Q2 2026 Centuri Holdings Inc Earnings Call

August 4, 2026

Operator 3: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us, welcome to the Centuri Q2 2026 Earnings Conference Call. After today's prepared remarks, we will host a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one to raise your hand. To withdraw your question, press star one again. I will now hand the conference over to Nathan Tetlow, Vice President, Investor Relations. Nathan, please go ahead.

Speaker #1: If you would like to ask a question, please press *1 to raise your hand. To withdraw your question, press *1 again. I will now hand the conference over to Nathan Tetlow.

Speaker #1: Vice President, Investor Relations, Nathan, please go ahead.

Nathan Tetlow: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Today, we issued and posted to Centuri's earnings website our Q2 earnings release and investor presentation. Please note that on today's call, we will address certain factors that may impact this year's earnings and provide some longer-term guidance. Some of the information that will be discussed today contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements are as of today's date and based on management's assumptions and are subject to several risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties surrounding the impacts of future economic conditions and regulatory approvals. A cautionary note as well as a note regarding non-GAAP measures is included in today's press release, in the investor presentation, and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we encourage you to review. Also provided are reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to related GAAP measures.

Speaker #2: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Today we issued and posted to Century Holdings website our second quarter earnings release and investor presentation. Please note that on today's call we will address certain factors that may impact this year's earnings, and provide some longer-term guidance.

Speaker #2: Some of the information that will be discussed today contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the private securities litigation reform act. These statements are as of today's date and based on management's assumptions and are subject to several risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties surrounding the impacts of future economic conditions and regulatory approvals.

Speaker #2: A cautionary note, as well as a note regarding non-GAP measures, is included in today's press release in the investor presentation and in our filings with the securities and exchange commission, which we encourage you to review.

Speaker #2: Also provided are reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to related GAAP measures. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from statements made today.

Nathan Tetlow: These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from statements made today. We caution against placing undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any such statement except as required by law. Today's call is also being webcast live and will be available for replay in the investor relations section of our website shortly after the completion of this call. On today's call, we have Chris Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Greg Izenstark, Chief Financial Officer. I will now turn the call over to Chris.

Speaker #2: We caution against placing undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and we assume no obligation to update any such statement except as required by law.

Speaker #2: Today's call is also being webcast live and will be available for replay in the investor relations section of our website shortly after the completion of this call.

Speaker #2: On today's call, we have Christian Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory Izenstark, Chief Financial Officer. I will now turn the call over to Christian.

Chris Brown: Nate, thank you. Thanks to you, everyone, for joining our Q2 earnings call. We're proud to have delivered $962 million of revenue for the quarter, a new quarterly record for Centuri. Adjusted net income for the quarter was $24.4 million, an increase of 44% from the same quarter last year. In terms of our base measures, which excludes storm work, and for this quarter, a one-time pre-IPO receivable write-off, Q2 base revenue was 36% higher than last year, and base gross profit was 21% higher. For the H1 of the year, base revenue was 33% higher than last year, and base gross profit was 35% higher than last year. This is remarkable growth and reflects the dedication of our teams across the US and across Canada.

Speaker #3: Nate, thank you. And thank you, everyone, for joining our second quarter earnings call. We're proud to have delivered $962 million of revenue for the quarter.

Speaker #3: A new quarterly record for Century. Adjusted net income for the quarter was 24.4 million, an increase of 44% from the same quarter last year.

Speaker #3: In terms of our base measures, which is exclude Stormwork, and for this quarter a one-time pre-IPO receivable write-off, second quarter base revenue was 36% higher than last year, and base gross profit was 21% higher.

Speaker #3: For the first half of the year, base revenue was 33% higher than last year, and base gross profit was 35% higher than last year.

Speaker #3: This is remarkable growth and reflects the dedication of our teams across the US and across Canada. I'll start with the recently announced acquisition of JJ White, a leading provider of union industrial, mechanical, and electrical maintenance and construction services.

Chris Brown: I'll start with the recently announced acquisition of J.J. White, a leading provider of union industrial, mechanical, and electrical maintenance, and construction services. J.J. White has about 1,000 employees and will be integrated into our roof systems business. Adding scale and implant construction expertise across several end markets, including data centers. This tuck-in acquisition is consistent with our strategy that we laid out earlier this year. We increased scale in the Northeast and Midwest, expanded our core business, and added new customers in the electric end markets. We expect J.J. White to add more than $20 million of gross profit on a full year annualized basis. The total cash consideration paid was approximately $62 million, funded from existing balance sheet liquidity. We therefore see no change to our year-end leverage target of 2 times.

Speaker #3: JJ White has about 1,000 employees, and will be integrated into our rigged distiller business. Adding scale and implant construction expertise, across several end markets, including data centers.

Speaker #3: This took in acquisition is consistent with our strategy that we laid out earlier this Northeast and Midwest, and added new customers in the electric end markets.

Speaker #3: We expect JJ White to add more than 20 million of gross profit on a full-year annualized basis. The total cash consideration paid was approximately 62 million dollars.

Speaker #3: Funded from existing balance sheet liquidity. We therefore see no change to our year-end leverage target of 2 times. And we're very much excited to welcome the JJ White team and will look forward to the growth and their execution ahead.

Chris Brown: We're very much excited to welcome the J.J. White team, and we look forward to the growth and their execution ahead. Now for a commercial update. We continue to see strength in our core and adjacent end markets, a more than ample opportunity to deliver sustainable growth at double-digit levels. Q2 bookings were nearly $850 million, bringing our year-to-date bookings to over $2.2 billion. Our book-to-bill ratio on year-to-date is 1.3 times. On an organic basis for the full year, we are targeting a 1.2 times book-to-bill or approximately $4.4 billion of total bookings for 2026. The successful negotiation and award of our largest data center project has demonstrated our ability to differentiate and secure complex value-added contracts into our portfolio. The $125 million award covers electrical infrastructure and utility for a multi-building data center campus.

Speaker #3: Now for a commercial update, where we continue to see strength in our core and adjacent end markets, and more than ample opportunity to deliver sustainable growth at double-digit levels.

Speaker #3: Second quarter bookings were nearly 850 million, bringing our year-to-date bookings to over 2.2 billion. Our book-to-build ratio year-to-date is 1.3 times, and on an organic basis, and on an organic basis for the full year, we have targeted a 1.2 times book-to-build, or approximately 4.4 billion of total bookings for 2026.

Speaker #3: The successful negotiation and award of our largest data center project has demonstrated our ability to differentiate and secure complex, value-added contracts into our portfolio.

Speaker #3: The 125 million award covers electrical infrastructure, and utility, for a multi-building data center campus. We continue to view the data center demand as robust, attractive, and growing.

Chris Brown: We continue to view the data center demand as robust, attractive, and growing. With the addition of J.J. White, we will further increase data center backlog and the pipeline of opportunities for our company. At quarter end, we had about $2 billion of data center opportunities in our pipeline. Other big works in the quarter include the construction of an electrical transmission and substation project for Atlantic Canada, which was a very nice award for the Connect team. Also the assembly and installation of key components for a gas infrastructure company. Finally, a large significant electrical high voltage transmission project in the Northeast of the US. On the MSA side, we booked approximately $250 million in renewals, which included gas distribution, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded scopes of work for a long-standing utility customer. We also booked approximately $200 million between new MSAs and growth from existing MSAs.

Speaker #3: And with the addition of JJ White, we will further increase data center backlog and the pipeline of opportunities for our company. A quarter-end we had about 2 billion of data center opportunities in our pipeline.

Speaker #3: Other big works in the quarter include the construction of an electrical transmission and substation project for Atlantic Canada, which was a very nice award for the Connect team.

Speaker #3: And also the assembly and installation of key components for the gas infrastructure, for a gas infrastructure company, and finally a large, significant electrical high-voltage transmission project, in the Northeast of the US.

Speaker #3: On the MSA side, we booked approximately 250 million in renewals. Which included gas distribution, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded scopes of work for a long-standing utility customer.

