EAGLE MATERIALS INC (EXP) FY 2025 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
executive summary
We are a leading U.S. manufacturer of heavy construction products and light building materials. Our primary products, portland cement and gypsum wallboard, are essential for building, expanding and repairing roads, highways, and residential, commercial, and industrial structures across America. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Eagle manufactures and sells its products through a network of more than 70 facilities spanning 21 states. Demand for our products is generally cyclical and seasonal, depending on economic and geographic conditions. General economic downturns or localized downturns in the regions where we have operations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our business is organized into two sectors: Heavy Materials, which includes the Cement and Concrete and Aggregates segments; and Light Materials, which includes the Gypsum Wallboard and Recycled Paperboard segments. Financial results and other information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, are presented on a consolidated basis and by business segment. The relative contribution to fiscal 2025 earnings by segment is shown below.
We conduct one of our cement operations through a Joint Venture, Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP, which is located in Buda, Texas. We own a 50% interest in the Joint Venture and account for our interest under the equity method of accounting. We proportionately consolidate our 50% share of the Joint Venture’s Revenue and Operating Earnings in the presentation of our Cement segment, which is the way management organizes financial information with respect to the segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance.
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All our business activities are conducted in the United States. These activities include the mining of limestone for the manufacture, production, distribution, and sale of portland cement, including portland limestone cement (a basic construction material that is the essential binding ingredient in concrete); the grinding and sale of slag; the mining of gypsum for the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboard; the manufacture and sale of recycled paperboard to the gypsum wallboard industry and other paperboard converters; the sale of readymix concrete; and the mining and sale of aggregates (crushed stone, sand, and gravel).
On August 9, 2024, we finalized the Northern Kentucky Acquisition. The purchase price of the Northern Kentucky Acquisition was approximately $24.9 million. The Northern Kentucky Acquisition is included in our Heavy Materials sector, and its results of operations are reported in the Concrete and Aggregates business segment from August 9, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
On January 7, 2025, we completed the Western Pennsylvania Acquisition. The purchase price of the Western Pennsylvania Acquisition was approximately $150.0 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The Western Pennsylvania Acquisition is included in our Heavy Materials sector, and its results of operations are reported in the Concrete and Aggregates business segment beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.
See Footnote (B) in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the Northern Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania Acquisitions (collectively, the Aggregates Acquisitions).
MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK
Our fiscal 2025 results were generally strong, with record Revenue of $2.3 billion, Net Earnings of $463.4 million, and Earnings per Share of $13.77 per share. Our end markets remained resilient despite adverse weather conditions, primarily in the Midwest and Great Plains markets, and widespread uncertainty around future U.S. economic conditions. Year over year sales volume in our Light Materials Sector increased, and declined in our Heavy Materials Sector.
Demand Outlook
The macroeconomic environment continues to be constructive for our products. We expect demand for cement to remain steady in the near term given bipartisan federal, state and local support for public infrastructure projects and continued spending on heavy manufacturing and private-nonresidential construction. To date, only approximately 30% of federal funding from the trillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has been spent. We anticipate a pick-up in demand as the remaining IIJA funds get spent on public construction and repair projects.
In residential construction, activity has remained steady. While continuing higher interest rates have been a headwind for housing demand and affordability, several factors, including the chronic housing shortage caused by more than a decade of underproduction and exacerbated by "rate lock-in" have supported housing construction activity. We believe continued healthy consumer balance sheets should also support residential construction in the near term; however, a full housing recovery is not expected until mortgage rates decline, and/or affordability headwinds recede. The path ahead for the U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy and its effect on mortgage rates is unclear, thus the timing of a full recovery in new-home construction remains uncertain. Nonetheless, we believe our geographic footprint across the U.S. heartland and fast-growing Sun Belt region positions us to capitalize on these market dynamics in the near and longer term.
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Cost Outlook
We believe we are well-positioned to manage our cost structure and meet our customers’ needs. Our substantial raw material reserves for our Cement, Aggregates, and Gypsum Wallboard businesses, and their proximity to our respective manufacturing facilities, support our low-cost producer position across all our business segments.
Energy costs decreased in all our businesses during fiscal 2025 compared with fiscal 2024; however, natural gas prices have recently increased and are expected to remain elevated during the winter months of calendar 2025-2026. Freight costs for our Gypsum Wallboard segment, which delivers mostly by trucks, declined in fiscal 2025, and are expected to remain stable in fiscal 2026. Freight costs for our Cement segment, which relies mostly on rail delivery, increased slightly in fiscal 2025, and are expected to increase in fiscal 2026. Additionally, labor constraints can adversely affect our Concrete and Aggregates businesses. If these constraints were to worsen, it could cause delays and inefficiencies in these businesses.
