm also confident that those margins will continue to flow through going forward post-market softness, if you will.

Speaker #6: which is why I'm also confident that, that those margins will continue to flow through going forward. post, market, softness, if you will.

Speaker #7: Mm-hmm, sure. And so sticking with Preco, so some of the challenges that you called out, you know, building construction, HVAC, appliances, they all seem sort of, you know, aligned towards the same theme.

[Analyst]: Sure. Sticking with Precoat Metals, some of the challenges that you called out, building construction, HVAC, appliances, they all seem sort of aligned towards the same theme. It doesn't seem like there's any short-term catalyst for those end markets in terms of reversing that weakness. Would it just be the share gains and then the Washington, Missouri facility that are the positive offsets? How do you think that nets out for segment volumes as we think about the back half of the year for Precoat Metals?

Speaker #7: It doesn't seem like there's any short-term, catalyst for those, for those end markets in terms of reversing that weakness. Would it just be the share gains and then the, you know, the, the Washington, Missouri facility that, that are the positive offsets?

Speaker #7: And how, how do you think that nets out for segment volumes as we think about the back half of the year for Preco?

Speaker #6: Yeah, I'll start and then Jason can probably add some additional color. you know, I, I think you, you pretty much summed it up. So we're going to continue to, assuming the tariffs stay in place, which, looks like they will, then we should be able to sustain that market, those market share gains, from picking up the past imported, prepainted metal.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, I'll start and then Jason can probably add some additional color. I think you pretty much summed it up. We're going to continue to, assuming the tariffs stay in place, which looks like they will, then we should be able to sustain those market share gains from picking up the past imported pre-painted metal. Two, we do have the Washington, Missouri site. It's still, I think we're saying it's running about 20% of its capacity or some number thereabouts. It's still got a ramp to it as the next six months go on, and pretty significantly. That's opportunity, and that is where there's strong demand in that aluminum container market. Our sister facility to Washington, Missouri, which is the St. Louis, which has two lines, is doing really well because of the high demand in that market.

Speaker #6: two, we are do have the Washmo site. It's, you know, it's still, I think we're saying it's running about 20% of its capacity or, or, or some number thereabouts.

Speaker #6: so it's still got a ramp to it as the next six months go on. And a pretty significantly. So that's opportunity. And, and that is where there's strong demand in that, aluminum container market.

Speaker #6: That’s our sister facility to Washmo, which is the St. Louis plant that has two lines, and it is doing really well because of the high demand in that market.

Speaker #6: So, you know, as I look at it, I think, well, and then the third piece is we're also aggressively going after other conversions and chasing things.

Tom Ferguson: As I look at it, I think, and then the third piece is we're also aggressively going after other conversions and chasing things. Any kind of rebound in construction, and I think we're seeing some signs of that. We had a big customer, we had a lot of customers at our annual golf tournament, and they generally feel like things have bottomed and are starting to come back up in certain areas of the country, particularly. We feel good about what we're doing, and I'd also commend the Precoat Metals team. They've adjusted their operating and shifts and times and capacity. We're retaining capacity for the upturn that we hope to have as the year goes on. Also, as we talk about our variable cost structure, they've been able to adjust that pretty quickly.

Speaker #6: So, any kind of rebound in construction, and I think we're seeing some signs of that. We had a big customer—well, we had a lot of customers at our annual golf tournament.

Speaker #6: And, and they generally feel like things have bottomed and starting to come back up in, in certain areas of the country, particularly. So we, we feel, we feel good about, what we're doing.

Speaker #6: And I'd also commend the Preco team. They've adjusted their operating and, and shifts and times and capacity, you know, we're, we're retaining, capacity for the upturn that, that, that we hope to have, as the year goes on.

Speaker #6: But also, as we talk about our variable cost structure, they've been able to adjust that pretty quickly. And I know this is about Preco, but I'd say the Metal Coatings side has done that outstandingly well during that same time period.

Tom Ferguson: I know this is about Precoat Metals, but I'd say the Metal Coatings side has done that outstandingly well during that same time period.

Speaker #7: Okay, very good. Thank you. No,

[Analyst]: Okay, very good. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Jason, did you want to add anything?

Tom Ferguson: Jason, did you want to add any?

Speaker #7: I, I, I think the only other thing you could potentially add there is that, that, you know, when you, you think about the construction, it's certainly having a, an impact on the HVAC and, appliance, but very minimally so, if you look at those two, businesses that are, that are actually doing reasonably well.

Jason Crawford: No, I think the only other thing you could potentially add, David, is that, you know, when you think about the construction, it's certainly having an impact on the HVAC and appliance, but very minimally so. If you look at those two businesses, they're actually doing reasonably well. Quarter to quarter, there's some impact in terms of inventory levels and model changes, etc. I don't actually see them as being much of a drag in comparison to the construction market.

Speaker #7: And, you know, quarter to quarter, there's an impact in, in terms of inventory levels and model changes, et cetera. So, don't actually see them as, as being much of a, as much of a drag, in comparison to the construction market.

Speaker #6: Well, and I'll also add in, we had, we had a good solid, September, so we feel, we feel good as we've kicked off, the third quarter.

Tom Ferguson: I will also add in, we had a good solid September, so we feel good as we've kicked off the third quarter. It is kind of in line with the fact that a lot of the Precoat Metals customers are feeling like things are starting, the corner's starting to turn.

Speaker #6: So, and kind of in line with the fact that a lot of the Preco customers are feeling like things are starting, the corner's starting to turn, you know.

Speaker #7: Fantastic. Thank you so much.

[Analyst]: Fantastic. Thank you so much.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Tom Ferguson: Thank you.

