Q4 2025 Stella-Jones Inc Earnings Call

February 26, 2026

Operator: Good morning, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Stella-Jones' Q4 and full year 2025 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will hold a question-and-answer session. To get up for questions by phone, please press Star followed by 1. If anyone experiences difficulties hearing the conference call, please press Star followed by 0 for operator assistance at any time. I would like to remind everyone that this conference call is being recorded on Thursday, 26 February 2026. I will now turn the call over to David Galison, Vice President, Investor Relations of Stella-Jones.

Speaker #1: Following the presentation, we will hold a question-and-answer session. To queue up for questions by phone, please press star followed by 1. If anyone experiences difficulties hearing the conference call, please press star followed by 0 for operator assistance at any time.

Speaker #1: I would like to remind everyone that this conference call is being recorded on Thursday, February 26, 2026. I will now turn the call over to David Galison.

Speaker #1: Vice President, Investor Relations of Stella-Jones.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Jenny. And good morning, everyone. Earlier this morning, we issued our press release reporting our results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025.

David Galison: Thank you, Jenny. Good morning, everyone. Earlier this morning, we issued our press release reporting our results for Q4 and full year of 2025. Along with our MD&A, it can be found in the investor relations section of our website at www.stella-jones.com, as well as on SEDAR+. As a reminder, all figures expressed on today's call are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Please note that the comments made on today's call may contain forward-looking information, and this information, by its nature, is subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the views expressed today. For further information on these risks and uncertainties, please consult the company's relevant filings on SEDAR+. These documents are also available on the investor relations section of Stella-Jones' website at www.stella-jones.com.

Speaker #2: Along with our MD&A, it can be found in the Investor Relations section of our website, at www.stella-jones.com. As well as on Cedar Plus. As a reminder, all figures expressed on today's call are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Speaker #2: Please note that the comments made on today's call may contain forward-looking information, and this information, by its nature, is subject to risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #2: Actual results may differ materially from the views expressed today. For further information on these risks and uncertainties, please consult the company's relevant filings on Cedar Plus.

Speaker #2: These documents are also available on the Investor Relations section of Stella-Jones website, at www.stella-jones.com. Additionally, during this conference call, the company may refer to non-GAAP measures, which have no standardized meaning under GAAP and are not likely to be comparable to other similar measures presented by other issuers.

David Galison: Additionally, during this conference call, the company may refer to non-GAAP measures, which have no standardized meaning under GAAP and are not likely to be comparable to other similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information, please refer to the company's latest MD&A and available on Stella-Jones' website and on SEDAR+. Lastly, we have prepared a corresponding presentation, which we encourage you to follow along with during this call. I'll now hand the call over to Éric Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stella-Jones, for a strategic business update, followed by Silvana Travaglini, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stella-Jones, who will provide a more detailed financial overview. Éric, over to you.

Speaker #2: For more information, please refer to the company's latest MD&A, and available on Stella-Jones website, and on Cedar Plus. Lastly, we have prepared a corresponding presentation which we encourage you to follow along with during this call.

Speaker #2: I'll now hand the call over to Eric Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stella-Jones, for a strategic business update. Followed by Silvana Travaglini, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stella-Jones, who will provide a more detailed financial overview.

Speaker #2: Eric, over to you.

Speaker #3: Thank you, David. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. 2025 was a pivotal year for Stella-Jones. We delivered solid profitability, as we advanced our value creation strategy.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, David. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. 2025 was a pivotal year for Stella-Jones. We delivered solid profitability as we advanced our value creation strategy. By completing two strategic acquisitions in the utility space, we have propelled our mission forward to become the supplier of choice for our infrastructure customers. The additions of Locweld and Brooks have broadened our total addressable market. We are now leveraging these new growth avenues to expand our steel lattice tower business in the US as we actively execute the growth priorities outlined at our Investor Day. The results reported today reflect the strength of our infrastructure-focused strategy and our team's unwavering commitment to long-term value. We successfully delivered top-line results within our latest guidance and met our three-year commitment to return CAD 500 million to our shareholders.

Speaker #3: By completing two strategic acquisitions in the utility space, we have propelled our mission forward to become the supplier of choice for our infrastructure customers.

Speaker #3: The additions of Lockwell and Brook have broadened our total addressable market. We are now leveraging these new growth avenues to expand our steel lattice tower business in the US, as we actively execute the growth priorities outlined at our Investor Day.

Speaker #3: The results reported today reflect the strength of our infrastructure-focused strategy and our team's unwavering commitment to long-term value. We successfully delivered top-line results within our latest guidance and met our three-year commitment to return $500 million to our shareholders.

Speaker #3: I'm especially proud of our team for delivering EBITDA margins over 18% ahead of guidance amidst a year where all three of our product categories faced softer demand.

Éric Vachon: I'm especially proud of our team for delivering EBITDA margins over 18%, ahead of guidance, amidst a year where all three of our product categories faced softer demand. This full-year strength was supported by our performance in the Q4 of the year. We look at the Q4 highlights, our results were bolstered by the volume growth in wood utility poles and the contributions of our newly integrated steel structures and crossarm businesses. This helped offset the lower volumes we saw in railway ties. Tie sales came in below our forecast, the tie business delivered a solid margin performance and remained a resilient contributor to our overall profitability and margin strengths. The operational investments to double our steel structure production capacity at our Candiac facility are well underway.

Speaker #3: This full year's strength was supported by our performance in the final quarter of the year. As we look at the fourth quarter highlights, our results were bolstered by the volume growth in wood utility poles and the contributions of our newly integrated steel structures and cross-arm businesses.

Speaker #3: This helped offset the lower volumes we saw in railway ties. Although tie sales came in below our forecast, the tie business delivered a solid margin performance and remained a resilient contributor to our overall profitability and margin strength.

Speaker #3: The operational investments to double our steel structure production capacity at our Candiac facility are well underway. We are on track for completion by mid-2026 with a full production ramp-up in the second half of this year.

Éric Vachon: We are on track for completion by mid-2026, with a full production ramp-up in the second half of this year. Building on this momentum, we are taking an important step forward by establishing a US-based manufacturing footprint for steel lattice towers. We will invest approximately $50 million to build a new greenfield facility in the Southeast United States, adding approximately 20,000 tons to our total production capacity. The selection is down to a few sites that offer superior access to skilled workforce and proximity to key galvanizing partners. With commissioning expected by late 2027 and full 3-shift capacity by the end of 2028, this facility will provide the scalability required to meet the growing demand of US utilities.

Speaker #3: Building on this momentum, we are taking an important step forward by establishing a US-based manufacturing footprint for steel lattice towers. We will invest approximately $50 million to build a new greenfield facility in the southeast United States adding approximately 20,000 tons to our total production capacity.

Speaker #3: The selection is down to a few sites that offer superior access to skilled workforce and proximity to key galvanizing partners. With commissioning expected by late 2027 and full three-shift capacity by the end of 2028, this facility will provide the scalability required to meet the growing demand of US utilities.

Speaker #3: In the fourth quarter, we also marked our entry into the pole fixtures and accessory market with the acquisition of Brooks. By adding these complementary products, we are better positioned to serve our utility customers and capture new cross-selling opportunities across our network.

Éric Vachon: In Q4, we also marked our entry into the pole fixtures and accessory market with the acquisition of Brooks. By adding these complementary products, we are better positioned to serve our utility customers and capture new cross-selling opportunities across our network. This acquisition is a perfect example of our strategy to leverage existing customer relationships for incremental growth. Notably, we completed this $140 million transaction without increasing our debt leverage, a result that underscores the strength of our cash flow and our disciplined approach to capital allocation. Integration of the Brooks acquisition is well underway and is progressing in line with our expectations. From a sustainability perspective, we are excited to share that following year-end, we acquired a one-third equity interest in Lizzie Bay Logging, forming a partnership with local British Columbia First Nation in a forest harvesting company.

Speaker #3: This acquisition is a perfect example of our strategy to leverage existing customer relationships for incremental growth. Notably, we completed this $140 million transaction without increasing our debt leverage.

Speaker #3: A result that underscores the strength of our cash flow and our disciplined approach to capital allocation. Integration of the Brooks acquisition, as well underway, and is progressing in line with our expectations.

Speaker #3: From a sustainability perspective, we are excited to share that following year-end, we acquired a one-third equity interest in Lizzie Bay Logging. Forming a partnership with local British Columbia First Nation in a forest harvesting company.

Speaker #3: This approximately $5 million investment will secure dependable, long-term supply of utility pole fiber specifically for Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. It targets large transmission poles, a critical resource that is increasingly in short supply.

Éric Vachon: This approximately CAD 5 million investment will secure dependable, long-term supply of utility pole fiber, specifically for Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. It targets large transmission poles, a critical resource that is increasingly in short supply. We view this collaboration as an important advancement in our commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships with indigenous communities in Canada. I will now turn to a performance overview of our main product categories. Starting with utility products. After navigating a period of softer demand for utility poles that began in Q3 2024, the pace of purchase for certain customers accelerated in Q3. That momentum carried into Q4. The volume growth was driven by our contract business, a direct result of our well-executed multi-year strategy. We have strategically expanded our pole business and focused on partnering with customers who value long-term supply security.

Speaker #3: We view this collaboration as an important advancement in our commitment to indigenous communities in Canada. I will now turn to a performance overview of our main product categories.

Speaker #3: Starting with utility products, after navigating a period of softer demand for utility poles that began in Q3, 2024, the pace of purchase for certain customers accelerated in Q3, and that momentum carried into the fourth quarter.

Speaker #3: The volume growth was driven by our contract business, a direct result of our well-executed multi-year strategy. We have strategically expanded our pole business and focused on partnering with customers who value long-term supply security.

Speaker #3: We are now seeing the impact of those new contracts in our sales figures as well as a pickup in activity from some of our long-standing customers.

