Michael Feniger

Michael Feniger from Bank of America asked about the prospects for a new multi-year highway bill in 2026, its potential timeline, and how a continuing resolution or bridge funding might impact DOTs, project types, and letting activity, especially given that 50% of IIJA funds remain undeployed.

Answer

CEO Jim Mintern emphasized the record federal highway funding for 2026 ($75 billion) and the significant remaining IIJA funds, expressing confidence in sustained investment. COO Randy Lake noted positive early signals for a new infrastructure bill, with bipartisan support and key legislative figures working on surface transportation. He explained that even with a continuing resolution, underlying investment would increase due to record funding and IIJA tailwinds, likely shifting more dollars to R&M activities, which benefits CRH. State-level funding also shows a 6% increase in DOT budgets for 2026.

Michael Feniger inquired about the prospects and timeline for a new multi-year highway bill in 2026, and how a continuing resolution or bridge might impact customers, DOTs, and project letting activity.

Answer

CEO Jim Mintern highlighted record federal highway funding for 2026 and significant unspent IIJA funds. COO Randy Lake noted positive early signals for a new bill with bipartisan support, expecting first insights mid-year. He explained that a continuing resolution would still lead to increased investment, particularly in R&M activities, which aligns with CRH's strengths.

Michael Feniger asked about the cash flow conversion rate from EBITDA for 2026 and the company's capital allocation strategy, including the potential for a share repurchase program given share volatility. Feniger also inquired about RB Global's big-picture view on autonomous vehicles, considering their impact on market dynamics, competitive moat, and physical assets. Lastly, Feniger asked about the GTV to EBITDA flow-through, questioning if a 50-60% rate is normal and how long-term investments might affect it.

Answer

CFO Eric Guerin stated that RB Global continuously reviews its capital allocation, focusing on debt reduction (ending Q4 at 1.4x net debt to adjusted EBITDA), business investments, tuck-in acquisitions, and dividends, while also evaluating share repurchase authorizations quarterly with the board. CEO Jim Kessler addressed autonomous vehicles, stating no near-term risk and that while long-term safety features could reduce collision rates, RB Global is well-positioned as a critical player in the salvage market given over 600 million vehicles on the road. Regarding flow-through, Kessler emphasized a philosophy of continuous improvement and never being satisfied with the current rate, while Guerin added that 2026 includes some investments that will yield flow-through later in the year, balancing optimization with long-term growth and customer experience.

Michael Feniger asked about the cash flow conversion rate from EBITDA for 2026 and the company's stance on a share repurchase program given share volatility and a favorable outlook. He also inquired about RB Global's big-picture view on autonomous vehicles regarding market dynamics, competitive moat, and physical assets. Finally, he asked about the flow-through of GTV growth to EBITDA and the expected investment levels for 2026/2027.

Answer

Eric Guerin, CFO, RB Global, stated that capital allocation is continuously reviewed, including debt paydown, business investments (CapEx, tuck-in acquisitions), and dividends, with share repurchase authorization reviewed quarterly. Jim Kessler, CEO, RB Global, sees no near-term risk from autonomous vehicles, emphasizing RB Global's scaled infrastructure, embedded workflows, and data as a strong moat. On flow-through, Jim Kessler stressed a philosophy of continuous improvement, while Eric Guerin noted some upfront investments in 2026 might delay flow-through but are for long-term growth.

Michael Feniger questioned why GTV guidance is at the lower end despite a strong Q2 and asked about potential headwinds to EBITDA flow-through in the second half of the year.

Answer

CFO Eric Guerin clarified the GTV guidance reflects a tough Q4 comparison against $169 million in 2024 CAT event GTV, which is not in the current forecast. For EBITDA, he stated that year-over-year growth is expected to accelerate in H2, with no significant headwinds anticipated beyond minor startup costs for new international contracts.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America noted the year-over-year decline in SG&A and asked for color on cost controls, and also inquired about the assumptions for the service revenue take rate embedded in the 2025 outlook.

