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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)
of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date
of earliest event reported): February 18, 2026

CARDINAL INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
| Delaware |
|
001-43004 |
|
39-3180206 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
|
(Commission
File Number) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
100 E. Six Forks Road, #300
Raleigh, North Carolina |
|
27609 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code: (919) 324-1964
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
| Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
|
CDNL |
|
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
| (Title of Class) |
|
(Trading
Symbol) |
|
(Name
of each exchange on which registered) |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ |
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth
company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(17 CFR § 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant
to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
| Item 1.01 | Entry into a Material
Definitive Agreement. |
A.L. Grading Contractors Acquisition
On February 18, 2026, Cardinal Infrastructure Group
Inc. (the “Company,” “Cardinal,” “we”, “us”, or “our”) and Cardinal Civil
Contracting Holdings LLC, a controlled subsidiary of the Company (“Purchaser”), completed (the “Closing”) the
acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of all of the equity interests in A.L. Grading Contractors, LLC (“ALGC”) pursuant
to a membership interests purchase and contribution agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated February 18, 2026, with Diamond
Interests Group, LLC (the “Seller”), ALGC, Anthony L. Wood, Jr. (“Anthony Wood”) and Benjamin A. Wood (“Benjamin
Wood” and, together with Anthony Wood, the “Seller Owners”). The Seller is wholly owned by Anthony Wood and Benjamin
Wood. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Purchaser paid aggregate consideration of $245.5 million consisting of (i) $128.6 million in
cash (as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement); (ii) 4,186,062 limited liability company
units (the “Common Units”) of the Purchaser (including an equal number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock,
$0.0001 par value per share (the “Class B Common Stock”)), valued at $108.0 million based on the volume weighted average price
of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”) over the fourteen trading
days ended February 13, 2026 and (iii) 345,666 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Class A Common
Stock”) which were issued to employees of, and service providers to, ALGC at the direction of the Seller. The cash portion of the
Acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Purchaser’s credit facility. The equity issued
to the Seller and the Class A Common Stock issued at the direction of the Seller are subject to lock-up agreements for 180 days following
the Closing. ALGC is engaged in the business of providing infrastructure services to residential, industrial and commercial projects in
the greater Atlanta, Georgia area.
The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations
and warranties and certain covenants for transactions of this type. In connection with its entry into the Purchase Agreement, the Company
also bound a customary buyer-side representations and warranties insurance policy (the “R&W Insurance Policy”) to cover
certain losses arising out of a breach of the representations and warranties of the Seller and Seller Owners contained in the Purchase
Agreement. The R&W Insurance Policy is subject to certain policy limits, exclusions, deductibles and other terms and conditions.
The representations and warranties of the parties
contained in the Purchase Agreement have been made for the benefit of the other parties and should not be relied upon by any other person.
Such representations and warranties (i) have been qualified by schedules and exhibits, (ii) are subject to materiality standards that
may differ from what may be viewed as material by investors, (iii) are made as of specified dates, and (iv) may have been used for the
purpose of allocating risk among the parties rather than establishing matters of fact. Accordingly, the representations and warranties
should not be relied upon as characterizations of the actual state of facts.
The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, expired on February 17, 2026.
In connection with the Purchase Agreement, Purchaser
entered into employment agreements with, among others, Anthony Wood and Benjamin Wood. The Purchase Agreement also provides that after
the Closing Date, the Board of Directors of the Company will (i) elect Anthony Wood, ALGC’s president, to serve on the Company’s
Board of Directors and (ii) appoint Benjamin Wood, ALGC’s vice president, to serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer.
See Item 5.02 below.
At the Closing, (i) the Seller became a party to
the Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 9, 2025 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), which contains customary
registration rights with respect to the Company’s Class A Common Stock issuable upon exchange of the Company’s Class B Common
Stock and the Purchaser’s Common Units, (ii) the Seller became a party to the Purchaser’s Second Amended and Restated Limited
Liability Company Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2025 (the “LLC Operating Agreement”) and a member of the Purchaser, (iii)
the Seller and the Seller Owners became party to the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated December 9, 2025 (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”),
pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to pay to the beneficiaries thereof 85% of the benefits, if any, that are realized,
or deemed to be realized, as a result of (A) adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries
as a result of certain exchanges of Common Units and (B) certain other tax benefits; and (iv) the Company and the Seller executed a Tax
Benefit Agreement (the “Tax Benefit Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Purchaser agreed to pay to the
Seller 85% of the benefits, if any, that are realized, or deemed to be realized, as a result of adjustments to the tax basis of the assets
of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries as a result of the Acquisition.
