Q3 2026 Worthington Enterprises Inc Earnings Call

March 25, 2026

Operator 2: Good morning, and welcome to the Worthington Enterprises Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings conference call. All participants will be able to listen only until the question and answer session of the call. This conference is being recorded at the request of Worthington Enterprises. If anyone objects, you may disconnect at this time. I'd now like to introduce Marcus Rogier, Treasurer and Investor Relations Officer. Mr. Rogier, you may begin.

Operator: Good morning, and welcome to the Worthington Enterprises Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings conference call. All participants will be able to listen only until the question and answer session of the call. This conference is being recorded at the request of Worthington Enterprises. If anyone objects, you may disconnect at this time. I'd now like to introduce Marcus Rogier, Treasurer and Investor Relations Officer. Mr. Rogier, you may begin.

Speaker #2: This conference is being recorded at the request of Worthington Enterprises. If anyone objects, you may disconnect at this time. I'd now like to introduce Marcus Rogier, Treasurer and Investor Relations Officer. Mr. Rogier, you may begin.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Regina. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for Worthington Enterprises' third quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call. On the call today are Joe Hayek, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Colin Souza, our Chief Financial Officer.

Marcus Rogier: Thank you, Regina. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for Worthington Enterprises' Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings call. On the call today are Joe Hayek, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Colin Souza, our Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone that certain statements made during today's call are forward-looking in nature and subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. For more information on these risks and uncertainties, please refer to our earnings release issued yesterday after the market closed, which is available on the investor relations section of our website. Additionally, our remarks today will include references to non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures can also be found in the earnings release.

Speaker #3: Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone that certain statements made during today's call are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

Speaker #3: For more information on these risks and uncertainties, please refer to our earnings release issued yesterday after the market closed, which is available on the Investor Relations section of our website.

Speaker #3: Additionally, our remarks today will include references to non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures can also be found in the earnings release.

Speaker #3: Today's call is being recorded, and a replay will be available later on our website at worthingtonenterprises.com. With that, I'll turn the call over to Joe for opening remarks.

Marcus Rogier: Today's call is being recorded and a replay will be available later on our website at worthingtonenterprises.com. With that, I'll turn the call over to Joe for opening remarks.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Marcus. Good morning, everybody. Welcome to Worthington Enterprises' fiscal 2026 third quarter earnings call. We performed very well in Q3 and generated strong earnings growth, which is a reflection of the tremendous effort that our team exhibits every day.

Joseph B. Hayek: Thank you, Marcus. Good morning, everybody. Welcome to Worthington Enterprises' fiscal 2026 Q3 earnings call. We performed very well in Q3 and generated strong earnings growth, which is a reflection of the tremendous effort that our team exhibits every day. Our colleagues all over the world continue putting our customers first, and our solutions and approach are resonating, helping us to grow. In Q3, in market conditions that continued to be mixed, we delivered strong year-over-year growth in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and earnings per share. Our revenue in Q3 was up over 24% from last year, while our SG&A expenditures declined by 70 basis points as a percentage of sales. Our adjusted EBITDA grew by 15% year over year.

Speaker #4: Our colleagues all over the world continue putting our customers first, and our solutions and approach are resonating, helping us to grow. In Q3, in market conditions that continued to be mixed, we delivered strong year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share.

Speaker #4: Our revenue in Q3 was up over 24% from last year, while our SG&A expenditures declined by 70 basis points as a percentage of sales.

Speaker #4: Our adjusted EBITDA grew by 15% year over year, and in the last 12 months, our adjusted EBITDA is now $297 million, up $54 million from a year ago, and our adjusted EBITDA margin is 22.4%.

Joseph B. Hayek: In the last twelve months, our adjusted EBITDA is now $297 million, up $54 million from a year ago, and our adjusted EBITDA margin is 22.4%. This growth is driven by our teams as they optimize and grow our business by developing and launching new products, expanding production capacity in key value streams, providing excellent customer service, and through strategic acquisitions. We believe we are very well positioned to capitalize on our strengths and continue to grow our market share as the markets improve. Q3 is a great example of how we leverage the Worthington Business System and how it shows up in our financial performance. As we grow our top line and profitability, we're leveraging the WBS and its three growth drivers, innovation, transformation, and M&A, to maximize both our near and long-term success.

Speaker #4: This growth is driven by our teams. As they optimize and grow our business by developing and launching new products, expanding production, capacity, and key value streams, providing excellent customer service, and through strategic acquisitions.

Speaker #4: We believe we are very well positioned to capitalize on our strengths and continue to grow our market share as the markets improve. Q3 is a great example of how we leverage the Worthington business system and how it shows up in our financial performance.

Speaker #4: As we grow our top line and profitability, we're leveraging the WBS and its three growth drivers: innovation, transformation, and M&A, to maximize both our near- and long-term success.

Speaker #4: Innovation is a big part of our growth strategy. Our ASME water tanks use liquid cooling, and data centers are a great example. Our pipeline is rapidly growing as data centers increasingly utilize liquid cooling solutions.

Joseph B. Hayek: Innovation is a big part of our growth strategy. Our ASME water tanks used for liquid cooling in data centers are a great example. Our pipeline is rapidly growing as data centers increasingly utilize liquid cooling solutions. In addition, innovation and new products have led to new store placements for Balloon Time, driving growth in our consumer business. Transformation has been a cornerstone of our operating strategy for some time. As new technologies emerge and we conceptualize and implement new tools that help transform our business, we're always focused not on how we did things yesterday, but on how we can do them better or more efficiently tomorrow. Our 80/20 initiative is a good example of that thinking, and we're very happy with our progress to date and excited about how we can continue to leverage that discipline.

Speaker #4: In addition, innovation and new products have led to new store placements for Balloon Time, driving growth in our consumer business. Transformation has been a cornerstone of our operating strategy for some time.

Speaker #4: As new technologies emerge and we conceptualize and implement new tools that help transform our business, we're always focused not on how we did things yesterday, but on how we can do them better or more efficiently tomorrow.

Speaker #4: Our 80/20 initiative is a good example of that thinking, and we're very happy with our progress to date and excited about how we can continue to leverage that discipline.

Speaker #4: AI is now embedded across many of our applications, and our focus is shifting from experimentation to operational impact—deploying AI in specific workflows where it can drive measurable efficiencies, not just individual productivity gains.

Joseph B. Hayek: AI is now embedded across many of our applications, and our focus is shifting from experimentation to operational impact, deploying AI in specific workflows where it can drive measurable efficiencies, not just individual productivity gains. We also continue investing in automation as we gain efficiencies and create elevated opportunities for our colleagues. We're focused on acquiring companies in niche markets with sustainable competitive advantages. In January, we completed our acquisition of LSI. LSI is a leading US manufacturer of standing-seam metal roof clips, components, and retrofit systems that enhances our position in engineered building systems. LSI's products are engineered into OEM-certified roof systems, creating meaningful re-qualification requirements and high switching costs. We're very happy the LSI team is now a part of Worthington. Our integration efforts are off to a good start, and we're excited about the growth prospects that we have together.

Speaker #4: We also continue investing in automation, as we gain efficiencies and create elevated opportunities for our colleagues. We're focused on acquiring companies and niche markets with sustainable competitive advantages, and in January we completed our acquisition of LSI.

Speaker #4: LSI is a leading U.S. manufacturer of standing seam metal roofing clips, components, and retrofit systems that enhances our position in engineered building systems. LSI's products are engineered into OEM-certified roof systems, creating meaningful requalification requirements and high switching costs.

Speaker #4: We're very happy the LSI team is now a part of Worthington. Our integration efforts are off to a good start, and we're excited about the growth prospects that we have together.

Speaker #4: At the core of the WBS and at the core of Worthington is our culture and our philosophy. Our company was founded and grew up embracing the notion that people are our most important asset.

Joseph B. Hayek: At the core of the WBS and at the core of Worthington is our culture and our philosophy. Our company was founded and grew up embracing the notion that people are our most important asset. Today, as visibly as ever, our people power our success. Part of our opportunity and our obligation as a US manufacturer is to invest in and develop the workforce of the future. This year, we launched our largest career accelerator program to date. For high school seniors spend 10 weeks developing career readiness on the shop floor and in the classroom. When these young men and women complete the program, they'll have a certified manufacturing associate credential and a full-time job offer from us. Our teams do not seek recognition for its own sake, but it is gratifying when we are recognized by others.

