Perimeter Solutions(PRM) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA approximately doubled from $141 million in 2021 to$280 million in 2024, representing a three-year adjusted EBITDA CAGR of 26% [13] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin expanded approximately 1,100 basis points over the three-year period, or approximately 360 basis points per year [14] - Consolidated sales increased 45% to $86.2 million in Q4 and expanded 74$561 million for the full year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fire Safety segment Q4 revenue increased 72% to $60.7 million, with full year revenue growing 93$436.3 million [29] - Fire Safety Q4 adjusted EBITDA rose 289% to $27.2 million, contributing to a full year figure of$240.1 million, an increase of 215% [30] - Specialty Products segment Q4 sales increased 6% to $25.5 million, driving full year sales growth of 29$124.7 million [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 2024 U.S. acres burned (excluding Alaska) were 8.2 million, with a significant portion attributed to the Smokehouse Creek fire, indicating a deviation from the normalized fire season [35] - The normalized U.S. fire season is estimated to fall in the range of 6 million to 7 million acres burned, based on historical averages [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to provide quality products and exceptional service while delivering private equity-like returns with public market liquidity [8] - Focus on capital allocation and management of capital structure to maximize equity value creation [9] - The acquisition of Intelligent Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) for approximately $33 million aligns with the company's strategy to drive post-acquisition value through operational improvements [24] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational improvements and the sustainability of the 2024 results, anticipating continued normalized demand in the future [37] - The recent wildfires in Southern California are expected to catalyze increased focus and resources towards wildfire preparedness and response, benefiting the company's operations [70] Other Important Information - The company generated free cash flow of$172.9 million in 2024, validating its operational strategy and creating financing capacity for M&A [46] - The company has a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $198.5 million and an undrawn$100 million revolving credit facility [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the PCB market and its fit in Perimeter's strategy - Management highlighted the strategic fit of PCBs with their operational value driver strategy, emphasizing the potential for significant value creation through acquisitions and licensing [52][54] Question: Drivers of increased CapEx spending - The increase in CapEx is primarily driven by investments in the fire safety platform, aimed at fulfilling customer missions and improving products and services [57] Question: Implications of California wildfires on business - While the immediate financial impact of the LA fires was modest, management anticipates long-term benefits from increased focus on wildfire response and preparedness [67][70] Question: Impact of new administration policies on supply chain and business - Management believes there will be negligible impact from tariffs or new governmental policies on the supply chain, maintaining a resilient system with multiple redundancies [76] Question: Target leverage ratio and M&A strategy - The company aims to increase its leverage ratio to around 3.5 times, with M&A being a key driver for achieving this target [90]