The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Purchase
Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) and is incorporated herein by
reference. The foregoing description of the LLC Operating Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of the LLC Operating Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December
12, 2025 (the “December Form 8-K”) and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Tax Receivable
Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Tax Receivable Agreement, which is filed
as Exhibit 10.2 to the December Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Registration Rights
Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is
filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the December Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Tax Benefit Agreement
is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Tax Benefit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit
10.4 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Amendment to Credit Agreement
On February 18, 2026, Cardinal Civil Contracting,
LLC, Purchaser, the other guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Truist Bank (“Truist Bank”), as administrative
agent, issuing bank and swingline lender, entered into a first amendment to the credit agreement (the “First Amendment”),
which amends the Credit Agreement, dated October 1, 2025 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Cardinal Civil Contracting,
LLC, Purchaser, the other guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Truist Bank. The
Company is not a party to the First Amendment or the Credit Agreement.
The First Amendment, among other things, increases
the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement from $120.0 million in aggregate principal amount to $200.0 million in aggregate
principal amount. A portion of the proceeds of the incremental term loans made pursuant to the First Amendment was used to pay the cash
portion of the Acquisition purchase price.
The foregoing description of the First Amendment
is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the First Amendment, which is filed as Exhibit 10.5
to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Credit Agreement is not complete and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (333-292034), which became effective on December 9, 2025. Except as modified by the First Amendment, the terms and
conditions in the Credit Agreement remain the same as previously disclosed.
| Item 2.01 | Completion
of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 to this
Report is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 2.02 | Results of Operations and Financial Condition |
On February 19, 2026, the Company issued a press
release announcing, among other things, the Acquisition and certain preliminary estimated results for the Company’s fiscal year
ended December 31, 2025.
As provided in General Instruction B.2 of Form
8-K, the information in this Item 2.02, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of
Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities
of that section, nor shall such information or Exhibits 99.1 or 99.2 be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language
in such filing.
| Item 2.03 | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation
or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 to this
Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03
| Item 3.02 | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities. |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 to this
Report is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 3.02.
The Common Units and shares of Class B Common Stock
were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”) as offers and sales not involving any public offering. In addition, the Seller and Seller Owners made representations
and warranties to the Company in the Purchase Agreement regarding, among other things, each of their status as an accredited investor
and investment intent.
| Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain
Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements
of Certain Officers. |
Employment
Agreements
ALGC
has entered into an employment agreement with Anthony Wood pursuant to which he will continue to serve as ALGC’s president. Pursuant
to the employment agreement, Mr. Wood will receive an annual base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review. Mr. Wood will also be
eligible for a discretionary semi-annual cash bonuses of up to 37.5% of base salary with applicable performance goals determined by the
Company’s Compensation Committee from time to time. Mr. Wood is entitled to an initial grant of long-term equity-linked incentive
awards in such amounts and subject to such vesting requirements as are commensurate with similarly situated employees of the Company.
Mr. Wood is also eligible for subsequent annual grants of long-term equity-linked incentive awards with the amounts and applicable performance
goals determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee each year.
The
Company has entered into an employment agreement with Benjamin Wood pursuant to which he will serve as the Company’s Chief Operating
Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Wood will receive an annual base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review. Mr.
Wood will also be eligible for a discretionary semi-annual cash bonuses of up to 37.5% of base salary with applicable performance goals
determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee from time to time. Mr. Wood is entitled to an initial grant of long-term equity-linked
incentive awards in such amounts and subject to such vesting requirements as are commensurate with similarly situated employees of the
Company. Mr. Wood is also eligible for subsequent annual grants of long-term equity-linked incentive awards with the amounts and applicable
performance goals determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee each year.
Each of the foregoing
employment agreements has a three-year term (the “Initial Term”) beginning on February 18, 2026, with an automatic one-year
renewal unless either party provides advance written notice of non-renewal.
Subject to the signing
of a release and compliance with the terms of his employment agreement, in the event of a termination without “cause” (as
defined in the employment agreement) or for “good reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Anthony Wood and Benjamin
Wood will be entitled to “severance pay” equal to one year of his base salary and certain other benefits. In the event of
certain terminations within twelve months of a change in control, as defined in the employment agreements, Anthony Wood and Benjamin Wood
would be entitled to, among other things, 1.5x their base salary, if the termination occurs during the Initial Term or 1.0x their base
salary, if the termination occurs thereafter.