Answer

CFO Eric Guerin attributed the SG&A performance to a disciplined focus on operational efficiency while still investing in growth. CEO Jim Kessler added that as a company built on acquisitions, there are ongoing opportunities for efficiency gains. Regarding the take rate, Kessler stated they follow a disciplined annual review process but declined to share specific assumptions in the 2025 forecast.

Michael Feniger asked for clarity on the GTV growth cadence for the year given the Q1 decline against a reaffirmed full-year outlook. He also inquired about the potential impact of auto tariffs on pricing and loss ratios, and later asked for an explanation of the 150 basis point increase in the service revenue take rate.

Answer

CFO Eric Guerin confirmed the Q1 GTV decline was anticipated and that the company expects a stronger second half to meet its full-year guidance. Executive Sameer Rathod addressed the tariff question, stating that while the situation is fluid, the key dynamic remains the spread between repair cost inflation and used car inflation. Regarding the take rate, Guerin explained that the company does not comment on its composition but continuously adjusts fees and commissions based on market dynamics.

Michael Feniger of TD Cowen inquired about the timing and inclusion of the $22 million revenue divestments in the company's guidance, and sought clarification on the criteria used to determine core versus non-core product lines, specifically referencing Edge Intelligence.

Answer

CFO Dennis Fehr explained that the majority of the revenue exit relates to a Japan-focused trading business, expected to close by Q2 2026, impacting packaging and logistics verticals. CEO Matt Moschner detailed that core product determination is based on IP, skill, application understanding, market size, growth potential, and profitability, noting that Edge Intelligence was deemed non-core due to a weaker financial trajectory despite prior highlights.

Michael Feniger inquired about the timing and impact of the $22 million revenue divestments on Cognex's financial guidance and sought clarification on the criteria used to define core versus non-core product lines, referencing past strategic highlights like Edge Intelligence.

Answer

Dennis Fehr, CFO, explained that the majority of divestments, primarily a Japan-focused trading business, are expected to close by Q2 2026, impacting packaging and logistics verticals in the second half. Matt Moschner, CEO, detailed the core/non-core framework, emphasizing core IP, skill, market potential, and profitability, noting that Edge Intelligence was part of this rigorous review.

Michael Feniger asked for an update on Caterpillar's 50 GW power target by 2030, specifically where capacity is expected to stand by the end of 2026 and 2027. He also raised concerns about potential overcapacity if data center demand slows, inquiring about the proportion of the 50 GW allocated to non-data center markets and how Caterpillar is preparing for market volatility through terms, conditions, and service agreements.

Answer

CEO Joe Creed explained that capacity increases are based on forecasts across all industries, including Oil and Gas, and not solely data centers. He noted that capacity also supports services growth for continuously running applications like prime power and gas compression. Creed mentioned that the first significant capacity step-up is expected towards the end of 2026 and into 2027, with turbine investments following later. He emphasized close collaboration with hyperscalers and large data center customers, taking longer-term orders, and preparing for future service needs.

Michael Feniger asked for an update on Caterpillar's 50 GW power target by 2030, specifically where capacity stands for 2026 and 2027. He raised concerns about potential overcapacity if data center demand slows and questioned the allocation of the 50 GW across various markets. He also inquired about terms, conditions, and service agreements for new orders, preparing for future market shifts.

Answer

CEO Joe Creed explained that capacity planning considers all industries, including oil and gas and power generation, and includes component capacity for services. He stated that the first significant capacity increase is expected towards the end of 2026 and into 2027, with turbine investments following. Creed emphasized close communication with hyperscalers and data center customers to align with their plans.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked if Construction Industries sales could see double-digit growth in Q4 and if the pricing headwind would neutralize by year-end.

Answer

CFO Andrew Bonfield confirmed expectations for a strong Q4 in Construction Industries, driven by the absence of the large dealer inventory destock seen in the prior year. He clarified that while the pricing headwind from merchandising will diminish further in Q4 as they lap its introduction, some drag will likely persist into 2026.

Michael Feniger asked about the expected $250-$350 million Q2 cost headwind from tariffs and the potential mitigation strategies, such as pricing actions or cost reductions, that Caterpillar is evaluating for the remainder of the year.

