NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. (NWPX) FY 2024 MD&A

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our consolidated financial condition and results of operations during the periods included herein. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II — Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 2024 Form 10‑K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Part I — Item 1A. “Risk Factors” or in other parts of this 2024 Form 10‑K. For discussion related to the results of operations and changes in financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 refer to Part II — Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in our 2023 Form 10‑K, which was filed with the SEC on March 5, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Overview

Northwest Pipe Company is a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products, and operates in two segments, Engineered Steel Pressure Pipe (SPP) and Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems (Precast). For detailed descriptions of these segments, see the “Our Segments” discussion in Part I — Item 1. “Business” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of engineered steel water pipeline systems in North America, we manufacture stormwater and wastewater technology products; high-quality precast and reinforced concrete products; pump lift stations; steel casing pipe, bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe, and one of the largest offerings of pipeline system joints, fittings, and specialized components. Strategically positioned to meet growing water and wastewater infrastructure needs, we provide solution-based products for a wide range of markets under the ParkUSA, Geneva Pipe and Precast, Permalok®, and Northwest Pipe Company lines. Our diverse team is committed to safety, quality, and innovation while demonstrating our core values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork. We are headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, and have 13 manufacturing facilities across North America.

Our water infrastructure products are sold generally to installation contractors, who include our products in their bids to federal, state, and municipal agencies, privately-owned water companies, or developers for specific projects. We believe our sales are substantially driven by spending on urban growth and new water infrastructure with a recent trend towards spending on water infrastructure replacement, repair, and upgrade. Within the total range of products, our steel pipe best addresses the larger-diameter, higher-pressure pipeline applications, while our precast concrete products mainly serve stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.

Our Current Economic Environment

Demand for our Precast products is generally influenced by general economic conditions such as housing starts, population growth, interest rates, and rates of inflation. According to the United States Census Bureau, privately-owned housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.5 million in December 2024 and December 2023, and the population of the United States is expected to increase by approximately 2 million people in 2025. While these two indicators point to a strong housing market, particularly in Texas and Utah which are two of the five fastest growing markets in the United States according to the November 2022 Bluefield Research Insight Report – U.S. & Canada Municipal Water Outlook: Utility CAPEX & OPEX Forecasts, 2022-2030 and the states in which our Precast manufacturing facilities are located, the current elevated federal funds rate could continue to temper demand for our precast products.

Our SPP projects are often planned for many years in advance, as we operate that business with a long-term time horizon for which the projects are sometimes part of 50‑year build-out plans. While we experienced a relatively modest level of project bidding in 2023, 2024 has been an improved bidding environment and long-term demand for water infrastructure projects in the United States appears strong. Additionally, while our SPP business faces possible head winds from recessionary concerns in the broader domestic economy, we currently believe it more likely a modest increase in funding will be brought on by the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act. According to the October 2024 Bluefield Research Insight Report – Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act: Tracking the Spending, Q4 2024, approximately $2 billion earmarked under the IIJA has currently been awarded to DWSRF recipients via subawards, leaving most of the $55 billion spending package available; we expect to benefit from this spending late in the cycle due to the long project timelines.

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Purchased steel typically represents approximately 33% of cost of sales, and higher steel costs generally result in higher selling prices and revenue; however, volatile fluctuations in steel markets can affect our business. SPP contracts are generally quoted on a fixed-price basis, and volatile steel markets can result in selling prices that no longer correlate to the cost available at the time of steel purchase. Our average price of purchased steel was $914 per ton in 2024, compared to $994 in 2023 and $1,174 in 2022.

Economic uncertainty, including the impacts of threatened tariffs, raw material shortages, inflationary pressures, potential risks of a recession, and disruptions in the financial markets could have an adverse effect on our business. The extent of the impact of these broader economic forces on our business will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial information regarding costs and expenses expressed in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of total net sales.

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

Net sales. Net sales increased 10.8% to $492.5 million in 2024 compared to $444.4 million in 2023.

SPP net sales increased 14.0% to $337.9 million in 2024 compared to $296.4 million in 2023 driven by a 33% increase in tons produced resulting from an improved bidding environment and changes in project timing, which was partially offset by a 14% decrease in selling price per ton due to a combination of lower raw materials costs and product mix. Bidding activity, backlog, and production levels may vary significantly from period to period, thereby affecting sales volumes.

