Q1 2024 Sterling Infrastructure Inc Earnings Call
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Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Sterling Infrastructure First Quarter 2024 webcast and conference call. At this time, all lines are in a listen-only mode.
Speaker Change: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Sterling infrastructure first quarter 'twenty 'twenty four webcast and conference call. At this time all lines are in a listen only mode. Following the presentation. We will conduct a question and answer session. This call is being recorded Tuesday may seven.
Operator: Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. This call is being recorded on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. I would like to turn the conference over to Noelle Dilts. Please go ahead.
'twenty 'twenty, four and I'd like to turn the conference over to Noelle Dilts. Please go ahead.
Noelle Dilts: Thank you, Jonah. Good morning to everyone joining us, and welcome to Sterling Infrastructure's 2024 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. I'm pleased to be here today to discuss our results with Joe Cutillo, Sterling's Chief Executive Officer, and Ron Ballschmiede, Sterling's Chief Financial Officer. Joe will open the call with an overview of the company and its performance in the quarter. Ron will then discuss our financial results and guidance, after which Joe will provide a market and full-year outlook. We will then open the call to questions.
Noelle Dilts: Thank you Jennifer good morning to everyone, joining us and welcome to Sterling infrastructures 'twenty 'twenty four first quarter earnings conference call and webcast I'm pleased to be here today to discuss our results with Joe Cutillo, Sterling's, Chief Executive Officer, and Ron Ball Smitty Sterling Chief Financial Officer, Joe We will open the call with an overview of the company and its performance in the.
Noelle Dilts: Quarter, Ron will then discuss our financial results and guidance after which Joe will provide a market and full year outlook. We will then open the call up for questions. As a reminder, there are accompanying slides on the Investor Relations section of our website. These slides include details on our updated financial guidance before turning the call over to Joe I will read the safe.
Noelle Dilts: As a reminder, there are accompanying slides in the investor relations section of our website that include details on our updated financial guidance. Before turning the call over to Joe, I will read the Safe Harbor Statement. The discussion today may include forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from the statements made today. Please refer to Sterling's most recent 10-K and 10-Q filings for a more complete description of risk factors that could affect these projections and assumptions.
Noelle Dilts: The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Please also note that management may reference EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, or Adjusted Earnings Per Share on this call, which are all financial measures not recognized under US GAAP. As required by SEC rules and regulations, these non-GAAP financial measures were reconciled to their most comparable GAAP measures in our earnings release issued yesterday afternoon. I'll now turn the call over to our CEO, Joe Cutillo. Thanks, Noelle.
Noelle Dilts: Harbor statement. The discussion today may include forward looking statements actual results could differ materially from the statements made today. Please refer to Sterling's. Most recent 10-K and 10-Q filings for a more complete description of risk factors that could affect these projections and assumptions the company assumes no obligations to update forward looking.
Noelle Dilts: Statements as a result of new information future events or otherwise.
Noelle Dilts: Please also note that management may reference EBITDA adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income or adjusted earnings per share on this call, which are all financial measures not recognized under U S. GAAP.
Noelle Dilts: As required by SEC rules and regulations. These non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their most comparable GAAP measures in our earnings release issued yesterday afternoon, I'll now turn the call over to our CEO Joe Cutillo.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Thanks Noel.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining Sterling's first quarter 2024 earnings call. Despite challenging weather in January and February, the Sterling team was able to deliver $1 of earnings per share to its shareholders, which was a new first quarter record. This represents a 56% increase over the prior year. We grew operating income 30% on revenue growth of 9%, reflecting our continued focus on driving margin expansion and maximizing return. Demand trends across all our end markets remain strong. We ended the quarter with a backlog of $2.35 billion, which is up 45% from the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, we generated operating cash flow of $50 million, and our balance sheet remains in great shape.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining Sterling's first quarter 2024 earnings call.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Despite challenging weather in January and February.
Joseph A. Cutillo: The Sterling team was able to deliver $1 of earnings per share to its shareholders.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Which was a new first quarter record.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This represents a 56% increase over prior year.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We grew operating income 30% on revenue growth was 9%, reflecting our continued focus on driving margin expansion and maximizing returns.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Demand trends across all our end markets remain strong.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We ended the quarter with a backlog of $2.35 billion, which is up 45% from the first quarter of 2023 <unk>.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Additionally, we generated operating cash flow of $50 million and our balance sheet remains in great shape.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We're working hard to find the right deals that will complement our strong platform and accelerate growth even further. I want to personally thank each of our employees for helping us deliver another fantastic quarter. Safety is a key element of the Sterling Way, which is our commitment to take care of our people, our environment, our investors, and our communities while we build America's infrastructure. This week is National Safety Week. At Sterling, we believe safety is a critical element of any great company.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We're working hard to find the right deals that will complement our strong platform and accelerate growth even further.
Joseph A. Cutillo: I want to personally thank each of our employees for helping us deliver another fantastic quarter.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Safety is a key element of the Sterling way, which is our commitment to take care of our people our environment, our investors and our communities, while we build America's infrastructure.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This week is national safety week at Sterling, We believe safety is a critical element of any great company.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We know that our people are what makes our company great, and we're committed to getting everyone home safe every day. In the quarter, we had zero lost time incentives, and only one recordable incident in over a million and a half hours of work.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We know that our people are what makes our company great. It we're committed to getting everyone home safe every day.