Answer

Joe Creed, COO and incoming CEO, explained that Caterpillar is implementing short-term, 'no-regrets' actions like reducing discretionary spending and slowing some inbound shipments. He noted that longer-term actions like moving supply chains require more certainty. Regarding pricing, he emphasized the need to balance tariff offsets with market conditions and competitive positioning, highlighting the success of current merchandising programs. Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby added that the company is cautiously optimistic that trade deals could reduce the final tariff impact.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America asked about dealer inventory levels, seeking to understand Caterpillar's confidence in its forecast for flat machine inventories in 2025 after a build in 2023 and a decline in 2024.

Answer

Executive Andrew R. Bonfield explained that the recent inventory swings were primarily in Resource Industries, not Construction Industries. He stated the 2025 forecast is based on ongoing conversations with dealers, and while Q4 retail sales were better than expected, the company is not yet calling it a sustainable trend for 2025.

Michael Feniger asked about the outlook for the oil and gas business into 2025, considering factors like LNG permitting, gas prices, and the different trends in reciprocating engines versus Solar Turbines.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby avoided 2025 guidance but provided color on current trends. He noted continued weakness in well servicing but strength in gas compression for reciprocating engines. He described the Solar Turbines business in oil and gas as 'quite strong,' with robust booking and quotation activity. He added that a restart of LNG export permitting would be a medium- to long-term positive.

Michael Feniger asked about the pricing outlook for Q1 and beyond, considering the more favorable price-cost trend driven by cost reductions and competitors' delayed tariff pass-through. He also inquired about the percentage of raw materials in PACCAR's cost of goods sold and whether PACCAR expects to achieve higher cycle-over-cycle profitability in the upcoming truck cycle.

Answer

CEO Preston Feight expects pricing to become a favorable factor through the year once there is full price clarity from all market participants and tariffs are fully reflected. Senior Vice President and CFO Brice Poplawski stated that materials constitute 80%-85% of PACCAR's product cost. CEO Preston Feight affirmed that PACCAR has delivered significant cycle-over-cycle performance and feels great about future opportunities, including advanced transportation solutions, data, and connectivity, which will be positive for the business.

Michael Feniger asked about the pricing outlook beyond Q1 through the year, considering the current soft pricing and competitors' delayed tariff cost integration. He also inquired about the breakdown of PACCAR's cost of goods sold and the potential for PACCAR to achieve higher cycle-over-cycle profitability in the upcoming truck cycle.

Answer

CEO Preston Feight expects pricing to become a favorable factor through the year once there is full price clarity from all market participants and tariffs are fully integrated. CFO Brice Poplawski clarified that materials constitute 80%-85% of PACCAR's cost of goods sold. Preston Feight expressed confidence in achieving higher cycle-over-cycle performance, citing opportunities beyond trucks, parts, and financial services, including advanced transportation solutions, data, and connectivity.

Michael Feniger questioned whether the Section 232 tariff adjustments provide PACCAR with a clear cost advantage as a U.S. manufacturer or merely level the playing field with competitors. He also asked about underlying trends in the parts business and the potential for margin expansion in 2026.

Answer

CEO R. Preston Feight stated that while PACCAR doesn't know competitors' cost structures, the adjustments should significantly help PACCAR and its customers, giving the company a 'competitive leg up' from its previous disadvantage. Executive Vice President Kevin Baney addressed the parts business, noting that it was impacted by tariffs and a soft truck market, but price covered cost. He attributed margin impact to mix shift and regional factors, highlighting continued investment in distribution and future growth opportunities. Feight added that Section 232 tariffs are also advantageous for components, which will help parts pricing.

Michael Feniger asked if the adjustments in Section 232 implementation provide PACCAR with a clear cost advantage as a U.S. manufacturer or merely level the playing field with competitors. He also inquired about underlying trends in the parts business, potential for margin expansion in 2026, and market conditions needed for growth.

Answer

Preston Feight, CEO, acknowledged PACCAR's past cost disadvantage and strong market share despite it. He believes the new tariffs will significantly help PACCAR and its customers, providing a competitive leg up. Kevin Baney, EVP, noted that the parts business was impacted by tariffs and a soft truck market, but price covered cost, with margin impact due to mix shift. He highlighted continued investments in distribution and service, expecting future growth. Mr. Feight added that Section 232 tariffs are also advantageous for components, improving price-cost dynamics.

