Granite(GVA) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $4.4 billion [15] - Gross profit rose by 24% to $711 million [15] - Adjusted net income grew by 29% to $276 million [15] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to $527 million [15] - Operating cash flow increased by 3% to $469 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Construction segment revenue increased by 14% year-over-year to $940 million, with a gross profit margin of 15% [15][16] - Materials segment revenue rose by $69 million year-over-year to $225 million, with cash gross profit margin improving to 26% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The construction market remains strong, particularly in California and Nevada, with significant capital outlay projects expected [9][10] - Best Value work increased to 48% of the capital portfolio, contributing to margin expansion [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on bidding and building the right projects, investing in materials, and expanding through targeted M&A [4] - A disciplined approach to project selection has led to a record capital balance of $7 billion [4][9] - Continued investment in the materials business is expected to drive organic growth and margin expansion [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about capturing significant public and private opportunities in the construction sector [5][8] - The company anticipates continued revenue growth and margin expansion in 2026, supported by favorable market conditions [12][24] - The integration of recent acquisitions is progressing well, with expectations for meaningful revenue and profit increases [24] Other Important Information - The company executed capital allocation priorities with CapEx of $138 million and acquisitions totaling $778 million [19] - The company ended the year with $650 million in cash and marketable securities, positioning for continued investment [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on federal legislation and IIJA - Management noted bipartisan support for new investment mechanisms post-IIJA, with updates expected around March-April [28][29] Question: Federal opportunities and project pipeline - Management highlighted ongoing work with the federal government in Guam and a significant border infrastructure program [32] Question: CAP level and 2027 targets - Management expressed confidence in the current CAP level and its alignment with 2027 targets [39][40] Question: Strategic CapEx allocation - The majority of the $50 million strategic CapEx is focused on legacy business and expanding reserves [42] Question: Project bidding opportunities by vertical - Management indicated strong market conditions across various sectors, including mining, rail, and renewables [48][50] Question: Margin outlook for 2026 - Management discussed expected margin improvements driven by construction and materials segments, with various factors influencing outcomes [76][78] Question: M&A pipeline and leverage considerations - Management expects to complete several strategic acquisitions in 2026 while maintaining a target leverage ratio of 2.5 [80]