DXP Enterprises(DXPE) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - DXP Enterprises reported a 7.4% increase in total sales for fiscal 2024, reaching $1.8 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of$ 191.3 million, reflecting a 9.8% year-over-year increase [9][30][37] - Gross profit margins improved by 77 basis points to 30.9%, marking a second consecutive fiscal year with adjusted EBITDA margins exceeding 10% [9][29][50] - Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2024 increased to $4.22, up from$ 3.89 in the previous year, with adjusted diluted EPS in Q4 at $1.38 [51][63] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Innovative Pumping Solutions (IPS) experienced significant growth of 47.7% year-over-year, contributing$ 323 million to total sales [22][40] - Service Centers grew by 1.9% to $1.2 billion, while Supply Chain Services saw a slight decline of 1.5% [22][40] - IPS sales contribution increased to 18% of total sales in 2024, up from 13% in 2023 [30][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - DXP's end-market diversification included oil and gas at 23%, water and wastewater at 10%, and food and beverage at 7% [11] - The DXP Water backlog grew by 108% year-over-year, with organic growth of 39.5% [42] - Regions showing year-over-year growth included North Central, South Rockies, and Southwest, with notable strength in Canadian rotating equipment and U.S. safety services [27][43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to double its size over the next 3 to 5 years through strategic investments and acquisitions, having completed 7 acquisitions in fiscal 2024 [15][18] - DXP continues to focus on diversifying end markets, particularly in water and wastewater, while maintaining operational efficiencies [13][19] - The strategy combines the strengths of a large company with the agility of local businesses to enhance customer value and growth opportunities [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2025, anticipating continued organic and acquisition-driven growth, with a strong pipeline of opportunities [18][21] - The company is well-positioned to navigate inflationary pressures, with a history of passing on cost increases to customers [34][80] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining margins while driving long-term operational efficiencies [31][79] Other Important Information - DXP generated$ 77 million in free cash flow for fiscal 2024, reflecting a focus on consistent cash generation while investing in working capital [17][57] - The company successfully refinanced its Term Loan B, reducing borrowing costs and raising an additional $105 million for acquisitions [55][61] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 were$ 25.1 million, up from $12.3 million in fiscal 2023, indicating a commitment to reinvestment [56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share daily sales trends by month for Q4 and into Q1? - In Q4, sales per business day were$ 7.2 million in October, $7.5 million in November, and$ 8.1 million in December. For January and February 2025, sales per business day were $6.8 million and$ 7.8 million respectively [68][69] Question: How are margins trending quarter-over-quarter? - Margins increased significantly from Q3 to Q4, driven by a favorable mix, particularly from water and wastewater acquisitions, which typically have higher gross and EBITDA margins [70][72] Question: What are the company's goals regarding EBITDA margins? - The company aims to achieve 11% EBITDA margins, having previously set a goal of 10%, which has been met [74][79]