Precast net sales increased 4.5% to $154.6 million in 2024 compared to $148.0 million in 2023 driven by a 28% increase in volume shipped, partially offset by a 15% decrease in selling prices due to changes in product mix.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 22.9% to $95.4 million (19.4% of net sales) in 2024 compared to $77.6 million (17.5% of net sales) in 2023.

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SPP gross profit increased 47.6% to $62.6 million (18.5% of SPP net sales) in 2024 compared to $42.4 million (14.3% of SPP net sales) in 2023 primarily due to increased volume and changes in product mix.

Precast gross profit decreased 6.9% to $32.8 million (21.2% of Precast net sales) in 2024 compared to $35.2 million (23.8% of Precast net sales) in 2023 primarily due to changes in product mix.

Selling, general, and administrative expense. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased 7.7% to $47.2 million (9.6% of net sales) in 2024 compared to $43.8 million (9.9% of net sales) in 2023 primarily due to $3.9 million in higher incentive compensation and $1.2 million in higher compensation-related expenses, partially offset by $0.9 million in lower professional fees.

Income taxes. Income tax expense was $8.2 million in 2024 (an effective income tax rate of 19.3%) compared to $8.2 million in 2023 (an effective income tax rate of 28.0%). The effective income tax rate for 2024 was primarily impacted by reduction in uncertain income tax positions due to a lapse in statute of limitations for the year the position originated. The effective income tax rate for 2023 was primarily impacted by non-deductible permanent differences, accrued interest on uncertain income tax positions, and state franchise tax. The effective income tax rate can change significantly depending on the relationship of permanent income tax differences to estimated pre-tax income or loss. Accordingly, the comparison of effective income tax rates between periods is not meaningful in all situations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash

Our principal sources of liquidity generally include operating cash flows and our credit agreement. From time to time our long-term capital needs may be met through the issuance of additional debt or equity. Our principal uses of liquidity generally include capital expenditures, working capital, organic growth initiatives, acquisitions, share repurchases, and debt service. Information regarding our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows contained in Part II — Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 2024 Form 10‑K and are further discussed below.

As of December 31, 2024, our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) was $187.4 million compared to $176.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.0 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Fluctuations in SPP working capital accounts result from timing differences between production, shipment, invoicing, and collection, as well as changes in levels of production and costs of materials. We typically have a relatively large investment in working capital, as we generally pay for materials, labor, and other production costs in the initial stages of a project, while payments from our customers are generally received after finished product is delivered. A portion of our revenues are recognized over time as the manufacturing process progresses; therefore, cash receipts typically occur subsequent to when revenue is recognized and the elapsed time between when revenue is recorded and when cash is received can be significant. As such, our payment cycle is a significantly shorter interval than our collection cycle, although the effect of this difference in the cycles may vary by project, and from period to period.

As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.7 million of outstanding revolving loan borrowings, $14.5 million of outstanding long-term debt, $90.7 million of operating lease liabilities, and $6.8 million of finance lease liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, we had $54.5 million of outstanding revolving loan borrowings, $10.8 million of outstanding current debt, $90.2 million of operating lease liabilities, and $7.5 million of finance lease liabilities. For future maturities of these obligations, see Notes 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II — Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our approximately $2.5 million in unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2024, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. For further information, see Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II — Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

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Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $55.1 million in 2024 compared to $53.5 million in 2023. Net income, adjusted for non-cash items, provided $54.4 million of operating cash flow in 2024 compared to $41.5 million of operating cash flow in 2023. The net change in working capital provided $0.7 million of operating cash flow in 2024 compared to $12.0 million of operating cash flow in 2023.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $20.7 million in 2024 compared to $20.4 million in 2023. Capital expenditures were $20.8 million in 2024 compared to $18.3 million in 2023, which includes $2.0 million in 2024 and $2.8 million in 2023 of investment in our new reinforced concrete pipe mill, $5.4 million in 2024 and approximately $0 in 2023 for the construction of a building at our Salt Lake City, Utah facility for the new mill, and the remainder primarily for standard capital replacement. We currently expect capital expenditures in 2025 to be approximately $18 million to $22 million, which includes approximately $2 million of investment in our new reinforced concrete pipe mill and the remainder primarily for standard capital replacement. The $2.7 million payment of the working capital adjustment for the 2021 acquisition of Park Environmental Equipment, LLC was made in the second quarter of 2023.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $33.4 million in 2024 compared to $32.7 million in 2023. Net repayments on the line of credit were $29.8 million in 2024 compared to $29.2 million in 2023. Net borrowings on other debt were $3.7 million in 2024. There were no borrowings or repayments on other debt in 2023. Repurchases of common stock were $4.4 million in 2024 compared to $0.7 million in 2023.

We anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flows expected to be generated by operations, and additional borrowing capacity under our credit agreement and other loans will be adequate to fund our working capital, debt service, capital expenditure requirements, and share repurchases for the foreseeable future. To the extent necessary, we may also satisfy capital requirements through additional bank borrowings, senior notes, term notes, subordinated debt, and finance and operating leases, if such resources are available on satisfactory terms. We have from time to time evaluated and continue to evaluate opportunities for acquisitions and expansion. Any such transactions, if consummated, may necessitate additional bank borrowings or other sources of funding.

On December 4, 2023, our shelf registration statement on Form S‑3 (Registration No. 333‑275691) covering the potential future sale of up to $150 million of our equity and/or debt securities or combinations thereof, was declared effective by the SEC. This shelf registration statement, which replaced the registration statement on Form S‑3 that expired on November 3, 2023, provides another potential source of capital, in addition to other alternatives already in place. We cannot be certain that funding will be available on favorable terms or available at all. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our shareholders may experience significant dilution. As of the date of this 2024 Form 10‑K, we have not yet sold any securities under this registration statement, nor do we have an obligation to do so. Please refer to the factors discussed in Part I — Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

On November 2, 2023, we announced our authorization of a share repurchase program of up to $30 million of our outstanding common stock. The program does not commit to any particular timing or quantity of purchases, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Under the program, shares may be purchased in open market, including through plans adopted pursuant to Rule 10b5‑1 of the Exchange Act, or in privately negotiated transactions administered by our broker, D.A. Davidson Companies. As of the date of this filing, our share repurchase transactions have only been conducted under the Rule 10b5‑1 trading plan we executed in November 2023, which we believe considered our liquidity, including availability of borrowings and covenant compliance under our credit agreement, and other capital allocation priorities of the business. Our Rule 10b5‑1 trading plan designated up to $10 million for daily share repurchases with volumes that fluctuated with changes in the trading price of our common stock. While our Rule 10b5‑1 trading plan was terminated in December 2024, we expect to consider share repurchase strategies under Rule 10b5‑1 trading plans at a future date. For a summary of shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2024, see “Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers” in Part II — Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this 2024 Form 10‑K. Please refer to the factors discussed in Part I — Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

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Credit Agreement

The Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2021 with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto, including the initial sole lender, Wells Fargo (the “Lenders”), as amended by the Incremental Amendment dated October 22, 2021, the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated April 29, 2022, and the Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2023 (together, the “Amended Credit Agreement”) provides for a revolving loan, swingline loan, and letters of credit in the aggregate amount of up to $125 million (“Revolver Commitment”), with an option for us to increase that amount by $50 million, subject to provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement will expire, and all obligations outstanding will mature, on June 29, 2028. We may prepay outstanding amounts at our discretion without penalty at any time, subject to applicable notice requirements. As of December 31, 2024 under the Amended Credit Agreement, we had $24.7 million of outstanding revolving loan borrowings, $1.6 million of outstanding letters of credit, and additional borrowing capacity of approximately $99 million.

Revolving loans under the Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at rates related to, at our option and subject to the provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement, either: (i) Base Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Finance Rate (“SOFR”) (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Margin; or (iii) Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Margin. The “Applicable Margin” is 1.75% to 2.35%, depending on our Consolidated Senior Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and the interest rate option chosen. Interest on outstanding revolving loans is payable monthly. Swingline loans under the Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted-average interest rate for outstanding borrowings was 6.68%. The Amended Credit Agreement requires the payment of a commitment fee of between 0.30% and 0.40%, based on the amount by which the Revolver Commitment exceeds the average daily balance of outstanding borrowings (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). Such fee is payable monthly in arrears. We are also obligated to pay additional fees customary for credit facilities of this size and type.

The letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2024 relate to workers’ compensation insurance and a public improvement project. Based on the nature of these arrangements and our historical experience, we do not expect to make any material payments under these arrangements.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants, events of default, and indemnification provisions in favor of the Lenders. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and indebtedness, annual capital expenditures, certain investments, acquisitions, and dispositions, and other matters, all subject to certain exceptions. The Amended Credit Agreement requires us to regularly provide financial information to Wells Fargo and to maintain a consolidated senior leverage ratio no greater than 3.00 to 1.00 (subject to certain exceptions) and a minimum consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) of at least $35 million for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended. Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, we have also agreed that we will not sell, assign, or otherwise dispose or encumber, any of our owned real property. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of the obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2024, and expect to continue to be in compliance in the near term.