Paper is a significant cost component in our Gypsum Wallboard business. The primary raw material used to produce paperboard is old corrugated cardboard (OCC). Recycled fiber prices are subject to change upon short notice due to several factors, including supply of OCC and demand for OCC from both domestic and international companies. Our current customer contracts for gypsum liner include price adjustments that partially compensate for changes in the cost of raw materials, such as recycled fiber, natural gas, and electricity. However, because these price adjustments are not realized until future quarters, material costs in our Gypsum Wallboard segment are likely to fluctuate until the effects of these price adjustments are realized.
Maintenance costs were up 13% in fiscal 2025 and we expect continued inflation for maintenance as equipment and contractor costs remain high.
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Results of Operations
Fiscal Year 2025 Compared with Fiscal Year 2024
| For the Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 2,260,508 | $ | 2,259,297 | — | |||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | (1,587,371 | ) | (1,573,976 | ) | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 673,137 | 685,321 | (2 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture | 26,396 | 31,581 | (16 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Corporate General and Administrative | (73,942 | ) | (59,795 | ) | 24 | % | ||||||||||
| Other Nonoperating Income | 6,420 | 3,087 | 108 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest Expense, net | (40,526 | ) | (42,257 | ) | (4 | )% | ||||||||||
| Earnings Before Income Taxes | 591,485 | 617,937 | (4 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | (128,069 | ) | (140,298 | ) | (9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net Earnings | $ | 463,416 | $ | 477,639 | (3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Share | $ | 13.77 | $ | 13.61 | 1 | % |
Revenue
Revenue in fiscal 2025 was up slightly to $2,260.5 million. The Aggregates Acquisitions contributed $11.6 million of Revenue during fiscal 2025. Excluding Revenue from the Aggregates Acquisitions, Revenue decreased $10.4 million. This decrease was due to approximately $73.9 million of lower Sales Volume, primarily in Cement and Concrete and Aggregates, partially offset by $63.5 million of higher average gross sales prices across all segments. See Fiscal Year 2025 vs Fiscal Year 2024 Results by Segment section for more information.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold increased by $13.4 million, or 1%, to $1,587.4 million in fiscal 2025. The Aggregates Acquisitions contributed $13.9 million of Cost of Goods Sold during fiscal 2025. Excluding the Northern Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania Acquisitions, Cost of Goods Sold decreased $0.5 million. The slight decrease in Cost of Goods Sold was due to higher operating costs of $55.6 million, partially offset by lower Sales Volume of $56.1 million. Operating costs increased in all our businesses, except Gypsum Wallboard, as discussed in the Fiscal Year 2025 vs Fiscal Year 2024 Results by Segment section.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit decreased by 2% to $673.1 million in fiscal 2025 primarily due to lower Sales Volume and higher operating costs, partially offset by an increase in gross sales prices. Our Gross Profit margin declined to 29.8% in fiscal 2025, compared with 30.3% in fiscal 2024.
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Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture decreased by $5.2 million, or 16%. The decline was due to lower gross sales prices of $1.8 million and higher operating costs of $3.4 million. The higher operating costs were due primarily to increased maintenance and fixed costs, which reduced operating earnings by approximately $3.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively. This was partially offset by lower freight costs of $1.3 million. The increase in maintenance and fixed costs was primarily due to the annual maintenance outage being moved from April 2025 to March 2025, and the start up of the new cement slag facility this past winter. The combined effect of the timing change of the annual outage and the commissioning costs of the new slag facility was approximately $4.0 million.
Corporate General and Administrative
Corporate General and Administrative expenses increased by approximately $14.1 million, or 24%, to $73.9 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was due primarily to approximately $5.1 million of higher salary and incentive compensation, $3.2 million of higher information technology costs for upgrades, and $5.3 million of increased legal costs, including those associated with business development and transaction-related activities.
Other nonoperating Income
Other Nonoperating Income was $6.4 million in fiscal 2025 compared with $3.1 million in fiscal 2024. Other Nonoperating Income consists of a variety of items that are not related to segment operations, including lease and rental income, investment income, asset sales, and other miscellaneous income and cost items, such as large nonroutine sales of excess raw materials or energy.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest Expense, net decreased by approximately $1.8 million, or 4%, during fiscal 2025. The decrease was primarily related to approximately $1.1 million lower interest expense on our Revolving Credit Facility, including the Term Loan, and higher interest income of $0.7 million. The decrease in interest on our Revolving Credit Facility was related to lower average outstanding borrowings and lower interest rates.
