Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net revenue for Q4 2024 increased 4% to a record $750 million compared to $721 million in Q4 2023 [13] - Adjusted net income rose to $81 million or $2.88 per diluted share [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 reached a record $132 million, reflecting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.6% [16] - Same branch sales growth was up 1% for Q4 2024, with a 1.2% increase in price mix offsetting a less than 1% decrease in job volumes [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Single-family sales growth was supported by a diverse mix of builders, contributing to nearly 6% consolidated sales growth for the year [8] - Multifamily installation sales growth remained resilient, with same branch sales increasing over 6% in 2024 [9] - Commercial sales in the installation segment improved modestly from the prior year [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Single-family starts in 2024 were up 7%, indicating a stable demand environment for installation services [10] - The company expects a 20% to 25% decline in multifamily units under construction, which will take at least six months to normalize [24][66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in growth opportunities, with approximately $87 million allocated to acquisitions and $230 million towards dividends and share repurchases in 2024 [6][7] - The Board approved a 6% increase in both the regular quarterly cash dividend and the annual variable dividend, reflecting confidence in the financial position [6][19] - The company aims to expand its geographic footprint and product offerings, particularly in the multifamily segment [9][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term demand for installed services despite current challenges in housing affordability and regulatory uncertainties [11] - The company anticipates stable demand for single-family installation services in 2025, with expectations of low single-family starts growth [26] - Management noted that while the environment is softer, it is not dire, and they remain constructive about medium and long-term demand for new construction [62][63] Other Important Information - The company generated $340 million in cash flow from operations for the year, maintaining a strong liquidity position [17] - The net debt to trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio was 1.08x, well below the target of 2x [18] - The company repurchased 383,000 shares in Q4 2024, totaling $145 million for the year, with a new stock buyback program authorized for $500 million [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for multifamily and single-family work in the New Year - Management expects to outperform the multifamily market despite a projected decline in units under construction, while single-family growth is anticipated to be low to mid-single digits [24][26] Question: Outlook on price mix at the beginning of the year - The current environment is benign for inflation, with price mix benefits primarily from prior periods [28] Question: Growth plans for multifamily and CQ's role - CQ is expected to expand into new markets, with significant opportunities for growth in multifamily [33][36] Question: Competitive dynamics and pricing pressures - The company acknowledges a competitive environment but emphasizes maintaining relationships and fair pricing over volume [60][62] Question: Impact of inventory levels on builders - Builders are managing high inventory levels, and the company is observing varied conditions across different regions [95][98] Question: Internal distribution capabilities and margin impact - The company is making progress in internal distribution, which is expected to benefit margins over time [101][103]