DXP Enterprises(DXPE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - DXP's sales grew 11.9% to $2 billion in fiscal 2025, with gross profit margins expanding 67 basis points to 31.5% [5][12] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $225.3 million, with an 11.2% margin, marking the first year of sustained 11%+ adjusted EBITDA margins [15][26] - Operating income increased 21.7% year-over-year to $176.9 million, and diluted earnings per share improved to $5.37, up from $4.22 in fiscal 2024 [5][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Innovative Pumping Solutions (IPS) sales grew 26.4% year-over-year to $390.3 million, driven by strength in energy and water-related project activity [8][18] - Service Centers experienced 11% total sales growth, including 9.8% organic growth, reflecting diverse end markets [10][18] - Supply Chain Services saw a modest decline of 1.4% year-over-year due to reduced activity at certain energy-related sites [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy represented 22% of DXP sales, followed by water and wastewater at 15%, general industry at 15%, chemical at 10%, and food and beverage at 7% [6][10] - Geographic regions with notable sales growth included Ohio River Valley, Southeast, Texas Gulf Coast, and California [11][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on diversification of end market exposure while building scale in competitive markets [6][10] - DXP completed 6 acquisitions in 2025, contributing $96 million in sales, and continued to execute on its share repurchase program, returning $17 million to shareholders [8][16] - The company aims to maintain margin discipline while driving organic growth and executing strategic acquisitions [13][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about demand across energy, water, and industrial markets, while remaining mindful of inflation dynamics and supply chain variability [13][22] - The company anticipates a strong 2026, with expectations for new bookings and continued growth in backlog [19][35] Other Important Information - DXP generated $94.3 million in cash from operating activities, translating into $54 million of free cash flow during fiscal 2025 [12][32] - The company successfully refinanced its debt, improving flexibility and reducing borrowing costs by 50 basis points [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share daily sales trends by month for Q4 and Q1 thus far? - Management provided monthly sales data, indicating an average of $8.5 million per day in Q4, with January at $6.9 million per day, typically the slowest month of the year [38] Question: Will there be a meaningful margin difference comparing Q4 with Q1? - Management noted that water continues to be accretive to margins, and recent acquisitions should positively impact Q1 margins [39] Question: What are the positive dynamics developing in energy for the second half of the year? - Management acknowledged a decline in Q4 energy-related backlog but noted increased quoting activity, suggesting potential for a stronger second half in 2026 [45][46]