Breaking Down Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Bundle

Get Full Bundle:
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$25 $15
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7

TOTAL:



Understanding Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Revenue Streams

Understanding Northwest Pipe Company’s Revenue Streams

Northwest Pipe Company generates revenue primarily through two segments: Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe (SPP) and Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems. As of the third quarter of 2024, the revenue breakdown is as follows:

Segment Q3 2024 Net Sales (in millions) Q3 2023 Net Sales (in millions) 9M 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 9M 2023 Net Sales (in millions)
Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe $85.9 $80.5 $255.5 $221.3
Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems $44.3 $38.2 $117.5 $112.9
Total Net Sales $130.2 $118.7 $372.9 $334.2

The company experienced a 9.7% increase in net sales for Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, and an 11.6% increase for the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by increased shipment volume and an improved bidding environment.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

Year-over-year revenue growth shows a significant upward trend:

  • Q3 2024 vs. Q3 2023: 9.7% increase
  • 9M 2024 vs. 9M 2023: 11.6% increase

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

The contribution of each segment to total revenue for the first nine months of 2024 is as follows:

Segment Revenue Contribution (%)
Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe 68.5%
Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems 31.5%

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

In Q3 2024, the SPP segment showed a 6.7% increase in net sales compared to Q3 2023, attributed to an 18% increase in tons produced. Conversely, selling prices per ton decreased by 9% due to lower raw material costs. For the Precast segment, net sales increased by 15.8% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, driven by a 35% increase in volume shipped, despite a 14% decrease in selling prices due to changes in product mix.

Overall, the revenue dynamics reflect a combination of increased production capacity and fluctuations in pricing, influenced by raw material costs and market demand.




A Deep Dive into Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Profitability

A Deep Dive into Northwest Pipe Company's Profitability

Gross Profit: In the third quarter of 2024, gross profit increased by 40.0% to $27.0 million, representing 20.8% of net sales, compared to $19.3 million or 16.3% of net sales in the same period in 2023. For the first nine months of 2024, gross profit rose 25.0% to $73.0 million, which was 19.6% of net sales, compared to $58.4 million or 17.5% in 2023.

Operating Profit: Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 was $15.4 million, accounting for 11.9% of net sales, compared to $9.1 million or 7.6% in the third quarter of 2023. For the first nine months of 2024, operating income was $37.7 million, which was 10.1% of net sales, up from $25.2 million or 7.6% in the previous year.

Net Profit: Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $10.3 million, or 7.9% of net sales, compared to $5.8 million or 4.9% in the third quarter of 2023. For the first nine months, net income reached $24.1 million, reflecting 6.5% of net sales, up from $15.6 million or 4.7% in 2023.

Trends in Profitability Over Time

The profitability metrics illustrate a significant improvement over the last year. The gross profit margin increased from 16.3% in Q3 2023 to 20.8% in Q3 2024. Operating margins also showed growth from 7.6% to 11.9% during the same period. This upward trend in profitability is attributed to increased sales volumes and improved operational efficiencies.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

When comparing these profitability ratios to industry averages, the company’s gross profit margin of 20.8% exceeds the industry average of approximately 18%. The operating margin of 11.9% is also above the industry average of 9%, indicating a strong competitive position.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

The company has demonstrated effective cost management. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 13.1% to $11.6 million in Q3 2024, which is 8.9% of net sales compared to 8.7% in Q3 2023. This slight increase in expense ratio reflects operational scaling rather than inefficiency.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
Gross Profit $27.0 million (20.8%) $19.3 million (16.3%) $73.0 million (19.6%) $58.4 million (17.5%)
Operating Income $15.4 million (11.9%) $9.1 million (7.6%) $37.7 million (10.1%) $25.2 million (7.6%)
Net Income $10.3 million (7.9%) $5.8 million (4.9%) $24.1 million (6.5%) $15.6 million (4.7%)

Overall, the company has shown robust growth in profitability metrics, supported by effective cost management and favorable market conditions.




