WSO - Comfort Systems USA Surges 52% YTD: What's Next for FIX? | Benzinga
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE: FIX) shares soared 51.6% year to date (YTD), outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner and Heating industry's 18.2% growth. The stock even fared better than the broader Construction sector's 3% rise. This leading provider of commercial, industrial, and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical contracting services has been benefiting from sustained demand for its offerings and a solid backlog. Innovation remains at the forefront of its operations. Strong market conditions in the technology and manufacturing sectors, combined with FIX's robust project pipeline, provide a solid foundation for future performance.
The first quarter of 2024 brought impressive financial performance for Comfort Systems USA, marking it as a strong contender in the HVAC and mechanical services market. Earnings per share increased from the first quarter of 2023 by over a dollar. Its backlog saw a notable increase and generated more than $140 million in cash flow. The Mechanical business experienced significant improvement, and profitability in the Electrical segment reached unprecedented levels. Construction and service sectors continued to flourish, with sustained demand bolstering growth.
EBITDA nearly doubled to $170 million in the first quarter, a substantial increase from $90 million a year ago, with same-store EBITDA growing more than 70%. The company anticipates maintaining strong EBITDA margins throughout 2024, potentially matching or exceeding 2023 levels. Operating income also saw a significant boost in the quarter, with the operating margin increasing to 8.8% from 6.0% in the prior year, driven by improved gross profit margins and favorable SG&A leverage.
Stock Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Factors Supporting Growth
Sustained Demand From Technology & Manufacturing Sectors
Having historically grown through organic means as well as acquisitions of numerous peers and competitors, Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical and electrical contracting services. The company's first-quarter revenues reported 31% year-over-year growth, attributable to a 23% rise in same-store revenues and an additional $96 million from acquisitions. Mechanical segment revenues (which accounted for 77.2% of its quarterly total revenues) soared 29%, while the Electrical segment (22.9% of its total revenues) witnessed a remarkable 37% increase. The company attributed part of this growth to less seasonality, with more projects in warmer climates.
Notably, the solid same-store activity reflects strong market conditions and robust demand ...