Éric Vachon: We are now seeing the impact of those new contracts in our sales figures, as well as a pickup in activity from some of our long-standing customers. Our contract business, which represents over 75% of our utility pole sales, has helped mitigate the impact of softer and more competitive spot market. While spot pricing and volume pressures persist, the improvement in volumes in the latter part of the year allowed us to deliver full-year sales growth in the low single-digit range, consistent with our outlook. This positive volume trajectory has created a tailwind that carries us into 2026 with confidence. For our railway tie business, 2025 was a year of transition. We navigated the impact of a Class I railroad's shift to in-house treatment, several project deferrals, and a more aggressive competitive landscape.

Speaker #3: Our contract business, which represents over 75% of our utility pole sales, has helped mitigate the impact of softer and more competitive spot market. While a spot pricing and volume pressures persist, the improvement in volumes in the latter part of the year allowed us to deliver full-year sales growth in the low single-digit range consistent with our outlook.

Speaker #3: This positive volume trajectory has created a tailwind that carries us into 2026 with confidence. For our railway tie business, 2025 was a year of transition.

Speaker #3: We navigated the impact of a Class 1 railroad shift to in-house treatment, several project deferrals, and a more aggressive competitive landscape. As a result, the volume gains anticipated for the fourth quarter did not materialize, and we ended the year with organic sales down 10%, below the mid-single-digit decline guidance.

Éric Vachon: As a result, the volume gains anticipated for Q4 did not materialize, and we ended the year with organic sales down 10%, below the mid-single-digit decline guidance. I'm, however, encouraged by the team's discipline. Despite these top-line headwinds, we focused on what we can control, improving margins and maintaining stable profitability. Looking ahead, we expect a more modest growth environment for our ties. Our Class I customers are currently navigating complex landscape of potential industry consolidation and macroeconomic headwinds, sentiments they have echoed in their recent commentary. While we expect this may result in relatively flat railway tie sales in the near to mid-term, it does not change our long-term outlook. We remain focused on positioning the business to capture long-term growth, and we see a pipeline of opportunities ahead in both Class I and commercial markets.

Speaker #3: I'm, however, encouraged by the team's discipline. Despite these top-line headwinds, we focused on what we can control: improving margins and maintaining stable profitability. Looking ahead, we expect a more modest growth environment for our tie business.

Speaker #3: Our Class 1 customers are currently navigating complex landscapes of potential industry consolidation and macroeconomic headwinds. Sentiments they have echoed in their recent commentary. While we expect this may result in relatively flat railway tie sales in the mid in the near to mid-term, it does not change our long-term outlook.

Speaker #3: We remain focused on positioning the business to capture long-term growth, and we see a pipeline of opportunities ahead, in both Class 1 and commercial markets.

Speaker #3: 2026 also coincides with a cycle of Class 1 contract renewals. We do review these renewals as a strategic opportunity to further align our offerings with our customers' evolving requirements.

Éric Vachon: 2026 also coincides with a cycle of Class I contract renewals. We view these renewals as a strategic opportunity to further align our offerings with our customers' evolving requirements. By leveraging our commitment to quality, availability, and service, we are positioning ourselves as a partner of choice for Class I railroads. At the same time, we will pursue growth of our commercial business. With the uncertainty in 2025 around government funding resolved, we expect more commercial project activity in 2026. We are ready to meet this demand. Our 3-year outlook remains unchanged. This is supported by a track record of resilience. Even with the pullback in 2025 sales, railway ties delivered a low single-digit sales growth over a multi-year horizon, underscoring the recurring nature of this maintenance-driven business.

Speaker #3: By leveraging our commitment to quality availability and service, we are positioning ourselves as a partner of choice for Class 1 railroads. At the same time, we will pursue growth of our commercial business.

Speaker #3: With the uncertainty in 2025 around government funding resolved, we expect more commercial project activity in 2026, and we are ready to meet this demand.

Speaker #3: Our three-year outlook remains unchanged, and this is supported by a track record of resilience. Even with the pullback in 2025 sales, railway ties delivered a low single-digit sales growth over a multi-year horizon underscoring the recurring nature of this maintenance-driven business.

Speaker #3: Our residential lumber business demonstrated remarkable resilience this year, delivering a stable performance despite an industry backdrop of significant pricing pressures and muted demand. This is a clear validation of our value-added business model and the strength of our strategic alliance with our primary customer.

Éric Vachon: Our residential lumber business demonstrated remarkable resilience this year, delivering a stable performance despite an industry backdrop of significant pricing pressures and muted demand. This is a clear validation of our value-added business model and the strength of our strategic alliance with our primary customer. While volumes were impacted by the market slowdown, we delivered the same sales performance as in 2024 due to higher pricing. This allowed us to recover the higher cost of inventory procured in early 2025. As we move forward, we have full confidence in our ability to deliver on our long-term targets, keeping this business steady within the CAD 600 to 650 million revenue range. In summary, we recognize that growth is rarely linear, but long-term fundamentals of our business remain intact.

Speaker #3: While volumes were impacted by the market slowdown, we delivered the same sales performance as in 2024 due to higher pricing. This allowed us to recover the higher cost of inventory procured in early 2025.

Speaker #3: As we move forward, we have full confidence in our ability to deliver on our long-term targets keeping this business steady within the 600 to 650 million revenue range.

Speaker #3: In summary, we recognize that growth is rarely linear, but the long-term fundamentals of our business remain intact. We are well-positioned to benefit from the solid tailwinds in our utility products business, which represents over 50% of our sales.

Éric Vachon: We are well-positioned to benefit from the solid tailwinds in our utility products business, which represents over 50% of our sales. This, paired with our strategic positioning in railway ties and the unique value proposition of residential lumber, reinforces our confidence to deliver on our 2026 to 2028 financial objectives. With that, I will now ask Silvana to provide a more detailed overview of our Q4 and year-end financial results.

Speaker #3: This paired with our strategic positioning in railway ties and the unique value proposition of residential lumber reinforces our confidence to deliver on our 2026 to 2028 financial objectives.

Speaker #3: With that, I will now ask Silvana to provide a more detailed overview of our fourth quarter and year-end financial results.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Eric, and good morning, everyone. As Eric stated at the top of the call, we ended the year with sales in line with our latest guidance.

Silvana Travaglini: Thank you, Éric, and good morning, everyone. As Éric stated at the top of the call, we ended the year with sales in line with our latest guidance. Sales for the year were up CAD 23 million to CAD 3.5 billion, largely driven by volume gains for wood utility poles, the contribution of our recent acquisitions, and the favorable impact of currency conversion. These drivers were in part offset by volume headwinds for railway ties. For Q4, organic sales declined 4% compared to the prior year. In Q4, we saw strong volume momentum in utility poles, which delivered a 9% organic sales growth. While the strong performance for poles was tempered by softer volume for railway ties, the contribution from our Locweld and Brooks acquisition and the currency impact resulted in total sales that were relatively stable compared to Q4 last year.

Speaker #1: Sales for the year were up 23 million dollars, 3.5 billion dollars, largely driven by volume gains for wood utility poles, the contribution of our recent acquisitions, and the favorable impact of currency conversion.

Speaker #1: These drivers were in part offset by volume headwinds for railway ties. For the fourth quarter, organic sales declined 4% compared to the prior year.

Speaker #1: In Q4, we saw strong volume momentum in utility poles, which delivered a 9% organic sales growth. While this strong performance for poles was tempered by softer volume for railway ties, the contribution from our lockout and Brooks acquisition and the currency impact resulted in total sales that were relatively stable compared to Q4 last year.

Speaker #1: For utility products, we generated 447 million dollars in sales in the fourth quarter, up 16% from 385 million dollars in the same period last year.

Silvana Travaglini: For utility products, we generated $447 million in sales in Q4, up 16% from $385 million in the same period last year. The 2025 acquisition of Locweld and Brooks contributed 7% to the overall sales increase, while volume gains explained the organic sales growth of 9%. Q4 pricing remained relatively stable, as softer spot market pricing was largely offset by higher contract pricing. For volumes, we continued to benefit from the incremental commitments that we secured back in 2023 and 2024, and from an increase in purchase activity by some utilities. Volumes in the second half of the year were up 8%, resulting in full-year sales growth in the low single-digit range, consistent with our outlook.

Speaker #1: The 2025 acquisitions of Lockout and Brooks contributed 7% to the overall sales increase, while volume gains explained the organic sales growth of 9%. Q4 pricing remained relatively stable as softer spot market pricing was largely offset by higher contract pricing.

Speaker #1: For volumes, we continued to benefit from the incremental commitments that we secured back in 2023 and 2024, and from an increase in purchase activity by some utilities.

Speaker #1: Volumes in the second half of the year were up 8%, resulting in full-year sales growth in the low single-digit range, consistent with our outlook.

Speaker #1: Sales of railway ties were down 16% or 31 million dollars in Q4 to 162 million dollars, largely attributable to lower sales volumes. The timing of shipments, along with more competitive pressures, impacted volumes more than expected, resulting in full-year organic sales declining 10% compared to the mid single-digit decrease previously disclosed.

Silvana Travaglini: Sales of railway ties were down 16%, or CAD 31 million in Q4, to CAD 162 million, largely attributable to lower sales volumes. The timing of shipments, along with more competitive pressures, impacted volumes more than expected, resulting in full-year organic sales declining 10% compared to the mid-single-digit decrease previously disclosed. For the full year, our railway tie volumes were also impacted by a Class I customer now treating railway ties at their own company-owned facility, as well as by delays in the execution of some non-Class I projects. Despite lower volumes, the margin performance of railway ties remained solid. Residential lumber sales were also down 14% in the Q4 to CAD 80 million, compared to a particularly strong Q4 last year, which benefited from unseasonably warm weather. The decrease was primarily volume-driven, as pricing remained relatively stable.

