PITTSBURGH, March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- L.B. Foster Company (Nasdaq: FSTR, the “Company”), announced today that John Kasel, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Bill Thalman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present virtually at the Sidoti Small Cap Virtual Conference on March 20, 2025, beginning at 2:30 PM EST. Presentation materials for the conference will be posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website under “Presentations” the morning of the conference. A vid ...

Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2024, L.B. Foster Company recorded total net sales of $530.765 million, a decrease of 2.0% from $543.744 million in 2023[225]. - The gross profit for 2024 was $118.062 million, representing an increase of 5.0% compared to $112.044 million in 2023[225]. - Net income attributable to L.B. Foster Company for 2024 was $42.946 million, significantly up from $1.464 million in 2023, marking an increase of 2,831.5%[225]. - Basic earnings per common share rose to $4.01 in 2024, compared to $0.14 in 2023, reflecting a substantial increase[225]. - Total assets increased to $334.550 million in 2024, up from $312.401 million in 2023, indicating a growth of 7.1%[222]. - Current liabilities decreased to $88.296 million in 2024 from $94.501 million in 2023, a reduction of 6.6%[222]. - The company reported a total comprehensive income of $40.403 million for 2024, compared to $3.350 million in 2023, an increase of 1,103.5%[228]. - Long-term debt decreased to $46.773 million in 2024 from $55.171 million in 2023, a decline of 15.5%[222]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $42,843,000, a significant increase from $1,299,000 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 3,295%[232]. - The company reported a foreign currency transaction gain of $154 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $77 million in 2023[263]. Sales and Revenue - Rail segment accounted for 62% of total net sales in 2024, up from 57% in 2023, while Infrastructure Solutions decreased to 38% from 43%[14]. - The Rail segment generated net sales of $326,869 million in 2024, compared to $312,160 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of 4.5%[280][283]. - Infrastructure Solutions segment net sales decreased to $203,896 million in 2024 from $231,584 million in 2023, a decline of 11.9%[280][283]. - The company recognized $145,254 million in total over time sales for 2024, accounting for 27.4% of total net sales, consistent with 2023[292]. - The Bridge Exit product line had sales of $3,700 million in 2024 and $6,146 million in 2023, with the Company incurring $1,403 million in exit costs during 2023[276]. Employee and Workforce - The Company employs a global sales force of approximately 79 people, with 16 located outside the US[30]. - The Company had a total of 1,057 employees as of December 31, 2024, with 819 located in the US, 42 in Canada, 189 in Europe, and 7 in other locations[47]. - The Company has a collective bargaining agreement covering 8 employees, which is currently being negotiated and is set to expire in March 2025[48]. - The Company focuses on attracting and retaining employees that embody its values summarized in the SPIRIT model, which includes Safety, People, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork[37]. - The Company has a defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan covering all hourly and salaried employees[48]. Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives - The Company emphasizes a culture of environmental, health, safety, and sustainability excellence, aiming to exceed applicable regulations and improve its EHSS performance[41]. - The Company issued its inaugural sustainability report in 2024, aligning sustainability with operations and addressing its environmental footprint[40]. - The Company has nine locations in North America and Europe with Environmental Management Systems independently assessed for compliance with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018[41]. - The Company aims to create advanced solutions around sustainability while maximizing opportunities for environmental and social benefits[41]. - The Company is committed to good corporate citizenship and has adopted safety and environmental policies to support long-term sustainability excellence[39]. Investments and Acquisitions - The company acquired the operating assets of Cougar Mountain Precast, LLC for $1,644,000 on November 17, 2023, enhancing its Infrastructure segment[240]. - The Company completed the sale of its Concrete Ties division in June 2023 and the Chemtec business in March 2023[19][29]. - The Company sold substantially all operating assets of the Chemtec business for cash proceeds of $5,344 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $2,065 million[275]. - The Company sold substantially all operating assets of the prestressed concrete railroad tie business for cash proceeds of $2,362 million, generating a pre-tax loss of $1,009 million[272]. Financial Position and Assets - The company recorded $52.7 million in revenue recognized over time using the input method for long-term contracts in 2024[216]. - Retained earnings increased to $167.579 million in 2024, up from $124.633 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of 34.4%[222]. - Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period decreased to $2,454,000 in 2024 from $2,560,000 in 2023, a decline of approximately 4%[232]. - The company recorded a net cash used in investing activities of $(6,312,000) in 2024, compared to a net cash provided of $2,486,000 in 2023[232]. - The company’s segment assets increased to $334,550 million in 2024 from $312,401 million in 2023, a growth of 7.1%[287]. Debt and Liabilities - The company repaid $230,640,000 in debt during 2024, compared to $208,668,000 in 2023, indicating an increase in debt repayment of about 10%[232]. - Long-term debt decreased to $46,773 million in 2024 from $55,171 million in 2023, a decline of 15.5%[222]. - The allowance for credit losses increased from $809 million as of December 31, 2023, to $1,127 million as of December 31, 2024, marking a rise of 39.3%[306]. - Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2024, totaled $66,105 million, up from $54,293 million in 2023, indicating an increase of 21.8%[304]. - Inventory decreased from $73,111 million as of December 31, 2023, to $70,506 million as of December 31, 2024, a decline of 3.6%[307]. Stock and Compensation - Stock-based compensation expenses were $3,834,000 in 2024, down from $4,179,000 in 2023, a decrease of approximately 8%[232]. - The weighted average fair value of restricted stock grants awarded was $27.45 per share for 2024, up from $13.00 per share in 2023[346]. - The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $265 as of December 31, 2024, with accrued interest and penalties related to these benefits amounting to $294[338]. - The Company issued 22,458 restricted shares to non-employee directors in 2024, with a compensation expense of approximately $589[345]. - The performance stock units are tied to a three-year program, with adjustments based on the company's expected performance target attainment[348].