Speaker #4: Today, as visibly as ever, our people power our success. Part of our opportunity and our obligation as a U.S. manufacturer is to invest in and develop the workforce of the future.

Speaker #4: This year we launched our largest career accelerator program to date. For high school seniors, it was a 10-week experience developing career readiness on the shop floor and in the classroom.

Speaker #4: When these young men and women complete the program, they'll have a Certified Manufacturing Associate credential and a full-time job offer from us. Our teams do not seek recognition for its own sake, but it is gratifying when we are recognized by others.

Speaker #4: For instance, Newsweek recently named us one of America's greatest workplaces for culture, belonging, and community for 2026. We were also named one of the world's most productive companies by L&S Research.

Joseph B. Hayek: For instance, Newsweek recently named us one of America's greatest workplaces for culture, belonging, and community for 2026. We're also named one of the world's most productive companies by L&F's research. While these awards do not independently drive our success, they reflect a group of talented individuals and teams doing things well and the right way. Teams like that are the kind you build around and that make you proud to come to work every day. Global events seem to be unfolding daily, and consequently, the economic growth forecasts are cloudy. We believe our value propositions continue to improve and to resonate with our customers. The demand in our end markets is steady and will grow as market conditions improve. Our strategies are solid, and we're executing well.

Speaker #4: While these awards do not independently drive our success, they reflect a group of talented individuals and teams doing things well and the right way.

Speaker #4: Teams like that are the kind you build around and that make you proud to come to work every day. Global events seem to be unfolding daily, and consequently, economic growth forecasts are cloudy.

Speaker #4: But we believe our value propositions continue to improve and to resonate with our customers, and that demand in our end markets is steady and will grow as market conditions improve.

Speaker #4: Our strategies are solid and we're executing well. As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we believe we're very well positioned to continue growing Worthington Enterprises and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders.

Joseph B. Hayek: As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we believe we're very well-positioned to continue growing Worthington Enterprises and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders. I will now turn it over to Colin, who will take you through some details related to our financial performance in the quarter.

Speaker #4: I will now turn it over to Colin who will take you through some details related to our financial performance in the quarter.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Joe, and good morning, everyone. We delivered strong financial results in Q3, recording gap earnings of 92 cents per share compared to 79 cents per share in the prior year period.

Colin Souza: Thank you, Joe, and good morning, everyone. We delivered strong financial results in Q3, reporting GAAP earnings of $0.92 per share compared to $0.79 per share in the prior year period. The current quarter included $0.06 per share of restructuring and other non-recurring items, primarily related to acquisition costs and the non-cash amortization of a portion of the inventory step-up associated with our recent acquisition of LSI. The prior year quarter included $0.12 per share of restructuring and other expenses. Excluding these items in both periods, adjusted earnings were $0.98 per share, up from $0.91 in the prior year quarter and marking our sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS and adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated net sales for the quarter were $379 million, up 24% compared to $305 million in the prior year quarter.

Speaker #5: The current quarter included $0.06 per share of restructuring and other non-recurring items, primarily related to acquisition costs and the non-cash amortization of a portion of the inventory step-up associated with our recent acquisition of LSI.

Speaker #5: The prior year quarter included $0.12 per share of restructuring and other expenses. Excluding these items in both periods, adjusted earnings were $0.98 per share, up from $0.91 in the prior year quarter, and marking our sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS and adjusted EBITDA.

Speaker #5: Consolidated net sales for the quarter were $379 million, up 24% compared to $305 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was driven by higher overall volumes in both building and consumer products combined with the impact of recent acquisitions, which contributed $32 million in net sales for Q3.

Colin Souza: The increase was driven by higher overall volumes in both building and consumer products, combined with the impact of recent acquisitions, which contributed $32 million in net sales for Q3. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales increased $42 million or 14% over the prior year quarter. Gross profit increased to $109 million from $89 million in the prior year quarter. Gross margin was 28.9% compared to 29.3% a year ago, with the modest contraction primarily reflecting the purchase accounting impact of the inventory step-up at LSI. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $85 million from $74 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.3%.

Speaker #5: Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales increased $42 million, or 14%, over the prior year quarter. Gross profit increased to $109 million from $89 million in the prior year quarter.

Speaker #5: Gross margin was 28.9%, compared to 29.3% a year ago, with the modest contraction primarily reflecting the purchase accounting impact of the inventory step-up at LSI.

Speaker #5: Adjusted EBITDA increased to $85 million from $74 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.3%. On a trailing 12-month basis, adjusted EBITDA increased $54 million, or 22%, to $297 million compared to $243 million in the prior year TTM period.

Colin Souza: On a trailing twelve-month basis, adjusted EBITDA increased $54 million or 22% to $297 million compared to $243 million in the prior year TTM period. This performance reflects the strength of our differentiated portfolio and the positive impact of the Worthington Business System, supporting improved operating discipline and sustainable earnings growth, both organically and through acquisitions. Turning to our cash flow and capital allocation, our focus remains funding growth through acquisitions and reinvesting in our business while returning excess cash to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. Capital expenditures totaled $14 million in the quarter, including $4 million related to our facility modernization project in consumer products. We returned capital to shareholders through $9 million in dividends and the repurchase of 100,000 shares of our common stock.

Speaker #5: This performance reflects the strength of our impact of the Worthington business system supporting improved operating discipline, and sustainable earnings growth both organically and through acquisitions.

Speaker #5: Turning to our cash flow and capital allocation, our focus remains funding growth through acquisitions and reinvesting in our business while returning excess cash to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases.

Speaker #5: Capital expenditures totaled $14 million in the quarter, including $4 million related to our facility modernization project and consumer products. We returned capital to shareholders through $9 million in dividends and the repurchase of 100,000 shares of our common stock.

Speaker #5: Our joint ventures continue to deliver strong cash generation providing $35 million in dividends during the quarter, representing 113% of equity income. Operating cash flow was $62 million in the quarter and free cash flow was $48 million.

Colin Souza: Our joint ventures continued to deliver strong cash generation, providing $35 million in dividends during the quarter, representing 113% of equity income. Operating cash flow was $62 million in the quarter, and free cash flow was $48 million. On a trailing twelve-month basis, free cash flow is now $164 million, representing a 95% free cash flow conversion rate relative to adjusted net earnings. Our free cash flow reflects elevated capital expenditures associated with our facility modernization projects, which totaled roughly $27 million over the TTM period. We have roughly $25 million of modernization spend remaining. The modernization project is on track and on budget, and we expect to complete it by mid-fiscal year 2027.

Speaker #5: On a trailing 12-month basis, free cash flow is now $164 million, representing a 95% free cash flow conversion rate relative to adjusted net earnings.

Speaker #5: Our free cash flow reflects elevated capital expenditures associated with our facility modernization projects, which totaled roughly $27 million over the TTM period. We have roughly $25 million of modernization spend remaining; the modernization project is on track and on budget, and we expect to complete it by mid-fiscal year 2027.

Speaker #5: After this investment is complete, capital expenditures should return to more normalized levels, supporting continued healthy free cash flow conversion over time. Turning to our balance sheet and liquidity, we closed the quarter with net debt of $306 million, resulting in a net debt to trailing adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 1x.

Colin Souza: After this investment is complete, capital expenditure should return to more normalized levels, supporting continued healthy free cash flow conversion over time. Turning to our balance sheet and liquidity, we closed the quarter with net debt of $306 million, resulting in a net debt to trailing adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 1x. Our leverage remains conservative, and we maintain ample liquidity with $495 million of availability under our revolving credit facility at quarter end, providing significant financial flexibility. Yesterday, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share, payable in June 2026. Let me now turn to our segment performance. Building Products delivered another solid quarter, reflecting the quality of our business and the efforts of our teams.

Speaker #5: Our leverage remains conservative and we maintain ample liquidity with $495 million of availability under our revolving credit facility at quarter end, providing significant financial flexibility.

Speaker #5: Yesterday, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share, payable in June 2026. Let me now turn to our segment performance.

Speaker #5: Building Products delivered another solid quarter, reflecting the quality of our business and the efforts of our teams. We're pleased to close the LSI acquisition in mid-January, expanding our offering in the building envelope, and are excited to welcome LSI's team to Worthington.