Earnings Before Income Taxes
Earnings Before Income Taxes decreased to $591.5 million during fiscal 2025, primarily due to lower Gross Profit and Equity in Earnings of Joint Venture, as well as higher Corporate General and Administrative expenses, which were partially offset by lower Interest Expense and increased Other Income, Net.
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Expense for fiscal 2025 decreased to $128.1 million from $140.3 million for fiscal 2024. The effective tax rate was 22%, compared with 23% in the prior fiscal year.
Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share
Net Earnings decreased 3% in fiscal 2025 to $463.4 million. Diluted Earnings per Share in fiscal 2025 was up 1% to $13.77 compared with $13.61 for fiscal 2024. The improvement in diluted earnings per share despite lower Net Earnings is a result of lower weighted-average shares outstanding due to our share buyback program.
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FISCAL YEAR 2025 vs FISCAL YEAR 2024 Results by Segment
The following presents results within our two business sectors in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024. Revenue and operating results are organized by sector and discussed by individual business segment within each respective business sector.
Heavy Materials
Cement (1)
| For the Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per ton information) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue, including Intersegment and Joint Venture | $ | 1,201,362 | $ | 1,226,017 | (2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Less Intersegment Revenue | $ | (36,799 | ) | $ | (35,363 | ) | 4 | % | ||||||||
| Less Joint Venture Revenue | $ | (110,943 | ) | $ | (112,736 | ) | (2 | )% | ||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,053,620 | $ | 1,077,918 | (2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (M Tons) | 6,912 | 7,289 | (5 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Freight and Delivery Costs billed to Customers | $ | (69,457 | ) | $ | (70,823 | ) | (2 | )% | ||||||||
| Average Net Sales Price, per ton (2) | $ | 156.67 | $ | 150.99 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating Margin, per ton | $ | 46.22 | $ | 46.42 | — | |||||||||||
| Operating Earnings | $ | 319,456 | $ | 338,349 | (6 | )% |
(1)
Total of wholly owned subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated 50% interest of the Joint Venture’s results.
(2)
Net of freight, including the Joint Venture.
Cement Revenue was $1,201.4 million for fiscal 2025, a 2% decrease over fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower Sales Volume of $60.0 million, partially offset by higher gross sales prices of $35.4 million.
Cement Operating Earnings decreased 6% to $319.5 million for fiscal 2025. The decrease was due to approximately $17.5 million of lower Sales Volume and $36.8 million of increased operating expenses, partially offset by $35.4 million of higher gross sales prices. The higher operating expenses consisted of $24.4 million of increased maintenance, $3.2 million of higher freight costs, a $5.4 million increase in purchased raw materials costs, and $7.6 million related to increased fixed costs, including labor, resulting from lower production. These higher costs were partially offset by a reduction in energy costs of $10.0 million and the impact of recording in the prior year $2.8 million of acquired inventories at fair value. Cement Operating Margin decreased to 27%, primarily due to increased operating expenses, partially offset by higher gross sales prices.
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Concrete and Aggregates
| For the Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except net sales prices) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue, including Intersegment | $ | 251,636 | $ | 252,952 | (1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Less Intersegment Revenue | (13,913 | ) | (12,940 | ) | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 237,723 | $ | 240,012 | (1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume | ||||||||||||||||
| M Cubic Yards of Concrete | 1,235 | 1,328 | (7 | )% | ||||||||||||
| M Tons of Aggregate | 3,854 | 4,064 | (5 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Average Net Sales Price | ||||||||||||||||
| Concrete - Per Cubic Yard | $ | 148.48 | $ | 145.98 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Aggregates - Per Ton | $ | 13.09 | $ | 11.26 | 16 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating Earnings (Loss) | $ | (8,765 | ) | $ | 12,401 | (171 | )% |
Concrete and Aggregates Revenue decreased 1% to $251.6 million for fiscal 2025. Excluding the Aggregates Acquisitions, Revenue decreased 5% to $240.0 million. The decrease in Revenue was primarily related to $23.8 million of lower Sales Volume, which was partially offset by higher gross sales prices of $10.8 million.
Operating Loss was approximately $8.8 million. Excluding the Aggregates Acquisitions, Operating Loss was $6.5 million. The decline in Operating Earnings was due to $4.2 million of lower Sales Volume and $25.5 million of higher operating expenses, partially offset by higher gross sales prices of $10.8 million. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to approximately $5.1 million of higher cost of materials, $6.8 million of increased maintenance costs, and $5.2 million of higher direct costs, which includes labor and delivery.