L.B. Foster Company (FSTR) recorded fourth-quarter 2024 loss of 2 cents per share, narrower than a loss of 4 cents per share a year ago. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was earnings of 29 cents per share.Find the latest earnings estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.The company logged revenues of $128.2 million for the quarter, down around 5% year over year. It missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $133.2 million. Sales fell on lower volumes in the Steel Products business unit, including the impa ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of 22.3%, an increase of 100 basis points year-over-year despite a 5% decline in sales, indicating improved profitability [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $7.2 million, up $1.1 million or 18.7% compared to the previous year, primarily due to lower SG&A expenses [11] - Operating cash flow totaled $24.3 million in Q4, contributing to a reduction in net debt by $20.9 million to $44.5 million at quarter end [11][32] - The gross leverage ratio improved to 1.2 times, down from 1.9 times at the start of the quarter and 1.7 times from the previous year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the fourth quarter were $128.2 million, a decline of 5% due to a 3.8% organic sales decline in the infrastructure segment, while rail organic sales increased by 14.2% [16] - Rail segment revenues reached $79.2 million, up 14.2% year-over-year, driven by higher volumes in rail products and friction management [23] - Infrastructure solutions segment revenue decreased by 25.2% to $16.6 million, primarily due to soft market conditions in the steel products business [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall backlog decreased by approximately 13% year-over-year, with rail segment backlog down $22 million, largely due to strategic actions and lower market steel prices [41] - Protective coatings orders increased significantly to $8.6 million in Q4, up from $1.4 million the previous year, indicating a recovery in demand [52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic playbook, which includes expanding more profitable work programs and scaling back less profitable segments [46] - A new three-year $40 million stock repurchase program was authorized, reflecting confidence in cash generation and valuation [36][55] - The company plans to maintain a capital-light business model while investing approximately 2% of sales in CapEx to support organic growth initiatives [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth prospects in 2025, despite a softer start expected due to lower backlog levels and a volatile macro environment [48] - The company is monitoring government funding programs for rail infrastructure investments, which are expected to support long-term growth [49] - Management highlighted the importance of safety and operational efficiency, noting that a strong safety record contributes to overall business performance [59] Other Important Information - The company finalized the Union Pacific settlement funding in 2024, which is expected to improve cash generation by $8 million annually going forward [14] - The company has made significant progress in reducing SG&A expenses, which decreased by $1.2 million from the prior year [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the 2025 guidance ranges for sales and EBITDA? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects a choppy market environment but expressed confidence in technology innovation driving sales and margins [64][66] Question: What factors could drive increased market adoption of new rail technologies? - Management noted that their products provide early detection warnings, enhancing safety and operational efficiency, which is increasingly valued by customers [70][72] Question: How will the new steel tariffs affect backlog? - Management stated that the backlog remains intact and that previous experiences with tariffs have been manageable, with strong relationships with domestic steel mills [90][92] Question: What is the rationale behind the $40 million share buyback program? - The decision was based on available cash from the Union Pacific settlement and anticipated operating cash generation [99] Question: How is the company factoring potential disruptions in national and state parks into its guidance? - Management remains optimistic about the precast concrete business, citing strong backlog and ongoing projects [110] Question: What parts of the business are expected to recover in the second half of the year? - Management expects recovery in protective coatings and infrastructure projects, particularly in Tennessee and Florida [115] Question: How will tariffs against Canada and Mexico impact the rail business? - Management believes that demand for their products will continue, and they have flexibility in pricing to manage potential cost increases [118][122]

