Custom Truck One Source(US:CTOS)2025-12-02 17:32Summary of Custom Truck One Source (CTOS) Conference Call Company Overview - Custom Truck One Source operates as a one-stop shop for utility contractors, focusing on two primary businesses: specialty rental fleet and truck outfitting [2][3] - The company has approximately 10,000 trucks in its specialty rental fleet [2] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue is derived from four primary end markets: - Utility: 55% - Infrastructure: just under 30% - Telecom: just under 5% - Rail: just under 5% [3] Market Demand and Growth - Strong demand is noted in the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) sector, with expected high single-digit growth rates for the next four to five years [4] - Distribution growth is around 8%, while transmission growth is in the low to mid-teens [4] - Key demand drivers include: - Grid upgrades due to aging infrastructure - Electrification, although its growth has slowed - Increased power demand from data centers [5] Rental Business Insights - Approximately 70% of the rental fleet is utilized for utility work [8] - Utility contractors typically rent about 50% of their fleet, indicating room for growth in rental penetration [9] - The rental segment has been performing well since Q3 of the previous year, with utilization rates improving from around 70% to the 80s [12][22] Impact of Government Regulations - Federal stimulus has positively impacted the truck and equipment sales business, while tariffs and EPA rulings have created headwinds [13][14] - Tariffs have led to a wait-and-see approach among contractors, affecting sales volumes [15][17] - The EPA's low NOx regulation for 2027 engines is causing uncertainty, particularly in California [16] Inventory Management - The company aimed to reduce its whole goods inventory from $1.05 billion to approximately $850 million but has adjusted expectations to a reduction of $125 million to $150 million [19][20] - A reduction in inventory is expected to unlock $15 million to $20 million in cash flow [20] Capital Expenditures (CapEx) - The company plans to invest $400 million gross in its rental fleet, with an increase in expectations for 2025 by $25 million to $50 million due to strong demand [21][22] - A $10 million to $15 million investment in Kansas City is aimed at expanding capacity [21] Financial Goals and Leverage - The company aims to reduce leverage to three times by 2027, with a focus on improving EBITDA and managing working capital [24][25] - Current leverage is at four and a half times, with expectations to decrease by one turn by the end of next year [53] Strategic Considerations - Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential separation of the rental and manufacturing businesses to enhance clarity and valuation [34][35] - The company is exploring ways to improve its market valuation, particularly in light of its high asset intensity and free cash flow generation [41][42] Shareholder Dynamics - Platinum Equity owns 70% of Custom Truck One Source, having invested in 2021 with a vision for growth and eventual monetization of their investment [45][46] - Feedback from equity shareholders indicates concerns about the overhang from Platinum's ownership and leverage levels [51] Conclusion - The company is positioned for growth in the T&D market, with strong demand and strategic investments planned for the future [30][32] - Risks include execution challenges and the need to capitalize on current demand effectively [31]