Joseph A. Cutillo: In the quarter, we had zero lost time incidents and only one recordable incident and over 1 billion and a half hours work.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We are proud that we have achieved one of the best safety records in the industry and are always focused on what more we can do to protect our people. Now, I'd like to discuss our results for the first quarter of 2024. With the strong start to the year, our backlog position, and our balance sheet firepower, we are in a great position to deliver strong earnings growth and execute additional acquisitions. We are seeing incredible opportunities across each of our business segments and could not be more excited about the future.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We are proud that we have achieved one of the best safety records in the industry and are always focused on what more we can do to protect our people.
Speaker Change: Now I'd like to discuss our results for the first quarter of 2024.
Speaker Change: With the strong start of the year, our backlog position and our balance sheet firepower. We are in great position to deliver strong earnings growth and execute additional acquisitions.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We are seeing incredible opportunities across each of our business segments and could not be more excited about the future.
Joseph A. Cutillo: In e-Infrastructure, our largest and highest-margin segment, operating income grew 12% relative to the prior year, driven by an operating margin expansion of 290 basis points to 14.7%. This reflects the normalization of the supply chain and our mixed shift toward large, mission-critical projects. We achieved this profitability growth in spite of a 10% revenue decline in the quarter, which was predominantly driven by weather and the schedule of large project starts. At the time, we issued full-year guidance in February. We anticipated the first quarter revenue decline in the infrastructure business.
Joseph A. Cutillo: And he infrastructure, our largest and highest margin segment operating income grew 12% relative to the prior year driven by operating margin expansion of 290 basis points to 14, 7%.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This reflects the normalization of the supply chain and our mixed shift towards large mission critical projects.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We achieved this profitability growth in spite of a 10% revenue decline in the quarter.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Which was predominantly driven by weather and the schedule of large project starts.
Joseph A. Cutillo: At the time, we issued full year guidance in February.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We anticipated the first quarter revenue decline any infrastructure.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We continue to expect high-single to low-double-digit revenue growth in this segment for the year based on our current value. This could go higher if we are successful at winning additional large projects that start in 2024. The infrastructure awards were $332 million, driving a backlog to $961 million, a 32% increase over the first quarter of 2023. The data center market was again the largest driver of awards as customers are racing to build the capacity needed for technology advancements, including AI.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We continue to expect high single to low double digit revenue growth in this segment for the year based on our current backlog.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This could go higher if we are successful at winning additional large projects that start in 2024.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Infrastructure awards were $332 million driving a backlog to $961 million, a 32% increase over the first quarter of 2023.
Joseph A. Cutillo: The data center market was again the largest driver of awards as customers are racing to build the capacity needed for technology advancements, including AI.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We have continued to leverage our resources across our business segments to expand the e-infrastructure business into the Rocky Mountain region. We now have three sizable data center projects. Data centers now represent 40% of our e-infrastructure business.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We have continued to leverage our resources across our business segments to expand the infrastructure business into the Rocky Mountain region.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We are we now have three sizable datacenter projects.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Data centers now represents 40% of our infrastructure back.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Additionally, activity in the Northeast is beginning to pick up, with awards accelerating in the second quarter. Moving to transportation solutions, revenue was up 34%, and margins expanded 68 basis points, driving 53% growth in operating profits. We ended the quarter with $1.31 billion in transportation solutions backlog, a 64% increase from first quarter 2023. We continue to see strong broad-based demand and margin growth across our entire geographic footprint. First quarter awards of $270 million reflect strong levels of aviation work, accounting for about 60% of the new awards. We expect continued momentum in aviation through the year.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Additionally activity in the northeast is beginning to pick up with awards accelerating in the second quarter.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Moving to transportation solutions revenue was up 34% as margins expanded 68 basis points driving 53% growth in operating profit.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We ended the quarter with $1.31 billion in transportation solutions backlog, a 64% increase from first quarter 2023.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We continue to see strong broad based demand and margin growth entire.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Across our entire geographic footprint.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Okay.
Joseph A. Cutillo: First quarter awards of $270 million reflects strong levels of aviation work accounting for about 60% of the New awards. We expect continued momentum in aviation for the year.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Building Solutions revenue grew 23% in the quarter. This reflects a 56% growth in our residential business, including 26% organic growth. This strong growth is particularly notable, given the heavy rainfall in the quarter. Our commercial business declined $10 million, which was in line with our expectations, on a pro forma basis.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Building solutions revenue grew 23% in the quarter.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This reflects a 56% growth in our residential business, including 26% organic growth.
Joseph A. Cutillo: This strong growth is particularly notable.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Given the heavy rainfall in the quarter.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Our commercial business declined $10 million, which was in line with our expectations.
Joseph A. Cutillo: On a pro forma basis TPG, our latest acquisition grew 27%.
Joseph A. Cutillo: TPG, our latest acquisition, grew 27%. The mixed shift toward residential slabs and plumbing had a favorable impact on the segment's operating margin, which expanded 377 basis points to 13.8% and drove operating income growth of 70%. Residential, we remain bullish on our key market. Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Phoenix are all population growth markets and continue to outperform the national average. The PPG operation is off to a great start, and we're very excited about the opportunities ahead. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Ron to give you more details on the quarter and our full year guide. Ron?
Joseph A. Cutillo: The mix shift towards residential slabs and flooding and a favorable impact on the segment's operating margin, which expanded 377 basis points to 13, 8% and drove operating income growth of 70%.