Under the terms of the
employment agreements, each of Anthony Wood and Benjamin Wood is subject to an ongoing confidentiality obligation, a 12-month non-competition
covenant, a 12-month non-solicitation of employees of the Company covenant, and a 12-month non-solicitation of customers of the Company
covenant.
In the event that any
payments made contingent upon a change in control of the Company would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code, then the amount of payments pursuant to the Executive Agreement would be reduced to the maximum amount that will cause the
total amounts of the payment not to be subject to the excise tax, but only if the amount of such payments, after such reduction and after
payment of all applicable taxes on the reduced amount, is equal to or greater than the amount of such payments Mr. Warren would otherwise
be entitled to retain without such a reduction after the payment of all applicable taxes, including the excise tax.
Each of Anthony Wood and
Benjamin Wood will be subject to the Company’s clawback policy, as amended from time to time.
The
foregoing summaries of Anthony Wood’s and Benjamin Wood’s employment agreements do not purport to be complete and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to the complete text of those agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.6 and 10.7, respectively,
to this Report and are hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
Appointment
of Director
The
Purchase Agreement provides that the Board of Directors of the Company will elect Anthony Wood, ALGC’s president, to serve
on the Company’s Board of Directors to hold office until the Company’s 2026 annual meeting and until his successor is duly
elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal, incapacity or death.
Anthony Wood co-founded
ALGC in 1993. Mr. Wood has more than 35 years of experience with site development, infrastructure construction, and real estate
investment. Mr. Wood also served as chairman of the board for Brookhaven Bank from its opening in 2007 until its merger with Georgia
Commerce Bank (“GCB”) in 2014. He then served as a board member for GCB until its sale in 2015 to Iberia Bank where he
served as an advisory board member. We believe Mr. Woods is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his business
expertise, extensive industry experience and strategic growth experience as President of ALGC.
Appointment
of Chief Operating Officer
The
Purchase Agreement provides that the Board of Directors of the Company will appoint Benjamin A. Wood, ALGC’s vice president, to
serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer to serve until his successor shall have been duly elected or appointed and shall
have qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Benjamin Wood joined ALGC in 1998.
He has served ALGC in numerous capacities, most recently as Vice President. Mr. Wood’s tenure at ALGC includes more than 28 years
of leadership experience overseeing the company’s grading and underground utility construction services. Mr. Wood graduated from
Rice University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Related Party Transactions
Anthony Wood and
Benjamin Wood are brothers. Neither of such individuals are related by blood, marriage or adoption to any other director,
executive officer or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer.
In connection with the Acquisition, ALGC has entered
into leases with respect to two facilities owned by companies owned and controlled by Anthony Wood and Benjamin Wood. Each of the leases
has a fifteen year initial term , subject to early termination under specified circumstances, and ALGC has three (3) options to extend the
term for a period of five (5) years each time. The leases provide for aggregate annual payments of $600,000 for the initial year increasing
by 3% each year. ALGC also pays the property taxes for use of the facilities.
The
foregoing summaries of the leases do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text
of those agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.8 and 10.9, respectively, to this Report and are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Item 5.02.
Other than as disclosed above, there are no related
party transactions involving Anthony Wood that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. Other than his appointment
as a director, there are no material plans, contracts, or arrangements to which Anthony Wood is a party or in which he participates.
Other than as disclosed above, there are no related
party transactions involving Benjamin A. Wood that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. Other than his appointment
as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, there are no material plans, contracts, or arrangements to which Benjamin Wood is a party
or in which he participates.
Further information with respect to the terms of
these appointments as may be required to be disclosed will be provided in a subsequent Current Report on Form 8-K when they have been
appointed to their respective positions.
| Item 7.01. | Regulation FD Disclosure |
On February 19, 2026, the Company issued a press
release announcing, among other things, the Acquisition and certain preliminary estimated results for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2025. The release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report.
On February 19, 2026, the Company posted an investor
presentation to its website, www.cardinalinfrastructuregroup.com, and will hold a conference call with analysts and investors regarding
the Acquisition and its preliminary estimated results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The presentation is furnished as Exhibit
99.2 to this Report.
As provided in General Instruction B.2 of Form
8-K, the information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of
Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information or Exhibit 99.1 or
99.2 be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation
language in such filing.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and
Exhibits. |
| (a) | Financial statements of businesses acquired. |
The financial statements required
by this item will be filed by amendment to this t Report as soon as practicable, but no later than 71 calendar days after the date
this Report is required to be filed.
| (b) | Pro forma financial information. |
The pro forma financial
information required by this item will be filed by amendment to this Report as soon as practicable, but no later than 71 calendar days after
the date this t Report is required to be filed.