Speaker #3: We also booked approximately $200 million between new MSAs and growth from existing MSAs. Demand for our core MSA work, including expanded scopes of work, remains very strong.

Chris Brown: Demand for our core MSA work, including expanded scopes of work, remains very strong. Our current backlog stands at approximately $6.4 billion, which is up 21% year-over-year. Even more notable is the opportunity pipeline has increased to approximately $16 billion, which is up 23% from Q1, which demonstrates the strength of our end markets and our ability to position Centuri for backlog growth. We have nearly 700 differentiated bid opportunities in the pipeline, which collectively represents 60% of the $16 billion. In the very near term, we have $2.5 billion of outstanding bids pending at the end of Q2, which represents a 15% increase from Q1. This number has further increased as we've moved into Q3, another positive indicator of the strength we are seeing across our end markets. Over two-thirds of these pending bids are from our electrical segment.

Speaker #3: Our current backlog stands at approximately 6.4 billion, which is up 21% year over year. Even more notable, is the opportunity pipeline has increased, to approximately 16 billion, which is up 23% from the first quarter, which demonstrates the strength of our end markets and our ability to present Century for backlog growth.

Speaker #3: We have nearly 700 differentiated bid opportunities in the pipeline. Which collectively represents 60% of the 16 billion. And in the very near term, we have 2.5 billion, about standing bids pending, at the end of Q2.

Speaker #3: Which represents a 15% increase from the first quarter. This number is further increased as we've moved into Q3, another positive indicator of the strength we are seeing across our end markets.

Speaker #3: Over two-thirds of these pending bids are from our Electrical segment. It should also be noted that as we bid and increased our volumes, our bid margins year over year have increased by more than 10%, which is fully in line with our long-term margin targets that we communicated earlier in February this year.

Chris Brown: It should also be noted that as we bid and increased our volumes, our bid margins year-over-year have increased by more than 10%, which is fully in line with our long-term margin targets that we communicated earlier in February this year. As we've discussed over the recent months, we are focused on driving longer-term sustainability into our business through margin expansion, backlog, and greater coverage for the subsequent years. Coming into 2026, we had about $3 billion of coverage for 2026 revenue, and we are now forecasting to exit 2026 with more than $3.6 billion of revenue coverage for 2027. This is a 20% organic increase. This visibility and predictability provide the foundation for sustainable growth, allowing us to plan and execute for the future.

Speaker #3: As we've discussed over the recent months, we have focused on driving longer-term sustainability into our business through margin expansion, backlog, and greater coverage for the subsequent years.

Speaker #3: Coming into 2026, we had about 3 billion of coverage for 2026 revenue, and we are now forecasting to exit 2026 with more than 3.6 billion of revenue coverage for 2027.

Speaker #3: This is a 20% organic increase. This visibility and predictability provide the foundation for sustainable growth, allowing us to plan and execute for the future.

Chris Brown: Lastly, to support customer demand and build for sustained growth over H1 of this year, we have organically added approximately 1,700 employees, representing an 18% growth in headcount so far this year. In the U.S. Gas business alone, we've added over 1,200 employees, a 25% increase, to support client demand emanating from our strategy to mitigate seasonality in our business and expand our gross margins. This significant capacity increase added near-term costs, which we estimate reduced Q2 gross profit by approximately $3 million. We fully expect these capacity investments to benefit Q3 2026 and the subsequent quarters as our resources generate revenue and margin expansion. We forecast approximately 7.5% gross margin for our U.S. Gas business in H2 of this year, 2026.

Speaker #3: Lastly, to support customer demand and build for sustained growth over the first six months of this year, we have organically added approximately 1,700 employees.

Speaker #3: Representing an 18% growth in headcount so far this year. In the U.S. gas business alone, we've added over 1,200 employees—a 25% increase—to support client demand emanating from our strategy to mitigate seasonality in our business and expand our gross margins.

Speaker #3: This significant capacity increase added near-term costs which we estimate reduce second-quarter gross profit by approximately 3 million. We fully expect these capacity investments to benefit Q3 26, and the subsequent quarters as our resources generate revenue and margin expansion.

Speaker #3: We forecast approximately 7.5% gross margin for our US gas business in the second half of this year, 2026. We were also affected by elevated fuel prices in the quarter.

Chris Brown: We were also affected by elevated fuel prices in the quarter relating to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The average per gallon cost was up 48% year-over-year, and the estimated cost impact within Q2 was approximately $6 million. Higher fuel prices and the investment associated with the additional gas resources together had a combined 95 basis point impact on the Q2 base gross profit margin. The fundamentals of our business remain strong, and we continue to invest in the future, guided by the priorities outlined within our Vision One Centuri strategy. I'll now turn over to Greg to discuss the financial results.

Speaker #3: Relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The average per gallon cost was up 48% year over year, and the estimated cost impact within the second quarter was approximately $6 million.

Speaker #3: Higher fuel prices and the investment associated with the additional gas resources together had a combined 95 basic point impact on the second quarter base gross profit margin.

Speaker #3: The fundamentals of our business remain strong, and we continue to invest in the future, guided by the priorities outlined within our Vision One Century strategy.

Speaker #3: I'll now turn over to Greg to discuss the financial results.

Greg A. Izenstark: Thank you, Chris, and good morning to everyone. Q2 2025 consolidated revenues totaled $962 million, a new quarterly record, and was a 33% increase from Q2 2025. Consolidated gross profit was $69 million and gross profit margin was 7.2% in the quarter. In terms of base results, which exclude the impact of storm work, and for this quarter, a one-time write-off I'll discuss shortly. Base revenue was up 36% and base gross profit was up 21% compared to last year. Base gross profit margin was 7.9% in the quarter versus 8.9% last year. On a trailing 12-month basis, base gross profit margin was 7.8% versus 7.4% a year ago.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Chris. And good morning to everyone. Second quarter 2026 consolidated revenues totals $962 million. A new quarterly record. And was a 33% increase from Q2 2025.

Speaker #2: Consolidated gross profit was $69 million. And gross profit margin was 7.2% in the quarter. In terms of base results, which exclude the impact of storm work, and for this quarter a one-time write-off, I'll discuss shortly.

Speaker #2: Base revenue was up 36%, and base gross profit was up 21% compared to last year. Base gross profit margin was 7.9% in the quarter, versus 8.9% last year.

Speaker #2: And on a trailing 12-month basis, base gross profit margin was 7.8%, versus 7.4% a year ago. Net income attributable to common stock in the second quarter was $6.1 million, or 0.6 per share.

Greg A. Izenstark: Net income attributable to common stock in Q2 was $6.1 million or $0.06 per share, compared to a net income attributable to common stock of $8.1 million or $0.09 on a per-share basis in the same period last year. In Q2, adjusted EBIT was $40.5 million, 8% higher year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA was $75.7 million, a 5% increase over the same period last year. Adjusted net income in Q2 came in at $24.4 million or $0.24 on a per-share basis, compared to $16.9 million or $0.19 per share in the same period last year. As Chris mentioned, Q2 results were impacted by elevated fuel prices from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Speaker #2: Compared to a net income attributable to common stock of $8.1 million, or 0.09 on a per share basis in the same period last year.

Speaker #2: In the second quarter, adjusted EBIT was 40.5 million, 8% higher year over year. And adjusted EBITDA was 75.7 million, a 5% increase over the same period last year.

Speaker #2: Adjusted net income in the second quarter came in at 24.4 million, or 24 cents on a per share basis. Compared to 16.9 million, or 19 cents per share in the same period last year.

Speaker #2: As Chris mentioned, second quarter results were impacted by elevated fuel prices from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We estimate that the higher fuel prices in the quarter amounted to an additional cost of approximately $6 million, or approximately 60 basis point impact on margins.

Greg A. Izenstark: We estimate that the higher fuel prices in the quarter amounted to an additional cost of approximately $6 million or approximately 60 basis point impact on margins. In Q2, the company wrote down all of its remaining accounts receivable and contract assets related to work that was completed prior to 2020 for the City of Chicago. The write-down reduced U.S. Gas revenue by $9 million in the quarter. We did not budget collection of this receivable in 2026, so the write-down has no impact on our cash flow expectations. We have excluded this one-time item from our non-GAAP measures, including our base measures. Now to our segments. U.S. Gas revenue was $489.5 million, an increase of 45% compared to the prior year.