Joseph A. Cutillo: In residential we remain bullish on our key markets.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Dallas Fort worth Houston, and Phoenix are all population growth markets and continue to outperform the national averages.
Joseph A. Cutillo: The PPG operation is off to a great start and we're very excited about the opportunities ahead.
Joseph A. Cutillo: With that I'd like to turn it over to Ron to give you more details on the quarter and our full year guidance.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Rod.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Thanks, Joe, and good morning. I am pleased to discuss our very strong and record first quarter performance. Let me take you through our financial highlights, starting with our consolidated backlog metrics. Our first quarter record backlog totaled $2,352,000,000, up $285,000,000, or 14% from the beginning of the year. The gross margin of this backlog was 15.6%, a 40 basis point improvement over the end of 2020, a higher level in the e-infrastructure backlog and an increase in both the amount of the transportation backlog and its backlog margin drove this improvement. Unsigned low bid awards totaled $68 million at the end of the quarter, as several previously unsigned contracts were executed in the first quarter, closing the quarter with a combined backlog
Ron: Thanks, Joe and good morning, I am pleased to discuss our very strong and record first quarter performance.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Gross profit and combined backlog was 15.5%, the highest in our history, compared to 15.4% at the beginning of the year. In the first quarter of 2024, book-to-burn ratios were 1.8 times for backlog and 1.14 times for combined backlog. Our March 31st, 2024 combined backlog of $2.4 billion represented an approximate average of 16 months of prospective backlog revenue. The comparable 2023 computation was approximately 12 months of backlog revenue. This represents a 25% increase in our prospective backlog duration at the end of the first quarter.
Ron: Let me take you through our financial highlights starting with our consolidated backlog metrics.
Ron: Our first quarter record backlog totaled $2 billion $352 million up $285 million or 14% from the beginning of the year.
Ron: The gross margin of this backlog was 15, 6% a 40 basis point improvement over the end of 2023.
Ron: A higher level of infrastructure backlog.
Ron: The increase in both the amount of the transportation backlog and its backlog margin drove this improvement.
Ron: Unsigned low bid awards totaled $68 million at the end of the quarter.
Ron: As several previously unsigned contracts were executed in the first quarter.
Ron: We closed the quarter with a combined backlog of $2 billion $420 million.
Ron: Gross profit in combined backlog was 15, 5% the highest in our history compared to 15, 4% at the beginning of the year.
Ron: First quarter 2024 book to burn ratios were one eight times for revenue upside for backlog at one four times for combined backlog.
Ron: Our March 31, 2024, combined backlog of $2 4 billion.
Ron: Presented an approximate average of 16 months of prospective backlog revenues.
Ron: The comparable 2023 computation was approximately 12 months of backlog revenues.
Ron: This represents a 25% and our prospective backlog duration at the end of the first quarter.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: As a reminder, our residential revenues, which represent approximately 20% of our consolidated revenues, are not included in backlog statistics, as revenue is recognized upon the completion of each slab or plumbing phase. Turning to our first quarter income statement, revenue was $440 million, up $37 million over the prior year. Consistent with our past seasonal characteristics, our first quarter historically is the lowest revenue core. The corridor was further negatively impacted by unusually severe weather in the southeast and east coast geographies.
Speaker Change: As a reminder.
Speaker Change: Minder, our residential revenues, which represent approximately 20% of our consolidated revenues are not included in backlog statistics as revenue is recognized upon the completion of each slab or plumbing phase.
Ron: Yeah.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Current quarter consolidated gross profit was $77 million, an increase of $15 million over the 2023 period. Gross margin increased to 17.5% for 220 basis points over 20 plus the 23rd quarter. This margin increase reflects organic margin improvements from each of our three segments in the quarter and the positive contribution from our mid-November 2023 PPG acquisition. General and administrative expenses increased in the quarter by $4 million to $27.3 million. The increase reflects PPP-PPG acquisition and cost increases driven by higher volume-related incremental costs and general inflation.
Ron: Turning to our first quarter income statement revenue was $440 million up $37 million over the prior year quarter.
Ron: Consistent with our past.
Ron: Past seasonal characteristics in our first quarter historically.
Ron: It's the lowest revenue quarter.
Ron: The quarter was further negatively impacted by unusually severe weather in the southeast and east coast geographies.
Ron: Current quarter consolidated gross profit was $77 million.
Ron: An increase of $15 million over the 2023 period.
Ron: Gross margin increased to 17, 5% or 220 basis points over 2003.
Ron: Three quarter.
Ron: Okay.
Ron: This margin increase reflects organic margin improvements from each of our three segments in the quarter and deposits contribution from our mid November 2023, Ppb PPG acquisition.
Ron: General and administrative expenses increased in the quarter by $4 million to $27 3 million.
Ron: The increase reflects the PPP PPG acquisition at.
Ron: And cost increases driven by higher volume related incremental cost and general inflation.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: We continue to expect our full year of G&A expense to be approximately 5% of revenue. Operating income for the first quarter was $42 million, an increase from $33 million over the prior year quarter. Our operating margin increased to 9.6%, compared to 8.1%. 2022.
Ron: We continue to expect our full year G&A expense to be approximately 5% of revenues.
Ron: Operating income for the first quarter was $42 million, an increase from $33 million over the prior year quarter.
Ron: Our operating margin increased to nine 6%.
Ron: Fair to eight 1%.