Michael Feniger asked about the scale of PACCAR's U.S. capacity expansion, the normalization of the used truck market, and potential margin tailwinds for the Parts business next year.

Answer

CEO Preston Feight stated that ongoing capital investments ensure PACCAR will not be capacity constrained in the coming years. Regarding used trucks, President and CFO Harrie Schippers noted the market has normalized and PACCAR's inventory is very healthy. Feight added that a recovery in the overall aftersales market should act as a tailwind for the Parts business in 2025.

Michael Feniger asked if PACCAR Parts' profit can grow at the same 4-6% rate as its guided Q3 revenue and inquired about the company's inventory position relative to the industry, considering tariffs and a potential pre-buy.

Answer

EVP Kevin Baney expressed confidence in profit upside for the Parts business, citing dealer capacity additions and new distribution centers. CEO & Director R. Preston Feight stated that PACCAR feels very good about its inventory, noting Kenworth and Peterbilt inventory is at 2.9 months of retail sales versus the industry's 4.2 months, and highlighted that PACCAR builds to order.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America inquired if PACCAR Parts' pretax profit could grow in line with its 4-6% Q3 revenue guidance and asked for an assessment of PACCAR's inventory position relative to the industry.

Answer

EVP Kevin Baney expressed confidence in profit upside for the parts business, driven by ongoing dealer capacity additions and strong customer service. CEO & Director R. Preston Feight stated PACCAR's inventory is well-positioned at 2.9 months of retail sales versus the industry's 4.2 months, highlighting that about half of their inventory is with bodybuilders due to strength in the vocational segment.

Michael Feniger questioned how potential 2027 EPA emissions changes are influencing PACCAR's cost management strategy in a soft market. He also asked for an outlook on the Parts business, questioning if its growth and margins are beginning to normalize.

Answer

CEO Preston Feight detailed two parts of the regulatory discussion: GHG standards and NOx standards, stating PACCAR is prepared for either outcome with investments in clean diesel technology. CFO Harrie Schippers noted the Parts team achieved solid margins above 30% in a soft market and expects growth to continue at 2% to 4% for the year.

Michael Feniger asked how PACCAR balances pricing for its premium trucks against defending its significant market share gains if competitors increase capacity. He also questioned the Parts segment's profitability trend, noting recent profit declines despite revenue growth.

Answer

CEO Preston Feight stated the core strategy is to build valuable trucks for customers, which allows PACCAR to maintain its premium pricing and gain share simultaneously, supported by a strong dealer network. On Parts, President and CFO Harrie Schippers emphasized that growing sales by 4% in a down market was an impressive achievement and guided for 2% to 4% growth in 2025, signaling another strong year.

Michael Feniger asked if Construction Partners' M&A strategy for fiscal year 2026 would shift more towards bolt-on acquisitions rather than platform deals, given the transformational M&A in fiscal year 2025. He questioned if the focus for 2026 is primarily on deleveraging to 2.5x by late 2026 before re-accelerating M&A. He also inquired about current cost inflation trends, particularly for liquids, and what the company is observing on the pricing side, to understand the price-cost spread outlook for fiscal year 2026.

Answer

Executive Chairman Ned Fleming and CEO Jule Smith clarified that while fiscal year 2025 was a unique transformational year for M&A, the company will continue to pursue bolt-on acquisitions with strong strategic positives in 2026. Jule Smith emphasized that the company's guidance already reflects 23% growth. They confirmed a focus on deleveraging to approximately 2.5x by late 2026, which is expected to occur naturally as cash flow and EBITDA grow. Regarding cost inflation, Jule Smith described fiscal year 2025 as a benign year with normal, predictable material cost increases that were passed through without spikes. CFO Greg Hoffman added that liquid AC and diesel costs were relatively stable, and labor costs are increasing at a typical 3%-4% rate, which is easily incorporated into estimates.

Michael Feniger asked about Construction Partners' M&A strategy for fiscal 2026, specifically if it will focus more on bolt-on acquisitions to support deleveraging, and the company's outlook on cost inflation and pricing spreads.