Speaker #2: In the second quarter, the company wrote down all of its remaining accounts receivable and contract assets related to work that was completed prior to 2020 for the city of Chicago.

Speaker #2: The work the write-down reduced US gas revenue by $9 million in the quarter. We did not budget collection of this receivable in 2026, so the write-down has no impact on our cash flow expectations.

Speaker #2: We have excluded this one-time item from our non-gas measures, including our base metrics. Now to our segments. US gas revenue was $489 million $489.5 million an increase of 45% compared to the prior year.

Greg A. Izenstark: The growth was driven by increased bid work and MSA volumes, demonstrating the underlying strength of our customer relationships and market position. Gross profit margin was 4.2% in the quarter, down from 7.8% last year. Base gross profit margin for U.S. Gas was 5.9%. As previously mentioned, Q2 margins for U.S. Gas were impacted by approximately $3 million or 60 basis points from capacity added in Q2. While the timing of these additions impacted Q2 costs, we expect the results scale benefits to support stronger performance in H2 2026 and further improve seasonality during Q1 2027. On a year-to-date basis, we've seen significant growth and improvement in profitability of U.S. Gas.

Speaker #2: The growth was driven by increased bid work and MSA volumes. Demonstrating the underlying strength of our customer relationships and market position. Gross profit margin was 4.2% in the quarter, down from 7.8% last year.

Speaker #2: Base gross profit margin for US gas was 5.9%. As previously mentioned, second quarter margins for US gas were impacted by approximately $3 million, or 60 basis points from capacity added in the second quarter.

Speaker #2: While the timing of these additions impacted Q2 costs, we expect the results scale benefit to support stronger performance in the second half of 2026, and further improve seasonality during the first quarter of 2027.

Speaker #2: On a year-to-date basis, we've seen significant growth and improvement in profitability of US gas. Base gross profit has more than doubled from last year, and base gross profit margin improved by 36% over the same period last year.

Greg A. Izenstark: Base gross profit has more than doubled from last year, base gross profit margin improved by 36% over the same period last year. Canadian Operations revenue was $81.4 million, up nearly 48% from the prior year period, primarily from the inclusion of Connect. Operational performance in this segment remains strong against a backdrop of sustained favorable demand, as evidenced by the 16% gross profit margin in the quarter. Union Electric revenue was $224.2 million, an increase of 23% year over year. Growth has been fueled by robust activity and projects serving industrial end user segments. Gross profit margin for the Union Electric segment was 9% in Q2, ahead of the 8.4% recorded in the same period last year.

Speaker #2: Canadian operations revenue was 81.4 million. Up nearly 48% from the prior year period. Primarily from the inclusion of Connect. Operational performance in this segment remains strong against the backdrop of sustained favorable demand as evidenced by the 16% gross profit margin in the quarter.

Speaker #2: Union Electric revenue was 224.2 million. An increase of 23% year over year. Growth has been fueled by robust activity and projects serving industrial end-user segments.

Speaker #2: Gross profit margin for the Union Electric segment was 9% in the second quarter, ahead of the 8.4% reported in the same period last year.

Greg A. Izenstark: Non-Union Electric revenue in Q2 was $166.9 million, an increase of 11% year over year. Base revenues in the Non-Union Electric was $157.1 million in the quarter, which is a 15% increase from last year. This growth reflects the significant expansion we've seen in MSA activity, building on the momentum we've discussed in recent quarters. Gross profit margin in the Non-Union Electric segment was 9.1% in the current period, compared to 11% in the prior year period. Base gross profit margin was 8.4%, compared to 8.9% in the prior year. Turning to cash flow and balance sheet. Net cash provided in operating activities for Q2 was $20 million, and free cash flow was -$7 million, consistent with our expectations. For the full year, we expect free cash flow to exceed $75 million, a 25% improvement over initial expectations.

Speaker #2: Non-Union Electric revenue in the second quarter was 166.9 million. An increase of 11% year over year. Base revenues in the non-Union Electric was 157.1 million, in the quarter, which is a 15% increase from last year.

Speaker #2: This growth reflects the significant expansion we've seen in MSA activity, building on the momentum we've discussed in recent quarters. Gross profit margin in the non-Union Electric segment was 9.1% in the current period, compared to 11% in the prior-year period.

Speaker #2: And base gross profit margin was 8.4%, compared to 8.9% in the prior year. Turning to cash flow and balance sheet, net cash provided by operating activities for the second quarter was $20 million.

Speaker #2: And free cash flow was negative $7 million. Consistent with our expectations. For the full year, we expect free cash flow to exceed $75 million.

Speaker #2: A 25% improvement over initial expectations. We ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.6 times, which was down from 3.7 times a year ago.

Greg A. Izenstark: We ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.6x, which was down from 3.7x a year ago. We continue to forecast net debt to adjusted EBITDA of around two times by year-end. Finally, turning to our 2026 outlook. We have increased our full-year guidance and have included expected contributions from J.J. White. The full year guidance also includes approximately $5 million of forecasted incremental fuel expenses based on an assumption that higher fuel prices persist through Q3. As a reminder, base revenue and base gross profit are non-GAAP measures that exclude the impact of storm restoration services and the one-time breakdown related to the City of Chicago. For 2026, we expect base revenue of $3.5 to $3.7 billion and base gross profit of $270 to $290 million. Revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income are measures that include storm restoration services.

Speaker #2: We continue to forecast net debt to adjusted EBITDA of around 2x by year-end. Finally, turning to our 2026 outlook, we have increased our full-year guidance and included expected contributions from JJ White.

Speaker #2: The full-year guidance also includes approximately $5 million of forecasted incremental fuel expenses based on an assumption that higher fuel prices persist through the third quarter.

Speaker #2: As a reminder, base revenue and base gross profit are non-gas measures that exclude the impact of storm restoration services and the one-time write-down related to the city of Chicago.

Speaker #2: For 2026, we expect base revenue of $3.5 to $3.7 billion, and base gross profit of $270 to $290 million. Revenue adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income are measures that include storm restoration services.

Greg A. Izenstark: Guidance for these measures includes storm restoration services using a three-year average of $88 million in revenue and $28 million in gross profit. For 2026, we expect revenue of $3.59 to $3.79 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $285 to $310 million, and adjusted net income of $60 to $75 million. Lastly, we are reducing our CapEx outlook to a range of $60 to $75 million following the sale leaseback of select equipment early in Q3. I will now turn it back to Chris to wrap up our prepared remarks. Chris?

Speaker #2: Guidance for these measures includes storm restoration services, using a three-year average of $88 million in revenue and $28 million in gross profit.

Speaker #2: For 2026, we expect revenue of $3.59 to $3.79 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $285 to $310 million, and adjusted net income of $60 to $75 million.

Speaker #2: And lastly, we are reducing our net capex outlook to a range of $60 to $75 million. Following the sale leaseback of Select Equipment early in the third quarter.

Speaker #2: I will now turn it back to Chris to wrap up our prepared remarks. Chris?

Chris Brown: Thank you, Greg. As we wrap up today's call, I'd like to leave you with a few key thoughts. We've demonstrated our ability to capture market demand and deliver growth. Over the course of the last year, and again in H1 of this year, we have successfully identified and secured opportunities across our end markets, expanded our workforce to meet our customer demand, and continue to grow revenue backlog and the opportunity pipeline. The focus now is not on only sustaining that growth, but leveraging the scale we are building to expand margins and drive stronger profitability over time. We're very pleased with our H1 performance, and more importantly, encouraged by the trajectory of our business.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Greg. As we wrap up today's call, I'd like to leave you with a few key goals. We've demonstrated our ability to capture market demand and deliver growth.

Speaker #3: Over the course of the last year, and again in the first half of this year, we have successfully identified and secured opportunities across our end markets.