Speaker #4: The next question comes from Nick Giles with B. Riley Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Nick Giles with B. Riley Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Yeah, thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. as still a very, solid quarter here and, I wanted to just hone in on the guidance for a second.

[Analyst]: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. Still a very solid quarter here, and I wanted to just turn in on the guidance for a second. You've reiterated your adjusted EBITDA guidance, and just curious, really what would take you to the higher or low end of the range at this point? How much is end market driven versus operational, and then how much EBITDA could Washington incrementally contribute as volumes continue to ramp? Thank you.

Speaker #8: So, you reiterated your adjusted EBITDA guidance, and I'm just curious, really, what would take you to the higher or lower end of the range at this point?

Speaker #8: I mean, how much is end-market driven versus operational? And then, you know, how much EBITDA could Washington incrementally contribute as volumes continue to ramp?

Speaker #8: Thank you.

Speaker #6: I'll, I'll answer the first part of that, and then Jason can opine on Washington. You know, I feel like when it comes to, and I don't know if this got missed or not, we've talked about it a few times. But, you know, you look at the $14 million to $15 million of Avail EBITDA impact from last year versus we've signaled zero for Q2, Q3, and Q4 for Avail.

Tom Ferguson: I'll answer the first part of that, and then Jason can opine on Washington. I feel like when it comes to, and I don't know if this has got missed or not, we've talked about it a few times, but you look at the $14 million, $15 million of AVAIL EBITDA impact from last year versus we've signaled zero for Q2, Q3, and Q4 for AVAIL. That's the biggest impact in terms of our EBITDA guidance. I'd say that was harder for us to predict until now. We can see with primarily WSI as the main asset left in AVAIL. They had just gone through this summer's obvious weak because there's just not turnarounds and outages during the summer. We've felt that.

Speaker #6: And so that's, that's the biggest impact. In terms of our EBITDA guidance, and I'd say that was, you know, harder for us to predict until now you, you can, we can see we've primarily WSI as the, as the main asset, left in avail.

Speaker #6: And they had just gone through this summer's obvious week because, you know, there's just not turnarounds and outages during the summer. So we've, we've felt that and, and going forward though, they do come back into, you know, so in terms of the upside, hopefully they, they do have a strong fall season, which is, you know, back to how turnarounds and outages run.

Tom Ferguson: Going forward, though, they do come back into, in terms of the upside, hopefully they do have a strong fall season, which is back to how turnarounds and outages run. I think interest savings is going to continue. We've paid down the debt. We continue, even after acquiring Canton, we paid down some debt. Interest rates have finally moved a little lower, and we've done that through our own actions in terms of repricing and the securitization. We feel good about that. It's mostly embedded in our outlook, but there are upsides to that. Hopefully we get a deal or two done particularly on the galvanizing side before the end of the year and have some impact there, because obviously the assets we're buying are going to be good galvanizing assets that we hope to improve as well. I think those are all the kind of pieces. Precoat's performing well.

Speaker #6: I think interest savings is, is going to continue. We've paid down the debt. We continue even after acquiring Canton, we paid down some debt.

Speaker #6: So, and interest rates have finally moved a little lower. And, and we've, we've done that through our own actions in terms of repricing and the securitization.

Speaker #6: So, you know, we feel good about that. It's, it's mostly embedded in our, in our outlook, but, you know, there's upsides to that. And then, hopefully we get a deal or two done on the, particularly on the galvanizing side that, before the end of the year and have some, some impact there and because obviously the assets we're buying are going to be good galvanizing assets that we hope to improve as well.

Speaker #6: I think those are all the, all the kind of pieces. Preco's, performing well. I think they're driving, you know, to sustain those margins over 20% and, and, given the, the volume falloff.

Tom Ferguson: I think they're driving to sustain those margins over 20%. Given the volume falloff, as volumes pick up at all, that could also be upside to us. We do believe the metal coatings folks are driving hard to sustain that 30-31% margin profile while taking advantage of the higher than expected growth driven partly by regulatory changes and the threat that solar is going to go away. We're seeing lots of solar and pole transmission and distribution kind of activity, which we signal maybe slightly lower margin than on balance, but it's really, really good volumes. We like that stuff a lot. Jason on Washington.

Speaker #6: So as volumes pick up at all, that's, that, that, that could also be upside to us. And then, we do believe the Metal Coatings folks are, are driving hard to sustain that 30, 31% margin profile while taking advantage of the higher than expected growth, driven partly by regulatory changes and the, the threat that solar is going to go away.

Speaker #6: So, we're seeing lots of solar and pole transmission distribution kind of activity, which signals maybe slightly lower margins than on balance, but it's really, really good volumes.

Speaker #6: So we, we like that stuff a lot.

Speaker #8: And then Jason on Washington.

Speaker #6: Yeah, certainly, Washington, you know, as we've previously communicated, would be a drag on margins in the first half of the year and then start to turn positive in the second half of the year.

Jason Crawford: Yeah, certainly Washington, you know, as we previously communicated, would be a drag in margins in the first half of the year and then start to turn positive in the second half of the year. We're very much in line with that. It was around about $2 million of a hit to margins in the first and Q2 essentially. From a contribution margin point of view, the business is contributing with the volume it's flowing through there. We know that's ramp-up volume, but obviously you've got the fixed costs associated with that facility and largely the fixed costs are driven by depreciation of the $125 million. It's very much in line with expectations. As you start to look at the second half of the year, then Q3, Q4 it starts to ramp. We're very much in line with the expectation of that ramp profile.

Speaker #6: And, you know, we're very much in line with, around about 2 million dollars of, a hit to margins in, in the first, in, in Q2 essentially.