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Light Materials
Gypsum Wallboard
| For the Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per MMSF information) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 846,499 | $ | 839,530 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMSF) | 2,968 | 2,965 | — | |||||||||||||
| Freight and Delivery Costs billed to Customers | $ | (146,000 | ) | $ | (149,441 | ) | (2 | )% | ||||||||
| Average Net Sales Price, per MSF (1) | $ | 236.04 | $ | 232.75 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Freight, per MSF | $ | 49.19 | $ | 50.40 | (2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Operating Margin, per MSF | $ | 118.18 | $ | 112.83 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating Earnings | $ | 350,764 | $ | 334,536 | 5 | % |
(1)
Net of freight per MSF.
Gypsum Wallboard Revenue increased 1% to $846.5 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was due to higher gross sales prices and Sales Volume, which increased Revenue by $6.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Our market share remained relatively flat in fiscal 2025 compared with fiscal 2024.
Operating Earnings increased 5% to $350.8 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was primarily related to higher gross sales prices and Sales Volume of approximately $6.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, as well as lower operating expenses of $9.8 million. The decrease in operating costs was due primarily to $3.6 million of lower freight costs, a $3.5 million decrease in maintenance costs, and $3.6 million of lower energy costs, all of which were partially offset by an increase of $2.8 million in purchased raw materials. During fiscal 2025, Gypsum Wallboard Operating Margin increased to 41%. Fixed costs are not a significant part of the overall cost of wallboard; therefore, changes in volume have a relatively minor impact on our operating cost per unit.
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Recycled Paperboard
| For the Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per ton information) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue, including Intersegment | $ | 211,724 | $ | 184,188 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
| Less Intersegment Revenue | (89,058 | ) | (82,351 | ) | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 122,666 | $ | 101,837 | 20 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (M Tons) | 350 | 333 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Average Net Sales Price, per ton (1) | $ | 604.02 | $ | 551.72 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating Margin, per ton | $ | 108.79 | $ | 94.94 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
| Operating Earnings | $ | 38,078 | $ | 31,616 | 20 | % |
(1)
Net of freight per ton.
Recycled Paperboard Revenue, including intersegment Revenue, increased 15% to $211.7 million for fiscal 2025, driven by an increase of approximately $17.8 million in gross sales prices and a $9.7 million increase Sales Volume. The increase in gross sales prices was due to the price adjustment provisions in our long-term sales agreements.
Operating Earnings increased 20% to $38.1 million for fiscal 2025, primarily due to higher gross sales prices of $17.8 million and $1.7 million of higher Sales Volume, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $13.0 million. The increase in operating expenses was primarily related to higher input costs, namely raw materials of $15.7 million and $0.5 million of higher repair and maintenance costs, which were partially offset by lower energy expenses of $2.7 million. During fiscal 2025, Operating Margin increased to 18% from 17% in fiscal 2024, primarily because of higher gross sales prices, partially offset by higher operating expenses.
Fiscal Year 2024 Compared with Fiscal Year 2023
Please see our Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024 for the discussion of our Results of Operations and results of Revenue and Operating Earnings by segment for fiscal 2024 compared with fiscal 2023. Our 2024 Form 10-K can be found on the investor page of our website, at eaglematerials.com.
CRITICAL Accounting Policies
Certain of our critical accounting policies require the use of judgment in their application or require estimates of inherently uncertain matters. Although our accounting policies are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, a change in the facts and circumstances of the underlying transactions could significantly change the application of the accounting policies and the resulting financial statement impact. Listed below are those policies we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We assess our long-lived assets, including mining and related assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset, or group of assets, may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets, or groups of assets, are evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. We assess recoverability of assets, or groups of assets, by comparing the carrying amount of an asset, or group of assets, to the future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect the asset, or group of assets, to generate. These impairment evaluations are significantly affected by estimates of future revenue, costs and expenses, and other factors. If the carrying value of the assets, or groups of assets, exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment is indicated. If such assets, or groups of assets, are considered to be impaired, the impairment is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset, or group of assets, exceeds the fair value of the asset, or group of assets.
Goodwill
We annually assess Goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. Impairment testing for Goodwill is done at the reporting unit, which is consistent with our reportable segments.
Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Prior to performing the Step 1 quantitative test, we may, at our discretion, perform an optional qualitative analysis, or we may choose to proceed directly to the Step 1 quantitative analysis. The qualitative test considers the impact of the following events and circumstances on the reporting unit being tested: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If, as a result of this qualitative analysis, we conclude that it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50%) that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then an impairment does not exist, and the quantitative Step 1 test is not required. If we are unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then we proceed to the quantitative Step 1 test.