Speaker #3: Expanded our workforce to meet our customer demand. And continue to grow revenue backlog and the opportunity pipeline. The focus now is not on only sustaining that growth, but leveraging the scale we are building to expand margins and drive stronger profitability over time.

Speaker #3: We're very pleased with our first half performance, and more importantly, encouraged by the trajectory of our business. As we outlined last quarter in our Vision One Century strategy, the path to achieving margin target of 9.7 is built on three primary drivers.

Chris Brown: As we outlined last quarter in our Vision One Centuri strategy, the path to achieving our 2029 base gross profit margin target of 9.7% is built on three primary drivers: reducing the seasonality of our business, increasing the mix of higher-margin big work, and delivering operational excellence. We've already begun to see these initiatives gain traction. Our Q1 results demonstrated meaningful progress in seasonality. Our opportunity pipelines and bookings continue to support growth in big work, and we are now advancing several operational excellence initiatives that believe will bring lasting value over time. We are increasingly confident that the right tools, processes, and leadership are in place to drive sustained progress. Initiatives like our newly established PMO organization, fleet optimization efforts, working capital management, and enhanced job level performance attribution and analytics are in early stages.

Speaker #3: Reducing the seasonality of our business. Increasing the mix of higher margin bid work and deliberate operational excellence. We've already begun to see these initiatives gain traction.

Speaker #3: meaningful progress in seasonality, our opportunity pipelines and bookings continue to support growth in bid work, and we are now advancing several operational excellence initiatives that believe we'll bring lasting value over time.

Speaker #3: We are increasingly confident that the right tools processes and leadership are in place to drive sustained progress. Initiatives like our newly established PMO organization, Fleet Optimization Efforts, working capital management, and enhanced job-level performance attribution and analytics are in early stages.

Chris Brown: These initiatives represent important building blocks in creating a more efficient, scalable One Centuri model. We are investing with intention, executing against our clear strategy, and are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across the business. In short, the implementation of our margin improvement plan to deliver the 2029 targets continues in line with our expectation. As we look ahead, we remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable growth, achieve our long-term margin objectives, generate free cash flow, and create significant value for all our shareholders. We truly appreciate everyone's time today and the interest that you've shown. Operator, let's begin the Q&A.

Speaker #3: These initiatives represent important building blocks in creating a more efficient, scalable One Century model. We are investing with intention, executing against our clear strategy, and are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across the business.

Speaker #3: In short, the implementation of our margin improvement plans to deliver the 2029 targets continues in line with our expectations. As we look ahead, we remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable growth, achieve our long-term margin objectives, generate free cash flow, and create significant value for all our shareholders.

Speaker #3: We truly appreciate everyone's time today and the interest that you've shown. Operator, let's begin the Q&A.

Operator 3: We will now begin the question and answer session. Please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one to raise your hand. To withdraw your question, press star one again. We ask that you pick up your handset when asking a question to allow for optimum sound quality. If you are muted locally, please remember to unmute your device. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Your first question comes from the line of Sangita Jain with KeyBanc Capital Markets. Sangeeta, your line is now open.

Speaker #1: We will now begin the question and answer session. Please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 to raise your hand.

Speaker #1: To withdraw your question, press star 1 again. We ask that you pick up your handset when asking a question to allow for optimum sound quality.

Speaker #1: If you are muted locally, please remember to unmute your device. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Your first question comes from the line of Sangeeta Jain with KeyBank Capital Markets.

Speaker #1: Sangeeta, your line is now open.

Sangita Jain: Great. Thank you. Good morning. Can I start with the J.J. White acquisition? Maybe you can discuss what your key goals are with this acquisition and what type of synergies are you hoping to achieve?

Speaker #4: Great. Thank you. Good morning. Can I start with the JJ White acquisition and maybe you can discuss what your key goals are with this acquisition and what type of synergies are you hoping to achieve?

Chris Brown: Good morning, Sangeeta. Yep, I can cover that. First of all, we've known J.J. White as an organization for a number of years, so the cultural fit, the capability, and the relationship between our respective businesses were long established. This wasn't finding a business we did not know well. That was number one. What J.J. White brings us is more scale, more capacity to be able to deliver on growth in the Midwest and the Northeast, primarily focused on implant power data center related activities. The business has got a massive track record in developing talent within the business. It's currently 1,000 people. We believe it can flex easy to 2,000 people, it brings capacity for us. Your question on synergy. We don't see cost synergy at all in the transaction.

Speaker #3: Good morning, Sangeeta. Yep, I can cover that. First of all, we've known JJ White as an organization for a number of years, so the cultural fit, the capability, and the relationship between our respective businesses were long established.

Speaker #3: So this wasn't finding a business we did not know well. So that was number one. What JJ White brings us is more scale, more capacity to be able to deliver on growth in the Midwest and the Northeast, primarily focused on plant, power, and data center-related activities.

Speaker #3: The business has got a massive track record in developing talent within the business. It's currently 1,000 people. We believe it can flex easily to 2,000 people.

Speaker #3: So it brings capacity for us. You question on synergy. We don't see cost synergy at all in the transaction. JJ White is currently mobilizing into our overall rigs offices in the New Jersey area.

Chris Brown: J.J. White is currently localizing into our overall Riggs offices in the New Jersey area. We see the synergy coming from their operational capability combined with ours to do more work for our customers. That's where we see the synergy and the supply chain of people they have, supervisors, as well as craft, giving us more capacity in that Northeast, Midwest to deliver for customers in both data centers and energy.

Speaker #3: We see the synergy coming from their operational capability combined with ours to do more work for our customers. That's where we see the synergy.

Speaker #3: And the supply chain of people they have, supervisors, as well as craft, giving us more capacity in that Northeast-Midwest to deliver for our customers in both data centers and energy.

Sangita Jain: That's very helpful. Then maybe I can follow up for Greg. You gave us a look into H2. You said you're factoring in $5 million on higher fuel costs. Can you give us a sensitivity on how many basis points of margin that should mean for H2?

Speaker #4: And that's very helpful. And then maybe I can follow up for Greg. You gave us a look into second half. You said on higher fuel costs.

Speaker #4: Can you give us a sensitivity on how many basis points of margin that should mean for the second half?

Greg A. Izenstark: Good morning. Overall for the full year, fuel from the $7.5 million or $7 million in H1, and then the $5 million that I noted in Q2, or in Q3, excuse me, it's about 35 basis points of headwind for a full year basis.

Speaker #3: Yeah. So good morning. So overall, for the full year, fuel from the 7 and a half million dollars or 7 million dollars in the first half and then the 5 million dollars that I noted in the second quarter or in the third quarter, excuse me, it's about 35 basis points of headwind.

Speaker #3: For a full year basis.

Sangita Jain: Okay. You're assuming just for Q3, nothing for Q4 yet?

Speaker #4: Okay. And you're assuming just for third quarter, nothing for fourth quarter yet?

Greg A. Izenstark: Our assumption in our guidance assumes a $5 million headwind in Q3, and then back to some level of normalized increase year over year.

Speaker #3: We've our assumption in our guidance assumes that $5 million headwind in the third quarter and then back to some level of normalized increase year over year.

Greg A. Izenstark: Okay

Greg A. Izenstark: Our guidance in the beginning of the year did assume some not normal increase that you would expect.

Speaker #3: So our guidance in the beginning of the year did assume some normal increase that you would expect.

Sangita Jain: Got it. Thank you. Thanks for answering my questions.

Speaker #4: Got it. Thank you. Thanks for answering my questions.

Chris Brown: Thank you, Sangeeta.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Sangeeta.

Operator 3: Your next question comes from the line of Manish Somaiya with Cantor. Manish, your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Your next question comes from the line of Manish Sumaya with Cantor. Manish, your line is now open.

Manish Somaiya: Thank you. Good morning, everybody.

Speaker #5: Thank you. Good morning, everybody. Greg, I have.

Chris Brown: Hey, Manish. Good morning.

Manish Somaiya: Hi. Greg, I had a question for you on guidance. Looks like revenue is up about $300 million at the midpoint. EBITDA is up a little bit. Maybe if you can just help us understand the conversion, the EBITDA flow-through, and then I have a follow-up.