Our obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a senior security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets.

Long-term Debt

On October 28, 2024, we converted the outstanding balance of the Interim Funding Agreement dated August 2, 2022 with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. (“WFEF”), as amended January 23, 2023, March 15, 2023, July 21, 2023, and November 2, 2023 into a $15 million term loan with WFEF that was used to fund our new reinforced concrete pipe mill. The term loan matures on October 28, 2029, bears interest at the SOFR Average plus 2.22%, is payable in monthly installments of $0.3 million plus accrued interest, and is secured by the pipe mill. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the term loan was $14.5 million and the weighted-average interest rate for outstanding borrowings was 6.90%. The term loan may be prepaid in full at any time provided that we pay a prepayment fee equal to 2% of the outstanding principal balance if repaid in the first 30 months of the loan.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements affecting our Company, including the dates of adoption and estimated effects on financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II — Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 2024 Form 10‑K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Management Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate all of our estimates including those related to revenue recognition, goodwill, income taxes, and litigation and other contingencies. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates affect the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

SPP revenue for water infrastructure steel pipe products is recognized over time as the manufacturing process progresses because of our right to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit on cancellations for unique products that have no alternative use to us. Revenue is measured by the costs incurred to date relative to the estimated total direct costs to fulfill each contract. Contract costs include all material, labor, and other direct costs incurred in satisfying performance obligations. The cost of steel material is recognized as a contract cost when the steel is introduced into the manufacturing process. Estimated total costs of each contract requires judgment and are reviewed on a monthly basis by project management, operations, and cost accounting personnel for all active projects. All cost revisions that result in a material change in gross profit are reviewed by senior management personnel. Judgment is required in estimating total costs which primarily include labor costs and productivity, and cost and availability of materials, and which could be influenced by inflationary trends, supplier performance, or asset utilization, amongst other factors. We use certain assumptions and develop estimates based on a number of considerations, including the degree of required product customization, our historical experience, the project plans, and an assessment of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the contract related to implementation delays or performance issues that may or may not be within our control. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract change orders, contract penalty provisions, foreign currency exchange rate movements, changes in raw materials costs, and final contract settlements may result in revisions to estimates of revenue, costs, and income, and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are estimated by comparing total estimated contract revenue to the total estimated contract costs and a loss is recognized during the period in which it becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Precast revenue for water infrastructure concrete pipe and precast concrete products is recognized at the time control is transferred to customers which is generally at the time of shipment, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for the products. All variable considerations that may affect the total transaction price, including contractual discounts, returns, and credits are included in net sales. Estimates for variable consideration are based on historical experience, anticipated performance, and management’s judgment. Our contracts do not contain significant financing.

We generally do not recognize revenue on a contract until the contract has approval and commitment from both parties, the contract rights and payment terms can be identified, the contract has commercial substance, and its collectability is probable.

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Goodwill

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that indicate goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). During the fourth quarter of 2022, we changed the date of our annual impairment test of goodwill from December 31 to November 30. The change in the impairment test date lessens resource constraints that exist in connection with our year-end close and financial reporting process and provides for additional time to complete the required impairment testing. This change did not represent a material change to our method of applying an accounting principle, and therefore does not delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge.

In testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not (more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. When performing a qualitative assessment, we evaluate factors such as industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity specific events and changes. In the evaluation, we also look at the long-term prospects for the reporting unit, which requires considerable management judgment.

If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we choose not to perform the qualitative assessment, then a quantitative assessment is performed to determine the reporting unit’s fair value. The fair value calculation uses a combination of income and market approaches. The income approach is based upon projected future after-tax cash flows discounted to present value using factors that consider the timing and risk associated with the future after-tax cash flows. The market approach is based upon historical and/or forward-looking measures using multiples of revenue or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. We utilize a weighted average of the income and market approaches. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized for the amount of the excess of the carrying amount over the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying estimates, assumptions, and market factors, and future changes in any of these could result in different fair value determinations in the future.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements or income tax returns. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Our provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various United States federal, state, local, and to a lesser extent, foreign jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized income tax benefits or valuation allowances, and our change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective income tax rate.

We record income tax reserves for federal, state, local, and international exposures relating to periods subject to audit. The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective estimate. We assess our income tax positions and record income tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those income tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that an income tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of income tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that an income tax benefit will be sustained, no income tax benefit has been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.