L.B. Foster (FSTR) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.02 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.29. This compares to loss of $0.04 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -106.90%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this railroad track manufacturer would post earnings of $0.49 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.54, delivering a surprise of 10.20%.Over the last four quarters, the company ...

Financial Performance - L.B. Foster Company reported a 14.2% increase in rail segment sales, reaching $79.2 million in Q4 2024, with gross margins improving by 300 basis points to 22.2%[2][10] - Infrastructure segment sales decreased by 25.2% to $49.0 million in Q4 2024, with gross margins declining by 90 basis points to 22.6%[2][11] - The company achieved adjusted EBITDA of $7.2 million in Q4 2024, an increase of 18.7% compared to the prior year[2][4] - Free cash flow for the full year 2024 was $22.6 million, with total debt declining by $21.6 million to $46.9 million[2][4] - Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $530.8 million, a decrease of $13.0 million, or 2.4%, from the prior year[18] - Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $118.1 million, an increase of $6.0 million, or 5.4%, with gross profit margins expanding by 160 basis points to 22.2%[18] - Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $20.5 million, an increase of $11.4 million over the prior year[18] - Net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $42.9 million, or $3.89 per diluted share, favorable by $41.5 million over the prior year[18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $33.6 million, a $1.8 million increase, or 5.7%, over the prior year[18] - Total net sales for Q4 2024 were $128.183 million, a decrease of 5.0% compared to $134.877 million in Q4 2023[36] - Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $11.1 million, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 28.1%, from the prior year quarter[14] - Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $20.513 million, significantly higher than $9.107 million in 2023[28] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $7.238 million, up from $6.099 million in Q4 2023, reflecting a growth of 18.7%[36] Orders and Backlog - The backlog as of Q4 2024 was $185.9 million, a decrease of 13.0% from the prior year, primarily due to lower demand in rail products[2][9] - New orders totaled $107.2 million in Q4 2024, reflecting a 1.6% increase year-over-year, driven by the Infrastructure Solutions segment[2][9] - New orders for the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled $506.5 million, a decrease of $22.5 million, or 4.3%, from the prior year[18] - Backlog as of December 31, 2024, was $185.9 million, a decrease of $27.9 million from the prior year[18] - New orders for Rail, Technologies, and Services increased to $308.394 million in 2024, a rise of 2.9% from $299.584 million in 2023[37] Expenses and Debt - Selling and administrative expenses decreased by 10.4% to $24.4 million in Q4 2024, contributing to improved profitability[2][6] - Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $96.4 million, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 1.3%, from the prior year[18] - The gross leverage ratio improved to 1.2x as of December 31, 2024, down from 1.7x a year earlier[2][7] - The company reported a net debt of $44.486 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $65.409 million in 2023[36] - Total stockholders' equity increased to $179.014 million in 2024, compared to $142.835 million in 2023[30] Future Outlook - L.B. Foster Company authorized a new 3-year $40 million stock repurchase program, replacing the previous $15 million program[2][5] - The company expects 2025 net sales to range from $540 million to $580 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $42 million and $48 million[2][3] Organic Sales - Organic sales declined by 3.8% in Q4 2024, with a reported decrease of $5.109 million compared to the previous year[36]