Colin Souza: We are pleased to close the LSI acquisition in mid-January, expanding our offering in the building envelope, and are excited to welcome LSI's team to Worthington. Q3 net sales grew 36% year-over-year to $224 million, up from $165 million in the prior year quarter. Growth was driven by higher overall volumes and contributions from acquisitions, which contributed $32 million in net sales. Excluding acquisitions, net sales increased 16% year-over-year, reflecting strong organic growth across multiple value streams, in particular our water and cooling construction businesses. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $59 million compared to $53 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.3%.

Speaker #5: Q3 net sales grew 36% year-over-year to $224 million. Up from $165 million in the prior year quarter. Growth was driven by higher overall volumes and contributions from acquisitions which contributed $32 million in net sales.

Speaker #5: Excluding acquisitions, net sales increased 16% year-over-year, reflecting strong organic growth across multiple value streams, in particular our water and cooling construction businesses. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $59 million, compared to $53 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.3%.

Speaker #5: The $6 million increase was driven by improved performance in our wholly-owned businesses, including approximately $5 million from recent acquisitions, partially offset by lower combined equity earnings from our joint ventures.

Colin Souza: The $6 million increase was driven by improved performance in our wholly owned businesses, including approximately $5 million from recent acquisitions, partially offset by lower combined equity earnings from our joint ventures. WAVE continued to perform well, delivering year-over-year growth and contributing $27 million in equity earnings, while ClarkDietrich's results were lower year-over-year in a challenging non-residential construction environment. ClarkDietrich contributed $6 million compared to $9 million last year and improved modestly sequentially from Q2. Our integration plans for Elgen and LSI are on track, and the building products team remains well-positioned to continue to deliver value as we move forward. Consumer Products achieved strong sales and earnings growth in the quarter, driven by the strength of our brands, disciplined execution, and continued demand across key categories.

Speaker #5: WAVE continued to perform well, delivering year-over-year growth and contributing $27 million in equity earnings, while ClarkDietrich results were lower year-over-year amid a challenging non-residential construction environment.

Speaker #5: Clark Dietrich contributed $6 million, compared to $9 million last year, and improved modestly sequentially from Q2. Our integration plans for LGEN and LSI are on track, and the Building Products team remains well positioned to continue to deliver value as we move forward.

Speaker #5: Consumer products achieved strong sales and earnings growth in the quarter driven by the strength of our brands, discipline, execution, and continued demand across key categories.

Speaker #5: Net sales in Q3 were $155 million, up 11% over the prior year quarter, driven by improved volumes and higher average selling prices. Balloon Time continues to perform well, showing its agility with expanded retail placement paired with innovations like the Balloon Time Mini.

Colin Souza: Net sales in Q3 were $155 million, up 11% over the prior year quarter, driven by improved volumes and higher average selling prices. Balloon Time continues to perform well, showing its agility with expanded retail placement paired with innovations like the Balloon Time Mini. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $35 million from $29 million in Q3 a year ago, with margins expanding to 22.9% from 20.5%. The consumer team is poised to continue delivering value-added solutions that strengthen our customer relationships and position the business for sustainable growth moving forward. We delivered strong financial results in Q3. Our differentiated product solutions and disciplined execution, leveraging the Worthington Business System, are driving stronger operations, solid cash flow and returns, and resilient earnings growth, both organically and through acquisitions.

Speaker #5: Adjusted EBITDA margin increased or sorry, adjusted EBITDA increased to $35 million from $29 million in Q3 a year ago with margins expanding to $22.9% from $20.5%.

Speaker #5: The consumer team is poised to continue delivering value-added solutions that strengthen our customer relationships and position the business for sustainable growth moving forward. We delivered strong financial results in Q3.

Speaker #5: Our differentiated product solutions and disciplined execution, leveraging the Worthington Business System, are driving stronger operations, solid cash flow and returns, and resilient earnings growth both organically and through acquisitions.

Speaker #5: At this point, we're happy to take any questions.

Colin Souza: At this point, we're happy to take any questions.

Speaker #1: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, press star then the number one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press star one again.

Operator 2: We will now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, press star then the number one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press star one again. Our first question will come from the line of Daniel Moore with CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: We will now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, press star then the number one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press star one again. Our first question will come from the line of Daniel Moore with CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Our first question will come from the line of Dan Moore with CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning. This is Will on for Dan.

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Good morning. This is Will on for Dan.

Colin Souza: Hey, Will. How's it going?

Speaker #6: Hey, Will.

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Morning. 14% organic revenue growth in the quarter, very strong. Can you talk about volume versus price? Was price much of a factor for either Building Products or Consumer Products?

Speaker #5: 14%. Morning. 14% organic revenue growth in the quarter—very strong. Can you talk about volume versus price? Was price much of a factor for either building products or consumer products?

Speaker #6: Yeah. Good question, Will. So we're very pleased on the organic growth rate overall. 14% organic which you mentioned. Building products was up 16% organically.

Colin Souza: Yeah, good question, Will. We're very pleased with the organic growth rate overall. 14% organic, which you mentioned. You know, Building Products was up 16% organically. That's the second quarter in a row. Building Products is up 16% organically. Consumer was up 11%. It was a mix of different factors there, across the different value streams. You know, volume played a key role. Pricing played a role as well, there. But you know, overall, we continue to think about where we're heading organically, in terms of the margins. We're trying to get to 30%, and we've been in the high 20s over the past couple quarters. You know, we continue to try to make progress toward that 30% gross margin range.

Speaker #6: That's the second quarter in a row. Building products is up 16% organically. Consumer was up 11%. It was a mix of different factors there.

Speaker #6: Across the different value streams, volume played a key role. Pricing played a role as well. But overall, we continue to think about where we're heading organically in terms of the margins.

Speaker #6: We're trying to get to 30% and we've been in the high 20s over the past couple of quarters. We continue to try to make progress toward that 30% gross margin range.

Colin Souza: Just as important is making sure we control our SG&A and getting that below 20% as a percent of sales. A number of value streams, you know, were up from a volume, and some were up from a pricing standpoint. I talked about in consumer products, just volume and higher average selling prices. The pricing factor was there, more than others.

Speaker #6: And then, just as important, is making sure we control our SG&A and get that below 20% as a percent of sales. So, a number of value streams were up from a volume standpoint, and then some were up from a pricing standpoint.

Speaker #6: I talked about, in consumer products, just volume and higher average selling prices. So the pricing factor was there—more than others. Yeah. And Will, it's Jill.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah. Will, it's Joe. The only thing I would add is that, you know, volumes, you know, are definitely increasing, and as Colin mentioned, there are some pricing dynamics in there as well. What sometimes gets lost is the benefits from the new products and NPD that we're seeing in the organic growth side. We talked about Balloon Time. You know, their store count's up 64% from a year ago. They're in 55,000 stores. That's driving a lot of growth. We talked about the ASME tanks in data centers. You know, that's just not us raising price or having more volume of the same thing.

Speaker #6: The only thing I would add is that volumes are definitely increasing at the same time, and as Colin mentioned, there are some pricing dynamics in there as well.

Speaker #6: What sometimes gets lost is the benefits from the new products and NPD that we're seeing on the organic growth side. We talked about Balloon Time.

Speaker #6: There are store counts up 64% from a year ago. They're in 55,000 stores. That's driving a lot of growth. And then we talked about the ASME tanks in data centers.

Speaker #6: That's not just us raising price. We're adding more value to the same thing. That's having new products that are available to either defend our existing businesses, to increase the moat around our businesses, or candidly to appeal to new customers.

Joseph B. Hayek: That's having new products that are available to either, you know, defend our existing businesses, to increase the moat around our businesses, or candidly to appeal to new customers, and we're having success with all three, which makes us pretty happy and pretty optimistic about the future.

Speaker #6: And we're having success with all three, which makes us pretty happy and pretty optimistic about the future.

Speaker #5: Thank you. That's super helpful. And looking forward, can you add some color on the type of organic growth you're expecting to generate in Q4 and over the next few quarters and if you could break it out by building products and consumer products in the JVs.

