Exceptional Profitability and Gross Margin
The company achieved a 23.8% gross margin, the highest in over a decade, up 490 basis points over last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $12.3 million, up 16.4% despite lower sales.
Strong Cash Generation and Debt Reduction
Cash from operations totaled $24.7 million, allowing the company to reduce net debt by $17.7 million to $65.4 million, improving the gross leverage ratio to 1.9x.
Successful Stock Repurchase Program
The company expanded its stock repurchase program, buying approximately 127,000 shares for $2.6 million during the quarter.
Positive Developments in Rail and Precast Concrete
Rail segment margins were up 340 basis points year-over-year, and Precast Concrete grew 10.5% year-over-year with improved margins.