BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue and Strategic ...

GuruFocus.com
02-25
  • Revenue: Fourth quarter revenue was $746 million, up 3% organically.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $130 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $148 million in the same quarter last year.
  • Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.92 compared to $1.01 last year.
  • Free Cash Flow: $224 million in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year free cash flow to $255 million, up 20% year over year.
  • Backlog: Ended 2024 with a backlog of $4.8 billion, up 21% year over year.
  • Government Operations Revenue: Fourth quarter revenue was $295 million, slightly down.
  • Commercial Operations Revenue: $152 million, up 23% year over year.
  • Commercial Power Revenue Growth: More than 10% growth driven by steam generator deliveries and services.
  • Medical Revenue Growth: 23% growth in 2024.
  • Adjusted Effective Tax Rate: 18.9% in the fourth quarter and 21.7% for the full year.
  • Capital Expenditures: 5.7% of sales, or $154 million in 2024.
  • 2025 Revenue Guidance: Approximately $3 billion.
  • 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: $550 million to $570 million.
  • 2025 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance: $3.40 to $3.55.
  • Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with BWXT.

Release Date: February 24, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • BWX Technologies Inc (NYSE:BWXT) reported record revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, and free cash flow for 2024, meeting or exceeding their full-year guidance.
  • The company ended 2024 with a backlog of $4.8 billion, up 21% year over year, driven by large contract awards in both operating segments.
  • BWXT is strategically investing in expanding its capabilities, including the completion of the BWXT Innovation campus and the acquisition of AOT, enhancing its special materials business line.
  • The commercial operations segment saw double-digit revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth, with strong performance in commercial power and medical markets.
  • BWXT Medical achieved a 23% revenue growth in 2024, with EBITDA turning more meaningfully positive, driven by increased sales of therapeutic isotopes and new commercial agreements.

Negative Points

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $130 million, down from $148 million in the same quarter last year, due to lower government operations and timing of corporate expense accruals.
  • The government operations segment experienced a slight revenue decline in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA margin down due to a tough comparison and shifting mix toward less mature programs.
  • BWXT faces potential tariff risks, particularly in its medical business, which could impact pricing and customer relationships.
  • The company anticipates a slight increase in its tax rate for 2025 due to a geographical earnings mix shift toward Canada, a higher tax jurisdiction.
  • There are concerns about potential delays in new programs and starts due to changes in the regulatory environment and the prospect of a full-year continuing resolution (CR) in government funding.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you offer an update on where Medical profitability was for the full year 2024 and how we should be thinking about the incremental EBITDA margins in medical from here? A: Yes. In 2023, we slightly turned positive and built upon that in 2024. The margins in the medical segment are at or slightly above the overall segment, contributing positively to both EBITDA and revenue. We expect similar growth in 2025.

Q: If GE Hitachi were to get some SMR orders from U.S. customers like Tennessee Valley Authority, would you be able to service that manufacturing work out of your facilities in Canada? A: Yes, we would be able to service that out of our Cambridge plant. The capacity expansion is designed to handle multiple projects, including reactor pressure vessels. We would fill the Canadian plant before considering expansion in the U.S.

Q: How are you thinking about tariff risk, both on the commercial nuclear side and the medical side? A: The tariff risk is concerning, especially for our medical business, as we export a significant amount to the U.S. The commercial power business is mostly self-contained in Canada, so the impact is less. We are monitoring the situation closely.

Q: How do you think about the possibility of expansion into hexafluoride conversion, whether organically or through acquisitions? A: We have the capability to do conversion and deconversion internally, but it would require additional plant capacity and a new process line. It's something we would consider standing up organically rather than acquiring.

Q: Can you provide an update on the process with the FDA regarding Tc-99 and the timeline for the 2026 contract season? A: We signed a second supply agreement with a major radiopharmaceutical chain in the U.S. We are perfecting our formulary and anticipate FDA approval this year, aiming for production contracts in 2026.

Q: What are the biggest contributors in dollars over the next five years, and how do you think about the variability around those medium-term drivers? A: In the near term, SMRs and nuclear medicine are key growth drivers. Medium-term growth will be driven by AUKUS and microreactors. Long-term, enrichment and large-scale commercial nuclear reactors will be significant contributors.

Q: Could you talk more about the BANR program and its relationship with Pele? A: BANR is a commercial derivative of Pele, designed for different power outputs. Pele is in the 1-5 megawatt class, while BANR is in the 15-20 megawatt class. Both programs share lessons and team members, and we are hopeful for positive commercial outcomes.

Q: What's the latest on the DRACO program, and are there any expected headwinds? A: The DRACO program has seen scope increases, particularly around testing, which adds new scope to our contract. This is business for us, and there are no issues currently.

Q: Can you provide details on the new Navy contract and its impact on margins? A: We don't expect a significant impact on margins from the new pricing agreement. We have been working through economic realities and are pleased with the contract, which reflects the current economic environment.

Q: How does the regulatory environment and potential full-year CR impact your operations? A: We are monitoring the situation, but our major programs are programs of record, which should mitigate the impact of a full-year CR. We have received authority to proceed on several projects, indicating business as usual.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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