Willdan(US:WLDN)2026-02-26 23:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, contract revenue increased by 21% to $174 million, and net revenue grew by 13% to $89.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA also increased by 13% to $20 million for the quarter [17] - For the full fiscal year 2025, consolidated contract revenue grew by 21% to $682 million, and net revenue grew by 23% to $365 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 40% year-over-year to $79.5 million [18][20] - Net income more than doubled to $52.6 million for the year, translating to $3.49 per diluted share on a GAAP basis, compared to $22.6 million or $1.58 per share in 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 85% of revenue comes from the energy segment, with the remaining 15% from engineering and consulting. Utility customers represent about 41% of revenue, while state and local governments account for approximately 48% [6][8] - Organic net revenue growth was 17%, driven largely by expansion with existing customers [4] - The average contract size has continued to grow, with significant contracts awarded, including a $112 million energy efficiency program for the City of San Diego [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric load growth has returned to the U.S. after about 15 years of stagnation, driven by AI and data centers, which are accelerating electricity demand [4] - There is currently an estimated 35 gigawatts of active data center construction in the U.S., indicating sustained growth in electricity demand [13] - Virginia and several rural states are experiencing rapid growth in energy demand from data centers, which aligns with the company's strengths in power system engineering and grid modernization [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase capabilities through key hires and acquisitions, with a robust acquisition pipeline entering 2026 [16] - Willdan aims to diversify its offerings to commercial customers, particularly in the data center market, which is seen as a fertile business environment [7][43] - The company is positioned at the center of growing energy and infrastructure markets, with a focus on energy efficiency and grid modernization [14][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that utilities are facing challenges with falling reserve margins and increasing demand for electricity, which is driving the need for energy efficiency programs [34] - The company expects margins to continue to exceed 20%, reflecting operational improvements and a shift up the value scale [31] - The guidance for 2026 anticipates net revenue in the range of $390 million to $405 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $85 million and $90 million [23] Other Important Information - The company generated $71 million in free cash flow and ended the year with a net positive cash position of $17 million, marking the first time since 2017 [21] - The effective tax rate benefit was 31.4% due to tax deductions from energy efficiency incentives, significantly impacting net income [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: EPS guidance for 2026 is below last year's, can you explain the assumptions for Section 179D? - Management noted that the Section 179D provision is set to expire at the end of June 2026, limiting the ability to carry benefits through the year [27][29] Question: What operational changes are contributing to EBITDA growth? - Management indicated that margins are expected to remain above 20%, with structural changes allowing for higher pricing and better cost absorption as the company scales [31][32] Question: Is there potential for continued requests for accelerated project completion from utility customers? - Management confirmed that utilities are under pressure to meet electricity demand, leading to increased requests for energy efficiency programs [34] Question: Will the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power contract contribute meaningfully in Q1? - Management stated that while the contribution was small in Q4, a material increase is expected in Q1, with significant ramp-up in Q2 [38][39] Question: Can data center revenue double in 2026? - Management clarified that the expectation is for the APG acquisition related to data centers to more than double, contributing to long-term growth [41]