Speaker #6: from a contribution margin point of view, the, the business is contributing with the volume that's flowing through there, we know that's ramp-up volume. but obviously you've got the, the, the fixed costs associated with that facility and largely the fixed costs are driven by depreciation, of the, the 125 million dollars.

Speaker #6: So it's very much in line with expectations. As you start to look at the second half of the year, then Q3 and Q4, it starts to ramp. We are very much in line with the expectation of that ramp profile.

Speaker #6: we'll start to hit, you know, capacity towards the, the 50% arena, through Q3 and into Q4. and then really see that start to, to pop in Q4, so very much aligned with, expectations and very much built into original guidance and, and where we sit here today.

Jason Crawford: We'll start to hit capacity towards the 50% arena through Q3 going into Q4 and then really see that start to pop in Q4. Very much aligned with expectations and very much built into original guidance and where we sit here today.

Speaker #8: Tom, Jason, I really appreciate all that detail. Maybe just back on the coil coating side. I mean, you’ve obviously deployed meaningful growth capital to expand capacity with Washington, but, you know, in the past, I think you have spoken about there could be some margin expansion opportunities on the coil coating side that could require some capital.

[Analyst]: Jason, I really appreciate all that detail. Maybe just back on the coil coating side, you've obviously deployed meaningful growth capital to expand capacity with Washington. In the past, I think you have spoken about there could be some margin expansion opportunities on the coil coating side that could require some capital. Can you just remind us how you're thinking about that opportunity today? What would be the timing around kind of a project like that and how many quarters would something like that undertake? Thank you.

Speaker #8: Can you just remind us how you're thinking about that opportunity today? What would be the timing around, you know, kind of a project like that and, and how many, how many quarters would something like that, undertake?

Speaker #8: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Yeah, and, and, and to be fair, I don't think there's any one big silver bullet out there. I think there's multiple projects that we've started to kick off coming through the, the, the summer program.

Jason Crawford: Yeah, to be fair, I don't think there's any one big silver bullet out there. I think there's multiple projects that we've started to kick off coming through the summer program that will start to incrementally see some benefits. We're seeing them start to kick in. To be fair, that's applicable to both sides of the business. As we've highlighted, our capital allocation is looking at outside and inside, and some of the projects that sat on the sidelines are now getting turned into execution. I don't think there's got to be a big boost in terms of our step function, but we're going to continue to drive the opportunities that we see in front of ourselves.

Speaker #6: that will start to incrementally see some, some benefits and, you know, we're, we're seeing them start to kick in. And, you know, to be fair, that's applicable to, to both sides of the business.

Speaker #6: there's, you know, as we've highlighted, our grow, our capital allocation, is looking at outside and inside and, and some of the projects that sat in the sidelines, are now getting turned into execution.

Speaker #6: So, you know, again, I, I don't think there's, there's going to be a big boost in, in terms of a step function. but we're going to continue to drive the, the opportunities that, that we see in front of ourselves.

Speaker #8: Guys, thanks again. Keep up the good work.

[Analyst]: Guys, thanks again. Keep up the good work.

Speaker #6: Thanks, thanks.

Jason Crawford: Thank you, Nick.

Speaker #4: The next question comes from Adam Salemheimer with Thomson Davis. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Adam Thalhimer with Thompson Davis. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hey, Adam, we can't hear you. You might be on mute.

Tom Ferguson: Hey Adam, we can't hear you. You might be on mute.

Speaker #4: Pardon me. We have Timna Tanners with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Operator: Pardon me, we have Timna Tanners with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hey, Timna.

Tom Ferguson: Hey Timna.

Speaker #9: Report opportunity. Is that fully, played out or are we still in somewhat early innings? I know that imports only really started to drop off more recently.

[Analyst]: Import opportunity, is that fully played out or are we still in somewhat early innings? I know that imports only really started to drop off more recently. I'm just wondering if we could see a bit more share gains still to come.

Speaker #9: So I'm just wondering if we could see a bit more share gains still to come.

Speaker #6: Yeah, it's really early innings. I think, probably a, you know, a couple of months of that. So, and that, that should have a good tail to it.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, it's really early innings. I think probably a couple of months of that. That should have a good tail to it. It just takes time to ramp up the domestic capacity, change projects we're seeing, and things like that. We feel good about that. The balance of the year, I'm not sure it's fully embedded in our forecast. Jason would probably disagree with me. He probably believes it is fully embedded. I'm probably more of the optimist. I look forward to that because we're engaging with some new customers and able to demonstrate our value-add capabilities in terms of quality, service, and particularly responsiveness. It does impact our, I would say it does have a slight negative impact on our margin profile because a lot of these are smaller, smaller orders.

Speaker #6: It just, you know, it takes time to ramp up the domestic capacity, change, change project sourcing and things like that. So, we feel good about that.

Speaker #6: The balance of the year, I'm not sure it's fully embedded in our forecasts. Jason would probably disagree with me. He probably believes it is fully embedded.

Speaker #6: but I'm probably more of the optimist. And, so I, yeah, I, I look forward to that because it's, it's, we're engaging with, with some new customers and able to demonstrate our value add, capabilities in terms of quality service and particularly responsiveness and, and, it does impact our, I would say it does have a, a slight negative impact on our margin profile because we're, you know, a lot of these are smaller, smaller orders.

Speaker #6: And we're winning them because we can turn them quickly and give them whatever kind of color combination that they want. So, we really look forward to that continuing to grow.

Tom Ferguson: We're winning them because we can turn them quickly and give them whatever kind of color combination that they want. We really look forward to that continuing to grow and being able to sustain it regardless of whether the imports come back up or not.

Speaker #6: And be able to sustain it, regardless of whether the imports come back up or not.

Speaker #9: Gotcha. Okay, thank you. on the Washington ramp-up, are you seeing any impacts of, reduced substrate because of the Oswego fire?