Speaker #1: For the full year, our railway tie volumes were also impacted by a Class 1 customer now treating railway ties at their own company-owned facility as well as by delays in the execution of some non-Class 1 projects.

Speaker #1: Despite lower volumes, the margin performance of railway ties remained solid. Residential lumber sales were also down 14% in the fourth quarter to 80 million dollars, compared to a particularly strong Q4 last year, which benefited from unseasonably warm weather.

Speaker #1: The decrease was primarily volume-driven as pricing remained relatively stable. For the year, despite unfavorable weather conditions in the first half of 2025 and general market softness, pricing remained above 2024 levels, supported by elevated inventory costs from purchases made earlier in the year.

Silvana Travaglini: For the year, despite unfavorable weather conditions in the first half of 2025 and general market softness, pricing remained above 2024 levels, supported by elevated inventory costs from purchases made earlier in the year. The company ended 2025 with residential lumber sales of $650 million, comparable to the $614 million generated last year. Turning now to profitability. The business continued to generate strong EBITDA and robust margins in Q4, reflecting solid execution and the resilience of our business. EBITDA in Q4 increased to $122 million, and we delivered an EBITDA margin of 16.8%, compared to $150 million in Q4 last year, and a margin of 15.8%.

Speaker #1: The company ended 2025 with residential lumber sales of 615 million dollars, comparable to the 614 million dollars generated last year. Turning now to profitability.

Speaker #1: The business continued to generate strong EBITDA and robust margins in Q4, reflecting solid execution and the resilience of our business. EBITDA in Q4 increased to 122 million dollars, and we delivered an EBITDA margin of 16.8% compared to 115 million dollars in the fourth quarter last year and a margin of 15.8%.

Speaker #1: The uplift in EBITDA and margin was attributable to increased volumes of utility products, which carry a higher margin and a better profitability performance from railway ties.

Silvana Travaglini: The uplift in EBITDA and margin was attributable to increased volumes of utility products, which carry a higher margin and a better profitability performance from railway ties. For the year, we maintained a robust EBITDA margin of 18.1%, excluding the insurance gain, consistent with our performance over the past two years. Moving on to cash flows. Q4 cash flows contributed to the strong full year of cash generated from operations of CAD 557 million, and free cash flow of over CAD 400 million. Our robust cash generation in 2025 reflected our disciplined focus on working capital, particularly as we optimized our inventory levels. Over the past 12 months, we deployed the cash generated to make two strategic acquisitions, totaling CAD 260 million, while continuing to invest in the safety and reliability of our operations.

Speaker #1: For the year, we maintained a robust EBITDA margin of 18.1%, excluding the insurance gain, consistent with our performance over the past two years. Moving on to cash flows.

Speaker #1: Q4 cash flows contributed to the strong full year of cash generated from operations of $557 million, and free cash flow of over $400 million.

Speaker #1: Our robust cash generation in 2025 reflected our disciplined focus on working capital particularly as we optimized our inventory levels. Over the past 12 months, we deployed the cash generated to make two strategic acquisitions, totaling 260 million dollars, while continuing to invest in the safety and reliability of our operations.

Speaker #1: We also returned $158 million to shareholders in 2025, achieving our three-year $500 million commitment, returning a total of $506 million to shareholders.

Silvana Travaglini: We also returned CAD 158 million to shareholders in 2025, achieving our 3-year, CAD 500 million commitment, returning a total of CAD 506 million to shareholders. By reducing our share count by over 4 million shares since 2023, we have successfully driven a 13% EPS growth, outpacing our growth in both sales and EBITDA over the same period. In 2025, we increased the dividend payout by 11% to CAD 1.24 per share. Yesterday, the board of directors announced a 10% increase in the company's quarterly dividend to CAD 0.34 per share. This marks our 22nd consecutive annual increase, which speaks to our commitment to shareholders and the confidence in the long-term fundamentals of our business.

Speaker #1: By reducing our share count by over 4 million shares since 2023, we have successfully driven a 13% EPS growth, outpacing our growth in both sales and EBITDA over the same period.

Speaker #1: In 2025, we increased the dividend payout by 11% to $1.24 per share. And yesterday, the board of directors announced a 10% increase in the company's quarterly dividend to 34 cents per share.

Speaker #1: This marks our 22nd consecutive annual increase. Which speaks to our commitment to shareholders and the confidence in the long-term fundamentals of our business. We continue to view share buybacks as a valuable capital allocation tool.

Silvana Travaglini: We continue to view share buybacks as a valuable capital allocation tool. As such, during Q4, we initiated another normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 1.5 million shares. Given the company's growth strategy, we will continue to consider buybacks based on the timing of M&A activity, and we will return excess capital to shareholders when it makes sense. We ended the year with almost CAD 635 million in available liquidity and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio within our target range. These metrics underscore the strong cash-generating power of our business. Even after deploying approximately CAD 260 million for the acquisitions of Locweld and Brooks, our financial position remains robust, demonstrating our ability to fund significant growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support our long-term objectives.

Speaker #1: As such, during Q4, we initiated another normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 1.5 million shares. Given the company's growth strategy, we will continue to consider buybacks based on the timing of M&A activity, and we will return excess capital to shareholders when it makes sense.

Speaker #1: We ended the year with almost $635 million in available liquidity and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio within our target range. These metrics underscore the strong cash-generating power of our business.

Speaker #1: Even after deploying approximately 260 million dollars for the acquisitions of Lockwell & Brooks, a financial position remains robust. Demonstrating our ability to fund significant growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support our long-term objectives.

Speaker #1: In summary, we are very pleased with our performance and the strategic evolution of Stella-Jones this year. We have made significant strides in our value creation strategy, underpinned by two pivotal acquisitions and solid volume momentum in our utility pole business.

Silvana Travaglini: In summary, we are very pleased with our performance and the strategic evolution of Celadon this year. We have made significant strides in our value creation strategy, underpinned by two pivotal acquisitions and solid volume momentum in our utility pole business. As we scale our steel structure capacity and launch our first greenfield manufacturing facility in the US, our focus remains on the long term. Backed by a strong cash flow profile and a healthy balance sheet, we have the financial flexibility to continue pursuing both organic and inorganic growth. Celadon has never been better positioned for sustained success. I will now turn the call back to Eric for his concluding remarks.

Speaker #1: As we scale our steel structure capacity and launch our first greenfield manufacturing facility in the U.S., our focus remains on the long term. Backed by a strong cash flow profile and a healthy balance sheet, we have the financial flexibility to continue pursuing both organic and inorganic growth.

Speaker #1: Stella-Jones has never been better positioned for sustaining success. I will now turn the call back to Eric for his concluding remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Silvana. Exiting 2025, we are stronger and more diversified organization. We head into 2026 with a broader infrastructure offering and a clear roadmap to growth.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, Silvana. Exiting 2025, we are stronger and a more diversified organization. We head into 2026 with a broader infrastructure offering, a clear roadmap to growth. We will scale our steel structure business, leverage our customer-focused approach and contractual strength to navigate evolving market dynamics, continue to reinforce our position as a supplier of choice for North America's infrastructure. We also remain committed to identifying strategic growth opportunities that enhance our portfolio and extend our market reach. We have the right strategy, the right team, and a solid financial foundation to continue driving long-term value and ensure Stella-Jones continues to be a leader in the market and deliver exceptional value for years to come.

Speaker #2: We will scale our steel structure business, leverage our customer-focused approach, and contractual strength to navigate evolving market dynamics, and continue to reinforce our position as a supplier of choice for North America's infrastructure.

Speaker #2: We also remain committed to identifying strategic growth opportunities that enhance our portfolio and extend our market reach. We have the right strategy, the right team, and a solid financial foundation to continue driving long-term value and ensure Stella-Jones continues to be a leader in the market and deliver exceptional value for years to come.

Speaker #2: I want to thank our employees for their dedication and hard work in our shareholders for their continued trust as we move into this next chapter of the Stella-Jones story.

Éric Vachon: I want to thank our employees for their dedication and hard work, and our shareholders for their continued trust as we move into this next chapter of the Stella-Jones story. Finally, we look forward to connecting and exchanging with investors at the 2026 Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, Florida, which will be held next week. This concludes today's prepared remarks. I will now open the line for questions.

Speaker #2: Finally, we look forward to connecting and exchanging with investors at the 2026 Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference in Orlando, Florida, which will be held next week.

Speaker #2: This concludes today's prepared remarks. I will now open the line for questions.

Speaker #3: Thank you, as a reminder, to queue up for questions by phone, please press star followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad. Your first question is from Benoit Poirier from Desjardins Capital Market, Carolina South Open.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to queue up for questions by phone, please press star followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad. Your first question is from Benoit Poirier, from Desjardins Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #4: Yes, thank you very much. Good morning, everyone. First question is on railway tie. When we look at the volume reduction in Q4, would it be fair to say that it was mostly driven by some special purchase made by some Class 1 customer that did not repeat in Q4?

Benoit Poirier: Yes, thank you very much. Good morning, everyone. First question is on railway tie. When we look at the volume reduction in Q4, would it be fair to say that it was mostly driven by some special purchase made by some Class I customer that did not repeat in Q4?

Speaker #2: Well, good morning, Benoit. To a slight extent, yes. As I commented in my remarks, we did have a shift of a few commercial orders that got pushed into early 2026.

Éric Vachon: Well, good morning, Benoit. To a slight extent, yes. As I, you know, commented in my remarks, we did have a shift of a few commercial orders that got pushed into early 2026. To your point, yes, there's been a slight impact of the that year-end pre-ordering effect that you're referring to. Obviously, a bit more competitive landscape as, you know, Class Is have tightened up a bit their maintenance programs, and there's a lot of competition in the market with inventory to sell. We have seen some competitive competition or enhanced competition in the market.