Answer

Ned Fleming (Executive Chairman) clarified that 2025 was an atypical year for platform acquisitions. For 2026, the company will continue strategic bolt-on acquisitions while prioritizing deleveraging to approximately 2.5 times by late 2026 through natural cash flow and EBITDA growth. Jule Smith (CEO) and Greg Hoffman (CFO) reported that 2025 saw benign inflation with normal material cost increases that were passed through, stable energy costs (liquid AC, diesel), and typical 3-4% labor cost increases easily incorporated into estimates.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked for clarification on the confidence behind the forecast for substantial public spending growth in 2026, the key puts and takes for the next fiscal year's outlook, and the timeline for reaching leverage targets while continuing M&A.

Answer

CEO Jule Smith explained that confidence in 2026 public spending stems from projected contract awards across state, federal, and local programs, which are expected to grow similarly to fiscal 2025's 14% increase. CFO Greg Hoffman noted that costs for the next year are largely locked in the backlog and that the company is on track to reach its ~2.5x leverage ratio target by late fiscal 2026 through strong operating cash flow. Smith added that while deleveraging is a commitment, the company will continue to pursue crucial strategic acquisitions.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America questioned the drivers of strong organic growth amid macro trends, the price-cost dynamics with fluctuating commodity prices, and the status of DOT funding and the upcoming federal transportation reauthorization.

Answer

CFO Gregory Hoffman attributed organic growth to both strong markets and share gains from newly acquired companies. He described the cost environment as stable despite mixed commodity price movements. Executive F. Smith noted that CPI is insulated from grant pauses as it relies on formula funding and expressed optimism about the federal reauthorization, citing a supportive administration and a proposed increase in the transportation budget.

Michael Feniger asked if the company or its customers were experiencing any pauses or delays in accessing IIJA funding. He also inquired how the record backlog is influencing the company's bidding strategy and the current competitive landscape.

Answer

Executive F. Smith stated they have heard of no pauses on funding for their projects and noted that the current administration's focus on 'hard infrastructure' could be a tailwind. He explained that the record backlog allows them to bid patiently at good margins and that the competitive landscape remains stable with competitors also being busy. CFO Gregory Hoffman added that growing the backlog despite strong revenue burn highlights robust demand.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America asked if a 2026 mix shift toward highways could moderate headline pricing growth, and whether the ~$1 billion in free cash flow represents a new baseline that might alter capital allocation strategy.

Answer

Chair & CEO J. Thomas Hill expressed confidence in 2026 pricing, citing visible highway demand and a turn in private markets. Senior VP & CFO Mary Carlisle stated that while capital allocation priorities remain the same, the level of capital available has increased. She indicated that returning cash to shareholders in H2 is likely, with the amount dependent on M&A developments.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America asked if contractors bracing for tariff-related cost inflation provides Vulcan with cover to raise prices, even as its own costs are moderating.

Answer

CEO James Hill responded that Vulcan does not price based on its costs but rather on the value it provides to customers. He contextualized the potential tariff impact as being less significant than the 'breakneck inflation' of recent years, which the market absorbed. He concluded that he does not anticipate tariffs having a material impact on aggregates pricing.

Michael Feniger asked about plans to set new long-term targets for cash gross profit per ton, as the company is nearing its previous goal, and also requested details on the 2025 free cash flow outlook.

Answer

Chairman and CEO James Hill confirmed that since they are approaching their $11 per ton goal faster than anticipated, they plan to establish new long-term targets in the 'not-too-distant future.' Regarding 2025 free cash flow, SVP and CFO Mary Andrews Carlisle stated that full guidance will be provided in February but suggested that CapEx should remain in the historical 8-9% of revenue range for modeling purposes.

Michael Feniger inquired about the timing of the impact from Section 232 steel tariffs and whether customers in the Environmental Solutions (ES) segment were altering their order patterns due to tariff concerns.