Speaker #3: Good morning.

Speaker #5: Hi. Greg, I had a question for you on guidance. Looks like revenue is up about 300 million at the midpoint. EBITDA is up a little bit.

Speaker #5: Maybe if you can just help us understand the conversion, the EBITDA flow-through. And then I have a follow-up.

Greg A. Izenstark: Maybe taking a step back, when you look at base gross profit, of the increase that we've assumed in our guidance, about two-thirds of it kind of relates to organic business, and then one-third of it kind of relates to the incremental position of J.J. White in the 5 or so months of contribution that we'll get here in the back half of the year. From an adjusted EBITDA perspective, we've assumed that same level of base gross profit along with our storm activity. Obviously, you have the previously discussed kind of headwind from moving to a 50/50 split on leasing, which we're on target with, and have revised or finalized the sale and leaseback of our existing fleet. Any future purchasing will be along those lines. The combination of all of that gets you to adjusted EBITDA about 8.1% at the midpoint.

Speaker #3: Yeah. So maybe taking a step back, when you look at base gross profit, of the increase that we've assumed in our guidance, about two-thirds of it kind of relates to organic business.

Speaker #3: And then one-third of it kind of relates to the incremental acquisition of JJ White and the five or so months of contribution that we'll get here in the back half of the year.

Speaker #3: From an adjusted EBITDA perspective, we've assumed that same level of base gross profit along with our storm activity. Obviously, you have the previously discussed kind of headwind from moving to a 50/50 split on leasing, which we're on target with.

Speaker #3: And have revised or finalized the sale and leaseback of our existing fleet. So any future purchasing will be along those lines. The combination of all that gets you to adjusted EBITDA of about 8.1% at the midpoint.

Greg A. Izenstark: Greg, I think in the slides you have fleet investments at 60% operating lease and 40% CapEx vis-a-vis the 50/50 split that we have talked about. I guess, what is the incremental impact to EBITDA of that sort of 10 percentage point increase in operating lease this year?

Speaker #5: And Greg, I think in the slides you have fleet investments at 60% operating lease and 40% capex, versus the 50/50 split that we have talked about.

Speaker #5: So, I guess, what is the incremental impact to EBITDA of that sort of 10-percentage-point increase in operating lease this year?

Greg A. Izenstark: The full year impact of our leasing is about a half a percentage point, or is about 55 basis points, excuse me.

Speaker #3: So the full-year impact of our leasing is about a half a percentage point or is about 55 basis points, excuse me.

Manish Somaiya: On margin?

Speaker #5: On margin?

Greg A. Izenstark: On margin, on EBITDA margin. 55 basis points on EBITDA margin.

Speaker #3: On margin. On EBITDA margin, 55 basis points on EBITDA margin.

Greg A. Izenstark: Okay. Wonderful. I'll get back in queue. I'll respect the instructions.

Speaker #5: Okay. Wonderful. I'll get back in queue. I'll respect the instructions. Thank you.

Justin Hauke: Thank you.

Chris Brown: Thank you, Nish.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Manish.

Operator 3: Your next question comes from the line of Justin Hauke with Robert W. Baird. Justin, your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Your next question comes from Justin Hauck with Robert W. Baird. Justin, your line is now open.

Chris Brown: Hello, Justin. How are you?

Speaker #6: Hello, I'm Justin.

Justin Hauke: Hi. Good morning. I've got two questions here. I guess the first one, this one's really easy. I've got a question on the guidance. The first question is just the J.J. White acquisition. I think you said $315 million of backlog and a $2.8 billion pipeline increase. Is that pipeline increase already in the $16 billion number that you gave?

Speaker #3: How are you?

Speaker #6: Hi. Good morning. So I've got two questions here. I'll start. I guess the first one, this one's really easy, and then I've got a question on the guidance.

Speaker #6: But the first question is just the JJ White acquisition. I think you said 315 million of backlog and a 2.8 billion dollar pipeline increase.

Speaker #6: Is that pipeline increase already in the $16 billion number that you gave, or is that something that...

Chris Brown: No.

Justin Hauke: Is that something Okay.

Chris Brown: Justin, it's not. We didn't close on J.J. White until, I think, the third week in July, so it's excluded from the numbers. It will be out of Sydney.

Speaker #3: No.

Speaker #6: Okay.

Speaker #3: Just that it's not. We didn't close on JJ White till, I think, the third week in July, so it's excluded from the numbers. So, it will be additive, mate.

Justin Hauke: Okay. All right. I figured that. I just didn't know, given that that's a pipeline number backlog.

Speaker #6: Okay. All right. I figured that. I just didn't know given that that's a pipeline number. Backlog.

Chris Brown: As Greg just said, the only element you'll see of J.J. White within our release is to guidance, where 1/3 of the guidance increase came from J.J. White for that 5-month period. That's the only thing I would stress.

Speaker #3: But does Greg just say the only element you'll see of JJ White within our release is the guidance, where one-third of the guidance increase came from JJ White for that five-month period?

Speaker #3: That's the only thing I would stress.

Justin Hauke: Well, that leads to my second question, because I guess this is what I kind of want to understand a little bit better because the organic, as you just discussed, the revenue is $200 million higher. You've got another $100 million from J.J. White. You raised the EBITDA guidance by $5 million. You pick up $9 million or so from the 5 months that you have J.J. White, and you offset that with the $5 million headwind from the higher fuel cost. That basically, I guess I would look at that and say that it implies organically that there's no incremental margin on any of that acquired revenue.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Well, and that leads to my second question because I guess this is what I kind of want to understand a little bit better because the organic as you just discussed, the revenue is 200 million dollars higher.

Speaker #6: You've got another 100 from JJ White. You raised the EBITDA guidance by 5. You pick up 9 or so from the five months that you have JJ White, and you offset that with the 5 million dollar headwind from the higher fuel cost.

Speaker #6: So that basically just I guess I would look at that and say that it implies organically that there's no incremental margin on any of that acquired revenue.

Justin Hauke: I just want to understand that dynamic and also just the confidence in the H2 base gross profit margin outlook, which is roughly 9% versus just under 8% that you did here in Q2. I know there's seasonality, but just, I guess, help me understand some of those moving pieces a little bit better.

Speaker #6: And so I guess I just want to understand that dynamic and also just the confidence in the second half base gross profit margin outlook, which is roughly 9% versus just under 8 that you did here in Q2.

Speaker #6: I know there's seasonality, but just I guess help me understand some of those moving pieces a little bit better. Let me talk about second half and then Greg can come to the overall guidance just to help you map the numbers.

Chris Brown: Let me talk about H2, then Greg can come to the overall guidance just to help you map the numbers. We feel H2 of the year very strongly about the volume of work and also about the 9% quoted margin. We've got total visibility on pretty much everything that we need to deliver this year is under contracts. I think there's a slide within the deck that shows that to everybody. We've added the capacity we needed to add in U.S. Gas. I think everybody has studied my speaker notes, but everyone will recall, we have a massive drain on margins in our Q1, even going into April. Adding more volume into the U.S. Gas business needed people to win work, put it into the backlog, which we did. You've then got to mobilize people, and we've added 1,200 in the quarter.

Speaker #6: We feel second half of the year very strongly about the volume of work and also about the 9% quoted margin. We've got total visibility of pretty much everything that we need to deliver this year is under contracts.

Speaker #6: I think there's a slide within the deck that shows that to everybody. We've added the capacity we needed to add in gas. I think everybody has said in my speaker notes, but everybody will recall, we have a massive drain on margins in our first quarter even going into April.

Speaker #6: So, adding more volume into the gas business needed people to win work and put it into the backlog, which we did. You've then got to mobilize people, and we've added 1,200 in the quarter.

Chris Brown: Those boys and girls will stay within the headcount because we've now reached where we have to be on capacity standpoint. We can't run the business just on a quarterly basis. The business is just not linear like that because of the seasonality as well as the portfolio mix. What's the point? The point is we added the capacity we needed in Q2. We've got full visibility of where we're going to be for the H2 of this year. We're really confident in the 9% margins as quoted, and our intent now is to drive very strongly to the end of the year. If you look even into 2027, which I know we're not into 2027 yet, we've already built up the backlog for next year, which is really important when it comes to seasonality.