Speaker #2: To your point, yes, there's been a slight impact of the year-end pre-ordering effect that you're referring to. And obviously, a bit more competitive landscape as Class 1s have tightened up a bit their maintenance programs and there's a lot of competition in the market with inventory to sell, so we have seen some competitive enhanced competition in the market.

Speaker #4: Okay. And when we look at 2026 for this segment, given the RTA conference is calling for flat volume Class 1s reducing overall CapEx and it looks like there's more competition, could you even deliver the negative organic growth for railway ties in 2026, Eric?

Benoit Poirier: Okay. When we look at 2026 for this segment, given the RTA, the RTA conference is calling for flat volume, Class Is reducing overall CapEx, and looks like there's more competition, could you even deliver the negative organic growth for railway ties in 2026, Eric?

Éric Vachon: Our view is as flat. I, you know, I sort of agree with the Railway Tie Association and how. You know, we're looking at the orders that are coming in and what Class Is are communicating to us, we believe it'll be a flat year. Yeah.

Speaker #2: Our views as flat, so I sort of agree with the railway tie association. And how we're looking at the orders that are coming in and what Class 1s are communicating to us, we believe it'll be a flat year.

Speaker #2: Yeah.

Speaker #4: Okay. And utility pole, the great performance and the quarter, could you walk us through the what could be some reasonable expectation in 2026? You finished at 9% and given that you're going to be lapping very easy comps in the first three quarters of the year, just wondering if there's an opportunity to show a higher single-digit growth for 2026 for utility pole?

Benoit Poirier: Okay. Utility pole, the great performance in the quarter, could you walk us through what could be some reasonable expectation in 2026? You finished at 9%, and given that you're gonna be lapping very easy comps in Q1, Q2, Q3 of the year, just wondering if there's an opportunity to show a higher single digit growth for 2026 for utility pole.

Speaker #2: Yeah. So let's talk about the infrastructure products. So definitely for the, well, utility pole. So slight distinction versus utility products. So if I exclude the steel business and the cross-arm arm business, we've been guiding the mid-single-digit growth in our guidance.

Éric Vachon: You know, let's talk about the infrastructure products. Well, utility poles, so slight distinction versus utility products. If I exclude, you know, the steel business and the crossarm business, you know, we've been guiding the mid-single digit growth, you know, in our guidance. I think that still holds very well. As I've mentioned, you know, we saw some good momentum in Q4 or the back half of last year. It's carrying into this year, and it's a greater diverse group of customers, actually, sort of, you know, stepping up right now, when I compare to the last few months of 2025.

Speaker #2: I think that's still holds very well. As I mentioned, we saw some good momentum in Q4 or the back half of last year. It's carrying into this year.

Speaker #2: And it's a greater diverse group of customers, actually, sort of stepping up right now when I compare it to the last few months of 2025.

Speaker #2: If you layer on top of that, obviously, steel structures and cross-arms, yeah, we definitely expect a very good year here in 2026. We just talked about the railroad business.

Éric Vachon: If you layer on top of that, obviously, you know, steel structures and crossarms, yeah, we definitely, which we expect a very good year here in 2026. We just talked about the railroad business. For Class I's, flat-ish. You know, we do see some very positive dynamics in the commercial markets. We understand that the federal-funded CRISI grants, you know, are still in effect here for at least a couple of more years, coming our way, and we're definitely seeing our customers positively reacted at available funding. I remain quite optimistic about what we can realize in 2026.

Speaker #2: So for Class 1s, flat. Ish. If we do see some very positive dynamics in the commercial markets, we understand that the federal-funded Chrissy grants are still in effect here for at least a couple of more years coming our way.

Speaker #2: And we're definitely seeing our customers positively react to available funding. So I remain quite optimistic about what we can realize in 2026.

Speaker #4: Okay. And last one for me on the steel side, Eric, we've seen several transmission line projects with Hydro-Québec, Hydro-1, BC Hydro that will likely involve a lattice steel products.

Benoit Poirier: Okay. Last one for me. On the steel side, Éric, we've seen several transmission line projects with Hydro-Québec, Hydro One, BC Hydro, that will likely involve lattice steel products. Any thoughts whether your upcoming capacity in Candiac would be enough to meet those requirements? With respect to the new facility in the US, with $50 million of CapEx, could you, what should we be thinking in terms of potential revenue contribution and maybe the timing around the ramp-up? Yeah.

Speaker #4: Any thoughts whether your upcoming capacity in Kandiak would be enough to meet those requirements? And with respect to the new facility in the US with 50 million of CapEx, could you what should we be thinking in terms of potential revenue contribution and maybe the timing around the ramp-up?

Speaker #4: Yeah.

Speaker #2: So as I mentioned, our CapEx plan is progressing very well. In the Kandiak facility, so roughly when we acquired the facility, we mentioned that it was a $10,000-ton business.

Éric Vachon: As I mentioned, our CapEx plan is progressing very well in the Candiac facility. You know, roughly, when we acquired the facility, we mentioned that it was a 10,000 tons business. You know, if we round up numbers, it'll be 15 this year and 20 in 2027. Doing the math of what we had disclosed on the sales when we acquired, you could think about CAD 100 million in total sales for the facility. Our plans for the US is a copy-paste of the footprint, so you could extrapolate, you know, along those lines. On the demand side, things are going extremely well. The capacity in our Quebec facility is sold out for 2026 and sold out for 2027.

Speaker #2: If we round up numbers, it'll be 15 this year and 20 in 2027. Doing the math of what we had disclosed on the sales when we acquired, you could think about $100 million in total sales for the facility.

Speaker #2: Our plans for the US is a copy-paste of the footprint. So you could extrapolate along those lines. On the demand side, things are going extremely well.

Speaker #2: The capacity in our Québec facility is sold out for '26 and sold off for '27. So definitely so we're talking with customers now about projects in '27, '28, up to 2030.

Éric Vachon: We're talking with customers now about projects in 2027, 2028, up to 2030. The new facility will actually be very positive for us. We welcome, because we do think we'll be able to sell that capacity. It would ultimately give us an opportunity to ship some Canadian production destined for US customers into the US. Very favorable for our customers, to your point, freeing up to support Canadian needs as well. We have a few cards to play here to optimize and fill up this capacity, and we're very excited with this new project.

Speaker #2: So the new facility will actually be very positive for us. We'll welcome because we do think we'll be able to sell that capacity. And it would ultimately give us an opportunity to shift some Canadian production destined for US customers into the US very favorable for our customers.

Speaker #2: But then to your point, freeing up to support Canadian needs as well. So we have a few cards to play here to optimize and fill up this capacity.

Speaker #2: And we're very excited with this new project.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you very much for the time.

James McGarragle: Okay, thank you very much for the time.

Speaker #2: My pleasure, Benoit.

Éric Vachon: My pleasure, Benoit.

Speaker #1: Thank you, your next question is from Maxim Zichep from National Bank of Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question is from Maxim Sytchev from National Bank Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning.

Maxim Sytchev: Hi, good morning.

Speaker #2: Good morning, Maxim.

Éric Vachon: Good morning, Maxim.

Speaker #5: I was wondering if it's possible to get a bit more color on the working capital movements because I think we had a bit of a free-up on inventory in 2025.

Maxim Sytchev: I was wondering if it's possible to get a bit more color on the working capital movements, because I think we had a bit of a free up on inventory in 2025, and as well, looking into 2026, and those volumes being pretty healthy. How, I guess, should we think about that interplay this year? Thank you.

Speaker #5: And as we're looking into 2026, and Paul's volumes being pretty healthy, how, I guess, should we think about that interplay this year? Thank you.

Speaker #6: So Maxim, this is Elena. Hi. Basically, I think you could look at it as we have kind of guided in the past where the growth that we would be seeing in the wood treating business, you would have to assume that we would have to invest about 40% of the sales growth in our wood treating business as additional working capital.

[Company Representative] (Stella-Jones): Maxim, this is Elena. Hi. Basically, I think you could look at it as we've kind of guided in the past, where the growth that we would be seeing in the wood treating business, you would have to assume that we would have to invest about 40% of the sales growth in our wood treating business as additional working capital. Depending on the assumptions that you put there. Just wanna make sure that I did mention wood treating business, because obviously the investment in the working capital for the steel is different, right? Brooks is pretty much a stable business that we just acquired. Just wanted to make sure that that's sort of taken into account as those calculations are done.

Speaker #6: So, depending on the assumptions that you put there, I just want to make sure that I did mention the wood treating business, because obviously the investment in the working capital for the steel is different, right?

Speaker #6: Brooks is pretty much stable business that we just acquired. So just wanted to make sure that that sort of taken into account as those calculations are done.

Speaker #5: Okay. No, that's fair. Thank you so much. And then Eric, I was wondering because I think in the past, obviously, you mentioned that there's going to be some cross-selling opportunities between Lochwell Brooks, etc.

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. No, that's fair. Thank you so much. Éric, I was wondering, because I think in the past, obviously you mentioned that there's gonna be some cross-selling, you know, opportunities, between Locweld, Brooks, et cetera. I'm just wondering if you can maybe mention some of the early potential discussions with clients, any early wins, anything you can telegraph, that would be great. Thank you.

Speaker #5: I'm just wondering if you could maybe mention some of the early potential discussions with clients, any early wins, anything you can telegraph that would be great.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Oh, with pleasure, Maxim. So we have laid out a plan, and then we're completing a bit of a restructure of our sales team. Obviously, we don't want three different Salesforce calling on our customers from the same company.

Éric Vachon: Oh, with pleasure, Maxim. we have laid out a plan, and then we're completing a bit of a restructure of our sales team. Obviously, we don't want three different sales force calling on our customers, you know, from the same company. we've restructured our sales team, branding Stella-Jones now as a, with a broader product offering and introducing the specialists and opening doors. the team in Candiac, formerly Locweld, has benefited from the introduction to several new customers in the US, and these customers have engaged very positively, have certified the Quebec facility to produce for them. Back to my earlier comment of the capacity being sold out very quickly, so that has been very positive. Same for the cross arms.