Answer

SVP & CFO Jennifer Kong-Picarello clarified that the direct impact from steel tariffs is minimal as Terex does not import raw steel, and component-related impacts are included in the overall tariff guidance. President & CEO Simon A. Meester stated that ES booking patterns are returning to normal seasonality, with no evidence of customers pre-buying to get ahead of tariffs; demand remains strong based on fundamentals.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked for the key drivers behind the reduction in the full-year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance, questioning if it was solely due to lower organic growth and if the company's view on decremental margins had changed.

Answer

EVP and CFO Philip Fracassa explained that the margin guidance was lowered due to a combination of factors. While improved tariff impact was a positive, this was more than offset by the negative leverage from a lower volume outlook, a more unfavorable product mix than previously anticipated, and incremental cost headwinds related to the belts plant ramp. These combined to drive a slightly higher decremental margin assumption for the year.

Michael Feniger asked for the specific drivers behind the reduction in the full-year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to the mid-17% range, particularly concerning the assumed decremental margins in the second half.

Answer

EVP and CFO Philip Fracassa explained that the margin guidance was lowered due to three main factors that more than offset an improved tariff outlook: the negative operating leverage from a lower volume forecast, a more unfavorable product mix assumption, and incremental cost headwinds from the belts plant ramp taking slightly longer than anticipated.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked for the key drivers behind the reduction in the full-year margin guidance to the mid-17% range, specifically focusing on the assumptions for decremental margins in the second half.

Answer

EVP and CFO Philip Fracassa explained that the margin guidance was lowered due to three main factors: the negative leverage from a lower volume outlook, a more unfavorable mix than previously expected, and incremental cost headwinds, including a slightly longer ramp-up for the Belts plant. These factors combined to drive a slightly higher overall decremental margin assumption for the year.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked for the drivers behind the reduction in the full-year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to the mid-17% range, questioning if it was purely due to volume deleverage or if the view on decremental margins had changed.

Answer

EVP and CFO Philip Fracassa explained that the margin guidance was lowered due to a combination of factors. These included the impact of a lower volume outlook, a more unfavorable business mix than previously anticipated, and incremental cost headwinds related to the belts plant ramp. He noted these items resulted in a slightly higher overall decremental margin assumption for the second half, which more than offset the benefit from a reduced net tariff impact.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked for the drivers behind the reduction in the full-year margin guidance, questioning if it was solely due to lower organic growth and if the view on decremental margins had changed.

Answer

EVP and CFO Philip Fracassa explained that the margin guidance change was driven by a few factors. While the tariff outlook improved, this was more than offset by the negative impact of a lower volume outlook, unfavorable product mix, and incremental cost headwinds from plant ramps. These combined factors resulted in a slightly higher overall decremental margin assumption for the year.

Michael Feniger inquired about any signs of a customer pre-buy ahead of potential tariffs and asked about the pricing environment within the renewable energy sector.

Answer

CFO Philip Fracassa confirmed there was no material evidence of a pre-buy in the fourth quarter. CEO Tarak Mehta acknowledged that while the renewables market saw price pressure in 2024 due to lower volumes, the company's market share has stabilized and they do not see competitive intensity increasing in 2025.

Michael Feniger noted the inventory build relative to sales and asked if inventory levels would be aligned with demand by year-end, or if further reductions would be needed in 2025. He also asked for a big-picture outlook on the price-versus-cost dynamic for 2025.

Answer

President and CEO Tarak Mehta stated that net working capital is on the high side historically and that the company is working on process changes to improve efficiency. CFO Philip Fracassa clarified that on an organic basis, inventory actually declined by about $10 million in Q3, with more expected in Q4. On price-cost, Mehta anticipates flattish pricing in 2025, as there is no significant driver for prices to decline given continued input and labor cost inflation.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America Merrill Lynch inquired if the new $2.5 billion free cash flow forecast represents a new baseline for United Rentals and how the boom in data center construction is influencing the company's business mix and CapEx strategy, particularly in the power vertical.

Answer

EVP & CFO William Grace confirmed that the recent tax bill has effectively raised the normalized free cash flow baseline by about $400 million to around $2.4 billion, assuming similar growth CapEx levels. President & CEO Matthew Flannery stated that while data centers are a significant source of work, the company's strategy of investing more heavily in specialty rentals to capture complex projects remains unchanged, and this approach applies to data centers as well as other large projects.