Ron: 23 quarter.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Our effective income tax rate for the first quarter was 18.4%. The favorable tax rate in the quarter primarily resulted from stock-based compensation tax deductions in excess of GAAP expense, driven by the higher stock price at the vesting dates. We expect our updated full-year effective income tax rate to be approximately 25%, an improvement over our prior expectations of 2017. The net effect of all these things resulted in a record first quarter with net income of $31 million or $1 per diluted share, an improvement of 58% and 56% compared to the first quarter of 2023, respectively.
Ron: Our effective income tax rate for the first quarter was 18, 4%.
Ron: The favorable tax rate in the quarter, primarily resulted from stock based compensation tax deductions in excess of GAAP expense driven by the higher stock price.
Ron: Domestic dates.
Ron: We expect our updated full year effective income tax rate to be approximately 25% an improvement.
Ron: Over our prior expectations of 27%.
Ron: The net effect of all of these resulted in a record first quarter with net income of $31 million or $1 per diluted share.
Ron: An improvement of 58% and 56% compared to the first quarter of 2023, respectively.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: First quarter EBITDA totaled $55.7 million, an increase of 21% over the prior year. As a percent of revenues, EBITDA improved to 12.6%, up from 11.4% in the prior quarter. Cash flow from operating activities for Q1 2024 was a record $49.6 million compared to $49.1 million in 2023. Cash flow used in investing activities included $20 million of net capex, which is consistent with our expectations. Our cash flow from financing activities was a $19.7 million outflow, primarily driven by $13 million for stock-based, related withholding taxes and 6.6 million for the scheduled payments of our terminal facility.
Ron: First quarter EBITDA totaled $55 $7 million, an increase of 21% over the prior year quarter.
Ron: As a percent of revenues EBITDA improved to 12, 6% up from 11, 4% in the prior year quarter.
Ron: Cash flow from operating activities for Q1, 2024 was a record $49 6 million compared to $49 1 billion.
Ron: In the 2023.
Ron: Cash flow used in investing activities included $20 million of net capex, which is consistent with our expectations.
Ron: Our cash flow from financing activities was a $19 7 million outflow, primarily driven by $13 million for stock based related withholding taxes, and $6 6 million for the scheduled payments of our term loan.
Ron: One facility.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: We ended the quarter with a very strong liquidity position consisting of $480 million in cash and debt of $335 million, for a cash net-of-debt balance of $140,000. In addition, our $75 million Revolving Credit Facility remained unused during the period.
Ron: We ended the quarter with a very strong liquidity position consisting of $480 million of cash and debt of $335 million.
Ron: Cash net of debt balance of $145 million.
Ron: In addition, our $75 million revolving credit facility remains unused during the period.
Ron: Okay.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Despite fighting off Mother Nature, we had a very solid start to the year; the expected reduction in our income tax rate and the lower net interest expense for the balance of the year have resulted in an increase in our 2024 net income guidance to $160 million to $170 million and an increase in our diluted EPS guidance range of $5 to $5.30. Additionally, with our strong first-quarter results and significant opportunities in each of our operating sectors.
Ron: Despite fighting off mother nature, we had a very solid start of the year.
Ron: The expected reduction of our income tax rate and a lower net interest expense for.
Ron: For the balance of the year has resulted in increase in our 2024 net income guidance to $160 million to $170 million.
Ron: And an increase to our diluted EPS guidance range of $5 to $5 30.
Ron: Additionally, with our strong first quarter results and significant opportunities in each of our operating segments. We expect we will deliver results towards the higher end of our financial guidance ranges.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: We expect we will deliver results toward the higher end of our financial guidance range. Finally, considering the diversity and strength of our portfolio business, strong liquidity position, and comfortable 1.1 times EBITDA leverage, we are well prepared to take advantage of additional opportunities to generate significant shareholder value.
Ron: Finally, considering the diversity and strength of our portfolio of businesses, our strong liquidity position and are comfortable one one times EBITDA leverage we are well prepared to take advantage of additional opportunities to generate significant shareholder value in 'twenty four and beyond.
Ron: Yeah.
Ron: Now I'll turn it back to Joe.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Thanks, Rob. We see years of opportunity ahead associated with the revitalization of America's infrastructure. Sterling is playing a critical role in building the manufacturing production coming back to the U.S., the data infrastructure that enables today's way of life, the highways, the bridges, and the airports that connect us and the homes we live in. For e-infrastructure solutions, we anticipate continued strength in data centers as current capacity only represents a fraction of what is needed to support artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Thanks, Rob.
Ron: We see years of opportunity ahead associated with the revitalization of America's infrastructure.
Ron: Sterling is playing a critical role in building the manufacturing production coming back to the U S.
Ron: The data infrastructure that enables today's way of life.
Ron: The highways the bridges and the airports the connectors and the homes we live it.
Ron: In infrastructure solutions, we anticipate continued strength in data centers as current capacity only represents a fraction of what is needed to support artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Additionally, we continue to see a strong pipeline of large manufacturing projects tied to electric vehicles, batteries, and solar. We continue to believe that in the coming years, we will see more projects emerge related to semiconductors, pharma, and food and beverage. These projects are located in both our current footprint and other potential geographies. We expect e-commerce and small warehouse markets to remain soft through 2024 but are encouraged by some of the preliminary activities we are seeing in these areas for 2025 and beyond.
Ron: Additionally, we continue to see a strong pipeline of large manufacturing projects tied to electric vehicles batteries and solar.