Exhibit Number |
|
Description |
| 2.1* |
|
Membership Interests Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated February 18, 2026, by and among Diamond Interests Group, LLC, A.L. Grading Contractors, LLC, Anthony L. Wood, Jr., Benjamin A. Wood, Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings LLC, and Cardinal Infrastructure Group Inc. |
| 10.1 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings LLC, dated as of December 9, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2025) |
| 10.2 |
|
Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2025, by and among Cardinal Infrastructure Group Inc., Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings LLC and the TRA Parties (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2025) |
| 10.3 |
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2025, by and among Cardinal Infrastructure Group Inc. and the Initial Holders (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2025) |
| 10.4 |
|
Tax Benefit Agreement, dated February 18, 2026, among Cardinal Infrastructure Group Inc., Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings, LLC and Diamond Interests Group, LLC |
| 10.5 |
|
First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2026, by and among Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC, Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings LLC, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Truist Bank, as administrative agent and lender and the other lenders party thereto |
| 10.6** |
|
Employment agreement, dated February 18, 2026, between A.L. Grading Contractors, Inc. and Anthony L. Wood, Jr. |
| 10.7** |
|
Employment agreement, dated February 18, 2026, between Cardinal Infrastructure Group Inc and Benjamin A. Wood |
| 10.8 |
|
Lease
agreement, dated as of February 18, 2026, between 105 PIB Group LLC and A.L. Grading Contractors, LLC relating to 105 Peachtree Industrial
Boulevard, Suwanee, Georgia 30024 |
| 10.9 |
|
Lease
agreement, dated as of February 18, 2026, between 105 PIB Group LLC and A.L. Grading Contractors, LLC relating to 110 Peachtree Industrial
Boulevard, Suwanee, Georgia 30024 |
| 99.1 |
|
Press release, dated February 19, 2026 |
| 99.2 |
|
Investor presentation, dated February 19, 2026 |
| 104 |
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
| * | Certain schedules (and similar attachments) to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The
Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule (or similar attachment) to the SEC upon its request. |
| ** | Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibits
hereto contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning, among
other things, the Acquisition and the expected benefits of the Acquisition. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon
or refer to future events or conditions or that include the words “may,” “could,” “plan,” “project,”
“budget,” “predict,” “pursue,” “target,” “seek,” “objective,”
“believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” and other expressions
that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties and Cardinal’s actual results could differ materially from the results expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to
differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the possibility that
any of the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition will not be realized to the extent or when expected; the risk that integration of ALGC’s
operations with those of Cardinal will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the challenges of integrating
and retaining key employees; the effect of the announcement of the Acquisition on ALGC’s and Cardinal’s business relationships,
operating results and business generally; difficulty in sustaining rapid revenue growth, which may place significant demands on Cardinal’s
administrative, operational and financial resources, fluctuations in Cardinal’s revenue and the concentration of Cardinal’s
business in the Southeastern United States. Cardinal has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and
projections regarding future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described
in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Cardinal’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-292034) (the “Registration
Statement”), and elsewhere in the Registration Statement. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions
of future events. Cardinal cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will
be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect the good faith beliefs of Cardinal’s management at the time they are made,
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance
or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Cardinal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements
attributable to Cardinal or persons acting on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Date: February 18, 2026 |
CARDINAL INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP INC. |
| |
|
|
| |
By: |
/s/ Mike Rowe |
| |
|
Mike Rowe |
| |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
Cardinal Infrastructure Group (CDNL) Announces the Acquisition of
A. L. Grading Contractors, Selected Preliminary Estimated Operating Results for 2025, and Updated Consolidated Guidance for 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina - February 18, 2026 - Cardinal Infrastructure
Group, Inc., (NASDAQ: CDNL) (“Cardinal” or “the Company”) announced today that it has acquired Sugar Hill, Georgia-based
A.L. Grading Contractors (“ALGC”). A fourth-generation, high-growth market leader, ALGC provides comprehensive site development
solutions, including grading, underground utilities, erosion control, and clearing, supporting large-scale commercial, industrial, and
residential construction in Georgia and South Carolina.
The transaction is the first expansion in the Southeast for Cardinal
outside the Carolinas and signifies another step in Cardinal’s growth strategy.