Speaker #2: So we've restructured our sales team branding Stella-Jones now with a broader product offering. And introducing the specialists and opening doors. So the team in Kandiak formerly Lochwell has benefited from the introduction to several new customers in the US.

Speaker #2: And these customers have engaged very positively, have certified the Québec facility to produce for them. So back to my earlier comment of the capacity being sold out very quickly.

Speaker #2: So that has been very positive. Same for the cross-arms. We're making introductions of the Brooks sales team to customers that we're not necessarily involved with in the past.

Éric Vachon: We're making introductions of the Brooks sales team to customers that they were not necessarily involved with in the past. Brooks didn't have a presence in Canada, we're actually now, you know, quoting and bidding some business in Canada, which I find it is very interesting to be able to expand that offering into our Canadian footprint. Good indications so far, you know, ultimately, if we need to, we could actually bring some of the treating in Canada at some of our facilities to better support some customers, all very positive indications so far.

Speaker #2: Brooks didn't have a presence in Canada, and we're actually now quoting and bidding some business in Canada which I find is very interesting to be able to expand that offering into our Canadian footprint.

Speaker #2: So good indications so far. And ultimately, if we need to, we could actually bring some of the treating in Canada at some of our facilities to better support some customers.

Speaker #2: But all very positive indications so far.

Speaker #5: Oh, that's great to hear. And then one quick one for Silvana, if I may. Given the fact that we're greenlighting a facility in the US, is it possible to get an updated CapEx number for 2026 and 2027 by any chance?

Maxim Sytchev: Oh, that's good to hear. One quick one for Silvana. If I may, given the fact that, you know, we're bring lighting a facility in the US, is it possible to get an updated CapEx number for 2026 and 2027, by any chance?

[Company Representative] (Stella-Jones): The regular CapEx, as you say, remains between CAD 85 and 95 million. In 2026, we would need to add, as you know, the Locweld facility. We had said CAD 15 million, half of it was spent in 2025, the other half will be completed in 2026. For the US Lattice tower, half of it is probably going to be completed in 2026 and the second half in 2027.

Speaker #6: So the regular CapEx, as you say, remains between the 85 and the 95 million dollars. So in 2026, we would need to add, as you know, the Lochwell facility.

Speaker #6: We had said 15 million dollars, half of it was spent in 2025. The other half will be completed in 2026. And for the US lattice tower, half of it is probably going to be completed in 2020.

Speaker #6: We are in 2026 in the second half in 2027.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you so much for clarifying. That's it for me.

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. Thank you so much for clarifying. That's it for me.

Speaker #1: Thank you, your next question is from James McGargle from RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question is from James McGarragle from RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #4: Hey, thanks for having me on. Yeah, I just thought I had a quick question on the Thai business. Copper's today, they flagged some headwinds, which you talked about in your opening remarks.

James McGarragle: Hey, thanks for having me on.

Éric Vachon: Good morning, James.

James McGarragle: Yeah, I just had a quick question on the tie business. You know, Koppers today, they flagged, you know, some headwinds, you know, with what you talked about in your opening remarks. They also alluded to, you know, what seems to be like a significant, you know, share gain, maybe a customer win. Then they also talked about, you know, to get that they, you know, had to enact some pretty meaningful, you know, price reduction. You know, I guess with that, it seems like you have a good line of sight to 2026. Can you just comment, you know, what you expect in terms of the outlook for pricing longer term, you know, as a result of some of your, these competitive actions, but by your competitor?

Speaker #4: But they also alluded to what seemed to be a significant share gain—maybe a customer win. But then they also talked about how, to get that, they had to enact some pretty meaningful price reductions.

Speaker #4: So I guess with that, it seems like you have good line of sight to 2026, but can you just comment what you expect in terms of the outlook for pricing longer term?

Speaker #4: As a result of some of your these competitive actions, but by your competitor?

Speaker #5: Well, thank you for the question, James. So the comment you're making actually refers to one of my earlier thoughts when I'm referring to competitive dynamics in the market.

Éric Vachon: Well, thank you for the question, James. You know, the comment you're making actually refers to one of my earlier thoughts when I'm referring to competitive dynamics in the market. To, to your point, you know, there's some business that we did not win because the pricing was not attractive for us. As I also highlighted, you know, although our top-line number has declined in Q4, we maintained dollar profitability for our railway tie division, and obviously, because of the sales dynamics, the percentage has increased. We remain very disciplined in how we approach the market. We've got, you know, very strong relationship with our customers, and, you know, our competitors have their own game plan, I guess.

Speaker #5: So to your point, there's some business that we did not win because the pricing was not attractive for us. As I also highlighted, although our top-line number has declined in the fourth quarter, we maintained dollar profitability for our railway tie division.

Speaker #5: And obviously, because of the sales dynamics, the percentage has increased. So we maintained very disciplined in how we approach the market. We've got very strong relationship with our customers and our competitors have their own game plan, I guess.

Speaker #5: And then we leverage what we sell based on the quality, the service, and the availability, all of our products. And fully confident with our strategy and I don't plan on giving up some return on our investment for the railway tie division.

Éric Vachon: We leverage what we sell based on, you know, the quality of the service and the availability of our products. You know, fully confident with our strategy, and I don't plan on, you know, giving up some return on our investment for the railway tie division. It's a key metrics for our organization. I do believe our shareholders care about the return that we provide to them, as a whole, and obviously, the railway tie division is part of that dynamics. That. I guess that's how I view our business.

Speaker #5: It's a key metric for our organization. I do believe our shareholders care about the returns that we provide to them as a whole. And obviously, the railway tie division is part of that dynamics that I guess that's how I view our business.

Speaker #4: Yeah, that makes sense. Now that's clearly evident in your returns on invested capital that you guys put up. And then just on the utility poles, it seems like maybe coming a little bit higher than that the range you put out at your investor day in 2026, just given how strong Q4 was.

James McGarragle: Yeah, that makes sense. Now, that's, you know, clearly evidenced in your, you know, the returns on invested capital that you guys put up. And then just on the utility poles, it seems like, you know, maybe coming a little bit higher than the range you put out at your Investor Day in 2026, just given, you know, how strong Q4 was. And it seems like that strength's carrying into early in the year. Can you just provide some additional insights into, you know, the spot pricing? It seems like it's a little bit weaker, but you know, how much weaker is it versus contract rates?

Speaker #4: And it seems like that strength's carrying into early in the year. But can you just provide some additional insights into the spot pricing? It seems like it's a little bit weaker but how much weaker is it versus contract rates?

Speaker #4: And when you talk to your customers who have these very long-term contracts, is there any pressure by them to say, "Hey, spot pricing is this.

James McGarragle: When you talk to your customers who have these, you know, very long-term contracts, is there any, you know, pressure by them to say, Hey, you know, spot pricing is this, you know, can you work with us a little bit on the contract side of things?

Speaker #4: Can you work with us a little bit on the contract side of things?"

Speaker #2: So for the full year '25, the spot market is maybe 7 to 10 percent lower but then again, the spot market is selling at treated wood pole and sometimes the customers pick it up or we deliver it versus what we offer to a contract customer is minimum inventories, logistic services, finished good yards, so there's lots of service that go into it.

Éric Vachon: For the full year 25, you know, the spot market is maybe 7% to 10% lower. Then again, you know, the spot market is selling a treated wood pole and, you know, sometimes the customers picks it up where we deliver it, versus what we offer to a contract customer is, you know, minimum inventories, logistics services, finished good yards. There's lots of services that go into it. It's not an apples to apples comparison when you look at the spot market versus what we do for our contract customers. Because of the long-term relationship, you know, we're ready to stretch ourselves out and, well, we will go that extra mile if you want.

Speaker #2: So it's not an apples to apples comparison when you look at the spot market versus what we do for a contract customers because of the long-term relationship.

Speaker #2: We're ready to stretch ourselves out, and we go that extra mile if you want. And the security of supply is key for many of our customers, especially for storm events, spikes in demand, and for simply logistics reasons. We have customers coming to us asking for peak volume.

Éric Vachon: You know, the security of supply is key for many of our customers, especially, you know, for whether storm events, spikes in demand. You know, for simply logistics reason, we have customers coming to us, you know, asking for, you know, peak volume. We had some of that in the Q4, you know, when one customer came to us saying like, Look, I'm setting up logistically, can you deliver this type of volume in the last, like, three, four years of 2025? Which we did because we had the depth of inventory, so we were able to step up. You know, those are the things we do because we have that availability, and we stock for our customers.

Speaker #2: And we had some of that in the fourth quarter. When one customer came to us saying like, "Look, I'm setting up logistically can you deliver this type of volume in the last three, four years of 2025," which we did because we had the depth of inventory.

Speaker #2: So we were able to step up. But those are the things we do because we have that availability and we stock for our customers.

Éric Vachon: To explain your question on the percentage, we had a bit of a peak with a customer, although we know we're seeing a lot of customers get active here in 2026. That might explain the above guidance number you're referring to. The flip side is, you know, trying to compare spot to contract is a bit difficult because it's not the same, it's not the same offering.

Speaker #2: So, to explain your question on the percentage, we had a bit of a peak with our customer, although we know we're seeing a lot of customers get active here in 2026.

Speaker #2: So that might explain the above guidance number you're referring to. And then the flip side is trying to compare spot to contract is a bit difficult because it's not the same offering.

Speaker #4: No, that's great color. I appreciate that, and I'll turn the line over. Thank you.

James McGarragle: No, that's great color. I appreciate that, and I'll turn the line over. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you, James.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, James.

