The Way Ahead EPS of $1.09 missed expectations of $1.19 and revenues of $687.67M beat estimates of $660.45M. Revenue increased by 17% and Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12%. Its free cash flow was a record $117M, but net earnings per share declined due to the bought deal capital raised in Q2. Its bought deal offering is aimed at financing future growth capital expenditures, and its acquisitions have so far been deemed to be accretive. EIF raised its dividend by $0.12 to a new level of $2.64 per share. Most metrics were quite strong, except when looking at a per share basis, which highlights its rising share count. Management provided guidance of Adjusted EBITDA between $600M and $635M in 2024, with further growth anticipated in 2025 as contracts mature.
Overall, the company continues to grow its dividends, and while the earnings miss has not been well-received by investors, we think its business is heading in the right direction and it continues to make value-add acquisitions. We consider it buyable and continue to like the stock for higher-risk income and growth. (5iResearch)