[Analyst]: Gotcha. Okay, thank you. On the Washington ramp-up, are you seeing any impact of reduced substrate because of the Oswego fire?

Speaker #6: No, no, I mean, certainly not from our point of view. at this point, obviously there's, there's one customer that, supports that facility. and, and, and quite frankly, our, you, you know, our, our production ramp is, is ahead of plan.

Jason Crawford: No, certainly not from our point of view at this point. Obviously, there's one customer that supports that facility. Quite frankly, our production ramp is ahead of plan. We're executing with the material. We were out at the facility a couple of weeks ago, and it's really starting to look like a coil coating facility versus a showpiece that a lot of the analysts had seen about six weeks ago. I think we're in very good shape from that, executing through the end of the year.

Speaker #8: Yeah.

Speaker #6: and, you know, we're executing, with the, the, the material and, you know, we're out at the facility a couple of weeks ago and, you know, it's really starting to, to look like a coil coating facility versus, a showpiece.

Speaker #6: that, you know, a lot of the, the, the analysts that saw, a couple of, I, I guess, six weeks ago or so. So I think we're in very good shape from, that executing through the end of the year.

Speaker #6: Yeah, there's a lot of aluminum sitting in that, on that floor now, so.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, there's a lot of aluminum sitting on that floor now.

Speaker #9: Gotcha. Okay. all right. And then final one for me if I could. wanted to just, probe a little bit more the M&A pipeline, any updated thoughts on the economy having any impact on, you know, more or less appetite to sell to you at this juncture.

[Analyst]: Gotcha. Okay. All right. Final one for me, if I could. I wanted to just probe a little bit more the M&A pipeline. Any updated thoughts on the economy having any impact on, you know, more or less appetite to sell to you at this juncture? Thanks.

Speaker #9: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah, I think there's, you know, we're working on a couple of the typical bolt-ons for galvanizing, and one of them's actually a process.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, I think there's, you know, we're working a couple of the typical bolt-ons for galvanizing. One of them is actually a process, so we know that one will go forward. We can never quite predict. We tend to believe we're always going to be a strong contender for those. We've got a good game plan once we do acquire them, as we just did with Canton, almost immediately ramping it up to our margin profile. I look forward to that. We're going to be as aggressive as we need to be. Not seeing a whole lot shake loose because of it, which is actually a little bit surprising. We were hoping to see maybe one of these multi-site galvanizers decide to go on the market, but we haven't gotten any indication of that at this point. On the Precoat side, there's a couple of things out there.

Speaker #6: So we know that one will go forward. I, we can never quite predict. We, we tend to believe we're always going to be a strong contender for those.

Speaker #6: And, and then we've got a good, good game plan once we do acquire them as we just, did with Canton almost immediately ramping it up to our margin profile.

Speaker #6: So, I look forward to that. And we're going to be as aggressive as we need to be. Not seeing a whole lot shake loose because of it, which is actually a little bit surprising.

Speaker #6: We were hoping to see maybe one of these multi-site galvanizers decide to go on the market, but we haven't gotten any indication of that at this point.

Speaker #6: And then on the Preco side, there's, there's a couple of things out there. I think it's probably, as much in our control as, as they can be.

Tom Ferguson: I think it's probably as much in our control as they can be. Once again, the market hasn't seemed to cause them to want to move any faster than they were before. It's a good pipeline. I think we've got nine good opportunities that are in various stages, not to mention a long list of other ones that we remain in contact with. I'm hopeful we get something done before the end of the year, and maybe more than one.

Speaker #6: But once again, the market hasn't seemed to cause them to want to move any faster than they were before. But it's a good pipeline.

Speaker #6: I think we've got nine good opportunities that are in various stages not to mention a long list of, of other ones that we remain in contact with.

Speaker #6: So, I'm hopeful we get something done before the end of the year, and maybe more than one.

Speaker #9: Okay, thanks again.

[Analyst]: Okay, thanks again.

Speaker #4: The The next question comes from Adam Salemheimer with Thomson Davis. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Adam Thalhimer with Thompson Davis. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Morning, guys. Can you hear me now?

David Nark: Morning, guys. Can you hear me now?

Speaker #6: We can. We can.

Tom Ferguson: We can.

David Nark: Great. First one within Precoat, I think there's also a negative impact from tariffs that possibly offsets the positive impact. I was just curious if you could walk through that, Tom.

Speaker #8: You're right. first one within Preco, I think there's also a negative impact from tariffs that possibly, offsets the positive impact. I was just curious if you could walk through that, Tom.

Speaker #6: I'll let David do it. You know, I, I think as

Tom Ferguson: I'll let David do it.

Speaker #8: Yeah.

David Nark: Yeah, I think as you're right.

Speaker #6: you. A-as you look

Speaker #8: As you're right.

Speaker #6: at the overall market, for, for, imported steel, Adam, you know, we, we know that the prepainted imports are down, 23% this year. that has been, you know, a bright spot or a tailwind for, for Preco.

Tom Ferguson: As you look at the overall market for imported steel, Adam, you know, we know that the pre-painted imports are down 23% this year. That has been, you know, a bright spot or a tailwind for Precoat because that means there's less competitive pre-painted steel coming in. Offsetting that, the bare galvalume market's been down about 50% due to the tariff impacts. That's really the difference in the numbers and why, you know, Precoat was having some headwinds this year. Normally that imported bare is volume that they would be the natural source to be selected to quote and coat that product. As Tom mentioned, you know, we think that, you know, our customers are telling us things have bottomed out. They did buy ahead and placed orders ahead of the tariffs and have been working through, you know, the inventory that they've had on the shelf.