Speaker #1: Thank you once again. Please press star one for questions. Your next question is from Martine Pradier from Veritas Investments. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Once again, please press star one for questions. Your next question is from Martin Pradier, from Veritas Investment Research. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi. Thank you. So I have two questions. The first one is in terms of utility poles, when you're saying single digit, does that include Brooks and the steel division?

Martin Pradier: Thank you. I have two questions. The first one is, in terms of utility poles, when you are saying single digit, does that include Brooks and, you know, the steel division? If you could break down a little bit, you know, how much would be the utility poles without the two acquisitions, and how much will the two acquisitions, each of them grow? Your expectation, are they going to grow like 10%, 15%, or each of them, if you can give us some color on that breakdown?

Speaker #5: And if you could break down a little bit, how much would be the utility poles without the two acquisitions, and how much will the two acquisitions—each of them—grow? Your expectation, how they're going to grow—10%, 15%—or each of them, if you can give us some color on that breakdown?

Speaker #2: Yeah, certainly. Thank you, Martin. So the guidance we're giving the mid-single digit is for wood utility products only, distribution and transmission poles. With regards to the 200 divisions, as we had mentioned, Lockwell, average out for a full year at full capacity, was going to be like a, let's say, $100 million in growth.

Éric Vachon: Certainly. Thank you. Thank you, Martin. The guidance we're giving, the mid-single digit, is for wood utility products only, distribution and transmission poles. With regards to the two other divisions, you know, as we had mentioned, you know, Locweld, you know, average out for a full year at full capacity, you know, was gonna be like a, let's say, $100 million in growth. For the Brooks business, you know, we're still in the early days, but we bought this at, you know, $85 million US dollar sales annually. I won't put forward a percentage because we don't segment, you know, to that detail. You'll see the acquisitions, but at one point, they'll be reported in the utilities product. It'll get difficult to carve out.

Speaker #2: For the Brooks business, we're still in the early days, but we bought this at 85 million US dollars sales annually. I won't put forward a percentage because we don't segment to that detail.

Speaker #2: You'll see the acquisitions, but at one point, they'll be reported in the utilities product. It'll get difficult to carve out. But as I just explained to the previous caller with our intentions to expand into Canada and offer to other customers, we're definitely hoping at least that mid-single digit growth.

Éric Vachon: As I just explained, to the previous caller, with our intentions to expand into Canada and offer to other customers, we're definitely hoping at least that mid-single-digit growth, I would say, at the minimum.

Speaker #2: I would say at the minimum.

Speaker #5: Okay. That's fair. That gives us an idea. And you benefit a little bit on the residential side because you bought the wood at a fairly price good price last year.

Martin Pradier: Okay, that's fair. No, that gives us an idea. You benefit a little bit on the residential side because you bought the wood at a fairly good price last year, and then you maintained that in the contract. This year, I'm guessing the wood is going to be bought at much lower price because you're buying around this time. How much of a difference that could be?

Speaker #5: And then you maintained that in the contract. Now, this year, I'm guessing the wood is going to be bought at much lower price because you're buying around this time.

Speaker #5: So how much of a difference that would be?

Éric Vachon: Well, it's a great question. Obviously, the lumber is a commodity, and it fluctuates over time, and if you track lumber prices for the last five years, they do vary significantly. That's why we bookend the sales of the division from CAD 600 to 615. You're right, we should see some pricing compression here in the coming year, but I would say relatively marginal. Then, you know, talking with our main customer, who they do expect some growth in the category of products that we service them, it should be an offset. Feel very confident of the similar range in pricing. Then we'll see where the market goes. You know, lumber prices have been slightly upticking here since the beginning of the year.

Speaker #4: Well, it's a great question. So obviously, the numbers of the commodity and it fluctuates over time. And if you track lumber prices for the last five years, they do vary significantly.

Speaker #4: That's why we bookend the sales of the division from $600 million to $615 million. So you're right. We should see some pricing compression here in the coming year.

Speaker #4: But I would say relatively marginal. And then talking with our main customer who they do expect some growth in the category of products that we service them, it should be an offset.

Speaker #4: So still very confident of the similar range in pricing. And then we'll see where the market goes. Lumber prices have been slightly upticking here since the beginning of the year.

Éric Vachon: You know, we have a few months ahead of us, but we'll be replenishing... Well, we replenish every month, but as our inventory average cost trends up, if the market keeps going, then we'll be adjusting that pricing. For now, I guess, my first part of my answer holds.

Speaker #4: We have a few months ahead of us, but we'll be replenishing while we replenish every month. But as our inventory average cost trends up, if the market keeps going, then we'll be adjusting that pricing.

Speaker #4: But for now, I guess my first part of my answer holds.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. Thank you.

Martin Pradier: Okay, great. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Martin.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, Martin.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Your next question is from Michael Dupont from City Callan. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question is from Michael Dupont from Citi calling. Your line is now open.

Michael Dupont: Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker #4: Thank you. Good morning.

Mikhail Dupont: Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker #2: Good morning, Michael.

Éric Vachon: Good morning, Michael.

Michael Dupont: Hi, Éric. Can you help us understand the company's CapEx profile over 2026 and 2027? I know you've given some information about maintenance CapEx annually at your Investor Day, there was also this announcement today about the $50 million for your new lattice facility. Just wondering if you can talk about CapEx expectations for each of the next two years, how that breaks down across maintenance versus growth, and what sort of the phasing of that CapEx spend over the two years looks like in terms of the quarterly progression?

Speaker #4: Hi, Eric. Can you help us understand the company's CapEx profile over 2026 and 2027? I know you'd given some information about maintenance CapEx annually at your investor day.

Mikhail Dupont: Hi, Éric. Can you help us understand the company's CapEx profile over 2026 and 2027? I know you've given some information about maintenance CapEx annually at your Investor Day, there was also this announcement today about the $50 million for your new lattice facility. Just wondering if you can talk about CapEx expectations for each of the next two years, how that breaks down across maintenance versus growth, and what sort of the phasing of that CapEx spend over the two years looks like in terms of the quarterly progression?

Speaker #4: But then there was also this announcement today about the US $50 million for your new lattice facility. So, just wondering if you can talk about CapEx expectations for each of the next two years—how that breaks down across maintenance versus growth—and then what sort of the phasing of that CapEx spend over the two years looks like in terms of the quarterly progression.

Speaker #2: Certainly. Thank you, Michael. So I'll walk you through it. So for, well, for 2026, we start with our regular CapEx allocation. Maybe for the upkeep of asset quality, health and safety enhancements, but also productivity gains.

Éric Vachon: Certainly. Thank you, Michael. I'll walk you through it. Well, for 2026, you know, we start with our regular CapEx allocation, you know, maybe for the upkeep of asset quality, health and safety enhancements, but also productivity gains. As we explained at Investor Day, that was sitting, you know, at the CAD 85 to 95 million bracket. Locweld, the Locweld investment is over and above. On that, we had disclosed a CAD 15 million investment initially. Seven of that was done in 2025, so this year, 2026, we expect, like, let's say, CAD 7 or 8 million to complete the Locweld project, which will be done by midyear.

Speaker #2: And as we expanded the investor day, that was sitting at the, call it, 85 to 95 million bracket. Lockwell, the Lockwell investment is over and above on that.

Speaker #2: We had disclosed a $50 million investment initially. Seven of that was done in 2025. So this year, '26, we expect like, let's say, seven or eight $8 million to complete the Lockwell project, which will be done by mid-year.

Speaker #2: Then the US lattice facility, we probably think it's about 50/50 between the $50 million US, which would be split between '26 and '27. So, call it $25 million US for each of those years.

Éric Vachon: The US lattice facility, we probably think it's about 50/50. You know, the $50 million US would be split between 2026 and 2027. Call it $25 million US for each of those years, and I'll let you pick your FX rate to convert it.

Speaker #2: And I'll let you pick your FX rate to convert it.

Speaker #4: Okay. And the.

Michael Dupont: Okay.

Mikhail Dupont: Okay.

Speaker #2: Hopefully, that's helping you.

Éric Vachon: Hopefully, that's helping you.

Speaker #4: Yeah, no, that's very helpful. And sorry, just to clarify, the Lockwell remaining spend is concentrated in the first part of 2026 here.

Michael Dupont: Yeah, no, that's very helpful. Just, sorry, just to clarify, the Locweld remaining spend is concentrated in the first part of 2026 year?

Mikhail Dupont: Yeah, no, that's very helpful. Just, sorry, just to clarify, the Locweld remaining spend is concentrated in the first part of 2026 year?

Speaker #2: Oh, yes, 100%, because we plan on being complete by mid-year to be able to wrap up the full impact of the new capacity for the back half of the year.

Éric Vachon: Yes, 100%, 'cause we plan on being complete by midyear to be able to wrap up, have the full impact of the new capacity for the back half of the year.

Speaker #4: Yeah. And then the US $50 million that's split roughly evenly, should I just sort of assume that's kind of evenly spread over the quarters for both years with a bit of a ramp-up period here, I guess, in the first part of the year?

Michael Dupont: Yeah. The US $50 million, that's split roughly evenly. Should I just sort of assume that's kind of evenly spread over the quarters for both years, with a bit of a ramp-up period here, I guess, in the first part of the year?

Mikhail Dupont: Yeah. The US $50 million, that's split roughly evenly. Should I just sort of assume that's kind of evenly spread over the quarters for both years, with a bit of a ramp-up period here, I guess, in the first part of the year?

Speaker #2: Okay. So if you want to trend it like we're announcing it today, obviously, there's deposits that you could probably spread it over, let's say, Q2, Q3, and Q4 for this year.

Éric Vachon: Okay. If you want to trend it like we're announcing it today, obviously, there's deposits that, you know, you could probably spread it over, let's say, Q2, Q3, Q4 for this year, and for 2027, you could do Q1, Q2, Q3, 'cause I do expect, you know, the ramp-up to start in that back half there, of 2027. I guess that would be my best, say, guidance there.

