Atish (on behalf of Stephen Kim)'s questions to Armstrong World Industries Inc (AWI) leadership • Q4 2024
Question
Atish, on for Stephen Kim, asked for details on the specific input cost headwinds in Mineral Fiber and the outlook for these pressures in 2025. He also sought to contextualize the size of the company's exterior products business following the Zahner acquisition.
Answer
CFO Chris Calzaretta outlined an expectation for low single-digit total input cost inflation in 2025, primarily driven by energy (natural gas), freight, and raw materials. CEO Vic Grizzle explained that the Zahner acquisition, combined with BOK, establishes a platform to pursue a new $1 billion addressable market in building exteriors, enhancing future growth prospects for the Architectural Specialties segment.