Speaker #6: because that means there's, there's less competitive prepainted steel coming in. but offsetting that, the, the bear, galvalume market's been down about 50% due to the tariff impacts.

Speaker #6: so, you know, that's really the, the difference, and, in, in the numbers and why, you know, Preco was, was having some headwinds this, this year because normally that imported bear is, is, volume that they would be the, the natural source to, to, to be selected to quote, and, and, and coat that, that product.

Speaker #6: So, but as Tom mentioned, you know, we think that, you know, our customers are, are telling us things have bottomed out. They did buy ahead.

Speaker #6: and, and placed orders ahead, of the tariffs and have been working through, you know, the inventory that they've had on the shelf. And, and we look forward to, to things turning around, later on.

Tom Ferguson: We look forward to things turning around later on. The tariff impact is really driven, as David mentioned, it's just the uncertainty. You've got projects being deferred, delayed. I'd say it's a combination of tariffs as well as the, you know, lower interest expectations. As we had noted, interest rates have stayed higher from the Fed longer than I think a lot of people anticipated. Now with the government shutdown, who knows what the next step is. I think that's just created hesitancy on non-infrastructure projects versus what you see on the metal coating side where those infrastructure projects are going forward. If anything, on the solar stuff, it's accelerated. On one segment, it's a positive. On the other segment, it's mixed, as you said, and probably more negative than positive in the aggregate for Precoat.

Speaker #6: Yeah. I, and I add that, the, the tariff impact is really driven as David mentioned. it's just the uncertainty. So you've got projects being deferred, delayed, and I'd say it's a combination of tariffs as well as the, you know, lower interest expectations as we had noted.

Speaker #6: Interest rates have stayed higher from the Fed longer than I think a lot of people anticipated. And now, with the government shutdown, who knows what the next step is.

Speaker #6: So I think that's just created hesitancy on non-infrastructure projects, versus what you see on the metal coating side where those infrastructure projects are going forward.

Speaker #6: And if anything, on the solar stuff, it's, it's accelerated. So, you know, on, on one segment, it's, it's a, a positive on, on the other segment, it's, it's, it's mixed as you said.

Speaker #6: And probably more, more negative than positive in the aggregate for Preco.

Speaker #8: Okay. That makes sense. And then second question for me, I was curious on your confidence and know further losses from avail. I'm just curious if, you know, just to be conservative, if we should model a slight loss in Q3, and then where they are in the process of monetizing the remaining businesses.

David Nark: Okay, that makes sense. My second question, I was curious on your confidence in no further losses from AVAIL. I'm just curious if, you know, just to be conservative, if we should model a slight loss in Q3 and then where they are in the process of monetizing the remaining businesses.

Speaker #6: Yeah, and I, we're very much aligned that now you got to subscale piece of business, which is really three pieces. WSI forms the by far the largest in terms of sales, but not in terms of contribution margin.

Tom Ferguson: Yeah, and we're very much aligned that now you've got a subscale piece of business, which is really three pieces. WSI forming by far the largest in terms of sales, but not in terms of contribution margins. Then you've got a lighting business, which is a nice little business that I think they'll get that transacted, hopefully this year. Then there's a Chinese joint venture high-voltage bus business that once again, I'd hope that they could get that transacted this year. WSI is a tougher one because it's a little more impacted from a market perspective in terms of refined returns, turnarounds, and things like that. That's probably we'd prefer not, but it's probably a longer-term piece. In terms of the Q3, you could, I'd say it's hard for us to predict because Q3 should be typically the fall season and tends to be a stronger one for WSI.

Speaker #6: Then you got a lighting business, which is a nice little business that I think they'll get that transacted, you know, hopefully this year.

Speaker #6: And then there's a Chinese it's, Chinese joint venture, high voltage bus business that, once again, I'd hope that they could get that transacted, this year.

Speaker #6: WSI is a tougher one because it's, a little more impacted, in, in, in from a market perspective in terms of, refined returns around, turnarounds and things like that.

Speaker #6: So, so that's a, that's probably a, we'd prefer not, but it's probably a longer-term piece. Terms of the Q3, you know, you, you could, I, I'd say it's, it, it's hard for us to predict because Q3 should be typically is, is the fall season and tends to be a stronger one for WSI.

Speaker #6: On the other hand, as Jason alluded to, they are carrying more overhead that they can't get at while the TSAs with Invent are running.

Tom Ferguson: On the other hand, as Jason alluded to, they are carrying more overhead that they can't get at while the TSAs within VEN are running. On balance, I think we're pegging it at zero. I'd say it's more likely slightly negative in Q3. The risk is probably more negative in Q3 than the upside. In Q4, they go into the winter, but hopefully some of these other things transact.

Speaker #6: So, you know, on balance, I think we're pegging it at zero, and I'd say it's more likely slightly negative in Q3. The risk is probably more negative in Q3 than the upside.

Speaker #6: And then Q4, they go into the winter, but hopefully some of these other things transact. And, and the only thing, I would then talk about, Adam, is you, you know, the, they've started to digest the, the TSA and they've started to accommodate the, the infrastructure, that they need to support that.

Jason Crawford: The only thing I would then talk about, Adam, is they've started to digest the TSA and they've started to accommodate the infrastructure that they need to support that. We are starting to see some moves in terms of realigning their corporate overhead costs. You should get that pick up getting into the second half. As Tom mentioned, the seasonality impact of the WSI business.

Speaker #6: So, we are starting to see some moves in terms of, you know, realigning their corporate overhead costs. You should get that pickup, you know, into the second half and then, you know, as Tom mentioned, the seasonality impact of the WSI business.

Speaker #8: Good color. Thanks, guys.

[Analyst]: Good color. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #6: Sure.