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Thank you. That's super helpful. Looking forward, can you add some color on the type of organic growth you're expecting to generate in Q4 and over the next few quarters, and if you could break it out by building products and consumer products in the JVs? Thank you.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Yeah, that sounds suspiciously like giving guidance, Will, so we're not going to be able to do that. But we do believe that a lot of the sort of trends that we have been seeing will continue.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah, that sounds suspiciously like giving guidance, Will, so we're not gonna be able to do that. We do believe that a lot of the sort of trends that we have been seeing will continue. You know, we're always mindful in our businesses that there are pockets of strength. One of the things that really makes us feel good about our business is that we do have businesses and end markets that are influenced by different things. You know, we're not over-indexed to a certain vertical or a certain industry. We'll continue to drive organic growth as we optimize and grow the business. We're certainly always looking for opportunities to grow through acquisitions as well.

Speaker #6: We're always mindful in our businesses that there are pockets of strength. One of the things that really makes us feel good about our business is that we do have businesses and end markets that are influenced by different things.

Speaker #6: We're not over-indexed to a certain vertical or a certain industry. And so, yeah, we'll continue to drive organic growth as we optimize and grow the business.

Speaker #6: And we're certainly always looking for opportunities to grow through acquisitions as well.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Thank you.

Speaker #6: Sure.

Joseph B. Hayek: Sure.

Speaker #1: Our next question will come from the line of Brian Biros with Thomson Research Group. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question will come from the line of Brian Biros with Thompson Research Group. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question will come from the line of Brian Biros with Thompson Research Group. Please go ahead.

Steven Ramsey: Hi, good morning. This is Steven Ramsey on for Brian. The comments on the tank business in the data center is certainly an interesting topic and one that our channel checks point to a stunningly bright picture for this segment over the next year or two, at least. I'm curious on two fronts there. Number one, how the pipeline is forming and your visibility into that demand for new data centers. Secondly, is there much opportunity now or that's coming in the retrofit side of existing data centers?

Stephen Ramsey: Hi, good morning. This is Steven Ramsey on for Brian. The comments on the tank business in the data center is certainly an interesting topic and one that our channel checks point to a stunningly bright picture for this segment over the next year or two, at least. I'm curious on two fronts there. Number one, how the pipeline is forming and your visibility into that demand for new data centers. Secondly, is there much opportunity now or that's coming in the retrofit side of existing data centers?

Speaker #7: Hi. Good morning. This is Stephen Ramsey on for Brian. The comments on the tank business into data center—certainly an interesting topic. And one that our channel checks point to a stunningly bright picture for this segment over the next year or two, at least.

Speaker #7: I'm curious on two fronts there. Number one, how the pipeline is forming in your visibility into that demand for new data centers. And then secondly, is there much opportunity now or that's coming in the retrofit side of existing data centers?

Speaker #6: All right. Stephen, it's Jill. Great question. For a lot of our value streams, data centers are an important and a growing end market: Wave, Cartatrix, Elgin, LSI, and Amtrol—which is our water business—to name a few.

Joseph B. Hayek: Right. Steven, it's Joe. Great question. You know, for a lot of our value streams, data centers are an important and a growing end market. You know, WAVE, ClarkDietrich, Elgen, LSI, and Amtrol, which is our water business, you know, to name a few. Specifically on that water side, on the ASME side of the business, the ASME cooling tanks that we provide are gaining significant traction as data centers increasingly embrace liquid cooling, and there are lots of things from chipsets and things like that that are driving that dynamic. You know, for us, our business this year will probably triple. Importantly next year, we see additional incremental growth. We honestly don't think it's a year or two, we think it's several years.

Speaker #6: Specifically, on that water side, on the ASME side of the business, the ASME cooling tanks that we provide are gaining significant traction as data centers increasingly embrace liquid cooling, and there are lots of things with chipsets and things like that that are driving that dynamic.

Speaker #6: For us, our business this year will probably triple. Importantly, next year, we see additional incremental growth. And we honestly don't think it's a year or two.

Speaker #6: We think it's several years. We also don't think it's all coming at once, because when you look at the announced data centers and the announced changes, there is a lag between those announcements and then when things get built.

Joseph B. Hayek: We also don't think it's all coming at once, because when you look at the announced data centers and the announced changes, there is a lag between those announcements and then when things get built and certainly when our solutions become, you know, part of the overall construction project. Visibility-wise, you know, we continue investing in people and process and engineering capabilities. We feel really good about that business for the foreseeable future. You know, it's not just in the tank side of the business. You know, I mentioned we have lots of other businesses that are benefiting from exposure and solutions to go in a data center. You know, we also don't wanna over-index to data centers either.

Speaker #6: And certainly when our solutions become part of the overall construction project. And so, visibility-wise, we continue investing in people, process, and engineering capabilities.

Speaker #6: And so we feel really good about that business for the foreseeable future. It's not just in the tank side of the business. I mentioned we have lots of other businesses that are benefiting from exposure and solutions going to data center.

Speaker #6: We also don't want to over-index to data centers, either. It's not like this is half of our revenue, but it is growing, and we feel really good about it.

Joseph B. Hayek: It's not like this is half of our revenue, but it is growing, and we feel really good about it, and we feel good about the investments that we have made that have led to our success thus far and that we're continuing to make.

Speaker #6: And we feel good about the investments that we have made that have led to our success thus far, and that we're continuing to make.

Operator 1: That's great color. It all makes sense. Maybe a follow-on question on the same topic. How do you feel about your capacity producing all the various products that go into data centers, and how do you think about managing that capacity given the outlook for multiple years is so bright?

Stephen Ramsey: That's great color. It all makes sense. Maybe a follow-on question on the same topic. How do you feel about your capacity producing all the various products that go into data centers, and how do you think about managing that capacity given the outlook for multiple years is so bright?

Speaker #7: That's great color. It all makes sense. Maybe a follow-on question on the same topic: How do you feel about your capacity producing all the various products that go into data centers, and how do you think about managing that capacity given the outlook for multiple years is so bright?

Speaker #6: Yeah, that's a great question. And certainly, we're not the only company that needs to sort that out. The entire supply chain and ecosystem around data centers continues to be pretty dynamic.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah, that's a great question, and certainly we're not the only company that needs to sort that out, as the entire supply chain and ecosystem around data centers, you know, continues to be pretty dynamic. You know, from our perspective, we continue to feel like we have capacity and we can grow, and we have the ability to continue to think about the best ways to make sure that we are engineering these products and getting them into the hands of our customers on an efficient basis.

Speaker #6: From our perspective, we continue to feel like we have capacity and we can grow. And we have the ability to continue to think about the best ways to make sure that we are engineering these products and getting them into the hands of our customers on an efficient basis.

Speaker #7: Okay, that's helpful. And then, last quick one for me. One of the topics from the recent war issues is helium shortages. I'm curious if this has any impact for you guys.

Operator 1: Okay, that's helpful. Last quick one from me. One of the topics from the recent war issues is helium shortages. I'm curious if this has any impact for you guys.

Stephen Ramsey: Okay, that's helpful. Last quick one from me. One of the topics from the recent war issues is helium shortages. I'm curious if this has any impact for you guys.

Speaker #6: Yeah, that is a great question. In the near term, as a domestic sort of supplier of what we do, our sources of helium are also domestic.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah. That is a great question. In the near term, as a, you know, domestic sort of supplier of what we do, our sources of helium are also domestic, and so never say never, but for right now, I think we're in good shape.

Speaker #6: And so, never say never, but for right now, I think we're in good shape.

Speaker #7: Okay. That's great. Thank you.

Operator 1: Okay. That's great. Thank you.

Stephen Ramsey: Okay. That's great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Our next question will come from the line of Walt Liptak with Seaport Research Partners. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question will come from the line of Walter Liptak with Seaport Research Partners. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question will come from the line of Walter Liptak with Seaport Research Partners. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hi, thanks, good morning. Great quarter, guys. I just wanted to ask about—I wanted to do some follow-ons to the data center question that was just asked.

Walter Liptak: Hi. Thanks. Good morning, and great quarter, guys.

Joseph B. Hayek: Thanks, Walt. Good morning, Walt.

David Brown: I wanted to do some follow-ons to the data center question that was just asked. You ran through a couple of businesses, WAVE, LSI, Amtrol, and I think there might have been another one that have exposure to data center. I wonder if you could, you know, maybe talk about them collectively, you know, how much revenue is there today, how much, what's the growth rate on all of those, and what do you think your best opportunity is, you know, from those multiple spots where you can go after data center projects?