Step 1 of the quantitative test for impairment compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then an impairment is indicated. If facts and circumstances related to our business change in subsequent years, we may choose to perform a quantitative analysis in those future years. If we perform a Step 1 test, and the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment charge equal to the difference, not to exceed the total amount of Goodwill, is recorded.
The fair values of the reporting units are estimated by using both the market and income approaches. The market approach considers market factors and certain multiples in comparison to similar companies, while the income approach uses discounted cash flows to determine the estimated fair values of the reporting units. Key assumptions in the model include estimated average net sales prices, sales volume, and the estimated weighted-average cost of capital specific to each industry. We also perform an overall comparison of all reporting units to our market capitalization in order to test the reasonableness of our fair value calculations.
Determining the fair value of our reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions and considerable management judgment. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. The most important assumption underlying our estimates is the projection of construction spending in the U.S. over the next several years. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Changes in market conditions,
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market trends, interest rates, or other factors outside of our control, such as a worldwide pandemic, could cause us to change key assumptions and our judgment about a reporting unit’s prospects. Similarly, in a specific period, a reporting unit could significantly underperform relative to its historical or projected future operating results. Either situation could result in a meaningfully different estimate of the fair value of our reporting units, and a consequent future impairment charge.
The segment breakdown of Goodwill at March 31, 2025, and 2024, was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||
| Cement | $ | 227,639 | $ | 227,639 | |||
| Concrete and Aggregates | 118,099 | 40,774 | |||||
| Gypsum Wallboard | 116,618 | 116,618 | |||||
| Recycled Paperboard | 7,538 | 7,538 | |||||
| $ | 469,894 | $ | 392,569 |
Business Combinations
The acquisition method of accounting requires that we recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date net fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocation is a critical accounting policy because the estimation of fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities is judgmental and requires various assumptions. Further, the amounts and useful lives assigned to depreciable and amortizable assets versus amounts assigned to Goodwill, which is not amortized, can significantly affect the results of operations in the period of and for periods subsequent to a business combination. Although independent appraisals may be used to assist in the determination of the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the appraised values are usually based on significant estimates provided by management, such as forecasted revenue or profit, and the replacement cost and useful lives of the acquired property, plant, and equipment.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, and therefore represents an exit price. A fair value measurement assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible at the measurement date. We assign the highest level of fair value available to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the following options:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs, other than quoted prices, for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs, which includes the use of valuation models.
Level 2 fair values are typically used to value acquired receivables, inventories, machinery and equipment, land, buildings, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and accruals for payables, asset retirement obligations, and contingencies.
Level 3 inputs are used to estimate the fair value of acquired mineral reserves, mineral interests, and separately identifiable intangible assets.
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In determining the fair value of property, plant, and equipment, replacement cost, adjusted for the age and condition of the acquired machinery and equipment, is used. The replacement cost is based on estimates of current cost to construct similar machinery and equipment and is compared to amounts paid for similar assets in market transactions for consistency.
In determining the fair value of intangible assets, an income approach is generally used and may incorporate the use of a discounted cash flow method. In applying the discounted cash flow analysis, the estimated future cash flows and residual values for each intangible asset are discounted to a present value using a discount rate based on an estimated weighted-average cost of capital for the building materials industry. These cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of economic and market conditions including revenue growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures, customer attrition rates, and working capital requirements.
While we use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. During the measurement period, which occurs before finalization of the purchase price allocation, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded on a retroactive basis as of the acquisition date, with the corresponding offset to Goodwill. Any adjustments subsequent to the conclusion of the measurement period will be recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We believe we have access at the present time to sufficient financial resources from our liquidity sources to fund our business and operations, including contractual obligations, capital expenditures, and debt service obligations, for at least the next twelve months. In the long term, we intend to rely on our existing financial resources, together with borrowings under existing and future credit facilities and potential offerings of our securities in private or public markets. We regularly monitor any potential disruptions to the economy, and to our operations, particularly changing fiscal policy or economic conditions affecting our industries. Please see the Debt Financing Activities section below for a discussion of our revolving credit facility and the amount of borrowings available to us in the next twelve-month period.