Ron: We continue to believe that in the coming years, we will see more projects emerge related to semiconductors pharma and food and beverage.
Ron: These projects are located both our current footprint and other potential geographies.
Ron: We expect e-commerce, and small warehouse markets will remain soft through 2024, but are encouraged by some of the preliminary activities. We are seeing in these areas for 2025 and beyond.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We continue to track a number of new large project opportunities that we anticipate will be awarded throughout 2024 and early 2025. Additionally, our mix is moving towards large, multi-phase projects. We have a line of sight into future phases of work that will be awarded as we complete our current phases.
Ron: We continue to track a number of new large project opportunities that we anticipate will be awarded throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Ron: Additionally, our mix moves towards large multi phased projects, we have line of sight into future phases of work that will be awarded as we complete our current phases.
Joseph A. Cutillo: These dynamics support strong growth opportunities over a multi-year period for e-infrastructure solutions. In transportation solutions, we believe we're now in a market environment where we can accelerate growth relative to historical levels, as long as margins remain at current levels or higher. We are very confident that our transportation business will generate strong growth and margin expansion throughout 2024. In building solutions, we continue to anticipate growth and margin expansion in 2024, driven by continued strength in our residential slab and plumbing business.
Ron: These dynamics support strong growth opportunities over a multiyear period for infrastructure solutions.
Ron: In transportation solutions. We believe we are now in a market environment, where we can accelerate growth relative to historical levels as long as margins remain at current levels or higher.
Ron: We are very confident that our transportation business will generate strong growth and margin expansion throughout 2024.
Ron: In building solutions, we continue to anticipate growth in margin expansion in 2024, driven by continued strength in our residential slabs and plumbing businesses.
Joseph A. Cutillo: On the M&A front, we're working hard to find the right deals to grow the company and enhance our service offer. The e-infrastructure market remains our top priority for M&A. We will remain patient and disciplined in our inorganic growth strategy, especially as it relates to share repurchases. We are taking an opportunistic approach. As we look forward, we are maintaining our full-year revenue guidance at EBITDA Guide and are raising our net income and EPS guidance to reflect our lower net interest expenses and tax rate expectations.
Ron: On the M&A front, we are working hard to find the right deals to grow the company and enhance our service offerings.
Ron: The infrastructure market remains our top priority for M&A.
Ron: We will remain patient and disciplined in our inorganic growth strategy.
Ron: As it relates to share repurchases, we are taking for the opportunistic approach.
Ron: As we look forward, we are maintaining our full year revenue and EBIT guidance and are raising our net income and EPS guidance to reflect our lower net interest expenses and tax rate expectations.
Joseph A. Cutillo: As Ron mentioned, we believe we are tracking towards the high end of our guidance, which would represent 12% revenue growth, 23% net income growth, and 16% EBITDA growth. With that, I'd like to turn it over to you for questions.
Ron: Ron mentioned, we believe we are tracking towards the high end of our guidance, which would represent 12% revenue growth, 23% net income growth and 616% EBIT growth.
Speaker Change: With that I'd like to turn it over for questions.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press star, followed by one on your touchtone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press star, followed by one. If you are using a speakerphone, please leave the handset before pressing any button.
Speaker Change: We will now begin the question and answer session should you have a question. Please press star followed by one on your Touchtone phone, you'll hear a prompt that your head has been rate should you wish to decline from the polling process. Please press star followed by nature, if you're using a speaker phone. Please lift your handset before.
Operator: Your first question comes from the line of Brent Thielman from DA Davidson.
Speaker Change: Present.
Speaker Change: Your first question comes from the line of Brent Thielman from D. A Davidson your line is open.
Brent Edward Thielman: I guess, Joe or Ron, yeah, just the first question on e-infrastructure, I guess. You know, how do you sort of see the rest of the year playing out? Do you still anticipate? Having a little headwind on the top line going into the second quarter and then, you know, obviously, the comps get easier into the second half of the year and maybe see more robust growth, but if you could just talk about the cadence of how you see the rest of the year playing out, that would be helpful. Yeah,
Brent Edward Thielman: Joe Ron just first question.
Speaker Change: <unk>.
Brent Edward Thielman: Yes infrastructure I guess.
Brent Edward Thielman: How do you sort of see the rest of the year playing out do you still anticipate.
Brent Edward Thielman: And being a little headwind on the top line going into the second quarter, and then obviously the comps get easier into the second half of the year and maybe see more robust growth, but if you could just talk to the cadence of how you see the rest of the year played out that that'd be helpful.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah, let's give a little more color around the first quarter year over year and then when we think it comes back. You know, two headwinds in the first quarter. We had difficult tops.
Speaker Change: Yeah, let's I'll give a little more color around the first quarter year over year and then.
Brent Edward Thielman: We think it comes back.
Speaker Change: Two headwinds in the first quarter, we had difficult comps. We started two of the biggest projects. We had ever started in the first quarter of 2023, both in the southeast and the northeast.
Joseph A. Cutillo: We started two of the biggest projects we had ever started in the first quarter of 2023, both in the southeast and the northeast. And then we had, you know, I think the great results we had in the quarter don't reflect the six weeks of basic downtime we had on the east coast and through Texas due to weather being rebounded significantly. So that plays into that dip in the first quarter. We think in the second quarter, not only do we rebound, but we will see year-over-year growth, decent year-over-year growth in the second quarter.