Speaker #6: Those boys and girls will stay within the headcount because we've now reached where we have to be on capacity standpoint. So as we don't just look like you can't run the business on a just on a quarterly on a quarterly basis.

Speaker #6: The business is not there yet; it's just not linear like that because of the seasonality, as well as the portfolio mix. So, what's the point?

Speaker #6: The point is we added the capacity we needed in the second quarter. We've got full visibility of where we're going to be for the second half of this year.

Speaker #6: We're really confident in the 9% margins as quoted. And our intent now is to drive very strongly to the end of the year and then if you look even into 27, which I know we're not into 27 yet, we've already built up the backlog for next year, which is really important when it comes to seasonality.

Chris Brown: The seasonality for the Q1 next year requires us to win work now and have resources for next year. The bottom line is very confident in the H2 of the year. We've got pretty much all of the revenue under contracts. We've added the capacity we need to, particularly in the U.S. Gas business. We feel very confident that the investment in the Q1 will unwind in margins in the H2 of the year and confident within that overall 9% for the H2 of the year across the board.

Speaker #6: The seasonality for the first quarter next year requires us to win work now and have resources for next year. So the bottom line is, we're very confident in the second half of the year.

Speaker #6: We've got pretty much all of the revenue under contracts. We've added the capacity we needed to, particularly in the gas business. So, we feel very confident that the investment in the first quarter will align with margins in the second half of the year.

Speaker #6: I'm confident within that overall 9% for the second half of the year, across the board.

Greg A. Izenstark: Specific to the guidance, we talked about in our release that the annualized revenue gross profit contribution from J.J. White being $20 million-plus with margins consistent with our Union Electric business or our business as a whole. They also have a bit of G&A expense, and they're very capital light in how they operate their business, so very little depreciation within the business as they're very efficient from that perspective. Taking into consideration lower depreciation within their numbers and then some level of G&A expense, you get to an EBITDA contribution that's a little bit less than what we said on a gross profit basis. You also have to remember that our EBITDA guidance includes the fuel impact. It's about $12 million on a full year basis that we forecasted.

Speaker #4: And specific to the guidance, we talked about in our release that the annualized revenue or profit gross profit contribution from JJ White being 20 million plus.

Speaker #4: With margins consistent with our union electric business, or our business as a whole, when you think about it, they also have a bit of G&A expense and they're very capital light in how they operate their business.

Speaker #4: And so very little depreciation within the business as they're very efficient. From that perspective. And so taking into consideration lower depreciation within their numbers and then some level of G&A expense, you get to an EBITDA contribution that's a little bit less than where we what we said on the gross profit basis.

Speaker #4: You also have to remember that our EBITDA guidance includes the fuel impact it's about 12 million dollars on a full-year basis that we've forecasted.

Greg A. Izenstark: When you factor all that in, G&A expense still being in line with what we previously said, which is 4% or better on a percentage of revenue basis. The last thing I'd just point out on gross profit, gross profit margin on a full year basis is going to be in that kind of 7.8% to 8% range.

Speaker #4: When you factor all that in, and G&A expense still being in line with what we previously said—which is 4%, or better, on a percentage of revenue basis.

Speaker #4: And then the last thing I'd just point out on gross profit, I mean, gross profit margins, on a full-year basis, is going to be in that kind of 7.8 to 8% range.

Operator 3: Your next question comes from the line of Zachary Schechtman with Wells Fargo. Zachary, your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Your next question comes in the line of Zachary Shechtman with Wells Fargo. Zachary, your line is now open.

Zachary Schechtman: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. I was wondering if you could give a little more color on that 9% for H2, Q3 versus Q4. You mentioned the fuel headwind and U.S. Gas labor ramp delivers a meaningful impact. Just wondering if Q3 still hits around that mark, or we're expecting to see a sizable step-up in Q4.

Speaker #5: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. I was wondering if you could give a little more color on that 9% for the second half—Q3 versus Q4.

Speaker #5: You mentioned the fuel headwind and US gas labor ramps. Delivers a meaningful impact. So just wondering if 3Q still hits around that mark or we're expecting to see a sizable step up in 4Q?

Chris Brown: Zach, I apologize. The line was particularly bad. Were you asking us about Q3 over Q4 margins in U.S. Gas? Was that your question?

Speaker #6: Zach, I apologize—the line was particularly bad. Were you asking us about Q3 over Q4 margins in Gas? Was that your question?

Zachary Schechtman: Yes, that's correct. Just total base gross margin.

Speaker #5: Yes, that's correct. And just total base gross margin.

Greg A. Izenstark: I think we said in our prepared remarks that the back half of the year for U.S. Gas, we expect to have gross margins in the 7.5% range. From a total basis perspective, gross margin in H2 is going to be about 9%.

Speaker #6: So I think we said in our prepared remarks that the back half of the year for US gas we expect to have gross margins in the 7.5% range.

Speaker #6: And from a total basis perspective, gross margin in the second half of the year is going to be about 9%.

Zachary Schechtman: Got it. We should expect a sizable increase from Q3 to Q4 due to the headwinds you mentioned previously?

Speaker #5: Got it. And we should expect a sizable increase from 3Q to 4Q due to the headwinds you mentioned previously?

Greg A. Izenstark: The Q3 generally is the most active quarter that we have, just given weather throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Q4, while comparable to that, you obviously get weather and holidays in the back half that could impact productivity. Generally speaking, the Q3 is our strongest period.

Speaker #6: I mean, the third quarter generally is the most active quarter that we have, just given weather throughout the United States and Canada. And the fourth quarter, while comparable to that, you obviously get weather and holidays in the back half that could impact productivity. But generally speaking, the third quarter is our strongest period.

Zachary Schechtman: Got it, understood. Just as a follow-up, I see really nice growth acceleration in bid work last couple of quarters. Could you just talk about how gross margins have been trending in that work? How they have been trending versus expectation, and how it compares to MSA at this point?

Speaker #5: Got it. Understood. And just as a follow-up, I see really nice growth acceleration in bid work. Last couple of quarters. Can you just talk about how gross margins have been trending in that work?

Speaker #5: How they've been trending versus expectations, and how that compares to MSA at this point?

Chris Brown: Yeah. Zach, I think we laid out previously our desire to grow the business and the bid mix moving from 80% MSA, 20% bid work to probably long-term 65, 35, give or take. We are tracking bid margins as we are tracking now more closely as delivered margins. Bid work is between 1.1% or 1.5% higher than the MSA margin.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Zach, we laid out previously our desire to grow the business and the bid mix moving from 80% MSA 20% bid work to probably long-term 65, 35, give or take.

Speaker #6: We see we are tracking bid margins now more closely, as delivered margins, and bid work is between 1.1% and 1.5% higher than the MSA margin.

Zachary Schechtman: Got it. Thank you, guys.

Speaker #5: Got it. Thank you, guys.

Operator 3: Your next question comes from the line of Avi Jaroslawicz with UBS. Avi, your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Your next question. Comes from the line of Avi, Yaroslavic. With UBS. Avi, your line is now open.

Avi Jaroslawicz: Thank you. Hi, good morning, guys. I believe you already answered this. Just want to make sure. The $16 billion opportunity pipeline that you noted, that does not include J.J. White, is that correct?

Speaker #3: Thank you. Hi, good morning, guys. I believe you already answered this, but I just want to make sure: the $16 billion opportunity pipeline that you noted, that does not include JJ White.

Speaker #3: Is that correct?

Chris Brown: I can confirm that's the case, Avi. The $16.2 billion, to be precise, excludes any J.J. White pipeline of opportunity, as does the backlog of $6.4-plus million we quoted. It absolutely excludes.

Speaker #6: I can confirm that's the case, Avi. The $16.2 billion, to be precise, excludes any JJ White pipeline of opportunity, as does the backlog of $6.4-plus million we've quoted.

Speaker #6: It's absolutely excludes.