Speaker #2: And for '27, you could do Q1, Q2, Q3, because I do expect the ramp-up to start in that back half of '27. I guess that would be my best guidance there.

Speaker #4: Okay. No, that's helpful. Thank you for the detail. And then I apologize if this was already addressed, but just as it relates to the railway ties, business, and the decline you saw there, it sounds like it's all shipment-driven.

Michael Dupont: Okay. No, that's helpful. Thank you for the detail. I apologize if this was already addressed, but just as it relates to the railway ties business and the decline you saw there, sounds like it's, you know, it's all shipment driven. But did you give a breakdown between pricing and shipments for that decline? And any comment on that, and if you haven't already?

Mikhail Dupont: Okay. No, that's helpful. Thank you for the detail. I apologize if this was already addressed, but just as it relates to the railway ties business and the decline you saw there, sounds like it's, you know, it's all shipment driven. But did you give a breakdown between pricing and shipments for that decline? And any comment on that, and if you haven't already?

Speaker #4: But did you give a breakdown between pricing and shipments for that decline? And can you comment on that? And if you haven't already?

Speaker #2: Yeah. It was all volume, Michael. Slight gain on pricing because, obviously, we did have—well, we maintained or improved margins. On a percentage basis, as I explained earlier, the margin dollars remain the same, although we had lower sales.

Éric Vachon: Yeah, it was all volume, Michael. Slight gain on pricing, because obviously, we did have a bit. We maintained or improved margins on a percentage basis. As I explained earlier, the margin dollars remained the same, although we had lower sales. Yeah, it's all volume.

Speaker #2: But it's all volume.

Speaker #4: Okay. And is there any but I guess the competitive pressures you're alluding to is what's allowing this volume to sort of go elsewhere as opposed to staying with you.

Michael Dupont: Okay, I guess the competitive pressures you're alluding to is, you know, what's allowing this volume to sort of go elsewhere as opposed to staying with you. Is there any sense as to how that looks going forward? Is there any letup in that competitive dynamic, or how do we think about that going forward?

Mikhail Dupont: Okay, I guess the competitive pressures you're alluding to is, you know, what's allowing this volume to sort of go elsewhere as opposed to staying with you. Is there any sense as to how that looks going forward? Is there any letup in that competitive dynamic, or how do we think about that going forward?

Speaker #4: But is there any sense as to how that looks going forward? Is there any letup in that competitive dynamic? Or how do we think about that going forward?

Speaker #2: So we've guided, so I guess, as I mentioned, '25 was a year of reset for the railway ties. I want to say this is behind us.

Éric Vachon: We've guided, you know. I guess, as I mentioned, 2025 was a year of reset for the railway ties. I wanna say this is behind us. We guided earlier in the call at flat for 2026. There's a bit less on the Class I side, not much, but very positive on the commercial side. You know, very active bidding going on right now for projects. You know, grants in the US are, have been reconfirmed here for this year and actually for a couple of more years. It's giving a lot of confidence to our customers to invest in their infrastructure. We were calling it flat for now.

Speaker #2: We guided earlier in the call at flat for 2026. There's a bit less on the class one side, not much, but very positive on the commercial side.

Speaker #2: Very active bidding going on right now for projects. Grants in the US have been reconfirmed here for this year and actually for a couple of more years.

Speaker #2: So it's creating a lot of giving a lot of confidence to our customers to invest in their infrastructure. So we were calling it flat for now.

Éric Vachon: Obviously, we're waiting to see what happens. You know, understand a bit more with consolidation in the market, you know, what is that free trade deadline gonna look like and the impact, you know? A lot of our Class I customers have referred to these two events, if you want. So that's why I'm calling them out, because it seems to be a theme with our Class I customers.

Speaker #2: And obviously, we're waiting to see what happens understand a bit more with consolidation in the market. Where does that free trade deadline going to look like and the impact and a lot of our class one customers have referred to these two events, if you want.

Speaker #2: So that's why I'm calling them out because it seems to be a theme with our class one customers.

Speaker #4: Okay, got it. Thank you. I will leave it there.

Jonathan Goldman: Okay, got it. Thank you. I will leave it there.

Speaker #2: Thank you, sir.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, sir.

Speaker #1: Thank you, your next question is from Hamir Patel from CIBC Capital Markets. Your line is still open.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question is from Hamir Patel from CIBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi. Hi. Good morning, Eric. I just wanted to follow up on the tie side. So I mean, copper is clearly pointing to some significant share gain with one customer.

Hamir Patel: Hi. Good morning. Éric, I just wanted to follow up on the tie side. I mean, you know, Koppers clearly pointing to a significant share gain with one customer. You're pointing to relatively flat tie sales this year, maybe a bit softer on the Class I side. Could you just confirm you haven't lost a major book of business with the Class I? Is that fair to say?

Speaker #5: You're pointing to relatively flat tie sales this year, maybe a bit softer on the class one side. So could you just confirm you haven't lost a major book of business with the class one?

Speaker #5: Is that fair to say?

Éric Vachon: Yes. We saw a readjustment in the, in one Class I contract in the back half of the year. I would say that's behind us here going into 2026.

Speaker #2: Yes. Yeah. We saw a readjustment in one class one contract in the back half of the year, but I would say that's behind us here going into '26.

Éric Vachon: Yes. We saw a readjustment in the, in one Class I contract in the back half of the year. I would say that's behind us here going into 2026.

Speaker #5: Okay. And then just given that they're clearly been more competitive on price, I know your agreements are sort of staggered, but how many of your class one agreements are coming up for renewal this year, and how many in '27?

Hamir Patel: Okay. Then just given that they've clearly been more competitive on price, I know your agreements are sort of staggered, but how many of your Class I agreements are coming up for renewal this year, and how many in 2027?

Speaker #2: We have four this year and one in '27.

Éric Vachon: We have four this year and one in 2027.

Speaker #5: Okay. And the timing of when, maybe, if any, adjustments are made there — would that really affect more '27 pricing?

Hamir Patel: Okay. And the timing of when maybe, if any, adjustments are made there, would that really affect more 2027 pricing?

Speaker #2: Yes. Most likely, it will.

Éric Vachon: Yes, most likely it will.

Speaker #5: Okay. Fair enough. And just turning to ResLumber, we've seen Home Depot and some of the other R&R players in the US kind of point to a flattish market this year.

Hamir Patel: Okay. Fair enough. Just turning to res lumber, we've seen Home Depot and some of the other R&R players in the US kind of point to a flattish market this year. I know Home Depot also pointed to negative comps in Canada, at least in Q4. What are your customers' expectations around volumes for res lumber in 2026?

Speaker #5: I know Home Depot also pointed to negative comps in Canada, at least in Q4. What are your customers' expectations around volumes for ResLumber in 2026?

Speaker #2: Yeah, so, well, specifically for... so, obviously, treated lumber—we don't sell to the general lumber market. It's low single-digit growth. We've seen, well, our main customer has invested a lot in the department we service, giving us more bays to sell products.

Éric Vachon: Yeah. Well, specifically for, you know, obviously, treated lumber, you know, we don't sell the general lumber market. You know, it's, you know, low single digit growth. Well, our main customer has invested a lot in the department we service, giving us more base to sell products, are bringing in, you know, different types of products, such as composites, that we distribute, but now they're holding some more stock in the store. You know, there is a good belief from our customers, and it's true on the dealer side that we service, that, you know, we could see a year with a small pickup, but low single digits.

Speaker #2: We're bringing in different types of products, such as composites that we distribute, but now they're holding some more stock in the store. So there is a good belief from our customers, and it's true on the dealer side that we service that.

Speaker #2: We could see a year with a small pickup, but low single digits.

Hamir Patel: Okay, great. Just last question I had, Éric, I know the multiyear EBITDA margin objectives, 17.5% to 18.5%. Would you expect to be near the higher end of that range this year, just given you're coming off 2025, that was closer to 19%?

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. And just last question I had, Eric, I know the multi-year EBITDA margin objectives, 17 and a half to 18 and a half percent.

Speaker #5: Would you expect to be near the higher end of that range this year, just given you're coming off 2025? That was closer to 19%.

Éric Vachon: Well, just to call it out, the higher percentage you see does have an insurance gain in there, right? If you adjust for the insurance gain, the EBITDA margin for this year is 18.1%, pretty much in the middle of that guidance. I don't know if you picked up on it. Might not have time to read through the whole NDA. It's still early on the West Coast. I'll just say, if we adjust for that insurance gain, it's sitting at 18.1 in the middle of the range. Really happy we actually delivered three years in a row at 18%.

Speaker #2: So just be well, just to call it out, the higher percentage you see does have an insurance gain in there, right? So if you adjust for the insurance gain, the EBITDA margin for this year is 18.1%.

Speaker #2: So pretty much in the middle of that guidance. So I don't know if you picked up on it. It might not have time to read through the whole DNA.

Speaker #2: It's still early on the West Coast. But all to say, if we adjust for that insurance gain, it's sitting at 18.1 in the middle of the range.

Speaker #2: And really happy we actually delivered three years in a row at 18%. We're smack in the middle of that guidance, which is, I guess, is where most likely analysts, yourself and colleagues, will sort of end up for now until we get better color on the year.

Éric Vachon: We're smack in the middle of that guidance, which, you know, is, I guess, is where most likely, you know, analysts, yourselves and colleagues, will sort of end up for now until we get better color around the year. Yeah, that's pretty happy with our results.

Speaker #2: But yeah, that's pretty happy with our results.

Speaker #5: Okay. And any maybe unusual weather-related headwinds in Q1 in the US to point to?

Hamir Patel: Okay. Any maybe unusual weather-related headwinds in Q1 in the US to point to?