Brent Edward Thielman: And then we had I think the great results, we had in the quarter don't reflect the six weeks of basic downtime, we had on the east coast and through Texas due to weather themed rebounded significantly so that that plays into that dip in the first quarter, we think second quarter not only to rebound, but we will see.
Brent Edward Thielman: Year over year growth decent year over year growth in the second quarter that trend will continue into the third and into the fourth.
Joseph A. Cutillo: That trend will continue into the third and into the fourth. So you take all of that and the timing of the new project starts, which we understand with the backlog, we feel very good. We'll see year-over-year growth near double digits in the second quarter.
Brent Edward Thielman: No.
Brent Edward Thielman: You take all of that and the timing is of the new project starts, which we understand with the backlog we feel very good we will see year over year growth near double digits in the second quarter.
Brent Edward Thielman: Okay, really helpful. And I guess just following on that, you know, the comments that sound like the Northeast is starting to get busier again. Does that work against the margin profile going forward? You know, considering pretty strong margins here. And I know that area has been slower for you in recent quarters.
Speaker Change: Okay really helpful.
Speaker Change: And I guess just following on that.
Speaker Change: The comments that it sounds like the northeast is starting to get busier again does that work against the margin profile going forward.
Speaker Change: Just considering pretty strong margins here and I know that area has been slower for you in recent quarters.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah, depending on the mix of the job activity. Generally, overall, the Northeast margins are lower because not only the size of the projects but the breadth of what they perform on the projects. They're doing concrete works, out walls, that sort of stuff. But one of the things we're doing is we're moving the Northeast further south, and we're looking at multiple data centers in and around the Virginia area. And so far, we've had pretty good luck as we're entering into the second quarter already with some opportunities there.
Speaker Change: Yes, depending on the mix of the job activity generally in overall the northeast.
Speaker Change: Margins are lower because not only the size of the projects, but the breadth of what they perform on the projects. They are doing concrete works out walls that sort of stuff, but one of the things. We're doing is we're moving the northeast further south.
Brent Edward Thielman: And we're looking at multiple data centers in and around the Virginia area.
Brent Edward Thielman: And so far we've had pretty good luck as we're entering into the second quarter already.
Brent Edward Thielman: Some opportunities there.
Brent Edward Thielman: Okay, and then just last one, you know, if you have any specifics on the contributions from PPG this quarter, I was wondering how much of that year-on-year margin expansion and building solutions might be associated with that.
Speaker Change: Okay, and then just last one.
Speaker Change: If you have any specifics on the contributions from PPG. This quarter, just wondering how much of that year on year margin expansion and building solutions might be associated with that.
Speaker Change: That business.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: Ron, do you want to handle that? I know the organic growth was pretty comparable between slabs, and PPG was a little bit higher than our slab business. Yeah, but not by much. They both had organic growth, you know, organic, performing organic growth, of course, for PPG of, you know, in the mid to low 30s or high 20s. High 20s, thank you. So I think that's the critical item. The margin, the margin is slightly better than our average residential site, but its size doesn't move the needle too much because, of course, it's probably less than or about 10% of our total residential.
Brent Edward Thielman: Brian you want to handle that.
Brent Edward Thielman: No.
Speaker Change: Organic growth was pretty comparable between slabs.
Brian: TPG was a little bit higher than our slab business.
Brent Edward Thielman: But not by much they both had organic growth organic pro forma organic growth quarters for.
Brent Edward Thielman: Our PPG.
Brent Edward Thielman: But.
Brent Edward Thielman: In the mid to low <unk>.
Speaker Change: Hi, <unk>. Thank you.
Speaker Change: So I think thats thats the critical item the.
Brent Edward Thielman: The margin.
Brent Edward Thielman: Their margin is slightly better than our average.
Brent Edward Thielman: Residential side, but.
Brent Edward Thielman: Mid size side of it does.
Brent Edward Thielman: Needles to much because of of course.
Brent Edward Thielman: It's probably less than about 10% of our total residential margins were a little bit from revenues or little less.
Brent Edward Thielman: Okay, great. I'll pass it on. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Okay, Great I'll pass it on thank you.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Adam Thielheimer from Thompson Davis. Your line is open.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Adam to Hammer from Thompson Davis. Your line is open.
Adam Thielheimer: Hey, good morning, guys. Congratulations on a strong start to the year. Thanks, Sam. So e-infrastructure, Joe, you mentioned additional opportunities, semiconductors, pharma, food, and beverage. Is that... Is that something you can enter organically, or would you need to acquire to get into those verticals?
Adam Hammer: Hey, good morning, guys. Congrats on a strong start to the year.
Adam: Thanks Anna.
Adam Hammer: So <unk> infrastructure, Joe you mentioned.
Adam Hammer: Additional opportunities semiconductors pharma food and beverage is that.
Adam Hammer: So it's something you can enter organically or would you need to acquire to get into those verticals.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah, the beauty of the site development business is we can do all of that organically. It gets a little tougher if they're in crazy remote places, but with the success of what we've been able to do in the Rocky Mountains, expanding into that area up and down the East Coast, we've got pretty broad geography that we can cover.
Joe: Yes, now we can.
Joe: The beauty of.
Joe: Let's say development business as we can do all of that organically.
Adam Hammer: Gets a little tougher if theyre in crazy remote places, but with the success of what we've been able to do in the Rocky Mountains expanding.
Adam Hammer: Into that area and up and down the East coast, We've got pretty broad Jia.
