
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross revenue for Q4 2024 was $113 million, a 22% increase year-over-year, while net revenue increased by 23% to $98.6 million [9] - Net income for the quarter rose to $5.9 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.7 million in the previous year [10] - Full year gross revenue reached $426.6 million, marking a 23% increase, with net revenue up 25% to $379.7 million [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $59.5 million, representing a 15.7% margin on net revenue, a 26.6% year-over-year increase [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Building infrastructure remained the largest market, contributing 51% of gross revenue, followed by commercial (23%), residential (18%), and municipal (10%) [13] - Organic growth of net revenue was 8.5% in Q4 and 13% for the year, with emerging markets leading the growth [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transportation accounted for 21% of gross revenue, with two-thirds from public client engagements, while power, utilities, and energy represented 18% [14] - The backlog grew over 30% during 2024 to just under $400 million, with new orders in Q1 2025 exceeding $100 million [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company made eight strategic acquisitions in 2024 to enter new geographies and expand service offerings, enhancing expertise in areas like bridge design and sustainability [6] - The focus for 2025 includes strategic investments in M&A, product line expansions, and technology tools to enhance service delivery and organic growth [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong trends in transportation due to IIJA spending and minimal disruptions from federal funding cuts, maintaining a defensive business model [27] - The company anticipates continued growth in oil and gas and mining sectors, with a focus on renewable energy infrastructure [24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $34 million of stock in 2024, indicating confidence in the value of its equity [18] - Cash flow from operating activities improved significantly, generating nearly $12 million in Q4 and over $24 million for the year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of IIJA on transportation vertical - Management observed that IIJA spending is beginning to kick in, with no adverse impacts noted [31] Question: Backlog comparison to past years - Backlog characteristics remain similar to previous years, with steady work contracted and authorized to proceed [33] Question: Investments in service line expansions and technology tools - The company is building a team to implement technology investments that enhance customer engagement and service delivery [37] Question: New orders and verticals driving growth - New orders in Q1 2025 are strong across all markets, with no single market overshadowing others [44][50] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The company is balancing M&A opportunities with stock buybacks and technology investments, assessing the best allocation of capital regularly [55] Question: Progress on gaining wallet share - The company is focusing on increasing geospatial capacity and getting involved earlier in project life cycles to enhance wallet share [62] Question: Update on natural gas pipeline replacement opportunities - The natural gas pipeline market remains active, providing significant recurring revenue [68] Question: Land development business in the D.C. area - The company has diversified significantly, with the D.C. area representing a low single-digit percentage of the overall portfolio [79]