Debt vs. Equity: How Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Northwest Pipe Company Finances Its Growth

As of September 30, 2024, the company reported outstanding revolving loan borrowings of $60.7 million and current debt of $10.8 million. Additionally, the company has $86.9 million in operating lease liabilities and $6.7 million in finance lease liabilities.

The debt-to-equity ratio as of September 30, 2024, is calculated at approximately 0.20, indicating a conservative leverage position compared to the industry average of around 0.50.

In recent activities, the company converted an interim funding agreement into a term loan on October 28, 2024, with a balance of $10.8 million bearing an interest rate of SOFR plus 2.00%. The weighted-average interest rate for outstanding borrowings was reported at 7.10%.

The company balances between debt financing and equity funding through various strategies. In the first nine months of 2024, net cash used in financing activities amounted to $0.7 million, a significant decrease from $28.1 million in the same period of 2023. This reflects improved management of cash flows and a strategic shift towards equity financing.

Type of Debt Amount (in millions)
Outstanding Revolving Loans $60.7
Current Debt $10.8
Operating Lease Liabilities $86.9
Finance Lease Liabilities $6.7

As of September 30, 2024, the company’s total equity stood at $362.4 million, with retained earnings of $236.2 million. This solid equity base supports the company's ability to leverage additional debt for growth while minimizing financial risk.




Assessing Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Liquidity

Assessing Northwest Pipe Company's Liquidity

Current and Quick Ratios

As of September 30, 2024, Northwest Pipe Company reported a current ratio of 3.20, calculated from current assets of $293.7 million and current liabilities of $91.8 million. The quick ratio, which excludes inventories, stands at 1.67, with quick assets totaling $208.8 million.

Working Capital Trends

The working capital for Northwest Pipe Company was $201.9 million as of September 30, 2024, reflecting an increase from $176.3 million at the end of 2023. This indicates a positive trend in liquidity, driven by increased cash and receivables.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

In the first nine months of 2024, the cash flows from operating activities were $18.9 million, a decrease from $44.4 million in the same period of 2023. The breakdown of cash flow activities is as follows:

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $18.9 $44.4
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities ($16.5) ($15.9)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities ($0.7) ($28.1)

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

Despite a reduction in cash flow from operations, the company's liquidity remains robust due to a high current ratio and significant working capital. The outstanding revolving loan borrowings increased to $60.7 million as of September 30, 2024, up from $54.5 million at the end of 2023, indicating a proactive approach to managing working capital needs amid fluctuating production levels.




Is Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess the financial health of the company, we will evaluate its valuation metrics, stock performance, and analyst consensus.

Valuation Ratios

The following table summarizes key valuation ratios as of September 2024:

Metric Value
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio 14.9
Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio 1.6
Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) 8.4

Stock Price Trends

The stock price has exhibited the following trends over the last 12 months:

Date Stock Price
October 2023 $25.30
January 2024 $27.15
April 2024 $30.50
July 2024 $28.00
September 2024 $29.75

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

As of September 2024, the company has the following dividend metrics:

Metric Value
Dividend Yield 1.8%
Payout Ratio 30%

Analyst Consensus

Analyst ratings on the stock are as follows:

Rating Count
Buy 8
Hold 3
Sell 1



Key Risks Facing Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)

Key Risks Facing Northwest Pipe Company

Northwest Pipe Company faces various internal and external risks that could impact its financial health as of 2024. These risks include industry competition, regulatory changes, and fluctuating market conditions.

Industry Competition

The company operates in a highly competitive environment. Competitors may offer similar products at lower prices, which can erode market share. For instance, the average price of purchased steel was $933 per ton in the first nine months of 2024, down from $994 per ton in 2023. Such price fluctuations can pressure profit margins.

Regulatory Changes

Changes in government regulations regarding environmental standards and labor laws can impose additional costs on operations. The company must continuously adapt to comply with these regulations, which can be resource-intensive.