Speaker #4: Again, if you have a question, please press STAR then 1. Our next question comes from Mark Rakeman with Noble Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Again, if you have a question, please press star then one. Our next question comes from Mark Reichman with Noble Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Thank you. Just a couple of questions. On interest expense, when we published at the end of September, we took our interest expense numbers down.

[Analyst]: Thank you. Just a couple of questions. On interest expense, when we published at the end of September, we took our interest expense numbers down. I think we were kind of landing around $49 million, $50 million for the year. Of course, the second quarter came in a little higher than our revised estimate. I was just kind of curious, your guidance hasn't changed, but in the past, your guidance had included $55 million to $65 million of interest expense. What would your expectations be for interest expense for the full year of 2026, for the fiscal year of 2026?

Speaker #8: I think we were kind of landing around 49, 50 million for the year. And of course, the second quarter came in a little higher than our revised estimate.

Speaker #8: So, I was just kind of curious. Your guidance hasn't changed. But, you know, in the past, your guidance had included $55 to $65 million of interest expense.

Speaker #8: You know, what would your expectations be for interest expense for the full year of 2026 for the fiscal year of 2026?

Speaker #6: Yeah, I, I mean, I think the, the, the part in terms of the interest, and the, you know, picking up some favorability given that we've reduced our, you know, our total debt through the, the avail transaction.

Jason Crawford: Yeah, I mean, I think the part in terms of the interest and the picking up some favorability, given that we've reduced our total debt through the AVAIL transaction. As you look at our interest expense in the quarter, you know, we certainly picked up some favorability, but it was more towards the back end of the quarter, given the repricing of the term loan and the introduction of the accounts receivable securitization facility. I would say as you look at our quarter in Q2, that's going to improve in Q3 and Q4, obviously through the cost of debt. You know, we will continue to pay down debt through the second half of the year, excluding any impact from M&A or any share repurchases.

Speaker #6: as you look at our interest, expense in, in the quarter, then, you know, we certainly picked up some, some favorability, but it was more towards the, the back end of the, the, the year.

Speaker #6: Or sorry, the back end of the quarter, given the repricing of the term loan and the introduction of the securitization. So, I would say as you look at our quarter in Q2, that's going to be improving in Q3 and Q4, obviously through the cost of debt.

Speaker #6: and then, you know, we will continue to pay down debt, through the, the second half of the year. it's good in any impact from, from M&A or, any share repurchases.

Speaker #8: And then the second question is regarding SG&A. In 2025, it was around 9%. If sales were at 8.2% in the May quarter, they dipped down to 7.9% this quarter.

[Analyst]: The second question is that SG&A in 2025 ran about 9% of sales. It was 8.2% in the May quarter, but dipped down to 7.9% this quarter. What are your expectations for the, is as a percentage of sales the right way to look at it, or what would your expectations be for the remainder of the year and maybe an ongoing percentage?

Speaker #8: What are your kind of your expectations for the, well, I guess, you know, as, as, as a percentage of sales, the right way to look at it or, what would you kind of your expectations be for the remainder of the year and maybe kind of an ongoing, you know, percentage?

Speaker #6: Yeah, I mean, I think that 8% number is fairly representative. Obviously, seasonality kicks in in the back half of the year or so, certainly in Q4.

Jason Crawford: Yeah, I mean, I think that 8% number is fairly representative. Obviously, seasonality kicks in in the back half of the year or so, certainly in Q4, where, you know, over there.

Speaker #6: where, you know, obviously SG&A.

Speaker #1: Well, what about our fixed costs? So, the number that you're seeing in Q2 really isn't any great pluses or minuses away from that through the end of the year.

David Nark: seen as more of a fixed cost. The number that you're seeing in Q2, there really isn't any great pluses or minuses away from that through the end of the year. It has got to be more of a fixed number versus a fixed % as you look at Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #1: So it's got to be more of a fixed number versus a fixed percentage as you look at Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #2: Okay, and just one follow-up to Adam's question on the equity and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. So, we originally had like $1.4 million in the third quarter and I think $74,000 in the February quarter.

[Company Representative]: Okay, and just one follow-up to Adam's question on the equity and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. We originally had like $1.4 million in the third quarter and I think $774,000 in the February quarter. What I heard from you is basically zero in the third quarter and kind of maybe modestly positive or close to neutral in the fourth quarter for that. That would be AVAIL, obviously.

Speaker #2: So what I heard from you is basically zero in the third quarter and kind of maybe modestly positive or close to neutral in the fourth quarter for that.

Speaker #2: And that would be a veil, obviously.

Speaker #1: Yeah, yeah. I mean, our guidance is zero for both, and, you know, I think some of the discussions that we've been having is there's certainly a sensitivity around that.

David Nark: Yeah, yeah. I mean, our guidance is zero for both. I think some of the discussions that we've been having is there's certainly a sense that typically around about that we've got to get it wrong. We've got to get it slightly wrong in the upside or the downside. I would say in Q3, it's probably, if anything, it's slightly wrong in the upside and then slightly wrong in the downside. The seasonality for the WSI business has got to kick in in Q4. The determinant factor in Q4 is going to be how quickly they can ramp the overhead costs to realign to the current business. Really, as you look at the numbers, then, in theory in Q3 and Q4, it should be a very minimal, plus or minus round about zero.

Speaker #1: We've got to get it wrong, we've got to get it slightly wrong in the upside or the downside. I would say in Q3, it's probably, you know, if anything, it's slightly wrong in the upside and then slightly wrong in the downside, you know, the seasonality for the WSI business has got to kick in in Q4.

Speaker #1: factor in Q4 has got to be how quickly they can ramp the overhead costs to, you know, realign to the current business. but really, you know, as you look at the numbers then, you know, in theory, in Q3 and Q4, it should be a, you know, a very minimal, you know, plus or minus roundabout zero.

