struction Partners(ROAD) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $900 million for Q4 2025, representing a 67% increase compared to the same quarter last year, with 10.4% attributed to organic growth [16] - For the fiscal year 2025, total revenue reached $2.812 billion, a 54% increase year-over-year, with 8.4% organic growth and 45.6% acquisitive growth [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $154 million, doubling from Q4 last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.1% [16] - Adjusted net income for fiscal 2025 was $122 million, a 73% increase compared to fiscal 2024 [17] - The company ended fiscal 2025 with a record project backlog of $3 billion [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a gross profit of $439.1 million for fiscal 2025, a 70% increase compared to the previous year, with a gross profit margin of 15.6% [16][17] - General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 7.1% from 8.1% in the previous year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong public contract bidding across its eight states, expecting contract awards in FY2026 to increase approximately 15% over FY2025 [12][14] - The company highlighted the ongoing migration to the Sunbelt, which is driving demand for private construction projects [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has initiated a five-year strategic plan called Road 2030, aiming to double revenue to over $6 billion by 2030 and expand EBITDA margins to 17% [10] - The company plans to focus on operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives while pursuing bolt-on acquisitions [57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth driven by macro trends such as migration to the Sunbelt, reshoring of manufacturing, and increased infrastructure funding [11][12] - The company anticipates a stable inflation environment for construction material costs, with no significant spikes expected [60][62] Other Important Information - The company expects to convert 75%-85% of EBITDA to cash flow from operations in fiscal year 2026 [19] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are projected to be in the range of $165 million-$185 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Integration of recent acquisitions - Management discussed the smooth integration of recent acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and involving employees in the integration process [25][27] Question: Impact of government shutdown - Management confirmed that the government shutdown did not significantly impact the business due to funding mechanisms through the Highway Trust Fund [31] Question: Confidence in reauthorization bill - Management indicated that there is momentum for the reauthorization bill, with expectations for a vote by spring [41] Question: M&A strategy for 2026 - Management clarified that 2026 will focus on bolt-on acquisitions while also aiming to reduce leverage to approximately 2.5 times by late 2026 [57] Question: Pricing and cost inflation - Management noted that inflation in 2025 was benign, with stable construction material costs and labor costs increasing at a typical rate [60][62] Question: Demand for private construction - Management reported consistent demand for private construction, particularly in the Sunbelt region, with a healthy backlog [71] Question: Data center construction opportunities - Management confirmed participation in data center projects, highlighting the infrastructure work required for such developments [73]