Éric Vachon: Far, I mean, there's been some snow events, but nothing to impact our business per se. It's, you know, Q1 is always obviously a slower quarter, although, you know, we were seeing some good tailwinds from our Depot business going into the next year. The different ice storm events that we saw in the Southeast, Texas, for example, pulled lines down, but not really utility poles. You know, it's pretty normal business for us, with a bit of, obviously, an uptick because of pickup for customers to do extra maintenance.

Speaker #2: So far, I mean, there's been some snow events, but nothing to impact our business per se. Q1 is always a slower quarter. Although we're seeing some good tailwinds from our depot business going into the next year.

Speaker #2: The different ice storm events that we saw in the Southeast—Texas, for example—pulled lines down, but not really utility poles. So it's pretty normal business for us, with a bit of, obviously, an uptick because of pickup for customers to do extra maintenance.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. Thanks. That's all I had. Thanks, sir.

Hamir Patel: Okay, great. Thanks. That's all I had. Thanks, sir.

Speaker #2: Good. Thank you, Hamir.

Éric Vachon: Good. Thank you, Hamir.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question is from Jonathan Goldman from Scotiabank. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Your next question is from Jonathan Goldman from Scotiabank. Your line is still open.

Jonathan Goldman: Hey, good morning, team, and thanks for taking my questions. Éric, if we look at the waterfall that you guys put out with the Investor Day, going from CAD 3.5 billion of sales to CAD 4 billion in 2028, just a few questions here. The capacity expansion you have going on there in the US, is that factored into this CAD 4 billion? If not, would it increase the upper end then, as that comes online at the end of 2027?

Speaker #6: Hey, good morning, team. And thanks for taking my questions. Eric, if we look at the waterfall that you guys put out with the IR day, going from $3.5 billion of sales to $4 billion in '28, just a few questions here.

Speaker #6: The capacity expansion you have going on there in the US, is that factored into this 4 billion? And if not, would it increase the upper end then as that comes online at the end of '27?

Éric Vachon: Yes. I guess two parts to your question. One, it is not included in our guidance, and it would definitely positive. Oh, no, it's not. Sorry, it would be in the following year, right? Because if it's online at the end of 2027, we'd see most of the benefits in 2028 and 2029.

Speaker #2: Yeah. So I guess two parts to your question. One, it is not included in our guidance, and it would definitely positive oh, no, it's not because it would be actually sorry.

Speaker #2: It would be in the following year, right? Because if it's online at the end of '27, we'd see most of the benefits in '28.

Speaker #2: And in '29.

Speaker #6: Okay. And then maybe moving to railway ties and not to beat a dead horse here, but kind of lower this year than expected, you're calling for flat in '26.

Jonathan Goldman: Okay. Then maybe moving to railway ties, and not to beat a dead horse here, but, you know, kind of lower this year than expected. You're calling for flat in 2026. It seems like you kept the guidance of 2% to 3% annual CAGR, so that does imply a reacceleration, I guess, in 2027 and 2028. I mean, the industry is pretty flattish generally. What gives you confidence that you're gonna see the growth come back at a higher level to compensate for the shortfall this year and last year?

Speaker #6: It seems like you kept the guidance of 2 to 3 percent annual CAGR. So that does imply a real acceleration, I guess, in '27 and '28.

Speaker #6: I mean, the industry is pretty flattish the growth come back at a higher level to compensate for the shortfall this year and last year?

Éric Vachon: Well, it's a good question. Thank you. As I mentioned earlier, we have four contracts being negotiated this year, and, you know, we're looking at different opportunities to increase our volume with our Class I customer base. Commercial business will remain, you know, strong till 2027, 2028, as far as we can see right now with the federal grants being available. I do think once our Class I customers have a better understanding of the impacts of, you know, industry consolidation, and hopefully we can normalize or have a better line of sight of how the North American Free Trade Agreement will sort of pan out. You know, we should see some greater activity, right?

Speaker #2: Well, it's a good question. Thank you. So as I mentioned earlier, we have four contracts being negotiated this year. And we're looking at different opportunities to increase our volume with our class one customer base.

Speaker #2: Commercial business will remain strong till '27, '28, as far as we can see right now, with the federal grants being available. And I do think once our Class 1 customers have a better understanding of the impacts of industry consolidation—and hopefully we can normalize or have better lines of sight of how the North American freight outlook—

Speaker #2: We should see some greater activity, right? I think it's not to call them up, but the CPKC, who services Canada, US, and Mexico, feel that they will get better activity on their network once we have a clearer line of sight as where that agreement goes.

Éric Vachon: I think, not to call them out, but the CPKC, who services Canada, US and Mexico, feel that, you know, they will get better activity on their network once we have a clearer line of sight as where that agreement goes. As an example, because other Class I have referred to the same phenomenon, I guess, the same aspects.

Speaker #2: As an example, because other class ones have referred to the same phenomenon, I guess, or the same aspects.

Speaker #5: Okay. I guess relatedly then, maybe it's the same answer. I think you're talking about flattish ties this year, and that seems to be on volume consistent with the industry.

Jonathan Goldman: Okay, I guess relatedly, maybe it's the same answer. I think you're talking about like flattish ties this year, and that seems to be on volume consistent with the industry. I think going back to Benoit's earlier question, if the industry is flat and there's some competitive dynamics going on, could you see some pricing pressure on top of that could take negative organic growth this year?

Speaker #5: But I think, going back to Benoit's earlier question, if the industry is flat and there's some competitive dynamics going on, could you see some pricing pressure on top of that, which could take negative organic growth this year?

Éric Vachon: Not really. I think, you know, with the guidance for the year, the business is, as you said, it is flat. We've actually discussed our pricing, some pricing adjustments for this year with many customers. We have mechanisms that adjust pricing. Obviously, the spot market is one thing, but the Class I contract business is pretty, you know, per the mechanics of the agreements. Obviously, I've said it a few times in the past, as we renegotiate these contracts, I'm actually looking for pricing resets, just to make sure that we capture inflationary impacts that we've sort of absorbed in the last few years.

Speaker #2: Not really. I think with the so the guidance for the year, the business is, as you said, it's flat. We've actually discussed our pricing some pricing adjustments for this year with many customers.

Speaker #2: Then we have mechanisms that adjust pricing. So, obviously, the spot market is one thing, but the Class 1 contract business is pretty per the mechanics of the agreements.

Speaker #2: And obviously, and I've said it a few times in the past, as we renegotiate these contracts, I'm actually looking for pricing reset just to make sure that we capture inflationary impacts that we've sort of absorbed in the last few years.

Speaker #2: So that's how I think, as I say, once we're past this year in 27, 28, we should see we should benefit from some better pricing.

Éric Vachon: You know, that's how I think, you know, as I say, once we're past this year, in 2027, 2028, we should see, we should benefit from some better pricing.

Speaker #5: Okay. That makes sense. And I guess one more for me. If we can get an update on capital allocation priorities specifically, maybe you can give us an update on the M&A pipeline and how that's looking today.

Jonathan Goldman: Okay, that makes sense. I guess one more for me. If we can get an update on capital allocation priorities, specifically, maybe you can give us an update on the M&A pipeline and how that's looking today.

Speaker #2: Certainly. I'll let Silvana answer that question.

Éric Vachon: Certainly. I'll let Silvana answer that question.

Speaker #3: So in terms of the capital allocation, obviously, we talked about on the previous callers, the CapEx, so that has always the first priority for the business, the maintenance plus these additional two projects that we have.

[Company Representative] (Stella-Jones): In terms of the capital allocation, obviously, you know, we talked about on the previous, with the previous callers at the CapEx. That has always said the first priority for the business, the maintenance plus these additional two projects that we have. You know, we will continue, as we said, the buybacks based on, you know, the pipeline of M&A and the dividend is always, you know, that staple that we rely on every year and then that the shareholders have confidence and that we can keep that stable. I think for now, it's pretty consistent with what we've said, and then I'll let Éric, you know, discuss a little bit more the M&A pipeline.

Speaker #3: We will continue, as we said, the buybacks based on the pipeline of M&A, and the dividend is always that staple that we rely on every year, and that the shareholders have confidence in. We could keep that stable.

Speaker #3: So I think for now, it's pretty consistent with what we've said, and then I'll let Eric discuss a little bit more the M&A pipeline.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, Silvana. You know, obviously not much we can disclose, but definitely active in talking with, you know, potential targets in our new addressable market and our traditional wood treating business for on the infrastructure part, obviously. We would keep having discussions, healthy ones, and I would like to think that we could execute some acquisitions, you know, in the coming year. It's always difficult to promise a deadline on these things because obviously you have to, you know, dance a while with your new partner to understand the dynamics of a transaction. Yeah, we're definitely still active in looking at the acquisitions.

Speaker #2: Definitely. Thank you, Silvana. Obviously, not much we could disclose, but definitely active in talking with potential targets in our new addressable market and our traditional wood treating business on the infrastructure part, obviously.

Speaker #2: We keep having discussions healthy ones, and I would like to think that we could execute some acquisitions in the coming year. Always difficult to promise a deadline on these things because obviously, you have to dance a while with your new partner to understand the dynamics of a transaction.

Speaker #2: But yeah, we're definitely still active in looking at acquisitions.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks for all the color. I'll get back in queue.

Jonathan Goldman: Okay, thanks for all the color. I'll get back in queue.

Speaker #2: Thank you, sir.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, sir.

Operator: Thank you. We have no further questions in the queue. Please proceed.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We have no further questions in the queue. Please proceed.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Janie. And thank you, everyone, for joining us today. And we look forward to updating you when we release our first quarter results.

Éric Vachon: Thank you, Janie, and thank you everyone for joining us today, and we look forward to updating you when we release our Q1 results.

Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. This concludes today's call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect your lines.

Q4 2025 Stella-Jones Inc Earnings Call

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