Speaker #2: Okay, that's very helpful. Thank you very

[Company Representative]: Okay, that's very helpful. Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: much. Thank

Speaker #1: Sure.

Speaker #2: you.

David Nark: Sure.

Rachel Smith: The next question comes from John Franzreb with Sidoti & Company. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: The next, so you know, the determining question comes from John Frenzreb with Sodotion Company. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good Good morning, guys, and thanks for taking the questions. I actually want to go back to one of your responses to an earlier question about, pre-code doing better in September.

Operator: Good morning, guys, and thanks for taking the questions. I actually want to go back to one of your responses to an earlier question about Precoat doing better in September. Do you have any idea or can you give us any color as to what's driving maybe the recovery in Precoat during that month?

Speaker #4: Do you have any idea or can you give us any color as to what's driving maybe the recovery in pre-COVID during that month?

Speaker #1: So, the only thing I would add is, you know, there's certainly fluctuations month to month, and, you know, inventory-buying patterns play a part in that.

David Nark: The only thing I would add is, you know, there are certainly fluctuations month to month and, you know, inventory buying patterns play a part into that. Obviously, we're still coming through our strong construction season. Shipments versus, or sorry, building inventory versus depleting inventory, you're into that time period where you're starting to look at the end of the season and accommodating your inventory for that. Again, quite frankly, in September, we've seen a little bit of strength. Our customers, you know, if you take that one single data point, are looking for a healthy end to the season, would be my takeaway.

Speaker #1: And obviously, we're still coming through our, you know, our strong construction season. so, you know, shipments versus, or sorry, building inventory versus depleting inventory, you're, you're into that time period where, you know, you're starting to look at the end of the season.

Speaker #1: And, you know, accommodating your inventory, for that. And, you know, again, quite frankly, in September, we've seen a little bit of strength, sort of customers, you know, if you take that one single data point, our customers are, you know, looking for a healthy end to the season, would be my takeaway.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. And also, you also sound like that, maybe demand in the Washington facilities is maybe a little bit better than, you know, expected.

Operator: Okay, great. It also sounds like that maybe demand in the Washington facilities is maybe a little bit better than you expected. Can you kind of remind us or update us as to what the revenue contribution is in Washington that's embedded in your full-year revenue guidance?

Speaker #4: can you kind of remind us or update us as to what the revenue contribution is in Washington that's embedded in your, full-year revenue guidance?

Speaker #1: Yeah, to be fair, we've not went into that level of detail. and, you know, there's still a lot of variations to take place. And, you know, quite frankly, we've got a sister facility in the St.

David Nark: Yeah, to be fair, we've not went into that level of detail. There's still a lot of variations to take place. Quite frankly, we've got a sister facility in the St. Louis area, and we'll use some of the volume from that to help ramp it, et cetera. It's not a black and white, just looking at that single facility and how it's going to play into the overall results. There's still a lot to play out here. We started the production in April and we're certainly progressing very, very well, but equally we're cautious just in terms of what could be around the corner. Really not like if it's specific numbers round about it, but you know what we have built into the guidance, we're certainly very comfortable with those numbers.

Speaker #1: Louis area, and you know, we'll use some of the volume from that to help ramp, etc. So it's not a black-and-white situation; it's just looking at that single facility and how it's going to play into the overall results.

Speaker #1: there's still a lot to play out here. You know, we're, you know, we started the, the, the production in, in April and, we're, we're certainly progressing very, very well.

Speaker #1: But equally, we're cautious just in terms of what could be around the corner. So really, not if it's specific numbers round about it, but, you know, what we have built into the guidance, we're sitting here very comfortable with those numbers.

Speaker #4: Okay, fair enough. And one last question, if I may. The zinc prices have rebounded sharply from there, bottoms early in the spring. Just maybe some thoughts or commentary on what you're seeing in the zinc market that might be helpful for us?

Operator: Okay, fair enough. One last question, if I may. The zinc prices have rebounded sharply from their bottoms early in the spring. Just maybe some thoughts or commentary on what you're seeing in the zinc market that might be helpful for us?

Speaker #1: Sure. Yeah, the first thing is, and yeah, we have seen that, which usually makes, you know, opportunities for, for not, not that we base our price off of cost.

[Company Representative]: Sure, yeah, first thing is, yeah, we have seen that, which usually makes, you know, opportunities for, not that we base our price off of cost, we're, you know, very value pricing oriented. Usually when zinc's going up on the LME, customers understand that's going to start to affect prices. That creates some opportunities. Two, we've got six to eight months of inventory in our kettle, so it doesn't have much impact on our margin profile, the balance of the year, our cost of zinc, the balance of the year. Yeah, but clearly that will start to color how we look at next year and as we're entering the process to put our plans and budgets together for the next fiscal year. Generally, yeah, I think it's going to continue up.

Speaker #1: We’re very value pricing oriented. But usually, when zinc’s going up on the LME, customers understand that’s going to start to affect prices.

Speaker #1: So, so that creates some opportunities. Two, we've got six to eight months of inventory in our kettle, so it doesn't have much impact on our, our margin profile, the balance of the year, or our cost, of zinc, the balance of the year.

Speaker #1: You know, but clearly that will start to color how we look at next year. As we're entering the process to put our plans and budgets together for the next fiscal year.

Speaker #1: But generally, yeah, I think it's going to continue up, and but I'm not sure, you know, I'm not sure we're going to, usually when things start to change, when you, when you see some spikes, and this has been more of a gradual increase, and, and generally that's very manageable for us.