Core Insights - L.B. Foster Company reported strong cash generation and improved profitability in Q4 2024, with rail segment sales up 14.2% and gross margins increasing by 300 basis points to 22.2% [2][4][9] - The infrastructure segment faced challenges, with sales down 25.2% and gross margins decreasing by 90 basis points to 22.6% due to lower pipeline coating volumes [2][4][13] - The company achieved a net loss of $0.3 million in Q4 2024, an improvement from a loss of $0.5 million in the prior year [4][26] - Free cash flow was stronger than expected, allowing for debt reduction and an increase in share repurchases, totaling 300,302 shares or approximately 3% of outstanding shares [2][4][5] Financial Performance - Q4 2024 net sales were $128.2 million, a decrease of 5.0% from the prior year, while full-year 2024 net sales totaled $530.8 million, down 2.4% [4][12] - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was $28.6 million, flat compared to the prior year, with a gross profit margin of 22.3%, reflecting a 100 basis point improvement [4][6] - Selling and administrative expenses decreased by 10.4% in Q4 2024, contributing to improved operating income of $3.1 million [4][6][14] Segment Analysis - Rail, Technologies, and Services segment saw net sales of $79.2 million in Q4 2024, up 14.2% year-over-year, with gross profit increasing by 31.7% [7][9] - Infrastructure Solutions segment reported net sales of $49.0 million in Q4 2024, down 25.2% from the previous year, with a significant decline in gross profit [10][13] - New orders for the Rail segment decreased by 8.5%, while the Infrastructure segment saw a 14.9% increase in new orders [7][10] Guidance and Strategic Outlook - The company provided 2025 financial guidance, expecting net sales between $540 million and $580 million and adjusted EBITDA between $42 million and $48 million [3][4] - The guidance reflects a projected 34% growth in adjusted EBITDA driven by 5.5% organic sales growth, supported by federal infrastructure investment [2][3] - A new three-year $40 million share repurchase program was authorized, indicating confidence in future performance [5][4]

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- L.B. Foster Company (Nasdaq: FSTR, the “Company”), today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 operating results, pre-market opening on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. L.B. Foster will host a conference call to discuss its operating results, market outlook, and developments in the business later that morning at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time. A presentation will be available on the Company’s website under the Investor Relations page immediately a ...

Core Viewpoint - L.B. Foster Company reported significant earnings growth in Q3 2024, with adjusted earnings surpassing expectations despite a decline in revenues and new orders. Financial Performance - The company logged Q3 2024 earnings of $3.27 per share, a substantial increase from 5 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings were 54 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents [1] - Revenues for the quarter were $137.5 million, down approximately 5% year over year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $144.6 million [2] - New orders totaled $96 million, reflecting a decrease of around 4% year over year [3] Segment Performance - Sales from the Rail, Technologies, and Services segment fell 8.5% year over year to $79.5 million, primarily due to a decline in Rail Products, which offset gains in Global Friction Management and Technology Services and Solutions [4] - The Infrastructure Solutions segment reported sales of $58 million, down roughly 1% year over year, impacted by the exit of the bridge grid deck product line [4] Financial Position - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.1 million, a decrease of around 22% sequentially. Long-term debt was about $68.4 million, down roughly 21% from the prior quarter [5] - Cash provided by operating activities was $24.7 million for the quarter [5] Outlook - L.B. Foster expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $34.5-$36.5 million for 2024 and net sales between $530-$540 million [6] Stock Performance - L.B. Foster's shares have increased by 17.4% over the past year, contrasting with a 5.8% decline in the industry [7]

L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call November 7, 2024 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Lisa Durante - Investor Relations Manager John Kasel - President and Chief Executive Officer William Thalman - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Christopher Sakai - Singular Research John Bair - Ascend Wealth Advisors, LLC Operator Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Q3 2024 L.B. Foster Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in list ...