Michael Feniger asked for details on the drivers behind the 15% pro forma specialty growth, including end markets and customer wallet share. He also inquired about the Gen Rent cycle, asking if it needs to turn negative before reaccelerating and what the potential catalysts for such a reacceleration would be.

Answer

Executive Matthew Flannery attributed the strong specialty growth to a combination of factors, including cross-selling to long-standing customers, the complexity of large projects requiring more support, and scaling up new product platforms like Power and HVAC. Regarding Gen Rent, he stated they do not believe it needs to go negative before accelerating and that the business is well-positioned to capitalize on a market pickup driven by factors like lower interest rates or a stronger economy.

Michael Feniger asked if United Rentals can continue to drive rental rates in 2025 if equipment pricing softens. He also inquired about the current fleet age and mix, and how it is positioned for an environment potentially favoring mega-projects and Specialty rentals.

Answer

Executive Matthew Flannery affirmed the company's ability to drive rates, citing the need to offset cumulative inflation and the strong value proposition offered to customers, supported by industry-wide discipline. He also stated that the fleet age is at its lowest pre-COVID level (just over 50 months), providing significant headroom and positioning the company well for future demand.

Michael Feniger asked about the sequential increase in inventory, the geographic source of COGS to assess tariff impacts, and any non-recurring items to consider for FY26 modeling.

Answer

CFO Pat Watson explained the inventory increase was mainly in WIP and raw materials due to a long supply chain and that holding lower-cost inventory is beneficial with rising tungsten prices. He also highlighted several non-recurring items for FY26, including the absence of ~$6M in insurance proceeds and an ~$8M catch-up portion of the IRA tax credit. CEO Sanjay Chowbey confirmed the company is using tariff rates as of April 30 and has plans to fully mitigate the impact.

Michael Feniger asked for color on potential tariff impacts from China, Mexico, and Canada, and how the company's global footprint might mitigate these risks. He also inquired about the outlook for Kennametal's own inventory levels and their assessment of inventory in the distribution channel.

Answer

CFO Pat Watson detailed the company's sales exposure, noting China is about 10% of sales, Canada is half of that, and Mexico is around $40 million. He explained that trade is often bilateral and the company can leverage its global footprint to mitigate potential tariff costs. Watson also stated that while Kennametal's own inventory is slightly elevated and will be reduced, channel inventories at the customer level appear well-aligned with current demand.

Michael Feniger asked for more context on the tariff impact, specifically regarding COGS exposure and the underlying assumptions. He also questioned how potential price increases would be received in the market, given the competitive pressure from low-cost suppliers mentioned in the prior quarter.

Answer

CFO Timothy Mammen clarified that the current financial impact is based on existing tariffs, with the highest rate affecting metal components from China. CEO Mark Gitin stated that the primary mitigation strategy is shifting manufacturing, not raising prices. He reiterated that significant price competition is confined to the China cutting market, which is less than 5% of IPG's business. Both executives noted that any low-cost competitor importing to the U.S. faces a 145% tariff, which strengthens IPG's competitive position due to its local U.S. manufacturing.

Michael Feniger of Bank of America asked about the size and outlook for the e-mobility business, whether competition is intensifying beyond cutting into areas like welding, and how potential tariffs might affect the company's manufacturing footprint.

Answer

CFO Tim Mammen noted that e-mobility is less than 20% of revenue and the outlook remains uncertain but stable. CEO Mark Gitin emphasized that competition is primarily in cutting, as IPG maintains a strong moat in EV battery welding with its differentiated technology. Both executives highlighted the company's manufacturing flexibility to mitigate tariff impacts without requiring significant new CapEx.

Michael Feniger inquired about the visibility and drivers of the second-half double-digit EBITDA growth guidance, whether the company is past the worst of project delays, and the outlook for achieving the 10% free cash flow margin target for the full year.

Answer

CEO Troy Rudd stated that second-half growth will be balanced between top-line increases and margin improvement, supported by a record backlog and pipeline. He noted that while they have a handle on project delays, some may linger due to government personnel changes. CFO Gaurav Kapoor affirmed the company's focus on the annual 10% free cash flow margin target, expecting strong second-half performance consistent with historical trends.