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Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our Cash Flows:
| For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 548,548 | $ | 563,938 | |||||||
| Investing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Additions to Property, Plant, and Equipment | (195,281 | ) | (120,305 | ) | |||||||
| Acquisition Spending | (174,850 | ) | (55,053 | ) | |||||||
| Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (370,131 | ) | (175,358 | ) | |||||||
| Financing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility | 335,000 | 13,000 | |||||||||
| Repayment of Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility | (305,000 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Borrowings Under Term Loan | 125,000 | — | |||||||||
| Repayment of Term Loan | (11,250 | ) | (10,000 | ) | |||||||
| Dividends Paid to Stockholders | (33,722 | ) | (35,298 | ) | |||||||
| Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock | (298,286 | ) | (343,274 | ) | |||||||
| Payment of Excise Tax on Purchases and Retirement of Common Stock | (3,331 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises | 6,380 | 17,098 | |||||||||
| Payment of Debt Issuance Costs | (1,834 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on Stock Compensation | (5,898 | ) | (10,423 | ) | |||||||
| Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (192,941 | ) | (368,897 | ) | |||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | (14,524 | ) | $ | 19,683 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities decreased by $15.4 million to $548.5 million in fiscal 2025. The decrease was largely attributable to lower Net Earnings, adjusted for non-cash charges of $13.9 million and lower dividends from our Unconsolidated Joint Venture of $7.0 million, partially offset by higher changes in Working Capital of $5.5 million.
Working Capital increased by $35.4 million to $423.7 million at March 31, 2025, primarily because of higher Accounts Receivable, Inventories, and Prepaid and Other Assets of $9.3 million, $41.3 million, and $4.7 million, respectively. This was partially offset by an increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities of $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and a decrease in Cash of $14.5 million.
The increase in Accounts and Notes Receivable at March 31, 2025, was primarily due to the timing of sales and collections during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. As a percentage of quarterly sales
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generated in the fiscal fourth quarters, Accounts Receivable was 45% at March 31, 2025, and 43% at March 31, 2024. Management measures the change in Accounts Receivable by monitoring the day’s sales outstanding monthly to determine if any deterioration has occurred in the collectability of the Accounts Receivable. No significant deterioration in the collectability of our Accounts Receivable was identified at March 31, 2025.
Our Inventory balance at March 31, 2025, increased approximately $41.3 million from our balance at March 31, 2024. Within Inventories, Raw Materials and Materials-in-Progress, Aggregates, and Fuel and Coal increased by approximately $41.9 million, $5.6 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. The increases in Raw Materials and Materials-in-Progress, and Fuel and Coal were mostly due to timing, while the increase in Aggregates inventory was partially due to the Aggregates Acquisitions, which contributed $3.5 million of the increase in aggregates at March 31, 2025. We have less than one year’s sales of all product inventories, and our inventories have a low risk of obsolescence given that they are basic construction materials. The largest individual balance in our inventory is Repair Parts, which was relatively flat compared with fiscal 2024. The size and complexity of our manufacturing plants, as well as the age of certain of our plants, creates the need to stock a high level of repair parts inventory. We believe all of these repair parts are necessary, and we perform semi-annual analyses to identify obsolete parts.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities in fiscal 2025 was approximately $370.1 million compared with $175.4 million in fiscal 2024, an increase of approximately $194.7 million. This was primarily due to an increase in additions to capital spending of $75.0 million and to acquisition spending of $119.8 million, in fiscal 2025 compared with fiscal 2024. The increase in capital spending was mainly due to the expansion and modernization of our Mountain Cement facility, and the increase in acquisition spending was due primarily to the Western Pennsylvania Acquisition.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities was approximately $192.9 million during fiscal 2025, compared with $368.9 million in fiscal 2024. The $176.0 million decrease was primarily due to an increase in our Term Loan of $125.0 million, and lower Purchases and Retirement of Common Stock of $45.0 million.
Our debt-to-capitalization ratio and net debt-to-capitalization ratio were 46.1% and 45.7%, respectively, at March 31, 2025, compared with 45.7% and 44.9%, respectively, at March 31, 2024.
Debt Financing Activities
Below is a summary of the Company’s outstanding debt facilities at March 31, 2025:
| Maturity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Credit Facility | February 2030 | |
| Term Loan | February 2030 | |
| 2.500% Senior Unsecured Notes | July 2031 |
See Footnote (F) to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the Company's debt facilities, including interest rate, and financial and other covenants and restrictions.
The revolving borrowing capacity of our Revolving Credit Facility is $750.0 million (any revolving loans borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, as applicable, the Revolving Loans). The Revolving Credit Facility also includes a swingline loan sublimit of $25.0 million, and a $40.0 million letter of credit facility. At March 31, 2025, we had $200.0 million outstanding of Revolving Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility and $9.9 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving us with $540.1 million of available
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borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. We are contingently liable for performance under $43.9 million in performance bonds relating primarily to our mining operations. We do not have any off-balance-sheet debt or any outstanding debt guarantees as of March 31, 2025.