Avi Jaroslawicz: Okay. Got it. The opportunity pipeline of about $3 billion, the mix of bid work in there is up about 5 percentage points. The number of bid opportunities that you called out is about the same as last Q. Should we take that to mean that you're looking at meaningfully larger bid opportunities than previously? Is that just reading into it too much?

Speaker #3: Okay, got it. So the opportunity pipeline of about $3 billion, the mix of bid work in there is about 5 percentage points. But the number of bid opportunities that you called out is about the same as last quarter.

Speaker #3: So, should we take that to mean that you're looking at meaningfully larger bid opportunities than previously, or is that just reading into it too much?

Chris Brown: Avi, it's the same conversation on the margin as it is with the pipeline. You can't look at it. It's not Swiss watchmaking. We can't look at it on a quarter-by-quarter basis. We look at absolute data over a longer time horizon. What I will tell you is, at the end of last year, 31 December, we had $13 billion in the pipeline. There's now $16.2 billion. A six-month time horizon is a fair, in my view, direction of travel for a number of things, both pipeline as well as margins. If you look at the mix of work over the same timeline, we've gone from $6.7 billion of the $13 billion at the end of December was project work and $6.5 billion was MSA work.

Speaker #6: Avi, you can't and it's the same conversation on the margin as it is with the pipeline. You can't look at it. It's not Swiss watchmaking.

Speaker #6: We can't look at it on a quarter-by-quarter basis, so we look at absolute data over a longer time horizon. So what I will tell you is, at the end of last year, December 31st, we had $13 billion in the pipeline.

Speaker #6: There's now $16.2 billion. A six-month time horizon is a fair, in my view, direction of travel for a number of things, including pipeline as well as margins.

Speaker #6: If you look at the mix of work over the same timeline, we've gone from 6.7 billion of the 13 billion at the end of December was project work and 6.5 billion was MSA work.

Chris Brown: At the end of June, so the quarter we've just closed, the project work is $9.664, to be precise, and $6.56 is the MSA work. We've seen just nearly a 50% increase in the bid work, which is totally consistent with the strategy we laid out in February. I will tell you the average size of the scope of work within that project has only moved up by a couple of million dollars. We're not deviating from doing the services and the projects that we've always done. There's a 2 million increase from the average contract size within the pipeline at the end of the year to where we are at the end of June. It's not materially different. The amount of work, that is bid work, has gone up by 46.5% or so, to be precise.

Speaker #6: At the end of June, at the end of June, so the quarter we've just closed, the project work is 9.664 to be precise, and 6.56 is the MSA work.

Speaker #6: So we've seen just nearly a 50% increase in the bid work, which is totally consistent with the strategy we laid out in February. I will tell you the average size of the scope of work within that project has only moved up by a couple of million dollars.

Speaker #6: So, we're not deviating from doing the services and the projects that we've always done. There's a $2 million increase from the average contract size within the pipeline at the end of the year to where we are at the end of June.

Speaker #6: So it's not materially different. But the amount of work that is bid work has gone up by 46.5 or so percent to be precise.

Avi Jaroslawicz: Okay. Appreciate that. Yeah, understand that we're talking in approximate terms with the exact number of opportunities in there. Want to ask also about the slide note that you're evaluating opportunities to expand geographically and with electric transmission capabilities. Do you see those more as organic growth opportunities, or would they more likely to be through acquisitions?

Speaker #3: Okay. Appreciate that. And yeah, I understand that we're talking an approximate terms with the exact number of opportunities in there. I want to ask also about slides note that you're evaluating opportunities to expand geographically and with electric transmission capabilities.

Speaker #3: Do you see those more as organic growth opportunities, or would they more likely be through acquisitions?

Chris Brown: I think you've got to decouple sort of two things there. The primary basis of our business is organic growth, and we've got the capability to do transmission work. We announced two awards in the quarter, one for Canada, and one for the Northeast. We've doubled in the sales pipeline. We have doubled the amount of electric transmission opportunities from the December to where we are in June. There is an absolute desire, as we communicated in February as part of our strategy, to drive organic growth into our transmission business across both union and non-union. We're doing that. We're seeing that in the pipeline. We're also seeing that in the recent awards. Your second question around M&A. I will stick to what I think we said in February and what I've been saying for a year. We've got a very good platform to grow our business.

Speaker #6: I think you've got to decouple sort of two things there. The primary basis of our business is organic growth, and we've got the capability to do transmission work.

Speaker #6: We announced two awards in the quarter, one for Canada, which is, and one for the Northeast. We've doubled in the sales pipeline we have doubled the amount of transmission electric transmission opportunities from the December to where we are in June.

Speaker #6: So, there is an absolute desire, as we communicated in February as part of our strategy, to drive organic growth into our transmission business across both union and non-union.

Speaker #6: And we're doing that. We're seeing that in the pipeline. We're also seeing that in the recent awards. The second question around M&A—I'll stick to what I think we said in February and what I've been saying for a year.

Speaker #6: We've got a very, very good platform to grow our business. We've got some evolution to do as we bring us together as one strategy, as one company, as one vision, mission, and values to deliver the sustainable growth.

Chris Brown: We've got some evolution to do as we bring us together as one strategy, as one company, as one vision, mission, and values to deliver the sustainable growth. There are areas in the business where we would like to acquire. We've essentially done two token acquisitions in my tenure here. One was Connects in Atlantic Canada, which was electrical transmission, distribution substation. The recent acquisition for Union in the Northeast was electrical Union to support the overall data center and utility clients. As I said when we rolled out the strategy, I would anticipate as time moves on, if we see businesses that look similar in size, similar in quality, that we can pay the right price for, that complements our electrical business, especially our electric transmission, we would love to do those. That's how I answer the question.

Speaker #6: But there are areas in the business where we would like to acquire. We've essentially done two token acquisitions in my tenure here. One was Connect in the Northern Atlantic, Canada, which was electrical transmission distribution, substation.

Speaker #6: And the recent acquisition for Union in the Northeast was an electrical union to support the overall data center and utility clients. As I said when we rolled out the strategy, our anticipation as time moves on is that, if we see businesses that look similar in size, similar in quality, that we can buy at the right price, and that complement our electrical business—especially our electric transmission—we would love to do those.

Speaker #6: So that's how I'd answer the question.

Avi Jaroslawicz: All right. Appreciate it. Thank you very much.

Speaker #3: All right. Appreciate it. Thank you very much.

Operator 3: Our last question comes from the line of Manish Somaiya with Cantor. Manish, your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Our last question comes from the line of Manish Somaya with Cantor. Manish, your line is now open.

Manish Somaiya: Thank you so much. Greg, I have one other question for you, and then I'll move on to Chris. Greg, if you could just kind of help us summarize all the puts and takes on the positive impact and the negative impact. I know we've talked about a lot of different numbers, and it's just been really hard to kind of make sure that I have what I need. And I'm sure there are folks on the call who probably feel the same way. Obviously, the revenue uptake is positive, which is, I think, Chris, you've talked about things are happening. We're just trying to get a better sense as to puts and takes on some of the things that we've already talked about.

Speaker #2: Thank you so much. Greg, I have one other question for you, and then I'll move on to Chris. Greg, if you can just kind of help us summarize all the puts and takes on the positive impact and the negative impact? I know we have talked about a lot of different numbers, and it's just been really hard to make sure that I have what I need.

Speaker #2: And I'm sure there are folks on the call who probably feel the same way. Obviously, the revenue uptake is positive, which is, I think, Chris, you've talked about. Things are happening, but we're just trying to get a better sense as to the puts and takes on some of the things that we've already talked about.

Manish Somaiya: maybe, Greg, if you can just help us figure out what the different line items are, just so that we have a better feel for how we should be looking at the numbers. Then, Chris, I did have one other question for you.

Speaker #2: So maybe, Greg, if you can just help us figure out what the different line items are, just so that we have a better feel for how we should be looking at the numbers.

Speaker #2: And then Chris, I did have one other question for you.

Chris Brown: Yeah. When Greg just answers your question, I will just sort of wrap up a little bit on the margin commentary because it does get lost because it's complicated business. I would just like to summarize where we are and how we look at this so the audience can understand it. Let Greg answer your question, then I'll just add something towards the back end of that.