Walter Liptak: I wanted to do some follow-ons to the data center question that was just asked. You ran through a couple of businesses, WAVE, LSI, Amtrol, and I think there might have been another one that have exposure to data center. I wonder if you could, you know, maybe talk about them collectively, you know, how much revenue is there today, how much, what's the growth rate on all of those, and what do you think your best opportunity is, you know, from those multiple spots where you can go after data center projects?

Speaker #8: You ran through a couple of businesses—Wave, LSI, AMTROL—and I think there might have been another one that have exposure to data centers.

Speaker #8: I wonder if you could maybe talk about them collectively how much revenue is there today, how much what's the growth rate on all of those, and what do you think your best opportunity is from those multiple spots where you can go after data center projects?

Colin Souza: Hey, Walt. You know, as Joe mentioned, we play in a number of different verticals, different businesses to support the growth there. With WAVE, it's more of the structural grid and then containment, and you know, they have really solid teams in place and capabilities to capture the demand that they're seeing there, which is fast and growing, and feeling really good about that. ClarkDietrich, more on the structural side, the products that they provide, they're seeing increased volume there, and they're able to capture that, and feel really good there. On Elgen, we've talked about it with you know, HVAC components and then the strut products. You know, they've seen big increases in their demand over the past couple years related to data centers.

Speaker #3: Hey, Walt. So, as Jill mentioned, we play in a number of different verticals—different businesses—to support the growth there. With Wave, it's more of the structural grid and then containment.

Speaker #3: And they have really solid teams in place and capabilities to capture the demand that they're seeing there, which is fast and growing, and we're really good about that.

Speaker #3: Clark Dietrich, more on the structural side, the products that they provide. They're seeing increased volume there, and they're able to capture that and feel really good there on Elgin.

Speaker #3: We've talked about it with HVAC components, and then Strut products. They've seen big increases in their demand over the past couple of years. Related to data centers, and then on LSI, the metal roofing clips.

Colin Souza: On LSI, the metal roofing clips. They're all, you know, growing quickly within each of these businesses. I mentioned last quarter, you know, it's less than 10% of each of these businesses individually. In all cases, it's the fastest growing area of these businesses. You know, would expect that to, you know, continue moving forward based on what we can see. Each of these businesses in different ways, they're either making, you know, small investments in just resources to help capture the demand, and in some cases, small investments in equipment to make sure we can capitalize on the solutions that these, you know, data centers need. You know, Joe talked about our water business with Amtrol, and we're excited about that opportunity.

Speaker #3: So they’re all growing quickly within each of these businesses. I mentioned last quarter, it’s less than 10% of each of these businesses individually, but in all cases, it’s the fastest growing area of these businesses.

Speaker #3: So would expect that to continue moving forward based on what we can see. Each of these businesses in different ways, they're either making small investments in just resources to help capture the demand and in some cases, small investments in equipment to make sure we can capitalize on the solutions that these data centers need.

Speaker #3: So Jill talked about our water business with AMTROL, and we're excited about that opportunity. And our teams are just setting up their strategies to make sure we can capitalize on this moving forward.

Colin Souza: Our teams are just setting up their strategies to make sure we can capitalize on this moving forward. We feel really good about that and touches a number of businesses, and the teams are focused there for sure.

Speaker #3: So, we feel really good about that, and it touches a number of businesses, and the teams are focused there for sure.

Speaker #8: Okay, great. I'll change gears here and go into maybe just one: during the quarter, we had the situation in the Middle East change.

David Brown: Okay, great. Okay. I'll change gears here and go into, you know, maybe just one, you know, then during the quarter, we had the situation in the Middle East change with US, Iran. It didn't seem like it had much of an impact that was negative because the results were really good, especially the organic growth. Did you see any customer behaviors change in February, March? You know, how are things trending, you know, towards the end of March?

Walter Liptak: Okay, great. Okay. I'll change gears here and go into, you know, maybe just one, you know, then during the quarter, we had the situation in the Middle East change with US, Iran. It didn't seem like it had much of an impact that was negative because the results were really good, especially the organic growth. Did you see any customer behaviors change in February, March? You know, how are things trending, you know, towards the end of March?

Speaker #8: With US-Iran, it didn't seem like it had much of a negative impact because the results were really good, especially the organic growth.

Speaker #8: But did you see any customer behaviors change in February, March, and how are things trending towards the end of March?

Speaker #6: Sure. So, Middle East specifically—well, things are pretty fluid. At the end of last week, things looked a certain way, and this week they look a bit more optimistic from the standpoint of getting the Strait of Hormuz open and getting goods and oil flowing to the world.

Colin Souza: Sure. Yeah, Middle East specifically, Walt, you know, things are pretty fluid. At the end of last week, things looked a certain way, and this week they look a bit more optimistic from the standpoint of, you know, getting the Strait of Hormuz open and getting goods and oil flowing to the world. It's a little difficult to forecast any tangible impacts that a prolonged closure would have beyond the obvious, which is that interruptions of global shipping are inflationary. That, it just is what it is. Specifically, energy costs are up, including oil, diesel, natural gas, other derivatives. That's true globally. You know, this will have an impact on everybody, whether it's trucking, ocean freight, or anything else. You know, there are other inputs that come out of the Middle East. Those will be impacted.

Speaker #6: It's a little difficult to forecast any tangible impacts that a prolonged closure would have beyond the obvious, which is that interruptions of global shipping are inflationary.

Speaker #6: That just is what it is. And so specifically, energy costs are up, including oil, diesel, natural gas, other derivatives. That's true globally. This will have an impact on everybody, whether it's trucking, ocean freight, or anything else.

Speaker #6: There are other inputs that come out of the Middle East. Those will be impacted. And then specifically to us, our European LPG business has some customers in the Middle East.

Colin Souza: Then, specifically to us, our European LPG business has some customers in the Middle East. Right now we're unable to ship to those customers. We're certainly hopeful that the situation gets resolved sometime in the near future. I would say, first of all, you know, we're not at all over-indexed to the Gulf or oil prices generally, since we're predominantly a US manufacturer. We will take steps to mitigate, you know, potential headwinds or price increases with fuel, if or as they present themselves to us.

Speaker #6: And right now, we're unable to ship to those customers. So we're certainly hopeful that the situation gets resolved sometime in the near future. But I would say, first of all, we're not at all over-indexed to the Gulf or oil prices, generally.

Speaker #6: Since we're predominantly a US manufacturer, we will take steps to mitigate potential headwinds or price increases with fuel if or as they present themselves to us.

Speaker #8: Okay, great. And then, kind of along those same lines, in the consumer products segment, they had a—it looks like a really nice quarter.

David Brown: Okay, great. Kind of along those same lines, in the Consumer Products segment, they had, it looks like, a really nice quarter. I wonder if you could talk about inventories, market share. You talked already about the selling price increases, but it seems. Did they take their inventories down too low and they're just bringing them back up to a normal level? You mentioned Balloon Time market share gains. Are there other market share gains as a US manufacturer that's helping the organic revenue?

Walter Liptak: Okay, great. Kind of along those same lines, in the Consumer Products segment, they had, it looks like, a really nice quarter. I wonder if you could talk about inventories, market share. You talked already about the selling price increases, but it seems. Did they take their inventories down too low and they're just bringing them back up to a normal level? You mentioned Balloon Time market share gains. Are there other market share gains as a US manufacturer that's helping the organic revenue?

Speaker #8: I wonder if you could talk about inventories and market share. You talked already about the selling price increases, but it seems—did they take their inventories down too low and then are just bringing them back up to a normal level?

Speaker #8: And you mentioned Balloon Time market share gains? Are there other market share gains? Is it US manufacturer that's helping the organic revenue?

Colin Souza: Yeah. Walt, as you said, Consumer had a fantastic quarter. They were up 11%, you know, growth organically and a number of factors there. You know, the Celebrations business, our Balloon Time business, volume was up there as we've continued to gain share, gain new placements and layer on innovation. A lot of initiatives working well there and compounding on each other for good results on the Celebrations category. You know, our outdoor business, you know, volumes were up and we were able to capitalize on demand there. The tools businesses continue to perform okay, you know, not up significantly, not down significantly. We talked about some of the demand drivers within kind of repair and remodel activity that are key factors there.

Speaker #3: Consumer had a fantastic quarter. They were up 11% growth organically, and there were a number of factors there. The celebrations business, our Balloon Time business—volume was up there.

Speaker #3: As we've continued to gain share, gain new placements, and layer on innovation, a lot of initiatives are working well there and compounding on each other.