Adam Hammer: <unk> that we can cover.
Joseph A. Cutillo: As we look forward, Adam, what we'd like to add is more types of services for those, whether that's electrical, mechanical, or could be something around piping. It could be a litany of other things that happen inside the facilities. Those are the kinds of acquisitions that we're looking at to broaden that portfolio. We have a fundamental premise that over the next five to seven years, if you take the ramp-up of data centers, and the onshoring of manufacturing, and you put all that together, there's really not enough high-quality folks out there that can complete these big jobs.
Adam Hammer: As we look forward Adam what we'd like to add is more types of services for those whether that's in electrical mechanical.
Adam Hammer: It could be in.
Adam Hammer: Something around piping it could be a litany of other things that happened inside the facilities.
Adam Hammer: Those are the kinds of acquisitions that we're looking at to broaden that portfolio. We have a we have a fundamental premise that over the next five to seven years.
Adam Hammer: You take the ramp up of data centers.
Adam Hammer: Onshoring of manufacturing.
Adam Hammer: And you put all that together.
Adam Hammer: There's really not enough high quality folks out there. They can complete these big jobs and these are going to start forming mega teams and we're already talking to several players.
Joseph A. Cutillo: These are going to start forming mega teams, and we're already talking to several players on national contracts and long-term agreements related to helping them with their future plans. I think as this continues to ramp up over the next couple of years, people will see a lot more challenges in getting their projects completed on time and on budget, and that bodes extremely well for us. If we can continue to add to that portfolio, we will become a better one shop to come to.
Adam Hammer: National contracts and long term agreements related to to helping them on their future plans. So I think as this continues to ramp up over the next couple of years people will see a lot more challenges in getting their projects completed on time and on budget.
Adam Hammer: And that bodes extremely well for us. So if we can continue to add to that portfolio, we become a better kind of one shop to to come to.
Adam Hammer: Okay.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: And then the margins and e-infrastructure, can you kind of, in response to Brent's question, you did a good job of breaking down how the revenue might trend. Can you also kind of help us understand how the margins might trend in that segment?
Adam Hammer: And then the margins in your infrastructure can you kind of in response to <unk> question, you did a good job of breaking down how that revenue might trend can you also kind of help us on how the margins might trend in that segment.
Adam Hammer: Okay.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: You want to take that, Ron? I think we're pretty optimistic about the margins continuing to grow. Yeah, I think when you, you know, I think historically, the mix is about two-thirds in our original infrastructure at the Plateaus, the southeast side, and the balance in New York, or New Jersey, sorry, and their margin is about 40 basis points delta difference.
Speaker Change: Take that Ryan I think we're pretty optimistic on the margins continuing to grow I think when I think historically.
Ryan: The mix is about two thirds.
Ryan: And our original infrastructure at <unk>.
Ryan: <unk> the southeast side and.
Ryan: The balance in New York.
Ryan: There are few jerseys.
Ryan: And their margin is Bob 40 basis points Delta difference just didn't wait in the scope of which they are.
Ronald A. Ballschmiede: That's been pretty historical, got a little cockeyed in the days of the... [inaudible] Territory. We had a little bit of pickup, but it's probably less than 100 basis points, probably, when you cut through a regular quarter there. So that delta will continue. I think as that mix changes, that will move it a little bit. What we do and where doesn't make a whole lot of difference. It's really that mix that's going to move it once we start picking up productivity in the Northeast. So we came into the classroom.
Ryan: But pretty historical kind of little little cockeyed in the face of that.
Ryan: Yes.
Ryan: Supply chain et cetera that will continue so that math is going to be about the same so as the first quarter was a higher percentage of.
Ryan: Our higher revenue our higher margin.
Ryan: Territory, we had a little bit of pick up but it's not it's less than 100 basis points, probably when you cut through regular quarter there.
Ryan: So that will that delta will contain so continuing so I think as as that mix changes.
Ryan: That'll move it a little bit what we do and where it doesn't make a whole lot of difference. It's really that mix that is going to move it once we get picking up the productivity in the northeast. So we came into the year. Adam said, we'd have about a 100 basis points or little more pick up in the infrastructure, we still feel very good about that.
Joseph A. Cutillo: So we came into the year, Adam, saying we'd have about 100 basis points or a little more pickup in the infrastructure. We still feel very good about that. Coming out of the first quarter with 17 and a half, I think, is what our gross margins were. That's amazing for us.
Ryan: Coming out of the first quarter with 17 and a half I think is what our what our gross margins words, just that's amazing for us. So we're really happy with the progress is older jobs fell off newer jobs started with new pricing supply chain gets better jobs get bigger all of that is positive momentum for us.
Joseph A. Cutillo: So we're really happy with the progress. Older jobs fell off. Newer jobs started with new pricing. Supply chain got better. Jobs got bigger. All of that is positive momentum for us on the margin front. Similarly, we're seeing the same thing happen in our transportation. And then just the pure volume with building solutions helps us get a little leverage out of that as well.
Ryan: On the margin front.
Ryan: Similarly, we are seeing the same thing happened in our transportation and Thats just the pure volume.
Ryan: With building solutions helps us get a little leverage out of that as well.
Ryan: Okay.
Joseph A. Cutillo: And then the, so in transportation and building solutions, can you comment on that? Because you already did this for e-infrastructure without me asking, but just the multi-year opportunity for transportation and buildings.