Strategic Highlights
| ● | ALGC holds a leading position in a high-growth, mission-critical market
in Georgia. |
| o | Expands
Cardinal’s footprint into Georgia, a market aligned with broader Southeast trends that support development investment across various
end markets. |
| o | Expected
to drive growth through strong alignment with blue-chip customers. |
| ● | The transaction is immediately accretive. |
| o | ALGC
will strengthen the company’s margin profile, as reflected in Cardinal’s revised 2026 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin
guidance. |
| o | Evidenced
by ALGC’s compelling financial profile, including unaudited annual revenue of $160 million and a 26.3% Adjusted EBITDA margin for
the trailing 12 months ended September 30, 20251. |
| ● | ALGC is well-positioned to drive margin expansion and valuation uplift
through disciplined execution and vertical integration initiatives. |
| o | Integration
expansion enables faster project execution, schedule leadership, and margin enhancement. |
| o | Deployment
of specialized services from the Carolinas into Georgia is expected to compress schedules and expand margins. |
| ● | Combining the companies creates compelling economics. |
| o | Total
consideration of $245.5 million, comprised of an $80 million extension of Cardinal's existing credit facility, $116.9 million in issued
equity2, and $48.6 million in cash, with the equity consideration subject to a six-month post-closing lockup. |
| o | Conservative
pro forma net tangible leverage of 1.27x, below maximum target of 2.5x. |
| o | Valuation
multiple is squarely within Cardinal’s target range. |
| 1 | Unaudited results for the trailing 12 months ended September
30, 2025. Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to ALGC to Adjusted EBITDA
and non-GAAP measures below. |
| 2 | Composed of 4,186,062 limited liability company units of Cardinal
Civil Contracting Holdings LLC and an equal number of shares of Cardinal Class B common stock, and 345,666 of Cardinal Class A common
stock. |
| ● | ALGC has a highly experienced leadership team and strong cultural alignment
with Cardinal, and they’re collectively committed to building the Southeast’s leading site development contractor. |
| o | ALGC’s
President Lee Wood will continue his strategic leadership responsibilities and is expected to join Cardinal’s board of directors. |
| o | ALGC’s
Vice President Benji Wood will assume the role of chief operating officer for Cardinal. |
| o | ALGC’s
CFO Rick Leeson will continue to serve in his capacity. |
Selected Preliminary Estimated 2025 Operating Results for Cardinal
Infrastructure Group3
Cardinal also announced today the following selected preliminary estimated
2025 operating results:
| ● | Full-year revenue in the range of $452.3 million - $459.7 million, representing
approximately 45% growth vs. 2024 at the midpoint. |
| ● | Full-year Adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 17.8% - 18.0%.4 |
| ● | Record backlog of $678.3 million - $685.7 million, representing approximately
33% growth vs. 2024 at the midpoint, reflecting the strength and durability of demand across Cardinal’s markets. |
2026 Consolidated Guidance/Outlook5
Cardinal also announced today the following guidance for the year ending
December 31, 2026:
| ● | Revenue in the range of $664.9 million to $678.3 million. |
| ● | Adjusted EBITDA margin4 of at least 20%. |
| 3 | The preliminary estimated financial results for the year ended
December 31, 2025, are based on currently available information and reflect Cardinal’s current estimates and assessments.Cardinal
has not completed its full year financial closing procedures and controls and governance procedures, and its independent registered public
accounting firm has not completed any audit, review or set of procedures with respect to the preliminary estimated financial results
and has not expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Actual reported results may differ materially
from the preliminary results presented as a result of the completion of Cardinal’s financial closing procedures and controls. These
preliminary estimated financial results should not be viewed as a substitute for Cardinal’s full audited financial statements prepared
in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these preliminary estimated financial results. |
| 4 | Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. Cardinal
is unable provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or a quantitative reconciliation thereto without unreasonable effort.
See “Non-GAAP Measures” below. |
| 5 | Guidance reflects an estimated 10.5-month contribution from
ALGC. |
Management Commentary
"We are thrilled to welcome the ALGC team into the Cardinal family
as we complete this strategic acquisition," said Jeremy Spivey, CEO of Cardinal Infrastructure Group. "Their exceptional culture
and leadership align seamlessly with our values, positioning us for enhanced collaboration and innovation in site development. We look
forward to executing our growth strategy through vertical integration and expanding our self-performed service offerings to the Georgia
market, exemplifying our commitment to robust expansion and solidifying our position as the Southeast's premier site development platform."
About Lee Wood, Jr.