Speaker #3: For good results on the celebrations category, our outdoor business volumes were up, and we were able to capitalize on demand there. The tools businesses continue to perform okay.

Speaker #3: Not up significantly, not down significantly. And we talked about some of the demand drivers within kind of repair and remodel activity that are key factors there.

Colin Souza: You know, margins for Consumer, they were up 240 basis points year over year versus the prior year quarter. That was factors I mentioned, higher volumes, improved pricing, favorable mix, and you know, a really good Q3 overall.

Speaker #3: But margins for Consumer, they were up 240 basis points year over year, versus the prior-year quarter. That was due to the factors I mentioned: higher volumes, improved pricing, and favorable mix.

Speaker #3: And a really good Q3 overall. Q3 and Q4, our seasonally strongest quarters in consumer products. We don't see any sign of overstocking from an inventory perspective at our retailers.

Joseph B. Hayek: You know, Q3 and Q4 are our seasonally strongest quarters in consumer products. We don't see any sign of, you know, overstocking from an inventory perspective at our retailers. Feel good about just the demand dynamics there and in things to come, Q3 being, you know, our strongest quarter typically.

Speaker #3: So feel good about just the demand dynamics there and things to come in Q3 being our strongest quarter, typically.

Speaker #8: Okay. Great. Okay. Thanks so much.

David Brown: Okay, great. Okay. Thanks so much.

Walter Liptak: Okay, great. Okay. Thanks so much.

Speaker #1: Our next question will come from the line of Susan McClory with Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question will come from the line of Susan Maklari with Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question will come from the line of Susan Maklari with Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Thank you. Good morning, everyone.

Susan Maklari: Thank you. Good morning, everyone.

Speaker #6: Hey, good morning, Susan.

Joseph B. Hayek: Hey, good morning, Susan.

Speaker #9: Good morning. Can you hear me okay? Can you hear me? Okay. Okay, perfect. I wanted to talk a bit about the state of the consumer.

Susan Maklari: Good morning. Can you hear me okay?

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah.

Susan Maklari: Can you hear me? Okay. Okay, perfect. I wanted to talk a bit about the state of the consumer. With everything that's happened and going on in the world, have you seen any change as you think about the spring and just how you're thinking about the inventories and positioning, especially around the new products and a lot of that momentum that you're seeing?

Speaker #9: With everything that's happened and going on in the world, have you seen any change as you think about the spring and just how you're thinking about the inventories and positioning, especially around the new products and all of that momentum that you're seeing?

Speaker #6: Sure. So the state of the consumer, generally for us—consumer for our consumer business—we're not broadly correlated with overall consumer trends that a lot of people focus on.

Joseph B. Hayek: Sure. The state of the consumer generally, you know, for our consumer business, you know, we're not broadly correlated with overall consumer trends that a lot of people focus on. Many of our consumer products are actually geared towards contractors or for professionals, and in those value streams, demand is actually more akin to what you might see in building products, which is stable, steady conditions with a little bit of growth. You know, in the more traditional consumer-focused value streams, our products are a lot of times used to elevate the experiences that people are having as they replace more expensive experiences. And so our demand tends to be a bit more resilient than in other categories that you might see in consumer. From an inventory perspective, we're relatively steady.

Speaker #6: Many of our consumer products are actually geared towards contractors or professionals. And in those value streams, demand is actually more akin to what you might see in building products, which is stable, steady conditions with a little bit of growth.

Speaker #6: In the more traditional consumer-focused value streams, our products are a lot of times used to elevate the experiences that people are having as they replace more expensive experiences.

Speaker #6: And so, our demand tends to be a bit more resilient than in other categories that you might see in consumer. From an inventory perspective, we're relatively steady.

Joseph B. Hayek: We approached the winter season with camping gas in a pretty good spot, and we partnered really well with our retail customers and, you know, they exited Q3 in a pretty good spot, and we don't believe that they're kind of over-indexed or that the channel is overly full. You know, the one other dynamic, Susan, I'd point out is that we do continue to benefit from the innovation engine. You know, we have opened new doors and gaining shares. We've talked about the things that are happening with Balloon Time. You know, it's also true in the tools business.

Speaker #6: We approach the winter season with taping gas in a pretty good spot. And we've partnered really well with our retail customers. And they exited Q3 in a pretty good spot.

Speaker #6: And we don't believe that they're kind of over-indexed or that the channel is overly full. But the one other dynamic, Susan, I would point out is that we do continue to benefit from the innovation engine.

Speaker #6: We have opened new doors and are gaining shares. We've talked about the things that are happening with Balloon Time. It's also true in the tools business.

Joseph B. Hayek: Overall, we've got a lot of things that probably won't launch in the next quarter, but over the next year, we've got a number of new products that are also coming to market that we feel pretty good about.

Speaker #6: And overall, we've got a lot of things that probably won't launch in the next quarter. But over the next year, we've got a number of new products that are also coming to market that we feel pretty good about.

Speaker #9: Yeah. Okay. That's great color. Can you also talk a bit about the JVs? It seems like obviously with the macro coming through, you're still seeing some of those pressures in Clark Dietrich.

Susan Maklari: Yeah. Okay. That's great color. Can you also talk a bit about the JVs? It seems like obviously with the macro coming through, you're still seeing some of those pressures in ClarkDietrich. Can you just give us an update on how things are moving there? And also within WAVE, how you're seeing the dynamics and supply demand in that part of the business? Anything as it relates to steel versus the pricing that you put through earlier this year?

Speaker #9: But can you just give us an update on how things are moving there? And also, within Wave, how you're seeing the dynamics and supply-demand in that part of the business?

Speaker #9: And anything as it relates to steel versus the pricing that you put through earlier this year?

Speaker #6: Sure. So Susan, I think I understood your question. You're echoing quite a bit, but I think what your question is around the JVs and a lot of the dynamics there.

Joseph B. Hayek: Sure. Susan, I think I understood your question. You're echoing quite a bit, but I think what your question is around the JVs and a lot of the dynamics there. I'll give it a shot, but if I miss anything that you're asking about, make sure you remind me. You know, take ClarkDietrich first. You know, it's a great business. They are a market leader, but they're operating in a pretty tough environment. You know, that environment will improve over time as market conditions allow. They improved sequentially in Q3. We do expect them to be relatively flattish to that number in Q4.

Speaker #6: And so I'll give it a shot. But if I missed anything that you're asking about, make sure you remind me. But I'll take ClarkDietrich first.

Speaker #6: It's a great business. They are a market leader in it. But they're operating in a pretty tough environment. That environment will improve over time as market conditions allow.

Speaker #6: They improved sequentially in Q3. We do expect them to be relatively flattish to that number in Q4. But as we kind of look out, and we think about interest rates and uncertainties and these headwinds, this is a time period.

Joseph B. Hayek: As we kind of look out and we think about interest rates and uncertainties and those headwinds, this is a time period, Susan, where the team at ClarkDietrich is operating exceptionally well, and they have leaned out their processes. They have learned an awful lot about how to deal with different challenging environments that their customers are having. I think their customers are feeling better about them than they have in quite a while, and they've really prioritized doing business with ClarkDietrich.

Speaker #6: The team at ClarkDietrich is operating exceptionally well, and they have leaned out their processes. They have learned an awful lot about how to deal with different challenging environments that their customers are having there.

Speaker #6: I think their customers are feeling better about them than they have in quite a while. And they really prioritize doing business with ClarkDietrich.

Joseph B. Hayek: We've got one more, I think, challenging comp for ClarkDietrich, but thereafter, you know, we expect them to continue to do all the things that they're doing, and they'll, you know, increasingly contribute to EBITDA growth over the course of time and certainly getting into fiscal 2027. WAVE, as you know, continues to be a great business with the commercial market being having less opportunities to grow, although we are starting to see some green shoots there. We continue to see strength there in data centers and healthcare and education. You know, the verticals, and people talk a lot about data centers and, you know, their data centers generally are representing a lot of the growth that's available in consumer. I'm sorry, in commercial.

Speaker #6: And so we've got one more, I think, challenging comp for ClarkDietrich. But thereafter, we expect them to continue to do all the things that they're doing.

Speaker #6: And they'll increasingly contribute to EBITDA growth over the course of time and certainly getting into fiscal '27. And Wave, as you know, continues to be a great business, with the commercial market having fewer opportunities to grow, although we are starting to see some green shoots there.