Speaker #6: Yeah. When Greg just answers your question, I'll just sort of wrap up a little bit on the margin commentary. Because it does get lost, because it's complicated business.

Speaker #6: I would just like to summarize where we are and how we look at this, so the audience can understand it. So let's, Greg, answer your question.

Speaker #6: Then I'll just add something to the back end of that.

Greg A. Izenstark: Yeah. maybe let me focus on kind of full year gross margin, base gross margins, because that's ultimately one of the key drivers for the management team. When you think about a base gross profit margin, there's the contribution of a J.J. White, which is about a third of the gross profit increase in the margin in the base guide that we discussed. You have fuel costs, which between what's already occurred in H1 and what we had forecasted for H2, is about $12 million of a full year impact. Then you have the ramp-up costs, which were already incurred in this H1. They're already in our full year numbers. Obviously, that's about $3 million.

Speaker #5: Yeah. And maybe let me focus on kind of full-year gross margin, base gross margins, because that's ultimately one of the key drivers for the management team.

Speaker #5: So, when you think about gross base gross profit margin, there's the contribution of a JJ White, which is about a third of the gross profit increase in the margin in the base guide that we discussed.

Speaker #5: You have fuel costs, which between what's already occurred in the first half of the year and what we've forecasted for the second half of the year, is about $12 million of a full-year impact.

Speaker #5: And then you have the ramp-up costs, which were already incurred in this first half of the year. They're already in our full-year numbers. Obviously, that's about $3 million.

Greg A. Izenstark: overall gross margins are adjusted for fuel, are about 8.1% on a base versus the guide of 7.8, that obviously doesn't add back the fuel.

Speaker #5: So overall, gross margins are adjusted for fuel are about 8.1% on a base. Versus the guide of 7.8, but that obviously doesn't add back the fuel.

Speaker #5: So Manish, one thing I

Chris Brown: Manish, one thing I would talk specifically about on the margins. We got a reported margin, then we've got the impact of the City of Chicago, which was pre-IPO and not even operationally we're involved in it. It was just something that was on the balance sheet. We've then got the fuel cost, then the Q2 capacity increase. If you look at year to date, where we are on the margins and how we track it, our overall group margins, 2025 was 6.2%, and we're now at 6.3%. All that is doing is just excluding the City of Chicago one-time event. If you look on a trailing 12 months basis, last year we were at 7.4%, this year we're at 7.8%. The reason I look at the year to date and the trailing 12 months is not an excuse, it's just our business at the moment is not linear.

Speaker #3: would talk specifically about on the margins. We got a reported margin and we've got the impact of the Chicago, which was pre-APU or not even operationally we're involved in it.

Speaker #3: It was just something that was on the balance sheet. We've then got the fuel cost and then the Q2 capacity increase. If you look at year to date, where we are on the margins and how we track it, our overall group margins—25 to 6.2%—and we're now at 6.3%.

Speaker #3: All that is doing is just excluding the Chicago one-time event. So, if you look on a trailing 12-month basis, last year we were at 7.4%.

Speaker #3: This year we're at 7.8%. And the reason I look at the year-to-date and the trailing 12 months is not an excuse. It's just how business at the moment is not linear.

Chris Brown: We don't have 12 consecutive quarters that all look the same, mainly due to seasonality, the portfolio mix, and the type of work. We see our underlying margins, if you just take out one thing, which is the City of Chicago, and you keep in there the fuel costs and the mobilization for capacity in Q2, on a year to date are from 6.2% to 6.3%, and then on trailing 12, 7.4% to 7.8%. I think that's just getting lost a little bit because of the complexities of reporting. I would say if you look at the gas margins where most of the seasonality is, year to date last year, we were at 2.2% gross profit. This year, we're at 2.9%.

Speaker #3: We don't have 12 consecutive quarters that all look the same. Mainly due to seasonality, the portfolio mix, and the type of work. So we see our underlying margins, if you just take out one thing, which is the city of Chicago, and you keep in there the fuel costs and the mobilization for capacity in the second quarter, on a year to date are up 6.2 to from 6.2 to 6.3.

Speaker #3: And then on a trillion 12, 7.4 to 7.8. I think that's just getting lost a little bit because of the complexities of reporting. And I would say if you look at the gas if you look at the gas margins where most of the seasonality is, year to date last year we were at 2.2% gross profit.

Speaker #3: This year we're at 2.9%. And on a trillion 12 months, we're well over 1, 1 and a half percent more than we were a year ago.

Chris Brown: On a trailing 12 months, we're well over 1.5% more than we were a year ago. Everything's moving in the right direction from a margin standpoint, Manish.

Speaker #3: So everything's moving in the right direction from the margin standpoint, Manish.

Manish Somaiya: Okay. That's super helpful, Chris. Just kind of going back to our last meeting in June, Chris, we talked about maybe $3.5 billion or so of 2027 work that you expected to book by the end of 2026. 15% plus backlog increase. If you can just give us a quick update on where that stands today, both excluding and including J.J. White.

Speaker #2: Okay. That's super helpful, Chris. And just kind of going back to our last meeting in June, Chris, we talked about maybe three and a half billion or so of 27 work that you expected to book by the end of '26.

Speaker #2: And 50% plus backlog increase. If you can just give us a quick update on where that stands today, both excluding and including JJ White.

Chris Brown: I can. We deliberately added a slide for readers, I think it's slide 12, Greg, correct me, that basically addresses that very point, Manish. As you quite rightly said, 2025, we had $3 billion of coverage coming into 2026. We are round about where we sit now with about $3.6 billion. We're up 20% in terms of expected coverage when we close out 2026 for 2027 revenue. That trajectory has continued. You'll recall the end of 2024, we only had $2 billion going into 2025 budget, 12 months. 2025, as I said, we had $3 billion. You'll see on slide 12, we're at $3.6 billion is where we forecast. That excludes J.J. White.

Speaker #3: I can. I can. We deliberately added a slide for readers—I think it's slide 12, but Greg may correct me—that basically addresses that very point, Manish.

Speaker #3: So as you quite rightly said, 2025, we had 3 billion of coverage coming into '26. We are round about where we sit now with about 3.6 billion.

Speaker #3: So we're up 20% in terms of expected coverage when we close out 2026 for 2027 revenue. So that trajectory has continued, and you'll recall the other '24, we only had $2 billion.

Speaker #3: Going into the '25 budget—12 months, '25, as I said, we had $3 billion. And you'll see on slide 12, we're at $3.6 billion, which is where we forecast.

Speaker #3: And that excludes JJ White. What I will tell you on JJ White is they have a similar level of coverage for both '26, and we are currently validating their coverage for '27.

Chris Brown: What I will tell you on J.J. White, they have a similar level of coverage for both 2026, and we are currently validating their coverage for 2027. I suspect that the J.J. White coverage for next year will look very comparable to what we have within Centuri. I think the guidance that we show in slide 12, where we have $3.6 billion excluding J.J. White, is very accurate and will drive the 20% more coverage going into next year. I think J.J. White will be of a similar mix.

Speaker #3: But I suspect that the JJ White coverage for next year will look very comparable to what we have within Century. So I think the guidance that we show in slide 12 where we have 3.6 billion excluding JJ White is very accurate.

Speaker #3: And we'll draft the 20% more coverage going into next year. And I think JJ White will be of a similar mix.

Manish Somaiya: Okay, great. Thank you, Chris.

Speaker #2: Okay. Great. Thank you. Chris.

Operator 3: We have reached the end of the Q&A session. I will now turn the call back to Nathan for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: We have reached the end of the Q&A session. I will now turn the call back to Nathan for closing remarks.

Nathan Tetlow: Thank you everyone for your questions and for participating in today's call. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have further questions, that concludes today's call.

Speaker #4: Thank you, everyone, for your questions and for participating in today's call. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have further questions.

Speaker #4: And that concludes today's call.

Operator 3: This concludes today's call. Thank you for attending. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 Centuri Holdings Inc Earnings Call

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