Lee Wood served as president of ALGC and has built a reputation for
instituting strategic growth, operational excellence, and strong relationship-driven leadership. Under his direction, ALGC grew into a
full-service site work contractor and now employs more than 300 professionals. He will continue his strategic oversight role and is expected
to join Cardinal’s board of directors.
About Benji Wood
Benjamin (Benji) Wood served as vice president of ALGC, overseeing
company performance, project execution, client relationships, and strategic growth initiatives. He’s known for combining innovation
in operations, efficiency, and field expertise to deliver high-quality site work and infrastructure solutions. After the close of the
deal, he will become chief operating officer of Cardinal Infrastructure Group.
About Cardinal
Cardinal Infrastructure Group delivers its suite of comprehensive infrastructure
services that support the planning, preparation, installation, and development of residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and
state infrastructure projects through wholly owned, market leading subsidiaries. Cardinal’s operations leverage in-house, highly
skilled teams and equipment fleets to deliver wet utility installations (water, sewer, and stormwater systems), as well as grading, site
clearing, erosion control, drilling and blasting, paving, and other related site services.
Important Information for Investors and Stockholders
Non-GAAP Measures
This press release includes a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA margin, which are “non-GAAP” financial measures as defined in Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Cardinal and ALGC report financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) but believe
that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends
and performance of their respective ongoing operations and is useful for period-over-period comparisons of those operations. Non-GAAP
measures should be used in addition to, and not in lieu of, results prepared in conformity with GAAP.
Cardinal is not able to provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial
measure, or a quantitative reconciliation thereto, for the forward-looking guidance of estimated Adjusted EBITDA Margin without unreasonable
effort due to the inherent uncertainty and difficulty in predicting the timing and amount of certain items, including but not limited
to amortization of intangible assets and depreciation, which may be significant and difficult to project with a reasonable degree of accuracy,
as the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets and property and equipment has not yet been performed. Because these adjustments
are inherently variable and uncertain and depend on various factors that are beyond Cardinal’s control, Cardinal is also unable
to predict their probable significance. The variability of these items could have an unpredictable, and potentially significant, impact
on Cardinal’s future GAAP financial results.
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to ALGC to Adjusted EBITDA
$ in Thousands Unaudited | |
Trailing
12 Months
Ended September 30, 2025 | |
| Revenue | |
$ | 159,851 | |
| Net income | |
| 33,347 | |
| Interest expense, net | |
| 46 | |
| Income tax expense | |
| 1,489 | |
| Depreciation and amortization expense | |
| 7,138 | |
| EBITDA | |
$ | 42,020 | |
| Other | |
| - | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | |
$ | 42,020 | |
| Net Income Margin | |
| 20.9 | % |
| EBITDA Margin | |
| 26.3 | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | |
| 26.3 | % |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning, among other things, Cardinal Infrastructure Group, Inc.’s (“Cardinal”)
acquisition (the “ALGC Acquisition”) of A.L. Grading Contractors, Inc., (“ALGC”) and the expected benefits of
the ALGC Acquisition. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include
the words “may,” “could,” “plan,” “project,” “budget,” “predict,”
“pursue,” “target,” “seek,” “objective,” “believe,” “expect,”
“anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future
events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and
uncertainties and Cardinal’s actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. The potential risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed by the
forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits
of the ALGC acquisition will not be realized to the extent or when expected; the risk that integration of ALGC’s operations with
those of Cardinal will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the challenges of integrating and retaining
key employees; the effect of the announcement of the ALGC acquisition on ALGC’s and Cardinal’s business relationships, operating
results and business generally; difficulty in sustaining rapid revenue growth, which may place significant demands on Cardinal’s
administrative, operational and financial resources, fluctuations in Cardinal’s revenue and the concentration of Cardinal’s
business in the Southeastern United States. Cardinal has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and
projections regarding future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described
in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Cardinal’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-292034) (the “Registration
Statement”), and elsewhere in the Registration Statement. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions
of future events. Cardinal cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will
be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect the good faith beliefs of Cardinal’s management at the time they are made,
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance
or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Cardinal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements
attributable to Cardinal or persons acting on its behalf.
Company Contact:
Cardinal Infrastructure Group, Inc.