Ryan: And then the so in transportation and building solutions can you comment on the could you already did this free infrastructure without me asking but just the multi year opportunity for transportation and building solutions.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah, I think, you know, transportation. Look, we're sitting on the best backlog we've ever had. We've got line of sight to many very large multi-year jobs. We think the next three years to four years in transportation solutions will continue to have very strong growth and very strong margins. At the end of that, we're into the next cycle of the federal bill, but right now, with the funding levels of the states and the projects we're seeing in our footprint, this is the best it's ever been for building solutions.
Speaker Change: Yes, I think transportation look we're sitting on the best backlog, we've ever had we've got line of sight too many very large multiyear jobs.
Speaker Change: We think the next three years to four years in transportation solutions will continue to have very strong growth and very strong margins.
Ryan: At the end of that we're into the next.
Ryan: Next cycle of the federal Bill.
Ryan: But right now with the funding levels at the states and the projects we are seeing in our footprint.
Ryan: This is the best it's ever been.
Ryan: On building solutions.
Joseph A. Cutillo: I think the great thing is that our three core markets today are all experiencing population growth. I don't see Dallas and Houston slowing down anytime soon. Phoenix has rebounded very nicely this year and continues to grow.
Ryan: The great thing is.
Ryan: We've got our three core markets today are all population growth.
Ryan: I don't see Dallas, Houston slowing down anytime soon in Phoenix has rebounded very nicely. This year continues to grow.
Joseph A. Cutillo: It's around that population growth, and there's still a ton of pent-up demand from people trying to get into their first-time houses. So if interest rates go up towards the end of the year or in the next year, who knows when they're going to come down? I think that only accelerates some of this.
Ryan: It's around that population growth and there's still a ton of pent up demand of people tried to get into their first time houses. So if interest rates towards the end of the year or into next year, who knows what theyre going to come down.
Joseph A. Cutillo: And one of the things people don't realize is we work with the builders. The builders are very good at giving us future information as their partners, but it takes them a while to acquire land, develop land, and put houses on it. And we haven't seen any slowdown in that. That's usually 18 to 24 months out, is what they're planning, sometimes three years depending on the area.
Ryan: I think that only accelerates some of this more.
Ryan: And.
Ryan: One of the things people don't realize is we work with the builders. The builders are very good at giving us future information as their partners, but it takes them a while to acquire land developed land and put houses audit.
Ryan: We haven't seen any slowdown in that that's usually 18 to 24 months out is what theyre planning, sometimes three years, depending on the area.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Did your growth in that business, was that more... Growth in the, Is it more growth in your specific markets or is it more growth in your market share?
Ryan: And your growth in that business is that more.
Ryan: Growth in the.
Ryan: Specific markets or is it more growth and your market share.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Well, we've got two different elements. If you take Dallas, there is really more growth in the market. We've got a very large market share there. We can always pick up a little more, but that's not our strategy. It's to go with the market and continue to expand out. If you take into account Houston and Phoenix, those are market share growth opportunities for us. We're still less than a couple percent of the market share in those markets, so we have a long way to go.
Ryan: Well, we got to two different elements, if you take Dallas.
Ryan: Dallas is really more growth in market, we've got a very large market share. There you can always pick up a little more but thats not our strategy is to go with the markets continue to expand out if you take into account Houston and Phoenix those are market share growth opportunities for us, we're still less than a couple percent.
Ryan: Market share in those in those markets. So we have a long way to go.
Adam Thielheimer: Great. And then last one, so you mentioned acquisitions, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, at e-Infrastructure, and you've done that with PPG at Building Solutions. But are those opportunities out there? I mean, have you actually, you know, seen books for those kinds of opportunities?
Speaker Change: Great and then last one so you mentioned acquisitions electrical mechanical plumbing at.
Speaker Change: Infrastructure and you've done that with PPG at building solutions.
Speaker Change: Solutions, but are the are those opportunities out there I mean, if you actually.
Speaker Change: Themed books for those kinds of opportunities yes.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah. Yeah, we are. We've seen several. We're looking at several.
Joseph A. Cutillo: Yeah, we are. We've seen several. We're looking at several. One of the core things for us is that we're very picky. We want really good businesses with really good people that we think we can double over a five or six year period. So it's getting that right match and that right opportunity put together, but they're out there, and they're of various sizes.
Ryan: Yes, we are we've seen several we're looking at several.
Ryan: One of the one of the core things for US is we're very picky, we want really good businesses with really good people that we think we can double over a five or six year period.
Ryan: So getting that right match and that right opportunity put together, but.
Ryan: They are out there yes.
Ryan: <unk> of various sizes.
Speaker Change: Great. Thanks, guys.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Operator: There are no further questions at this time. I will turn the call over to Joe.
Speaker Change: There are no further questions at this time I will turn the call over to back to Joe.
Joe: Thank you John.
Joseph A. Cutillo: If anyone has any follow-up questions or wishes to schedule a call, please feel free to contact Noelle Dilts. Her contact information can be found in our press release. I'd like to thank everyone again for joining us this morning, and I hope you all have a great day.
Joe: If anyone has any follow up questions or wishes to schedule a call. Please feel free to contact in oilfields. Her contact information can be found on our press release.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect.
Joe: Like to thank everyone again for joining us this morning, and I Hope you all have a great day.
Joe: Yes.
Speaker Change: Ladies and gentlemen. This concludes today's conference call you may now disconnect.
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