Speaker #6: We continue to see strength there—in data centers, healthcare, and education. The verticals, and people talk a lot about data centers, and their data centers generally are representing a lot of the growth that's available in consumer—I'm sorry, in commercial.

Joseph B. Hayek: That will ultimately change, and so when those markets turn and get better, the entire industry, I think, is poised to grow. You know, they continue to do a fantastic job on their own with NPD. That's a great management team and a great leadership team and our partner at Armstrong. We're very happy with WAVE and all the work that continues to go in there. In a relatively, you know, flattish demand environment, they continue to do a fantastic job.

Speaker #6: But that will ultimately change. And so, when those markets turn and get better, the entire industry, I think, is poised to grow. They continue to do a fantastic job on their own with NPD.

Speaker #6: That's a great management team and a great leadership team. And our partner at Armstrong were very happy with Wave and all the work that continues to go in there.

Speaker #6: And in a relatively flattish demand environment, they continue to do a fantastic job.

Speaker #9: Okay, that's great color. I'm just going to squeeze one more in, which is: Was there any impact from the weather on building products in the third quarter?

Susan Maklari: Okay. That's great color. I'm just gonna squeeze one more in, which is just, was there any impact from the weather on building products in the Q3?

Speaker #6: Again, great question. And so in Q3, weather has actually been a little bit of a mixed bag for us. The cold and the storms that the eastern half of the country experienced, really starting in December, did drive demand for our taping gas and our other heating products.

Joseph B. Hayek: Again, great question. In Q3, you know, weather is actually a little bit of a mixed bag for us. The cold and the storms that the eastern half of the country experienced, really starting in December, did drive demand for our camping gas and our other heating products. You know, those are used for emergency and supplemental heat and some cooking fuel in cases of emergency if you ever lost power. At the same time, the cold and the storms caused some delays on construction sites, which has an impact on a number of our businesses. We actually lost several production days in our building product facilities in the Northeast and a couple in the Midwest because of those storms.

Speaker #6: Those are used for emergency and supplemental heat, and some cooking fuel in cases of emergency or lost power. At the same time, the cold and the storms caused some delays on construction sites.

Speaker #6: Which has an impact on a number of our businesses. And we actually lost several production days at our building products facilities in the Northeast and a couple in the Midwest because of those storms.

Joseph B. Hayek: In some cases, you can make up some of that production and shipping with some expensive overtime. Sometimes you simply lose those days. In a roughly 60-day shipping quarter, those kinds of disruptions aren't needle moving by themselves, but they do matter, and they can put some pressure on manufacturing and conversion costs. Overall, I would say that the weather, as is seasonally normal, was a modest positive for us overall.

Speaker #6: And in some cases, you can make up some of that production and shipping with some expensive overtime. Sometimes you simply lose those days. And in a roughly 60-day shipping quarter, those kinds of disruptions aren't needle-moving by themselves.

Speaker #6: But they do matter, and they can put some pressure on manufacturing and conversion costs. So overall, yeah, I would say that the weather has seasonally normal was a modest positive for us overall.

Speaker #9: Okay. Thank you. Good luck with the quarter.

Susan Maklari: Okay. Thank you. Good luck with the quarter.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Susan.

Joseph B. Hayek: Thanks, Susan.

Speaker #9: Again, to ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. Our next question is a follow-up from the line of Dan Moore with CJS Securities.

Operator 2: Again, to ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. Our next question is a follow-up from the line of Daniel Moore with CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Again, to ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. Our next question is a follow-up from the line of Daniel Moore with CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Hi. This is Willon again. Just one more follow-up that I don't think was asked yet. Can you provide maybe more color or an update on the LSI acquisition?

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Hi, this is Will on again. Just one more follow-up that I don't think was asked yet. Can you provide maybe more color or an update on the LSI acquisition? How is performance and synergy realization tracking relative to expectations?

Speaker #10: How is performance synergy realization tracking relative to expectations?

Speaker #6: Yeah, Will, thanks for the follow-up. So, really excited about LSI. We closed it midway through the quarter, so there’s really just about six weeks of results in the quarter.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah, Will, thanks for the follow-up. Really excited about LSI. You know, we closed it midway through the quarter, so there's really just about six weeks of results in the quarter. You know, meeting expectations so far. We're in early days of integration, but really, really excited about that business. The more we spend time with that team, the more it's, you know, validating and our conviction, you know, increases for what we can do together. You know, as a reminder, you know, they're a leading player in commercial metal roofing clips. This was an attractive, you know, niche driven by the reroofing cycle, and, you know, really strong margin profile, and, you know, opportunities for us to really capitalize on coming together and making this business better under our ownership.

Speaker #6: But meeting expectations so far. We're in early days of integration, but really excited about that business. And the more we spend time with that team, the more it's validating, and our conviction increases for what we can do together.

Speaker #6: As a reminder, they're a leading player in commercial metal roofing clips. This was an attractive niche driven by the reroofing cycle and a really strong margin profile.

Speaker #6: And opportunities for us to really capitalize on coming together and making this business better under our ownership. So really excited about that. And lastly, the team there is such a good cultural fit.

Joseph B. Hayek: Really excited about that. Lastly, the team there is such a good cultural fit with ours, so you know, we enjoy spending time with them and look forward to the things we can do together.

Speaker #6: With ours, so we enjoy spending time with them and look forward to the things we can do together.

Speaker #10: Thank you.

[Analyst] (CJS Securities): Thank you.

Speaker #9: Our next question will come from the line of Brian McNamara with Canaccord. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question will come from the line of Brian McNamara with Canaccord. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question will come from the line of Brian McNamara with Canaccord. Please go ahead.

Speaker #11: Hey, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the question. You know I'm going to ask about tariffs and tariff advantages. So I'm curious where you guys stand in your tariff advantage product relative to peers on a market share basis, or however, kind of wherever you want to posit it.

Brian McNamara: Hey, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the question. You know I'm gonna ask about tariffs and tariff advantages. I'm curious where you guys stand in your tariff advantage product relative to peers on a market share basis or however kind of way you wanna posit it. I remember last quarter you guys said you needed to hire 40 more people at your plants to kind of meet increased demand for those products. And I think that partly drove part of the gross margin degradation last quarter. Where are we as it relates to the kind of tariffs and kind of your perceived advantage there? Thanks.

Speaker #11: I remember last quarter you guys said you needed to hire 40 more people at your plants to kind of meet increased demand for those products.

Speaker #11: And I think that's partly what drove part of the gross margin degradation last quarter. So, where are we as it relates to tariffs and your perceived advantage there?

Speaker #11: Thanks.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah, sure. Brian, good morning. You know, yeah, a lot has changed, but there has not been a lot of resolution around tariffs in the last couple of months. You know, from our perspective, we still think that we're a net beneficiary of the tariffs that are now put in place. As you know, in a lot of our value streams, we are the only domestic manufacturer of certain products, and so potential foreign competitors need to navigate the Section 232 tariffs, which was not at issue with the Supreme Court. You know, a level playing field is always a good thing for us.

Speaker #6: Sure. Brian, good morning. A lot has changed, but there has not been a lot of resolution around tariffs in the last couple of months.

Speaker #6: But from our perspective, we still think that we're a net beneficiary of the tariffs that are announced and in place. And as you know, in a lot of our value streams, we are the only domestic manufacturer of certain products.

Speaker #6: And so potential pouring competitors need to navigate the Section 232 tariffs, which was not at issue with the Supreme Court. So a level playing field is always a good thing for us.

Joseph B. Hayek: We believe we have taken market share in multiple value streams, and we did absolutely chat in December about the fact that we have added some manufacturing colleagues to meet demand in those businesses. We continue to feel like, you know, our solutions are resonating and that the competitive dynamic is such that, you know, we have the opportunity to compete on the merits and the value that we bring to our customers, and that makes us feel really good. We've talked about this, but we do have some tariff impacts that are negative to us, whether it's, you know, commodity costs or certainly in the consumer business, the products that are manufactured overseas.

Speaker #6: We believe we have taken market share in multiple value streams. And we did absolutely chat in December about the fact that we have added some manufacturing colleagues to meet demand in those businesses.

Speaker #6: And so we continue to feel like our solutions are resonating. And that the competitive dynamic is such that we have the opportunity to compete on the merits and the value that we bring to our customers.