Mike Rowe, CFO
919-268-6386
Exhibit
99.2

ACCELERATING GROWTH: ACQUISITION OF A.L. GRADING CONTRACTORS, INC. AND INTERIM FINANCIAL UPDATE NASDAQ: CDNL

DISCLAIMER: FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS 2 This presentation contains forward - looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning, among other things, Cardinal Infrastructure Group, Inc . ’s (“Cardinal”) acquisition (the “ALGC Acquisition”) of A . L . Grading Contractors, Inc . (“ALGC”) and the expected benefits of the ALGC Acquisition . Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include the words “may,” “could,” “plan,” “project,” “budget,” “predict,” “pursue,” “target,” “seek,” “objective,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward - looking statements . These statements involve risks and uncertainties and Cardinal’s Company’s actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward - looking statements . The potential risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed by the forward - looking statements in this presentation include, but are not limited to, the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the ALGC Acquisition will not be realized to the extent or when expected ; the risk that integration of ALGC’s operations with those of Cardinal will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected ; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees ; the effect of the announcement of the ALGC Acquisition on ALGC’s and Cardinal’s business relationships, operating results and business generally ; difficulty in sustaining rapid revenue growth, which may place significant demands on Cardinal’s administrative, operational and financial resources, fluctuations in Cardinal’s revenue and the concentration of Cardinal’s business in the Southeastern United States . Cardinal has based these forward - looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections regarding future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations . The outcome of the events described in these forward - looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Cardinal’s Registration Statement on Form S - 1 ( 333 - 292034 ) (the “Registration Statement”), and elsewhere in the Registration Statement . Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward - looking statements as predictions of future events . Cardinal cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward - looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward - looking statements . Although forward - looking statements reflect the good faith beliefs of Cardinal’s management at the time they are made, forward - looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward - looking statements . Cardinal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward - looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law . These cautionary statements qualify all forward - looking statements attributable to Cardinal or persons acting on its behalf .

DISCLAIMER: NON - GAAP MEASURES 3 This presentation includes a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin which are “Non - GAAP” financial measures as defined in Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 . Cardinal and ALGC report financial results in accordance with U . S . generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) but believe that certain Non - GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of their respective ongoing operations and is useful for period - over - period comparisons of those operations . Non - GAAP measures should be used in addition to, and not in lieu of, results prepared in conformity with GAAP . Cardinal is not able to provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, or a quantitative reconciliation thereto, for the forward - looking guidance of estimated Adjusted EBITDA Margin without unreasonable effort due to the inherent uncertainty and difficulty in predicting the timing and amount of certain items, including but not limited to amortization of intangible assets and depreciation, which may be significant and difficult to project with a reasonable degree of accuracy, as the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets and property and equipment has not yet been performed . Because these adjustments are inherently variable and uncertain and depend on various factors that are beyond Cardinal’s control, Cardinal is also unable to predict their probable significance . The variability of these items could have an unpredictable, and potentially significant, impact on Cardinal’s future GAAP financial results .

ACCELERATING OUR SOUTHEAST EXPANSION 4 Annual Revenue 1 ALGC Financial Profile $160M 26.3% Adj EBITDA Margin 1 $151M Project Backlog 2 17.2% 10 - Year Revenue CAGR 1 A Fourth - Generation Site Development Leader Serving Complex Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Projects with Expansion Runway Across the High - Growth Southeast Market 1 Unaudited results for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2025. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non - GAAP financial measur e. See Appendix A - Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to ALGC to Adjusted EBITDA and slide 3 titled “Disclaimer: Non - GAAP Measures”. 2 Unaudited estimate as of December 31, 2025. CDNL Headquarters ALGC Headquarters

STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS 5 LEADING POSITION IN A HIGH GROWTH MARKET Provides an expansion opportunity for Cardinal into Georgia, which follows broader Southeast 1 trends supporting development investment, including ~2 î U.S. population growth 2 and 13.4% manufacturing job growth in 2025 3 . MARGIN ACCRETIVE Transaction is expected to be immediately accretive, shaping a higher - margin enterprise, as reflected in our consolidated 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Margin guidance at least 20% 4 . INTEGRATION OPPORTUNITIES Positioned to drive margin expansion and improved valuation through disciplined execution and vertical integration opportunities. BEST - IN - CLASS LEADERSHIP Deep industry expertise and strong cultural alignment, with management ownership in the consolidated company, focused on building the Southeast’s premier site - development contractor. ATTRACTIVE TRANSACTION MULTIPLE Transaction multiple in - line with Management expectations at a stock + cash transaction value of $245.5M, with the equity consideration subject to a six - month post - closing lockup. 1 Southeast trends referenced defined as AL, FL, GA, NC, SC and TN. 2 Source: U.S. Census Buereau 3 Source: Construct Connect 4 See 2026 Consolidated Guidance on Slide 7. Guidance reflects an estimated 10.5 - month contribution from ALGC. Adjusted EBITDA Mar gin is a non - GAAP financial measure. Cardinal is unable provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or a quantitative reconciliation thereto without unreasonable effort. See sli de 3 titled “Disclaimer: Non - GAAP Measures”.