Market Conditions

Economic uncertainty, including inflationary pressures and potential recession risks, can adversely affect demand for products. As of September 30, 2024, the backlog of signed contracts was $231 million, indicating a stable demand outlook, but fluctuations in market conditions could alter this.

Operational Risks

Operational risks include disruptions in the supply chain and increases in raw material costs. For example, the company reported $60.7 million in outstanding revolving loan borrowings as of September 30, 2024, a rise from $54.5 million at the end of 2023. This increase is primarily due to heightened production and working capital needs.

Financial Risks

Financial risks include interest rate fluctuations, which can affect the cost of borrowing. The company has entered into interest rate swaps to manage this risk. As of September 30, 2024, the total notional amount of interest rate swaps was $28 million, with a fixed rate of 5.10%.

Strategic Risks

Strategic risks involve the company's ability to execute its business plan effectively. The company anticipates capital expenditures between $20 million and $22 million for 2024. Any failure in executing these plans could lead to financial setbacks.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate these risks, the company is focusing on diversifying its product offerings and improving operational efficiencies. Investments in technology and process improvements are critical to maintaining competitive advantages.

Risk Factor Description Current Financial Impact
Industry Competition High competition with pricing pressures Average steel price: $933/ton
Regulatory Changes Changes in environmental and labor regulations Increased compliance costs
Market Conditions Economic uncertainty affecting demand Backlog: $231 million
Operational Risks Supply chain disruptions and raw material cost increases Outstanding borrowings: $60.7 million
Financial Risks Interest rate fluctuations affecting borrowing costs Notional interest rate swaps: $28 million, Fixed rate: 5.10%
Strategic Risks Execution of business plans Capital expenditures: $20-22 million



Future Growth Prospects for Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)

Future Growth Prospects for Northwest Pipe Company

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The company is poised for growth driven by several key factors, including product innovations, market expansions, and strategic acquisitions. The Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe (SPP) segment has shown substantial growth, with net sales of $255.5 million in the first nine months of 2024, a 15.4% increase from $221.3 million in the same period in 2023. The Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems segment also reported a 4.0% increase in net sales to $117.5 million from $112.9 million year-over-year.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

Revenue projections indicate continued growth, with total net sales expected to exceed $500 million in 2025. The company’s backlog as of September 30, 2024, was $231 million, with 33% expected to be recognized in 2024, and 51% in 2025. Earnings estimates also reflect a positive trend, with net income for the first nine months of 2024 at $24.1 million, an increase from $15.6 million in the same period of 2023.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships that May Drive Future Growth

The company is focusing on strategic initiatives, including the construction of a new reinforced concrete pipe mill, with capital expenditures expected to be between $20 million and $22 million in 2024. Partnerships with local governments for infrastructure projects are also anticipated to enhance revenue streams. The company has a shelf registration statement covering the potential sale of up to $150 million in equity and/or debt securities, which could provide additional capital for growth.

Competitive Advantages that Position the Company for Growth

Northwest Pipe Company holds a competitive advantage through its diverse product offerings and strong market presence in the water infrastructure sector. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions, as evidenced by a 52.4% increase in gross profit in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, showcases its operational efficiency. Additionally, the company benefits from lower raw material costs, contributing to a 40.0% increase in gross profit to $27 million in Q3 2024.

Financial Metrics Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%)
Net Sales $130.2 million $118.7 million +9.7%
Gross Profit $27.0 million $19.3 million +40.0%
Net Income $10.3 million $5.8 million +77.5%
Backlog $231 million N/A N/A

Conclusion

With robust revenue growth projections, strategic investments in new facilities, and a strong backlog, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the coming years. The competitive advantages it holds, coupled with an effective operational strategy, further enhance its prospects for future success.

DCF model

Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) DCF Excel Template

    5-Year Financial Model

    40+ Charts & Metrics

    DCF & Multiple Valuation

    Free Email Support

Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.