The chart below shows how KNF performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, KNF sees a +0.13% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a -0.20% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by +0.82%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Earnings Beat Expectations: Knife River Corporation beat earnings expectations with reported EPS of $0.41, exceeding the expected $0.40.
Record Financial Performance: In 2024, Knife River achieved record results, including record full year revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin.
EBITDA Growth and Margin Expansion: Adjusted EBITDA grew by 48% over the last two years, with adjusted EBITDA margins increasing by 360 basis points, showcasing the success of the competitive Edge strategy.
Price Increase Strategies: Annual price increases of 7% for aggregates and 10% for ready mix were achieved, driven by efforts to optimize pricing and control costs.
Acquisition Investment Strategy: The company invested $131 million in six acquisitions in 2024, expecting EBITDA contributions of approximately $16 million to $20 million in 2025 from these acquisitions.
Backlog Growth Indicator: Knife River's backlog increased by 13% year-over-year to $746 million, indicating strong future revenue potential.
Major Road Construction Project: The company secured a significant $96 million road construction project in Idaho, which will utilize substantial amounts of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix.
Strong Infrastructure Market Outlook: Infrastructure spending remains robust, with nearly half of the IAG funding yet to be obligated, providing a strong market backdrop for future projects.
Acquisition Readiness: Knife River is in a strong financial position to pursue additional acquisitions, with a proven track record of successful integrations and a solid acquisition pipeline.
Organic Growth Investment: The company is investing approximately $70 million in 2025 for organic growth projects, including expansions in South Dakota and new operations in Idaho.
Energy Services Margin Resilience: Knife River's Energy Services segment is expected to remain accretive to overall adjusted EBITDA margins despite a decrease in revenue and EBITDA from the previous year.
Record Revenue Projection: The company anticipates another year of record revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2025, with projected consolidated revenue between $3 billion and $3.2 billion.
Negative
Earnings Beat, Volume Decline: Despite beating earnings expectations with an EPS of $0.41, the company faced a decline in volumes, particularly in the ready-mix product line, which saw a 9% decrease due to EDGE pricing initiatives and reduced private market demand.
Energy Services Decline: While the company achieved record revenue and EBITDA, the Energy Services segment reported a decline in revenue and EBITDA compared to the previous year, indicating potential challenges in that area.
SG&A Expense Increase: The increase in SG&A expenses by 5% was attributed to higher labor costs and third-party expenses related to the acquisition program, which could impact overall profitability if not managed effectively.
Debt Financing for Acquisition: The company plans to raise approximately $500 million in additional debt to finance the acquisition of Strata Corporation, which could increase financial leverage and risk if not managed properly.
Price Increases vs. Volume Growth: The anticipated mid-single-digit price increases for 2025 may not fully offset the low single-digit volume increases expected across product lines, indicating potential challenges in maintaining growth momentum.
Knife River Corporation (NYSE:KNF) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
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