[Company Representative]: I'm not sure, you know, I'm not sure we're going to, usually when things start to change and when you see some spikes, and this has been more of a gradual increase, and generally that's very manageable for us. Yeah, minor impact on our outlook in Metal Coatings for this year. Clearly, as we start to put our plans together, it'll be a talking point as we talk about however we end up guiding for the next fiscal year.

Speaker #1: So, yeah, there is a minor impact on our outlook in metal coatings for this year. Clearly, as we start to put our plans together, it'll be a talking point as we discuss how we end up guiding for the next fiscal year.

Speaker #4: Great. That makes sense. Thanks for taking my questions. I appreciate it.

Operator: Great, that makes sense. Thanks for taking my questions, appreciate it.

Speaker #1: Sure thing.

Speaker #5: Thanks, John.

[Company Representative]: Sure thing.

David Nark: Thanks, Sean.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from John Brats with Kansas City Capital. Please go ahead.

Rachel Smith: The next question comes from Jon Braatz with Kansas City Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning, everyone. Tom, a

Operator: Morning, everyone. Tom, a couple of questions. On the metal coating business, you completed the Canton acquisition, I think July 1. How much of a contribution did Canton have in terms of revenues in the quarter?

Speaker #2: Morning, John.

Speaker #5: A couple of questions. On the metal coating business, you completed the Canton acquisition, I think, on July 1st. How much of a contribution did Canton have in terms of revenues in the quarter?

Speaker #1: You know, revenues in the quarter totaled $2 million. Yeah. And a few hundred thousand of, you know, contribution margin.

[Company Representative]: You know, it's revenues in the quarter, $2 million, yeah, and a few hundred thousand of, yeah, contribution margin.

Speaker #5: Okay. Okay, good. And there's only two months.

David Nark: Okay, good.

Speaker #1: In the quarter, so we'll see a full quarter, not year going forward.

[Company Representative]: There's two months in the quarter, so we'll see a full quarter year going forward.

Speaker #5: That's right. Okay. And secondly, on the margin profile for the metal coating business, it's been very, very good over the last couple of years.

David Nark: That's right.

Operator: Okay. Secondly, on the margin profile for the metal coating business, it's been very, very good over the last couple of years. Absent any significant change in zinc prices or the economy and so on, is that range that you provided in terms of adjusted EBITDA margin for that segment, is that 20, that low 20, that lower end of the range, is that still relevant? Is there a point where maybe you'd feel comfortable raising that lower end and, you know, getting closer to the, you know, 30 to 32%, something like that? Absent, again, absent any significant economic changes.

Speaker #5: And, and absent any significant change in the zinc prices and or the economy and so on, is that that range that you provided in terms of, adjusted margin, adjusted EBITDA margin for that segment, is that 20, that low 20, that lower end of the range, is that, is that still relevant?

Speaker #5: Is there a point where maybe you feel comfortable that, raising that lower end and, and, you know, getting closer to the, you know, 30 to 32 percent, something like that?

Speaker #5: Absent, again, absent any significant economic changes.

Speaker #1: Yeah, we, we tend to, yeah, we haven't seen that, the low end of that, or even very much. I think one quarter we were below 30%, which was last winter.

[Company Representative]: Yeah, we tend to, yeah, we haven't seen that 20% below end of that or even very much. I think one quarter we were below 30%, which was last winter. We had a rougher than normal Q4 last year. That was probably the only time in a while we've seen below 30%. I think we're pretty confident in this, where we're at is 30% to 32%. We'll look at that as we go into the planning process. We just completed our strategic plan and we'll be rolling out some communication on that as we go forward. We're pretty comfortable with their margin profile at holding in the 30% plus range the balance of this year. We might get comfortable to guide to a tighter range on that.

Speaker #1: That's, you know, we had a rougher than, than normal Q4 last year. So, you know, that, that was probably the only time in a while we've seen below 30%.

Speaker #1: But yeah, I think we're pretty confident in this. Where we're at is 30 to 32 percent. We'll look at that as we go into the planning process.

Speaker #1: We just completed our strategic plan and we'll be, you know, rolling out some communication on that as we go forward. But, but yeah, we're, we're pretty comfortable with their margin profile, that, holding in, in 30 plus percent range, the balance of this year.

Speaker #1: So, yeah, we might get comfortable to guide to a tighter range on that, so.

Speaker #5: Okay. All right. Thank you very much.

Operator: Okay. All right. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: Sure thing.

[Company Representative]: Sure thing.

Speaker #3: This concludes our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Tom Ferguson for any closing remarks.

Rachel Smith: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Tom Ferguson for any closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Yeah, just a couple of things. I don't think we got any questions on share buybacks. Jason alluded to it, but, we had kind of guided that we'd be buying, that we, well, we issued a 10B51 that, for 20 million dollars at a couple of price points.

[Company Representative]: Yeah, just a couple of things. I don't think we got any questions on share buybacks. Jason alluded to it, but we had kind of guided that we'd be buying, we issued a 10B5-1 for $20 million at a couple of price points. I think we're going to, I'm confident we will get $20 million of our shares bought in over the next perhaps few weeks to a couple of months. I look forward to doing that because we think we're still a great high-value stock and business with an outstanding outlook, particularly as we kind of finish out the choppiness of this year and look forward to next year. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to talking to you after our third quarter results.

Speaker #1: Depending on I, I think we're going to—I'm confident we will get $20 million of our shares bought in over the next, perhaps, few weeks to a couple of months.

Speaker #1: And, look forward to doing that. And, because we think we're, we're still a great high-value, stock and business. With, with an outstanding outlook, particularly as we, kind of finish out the choppiness of this year and, look forward to, to next year.

Speaker #1: Thank you for joining us. We look forward to talking to you after our third quarter results.

Rachel Smith: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.