Speaker #6: And that makes us feel really good. We've talked about this. But we do have some tariff impacts that are negative to us. Whether it's commodity cost or certainly in the consumer business, the products that are manufactured overseas.

Speaker #6: And so the three mitigants that we always leverage are asking our suppliers to partner with us and offset some of those additional costs. We could continue to try and leverage tools and take costs out of our own supply chains everywhere we can.

Joseph B. Hayek: There's the three mitigants that we always leverage are asking our suppliers to partner with us and offset some of those additional costs. You know, we continue to try and leverage tools and take costs out of our own supply chains everywhere we can. If we need to, we contemplate pricing actions. We do feel like we're where we need to be in all three of those areas right now. You think about aluminum and brass, there's also been talk of these various potential refunds and things like that. We actually don't think that those are gonna happen anytime soon. It's just me personally, I'm not sure that the government's gonna readily suggest that they wanna give you know, $200 billion back.

Speaker #6: And then, if we need to, we contemplate pricing actions. And we do feel like we're where we need to be in all three of those areas right now.

Speaker #6: And so you think about aluminum and brass, there's also been talk of these various potential refunds and things like that. We actually don't think that those are going to happen anytime soon.

Speaker #6: It's just me personally. I'm not sure that the government's going to readily suggest that they want to give a couple hundred billion dollars back.

Joseph B. Hayek: There have been some states or some companies that have actually, you know, filed suits. From that IEEPA dynamic, you know, we're gonna wait and see how that plays out. Yeah, we continue to think about our business and what we can control, and our teams are doing a phenomenal job there. Actually, Brian, if you think about it for a second, when we talk about our strategy in action, you know, there are a few numbers that might help to tell the story. You know, the 9 months ended in Q3.

Speaker #6: And so there have been some states or some companies that have actually filed suits. But from that IEPA dynamic, we're going to wait and see how that plays out.

Speaker #6: But yeah, we continue to think about our business and what we can control. And our teams are doing a phenomenal job there. And actually, Brian, if you think about it for a second, when we talk about our strategy and action, there are a few numbers that might help to tell the story.

Speaker #6: In the nine months ended in Q3, we've grown our top line by $175 million. In between increases in our gross margin and a decrease in our SG&A percentage of sales in that same nine-month period, our adjusted EBITDA margin is up 220 basis points in the wholly owned businesses.

Joseph B. Hayek: You know, we've grown our top line by $175 million in between increases in our gross margin and a decrease in our SG&A as a percentage of sales in that same nine-month period. You know, our adjusted EBITDA margin is up 220 basis points in the wholly owned businesses. You've got a little bit of a decline contribution from the JVs. But overall, you know, I think that's it. If you think about what our strategy really is, which is to optimize and grow our businesses, and to keep our SG&A flat as we grow, as Colin mentioned, you know, that's what we're seeing.

Speaker #6: And so you’ve got a little bit of a decline contribution from the JVs. But overall, I think that’s—if you think about what our strategy really is, which is to optimize and grow our businesses and to keep our SG&A flat as we grow, as Colin mentioned, that’s what we’re seeing.

Speaker #6: And then the environments—back to your tariffs question—the environment that we're in, we believe it's steady. And it's likely to continue this way unless something unforeseen—and, look, there's a lot going on in the world.

Joseph B. Hayek: Back to your tariff question, the environment that we're in, we believe it's steady and it's likely to continue this way unless something unforeseen and you know. Look, there's a lot going on in the world. Based on what we can see right now, we think steady as she goes from a demand perspective with some green shoots in some places. It makes us pretty optimistic.

Speaker #6: But based on what we can see right now, we think steady as she goes from a demand perspective with some green shoots in some places.

Speaker #6: So it makes us pretty optimistic.

Speaker #11: Great. That's really helpful. I appreciate the color on the data centers. It's becoming a bigger topic for you guys. And obviously, the market in general.

Brian McNamara: Great. That's really helpful. I appreciate the color on the data centers. It's becoming a bigger topic for you guys and obviously the market in general. I think when you guys split, it was a pretty small part of your business. I was hoping you guys could contextualize kinda where you are. I understand if you don't wanna quantify per se. I think Colin mentioned it's less than 10% of some of your business lines. Like, how big is it today on a qualitative or quantitative basis? How big do you think it can get over, you know, the next couple of years?

Speaker #11: I think when you guys split, it was a pretty small part of your business. I was hoping you guys could contextualize kind of where you are. I understand if you don't want to quantify per se. I think Colin mentioned it's less than 10% of some of your business lines.

Speaker #11: But how big is it today on a qualitative or quantitative basis? And how big do you think it can get over the next couple of years?

Speaker #6: Yeah, Brian. So I'll start there and appreciate the question. I mean, I think all we can say there is it is helping grow a number of our businesses and offsetting some softness in other markets.

Colin Souza: Yeah, Brian, I'll start there and appreciate the question. I mean, I think all we can say there is it's, you know, helping grow a number of our businesses and offsetting, you know, some softness in other markets. We're doing our best to develop strategies to support this demand. You know, it's unique in each of these value streams. I mentioned earlier, whether it's people or equipment or capabilities or partners, you know, we are leveraging all of those tools to develop the best solutions to capture this demand. It is a focus of ours, you know, because we see the growth opportunity. To Joe's point, we're not over-indexed to it by any means.

Speaker #6: And then we're doing our best to develop strategies to support this demand, its unique in each of these value streams. And so I mentioned earlier, whether it's people or equipment or capabilities or partners, we are leveraging all of those tools to develop the best solutions to capture this demand.

Speaker #6: It is a focus of ours because we see the growth opportunity. But to Joe's point, we're not over-indexed to it by any means. So we're trying to be smart about how we spend our time and resources.

Colin Souza: We're trying to be smart about, you know, how we spend our time and resources. It is an opportunity to capture more incremental growth for us. You know, if things play out as we expect, you know, the percentage share across these businesses will increase to data centers as we move forward. You know, that's the best way we could characterize it, you know, on top of what Joe shared specifically about our water business.

Speaker #6: But it is an opportunity to capture more incremental growth for us. And it if things play out as we expect, the percentage share across these businesses will increase to data centers as we move forward.

Speaker #6: And that's the best way we could characterize it, on top of what Joe shared specifically about our water business. Yeah. And Brian, I mean, Colin did a really nice job of kind of trying to frame, size-wise, what this is for us.

Joseph B. Hayek: Yeah, Brian, I mean, Colin did a really nice job of kinda trying to frame size-wise what this is for us. I do think it'll be bigger a year from now than it is right now. We have made investments. You know, our solutions are resonating, and we are developing in some places, right, these are buildings, and buildings need certain things. In other environments, these are very purpose-built buildings that need very specific things. Our solutions have been customized in a lot of cases. The other thing that people sometimes, you know, focus a lot on data centers, but you know, data centers are in fact representing a lot of commercial construction.

Speaker #6: I do think it’ll be bigger a year from now than it is right now. We have made investments at our solutions, our resonating. And we are developing in some places—these are buildings, and buildings need certain things.

Speaker #6: In other environments, these are very purpose-built buildings that need very specific things. And so our solutions have been customized in a lot of cases the other thing that people sometimes focus a lot on data centers.

Speaker #6: But data centers are, in fact, representing a lot of commercial construction. And so, as commercial construction improves, generally speaking, volumes in a lot of these spaces will go up because commercial conditions normalize, and you still have the data center growth that, really, we expect to continue for five-plus years.

Joseph B. Hayek: As commercial construction improves, generally speaking, right, volumes in a lot of these spaces will go up because, you know, commercial conditions normalize and you still have the data center growth that really we expect to continue for, you know, 5+ years. I think that'll add a lot of, you know, specific activity around construction and retrofit.

Speaker #6: That'll, I think, that'll add a lot of specific activity around construction and retrofit.

Operator 2: This concludes our question and answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Joe Hayek for closing comments.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Joe Hayek for closing comments.

Speaker #5: This concludes our question and answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Joe Hayek for closing comments.

Joseph B. Hayek: Thanks, everybody, for joining us this morning. We appreciate your time. Have a great week. We look forward to speaking with everybody again soon.

Speaker #6: Thanks, everybody, for joining us this morning. We appreciate your time. Have a great week and look forward to speaking with everybody again soon.

Operator 2: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Q3 2026 Worthington Enterprises Inc Earnings Call

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