Other than the Revolving Credit Facility, we have no additional source of committed external financing in place. Should the Revolving Credit Facility be terminated, no assurance can be given as to our ability to secure a new source of financing. Consequently, if any balance were outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility at the time of termination, and an alternative source of financing could not be secured, it would have a material adverse impact on our business.
We believe that our cash flow from operations and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, as well as cash on hand, should be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated operating needs, capital expenditures, and debt service requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, our future liquidity and capital requirements may vary depending on a number of factors, including market conditions in the construction industry, our ability to maintain compliance with covenants in our Revolving Credit Facility, the level of competition, and general and economic factors beyond our control, such as supply chain constraints and inflation. These and other developments could reduce our cash flow or require that we seek additional sources of funding. We cannot predict what effect these factors will have on our future liquidity. See Market Conditions and Outlook section above for further discussion of the possible effects on our business.
As market conditions warrant, the Company may from time to time seek to purchase or repay its outstanding debt securities or loans, including the 2.500% Senior Unsecured Notes, the Term Loan, and any Revolving Credit Loans, in each case, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Subject to any applicable limitations contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, any purchases made by us may be funded by the use of cash on our balance sheet or the incurrence of new debt. The amounts involved in any such purchase transactions, individually or in aggregate, may be material.
Our Senior Unsecured Notes are rated by Moody’s Investor Service (Moody’s) and Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P). The ratings are typically monitored by stockholders, creditors, or suppliers, and they serve as indicators of the Company’s viability. Below is a summary of the ratings published by the agencies as of the date indicated:
| Moody's | S&P | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate/Family Rating | Baa2 | BBB | |||
| Outlook | Stable | Stable | |||
| Guaranteed Senior Notes | Baa2 | BBB | |||
| Date of Latest Report | January 2024 | June 2023 |
We also have approximately $37.6 million of lease liabilities at March 31, 2025, that have an average remaining life of approximately 12.6 years.
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Cash Used for Share Repurchases and Stock Repurchase Program
See table under Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for additional information.
Share repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any repurchases of shares will be determined by the Company’s management, based on its evaluation of market and economic conditions and other factors. In some cases, repurchases may be made pursuant to plans, programs, or directions established from time to time by the Company’s management, including plans to comply with the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1.
Capital Expenditures
The following table shows Capital Expenditures in fiscal years 2025 and 2024:
| For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||
| Land and Quarries | $ | 9,234 | $ | 6,760 | |||
| Plants | 123,120 | 63,744 | |||||
| Buildings, Machinery and Equipment | 62,927 | 49,801 | |||||
| Total Capital Expenditures | $ | 195,281 | $ | 120,305 |
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are expected to range from $475.0 million to $525.0 million and to be allocated between the Heavy Materials and Light Materials sectors. These estimated capital expenditures will include the expansion and modernization of our Mountain Cement facility in Wyoming and the modernization and expansion of our gypsum wallboard plant in Oklahoma, as well as maintenance capital expenditures and improvements, and other safety and regulatory projects.
Dividends
Dividends paid in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $33.7 million, $35.3 million, and $37.5 million, respectively.
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Contractual and Other Obligations
We have certain Contractual Obligations arising from indebtedness, operating leases, and purchase obligations. Future payments due, aggregated by type of contractual obligation, are set forth as follows:
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility (1) | 200,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 200,000 | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Term Loan (2) | 296,250 | 15,000 | 30,000 | 251,250 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Senior Unsecured Notes | 750,000 | — | — | — | 750,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and Commitment Fees on Credit Facility (3) | 31,756 | 10,960 | 15,061 | 5,735 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Interest on Term Loan (4) | 72,193 | 16,341 | 30,141 | 25,711 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Interest on Senior Unsecured Notes | 117,188 | 18,750 | 37,500 | 37,500 | 23,438 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Leases | 50,117 | 5,015 | 7,789 | 7,311 | 30,002 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Obligations (5)(6) | 459,698 | 311,115 | 146,954 | 905 | 724 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,977,202 | $ | 377,181 | $ | 267,445 | $ | 528,412 | $ | 804,164 |
(1)
The Revolving Credit Facility expires in February 2030.
(2)
The Term Loan facility expires in February 2030.
(3)
We estimate the future cash flows for interest and commitment fees by assuming a level repayment of the Revolving Credit Facility over its remaining term. Actual amounts paid, as well as the payment time periods, will likely differ from this estimate.