Michael Feniger inquired about the expected trajectory of Net Service Revenue (NSR) growth for the fiscal year and asked for clarification on the impact of recent federal funding freezes on AECOM's project pipeline and overall business visibility.

Answer

CEO Troy Rudd stated that while Q1 NSR growth of 5.5% exceeded internal expectations, the company still anticipates an acceleration in the second half of the year, supported by a record backlog and pipeline. Rudd emphasized that federal funding freezes have no material impact on the business due to minimal exposure to affected agencies like the EPA and USAID. He highlighted the company's strong position in Department of Defense work and a 100% win rate (8 for 8) on its largest strategic pursuits in the quarter.

Michael Feniger asked about the potential impact of the new U.S. administration on public sector client demand, the expected cadence of NSR growth in fiscal 2025, and the sustainability of achieving a 10% free cash flow to NSR margin.

Answer

CEO Troy Rudd stated that infrastructure is a bipartisan priority and sees opportunities from deregulation and permitting reform, noting 95% of IIJA funding is secure. He confirmed good visibility into an H2'25 growth acceleration. CFO Gaurav Kapoor affirmed that the 10% free cash flow to NSR margin is an achievable and core focus, supported by the company's culture and future margin expansion, though it's hard to be precise given the number of projects.

Michael Feniger sought clarity on whether the expected moderation in pricing would be gradual and asked about the drivers behind the strong Q1 free cash flow conversion.

Answer

CFO Brian DelGhiaccio confirmed that the pricing moderation is expected to be gradual, supported by the 63% of their restricted contract portfolio tied to alternative indices that are currently outperforming CPI. He attributed the strong free cash flow primarily to EBITDA growth, along with some favorable working capital timing, such as one less payroll period, noting the result was in line with internal expectations.

Michael Feniger asked if aggregates pricing might revert to its long-term 3-4% average by 2026 in a 'higher for longer' rate environment, and how cement versus ready-mix margins are evolving in 2025.

Answer

CEO Ward Nye and CFO Jim Nickolas asserted that the price-cost spread should continue to widen. Nye believes pricing will remain in a 'fundamentally better place' due to the inherent value of the product. Nickolas added that with moderating cost inflation, they expect another 100 basis points of gross margin expansion in 2025. Regarding segment margins, Nye expects ready-mix to see some compression as it absorbs input cost hikes from aggregates and cement, while the strategic cement business is performing exceptionally well with constructive pricing and high operational availability.

Michael Feniger asked for an estimate of the weather's impact on 2024 shipment growth and inquired about the cadence of 2025 pricing, specifically if the guidance includes mid-year increases.

Answer

CEO C. Nye acknowledged the weather impact was significant but did not provide a specific percentage, agreeing that 2025 volumes could be higher than the cautious initial guide if weather normalizes. He confirmed that the preliminary 2025 pricing outlook does not factor in any potential mid-year increases, which could provide an additional tailwind to results.

Michael Feniger from Bank of America questioned if potential U.S.-Europe tariffs would alter AGCO's strategy for its Massey Ferguson brand in North America. He also inquired about the state of the used equipment market and inventory levels.

Answer

CEO Eric Hansotia and CFO Damon Audia responded that while they have multiple contingency plans, no major supply chain shifts will occur without clear and stable tariff rules. They are exploring minor adjustments like local kitting. On the second point, Eric Hansotia stated that used equipment is not a significant problem for AGCO, with values holding steady and volumes at manageable, pre-COVID levels.

Michael Feniger asked if M&A competition is increasing in the Northeast, given recent activity from peers. He also inquired about the company's view on underlying cost inflation trends and how that informs their pricing strategy for 2025.

Answer

CEO John Casella stated that they do not see significantly increased M&A competition, as many of their deals are relationship-based, though larger deals are always competitive. CFO Bradford Helgeson described cost inflation as 'stubborn,' running at 4-5% this year. He noted that the company is budgeting for this level of inflation to continue into 2025 and plans to offset it through ongoing cost reduction programs and disciplined pricing.