TRANSACTION OVERVIEW 6 Purchase Consideration Cash + Term Loan Cardinal Equity 1 Total Consideration $128.6M $116.9M $245.5M Adj. EBITDA Multiple 2 5.8 x Pro Forma Net Leverage 3 1.27 x 1 Composed of 4,186,062 limited liability company units of Cardinal Civil Contracting Holdings LLC and an equal number of share s o f Cardinal Class B common stock, and 345,666 of Cardinal Class A common stock subject to a 6 - month lock - up. 2 Adjusted EBITDA is based on unaudited financials. Adjusted EBITDA is a non - GAAP financial measure. See Appendix A titled “Reconc iliation of Net Income Attributable to ALGC to Adjusted EBITDA“ and slide 3 titled “Disclaimer: Non - GAAP Measures”. 3 Represents Cardinal’s 2025 pro forma net leverage for the increased acquisition - related debt. Net Leverage defined as Total Net Debt / Adj. EBITDA. Total Net Debt represents Interest Bearing Debt + Finance Lease Obligations – Cash/Cash Equivalents. 4 Represents an approximately 4.5M increase in fully diluted shares. Fully diluted shares outstanding at December 31, 2025 were 38 ,335,131. Ÿ in Fully Diluted Shares 4 ~ 10.6%

2025 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED RESULTS 7 Expected Full Year 2025 Ranges - CDNL 1 $452.3M - $459.7M Revenue 17.8% - 18.0% Adj. EBITDA Margin 2 Highlights 1 The preliminary estimated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 are based on currently available information an d reflect Cardinal’s current estimates and assessments. Cardinal has not completed its full year financial closing procedures and controls and governance procedures, and its independent registered p ubl ic accounting firm has not completed any audit, review or set of procedures with respect to the preliminary estimated financial results and has not expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance with res pect thereto. Actual reported results may differ materially from the preliminary results presented as a result of the completion of Cardinal’s financial closing procedures and controls. These preliminary es tim ated financial results should not be viewed as a substitute for Cardinal’s full audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these preliminary est imated financial results. 2 Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non - GAAP financial measure. Cardinal is unable provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or a quantitative reconciliation thereto witho ut unreasonable effort. See slide 3 titled “Disclaimer: Non - GAAP Measures”. 3 At the midpoint. $678.3M - $685.7M Backlog +33% YoY 3 +45% YoY 3 • Successfully integrated three acquisitions to expand capabilities and footprint in 2025 alone. • IPO completed giving Cardinal additional financial resources and flexibility. • Strong baseline organic growth in revenue and backlog reflecting durable demand and operational execution.

• Robust project backlog signals strong momentum for turnkey civil services. • Continue to recognize the operational and financial benefits from 2025 acquisitions. • Strong Southeast commercial market tailwinds driven by manufacturing onshoring. • Southeast states remain national leaders in population growth and housing permit activity. • Lower interest rates should stimulate development activity and improve project financing conditions. 2026 CONSOLIDATED GUIDANCE 1 8 Factors & Market Trends Consolidated Full Year 2026 Guidance $664.9M - $678.3M Revenue at least 20% Adj. EBITDA Margin 2 Guidance is inclusive of the anticipated contribution from ALGC and represents an ~43% - 45% increase in Adjusted EBITDA over 2025 2 . 1 Guidance reflects an estimated 10.5 - month contribution from ALGC. 2 Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA growth are non - GAAP financial measures. Cardinal is unable provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or a quantitative reconciliation thereto without unreasonable effort. See Slide 3 titled “Disclaimer: Non - GAAP Measures”.

APPENDIX A: RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ALGC TO ADJUSTED EBITDA 9 $ in Thousands Unaudited Trailing 12 Months Ended September 30, 2025 Revenue $ 159,851 Net income 33,347 Interest expense, net 46 Income tax expense 1,489 Depreciation and amortization expense 7,138 EBITDA $ 42,020 Other - Adjusted EBITDA $ 42,020 Net Income Margin 20.9% EBITDA Margin 26.3% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 26.3%