(4)
The future cash flows for interest on the Term Loan were calculated using the same estimated interest rates as the Revolving Credit Facility.
(5)
Purchase obligations are noncancelable agreements to purchase coal, natural gas, slag, and synthetic gypsum, and to fund capital expenditure commitments, including the expansion and modernization of our cement plant in Wyoming.
(6)
In May 2025 we entered into an agreement with a contractor for the expansion and modernization of our gypsum wallboard in Oklahoma. This contract is not included in the table above, as we were not contractually obligated to make such payments at March 31, 2025. We expect to spend approximately $330.0 million over the next two years on this project.
Based on our current actuarial estimates, we do not anticipate making contributions to our defined benefit plans for fiscal year 2025.
Inflation and Changing Prices
The Consumer Price Index rose approximately 2.4% in fiscal 2025, 3.5% in fiscal 2024, and 5.0% in fiscal 2023. During fiscal 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for electricity, natural gas, and transportation increased 2.8%, 9.4%, and 3.1%, respectively, while the cost of gasoline declined 9.8%. We have some protection from increasing natural gas costs in fiscal 2026 as we have forward purchase contracts for approximately 20.0% of our anticipated natural gas usage. Although CPI for transportation increased in fiscal 2025, we expect our freight costs to be relatively flat in calendar 2025. Our ability to increase sales prices to cover higher costs in the future varies with the level of activity in the construction industry: the number, size, and strength of competitors, as well as the availability of products to supply a local market.
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General Outlook
See “Market Conditions and Outlook” within Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Footnote (A) to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements that may affect our financial statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the context of the statements and generally arise when the Company is discussing its beliefs, estimates or expectations as to future events. These statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance but instead represent only the Company’s belief at the time the statements were made regarding future events which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. The principal risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s actual performance include the following: the cyclical and seasonal nature of the Company’s businesses; fluctuations in public infrastructure expenditures; the effects of adverse weather conditions on infrastructure and other construction projects as well as our facilities and operations; the fact that our products are commodities and that prices for our products are subject to material fluctuation due to market conditions and other factors beyond our control; the availability of and fluctuations in the cost of raw materials; changes in the costs of energy, including, without limitation, natural gas, coal and oil (including diesel), and the nature of our obligations to counterparties under energy supply contracts, such as those related to market conditions (for example, spot market prices), governmental orders and other matters; changes in the cost and availability of transportation; unexpected operational difficulties, including unexpected maintenance costs, equipment downtime and interruption of production; material nonpayment or non-performance by any of our key customers; consolidation of our customers; interruptions in our supply chain; inability to timely execute or realize capacity expansions or efficiency gains from capital improvement projects; difficulties and delays in the development of new business lines; governmental regulation and changes in governmental and public policy (including, without limitation, climate change and other environmental regulation); changes in trade policy, including tariffs and the effects of any increases in tariffs on our business, including increases in inputs used in our facility expansion and modernization projects; possible losses or other adverse outcomes from pending or future litigation or arbitration proceedings; changes in economic conditions or the nature or level of activity in any one or more of the markets or industries in which the Company or its customers are engaged; competition; cyber-attacks or data security breaches, together with the costs of protecting our systems against such incidents and the possible effects thereof on our operations; increases in capacity in the gypsum wallboard and cement industries; changes in the demand for residential housing construction or commercial construction or construction projects undertaken by state or local governments; the availability of acquisitions or other growth opportunities that meet our financial return standards and fit our strategic focus; risks related to pursuit of acquisitions, joint ventures and other transactions or the execution or implementation of such transactions, including the integration of operations acquired by the Company; general economic conditions, including inflation and recessionary conditions; and changes in interest rates and the resulting effects on the Company and demand for our products. For example, increases in interest rates, decreases in demand for construction
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materials or increases in the cost of energy (including, without limitation, natural gas, coal and oil) or the cost of our raw materials can be expected to adversely affect the revenue and operating earnings of our operations. In addition, changes in national or regional economic conditions and levels of infrastructure and construction spending could also adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. Finally, any forward-looking statements made by the Company are subject to the risks and impacts associated with natural disasters, the outbreak, escalation or resurgence of health emergencies, pandemics or other unforeseen events, including, without limitation, the COVID-19 pandemic and responses thereto designed to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects, as well as their impact on our operations and on economic conditions, capital and financial markets. These and other factors are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and subsequent quarterly and annual reports upon filing. These reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements made herein are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed herein will increase with the passage of time. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or changes in the Company’s expectations.