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Knife River Corporation (KNF)
NYSE:KNF
US Market

Knife River Corporation (KNF) AI Stock Analysis

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Knife River Corporation

(NYSE:KNF)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$117.00
▲(21.74%Upside)
Knife River Corporation's stock is rated positively, driven by strong financial performance and positive earnings guidance. The company's effective cost management and strategic acquisitions support a robust outlook. However, caution is warranted due to increased debt levels and high valuation metrics. The technical analysis suggests strong momentum, though current overbought conditions may lead to short-term volatility.
Positive Factors
Acquisitions
High barriers to entry, combined with a fragmented market, offer plenty of opportunities for accretive acquisitions to drive growth.
Financial Performance
The company is benefiting from structural positives such as localized production, pent-up end-market demand with federal funding in place, and geographic exposure to states growing at or above the national average.
Public Funding
Public funding is a key driver for project growth, and government infrastructure spend is a large driver of KNF’s earnings.
Negative Factors
Private Sector Slowdown
There have been some slowdowns and project delays on the private side of the business given tariff and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Seasonality Challenges
Knife River Corporation's Q1 EBITDA loss was larger than expected due to seasonality impacts in colder-weather states, affecting construction project timelines.

Knife River Corporation (KNF) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Knife River Corporation Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKnife River Corporation (KNF) is a leading construction materials and contracting services company in the United States. The company operates in several sectors, including aggregates, asphalt, ready-mix concrete, and construction services. With a strong presence across multiple states, Knife River provides essential materials and services for public and private infrastructure projects, contributing to the development and maintenance of roads, bridges, commercial buildings, and residential properties.
How the Company Makes MoneyKnife River Corporation generates revenue through the production and sale of construction materials such as aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete. These materials are supplied to a wide range of construction projects, including infrastructure development, commercial construction, and residential projects. The company also offers contracting services, where it undertakes construction projects directly, managing the construction process from start to finish. Key revenue streams include the sale of materials to third-party contractors and direct revenues from contracting services. Significant partnerships with government agencies and private sector clients contribute to the company's earnings, allowing it to secure large-scale projects and maintain a steady flow of income.

Knife River Corporation Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 06, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -0.83%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call indicates a strong positive outlook with record financial expectations and successful acquisitions. However, challenges such as seasonal losses, private market slowdowns, and increased SG&A expenses are noted. The commitment to public infrastructure projects and organic growth initiatives paints a positive long-term picture.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Financial Guidance
Knife River is forecasting record revenue, net income, and adjusted EBITDA for the year, with consolidated revenue expectations between $3.25 billion and $3.45 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $530 million and $580 million.
Acquisition Program in Full Swing
Closed on Strata Corporation and Kalama Quarry, with additional deals in the pipeline. The acquisitions are expected to positively impact financial results starting in the second quarter.
Strong Public Infrastructure Backdrop
Public projects represent 87% of the backlog, with increased funding in several states, including a $3 billion fuel tax in Washington and over $1 billion in Idaho.
Organic Growth and EDGE Initiatives
Continued build-out of significant projects, such as the aggregates expansion in South Dakota and a new asphalt plant in Sioux Falls. The EDGE strategy focuses on driving excellence and long-term growth.
Increased Bidding Activity
Increased bidding activity compared to last year, securing public projects including three jobs totaling $170 million.
Negative Updates
Seasonal Loss in First Quarter
Knife River experienced an 8% seasonal loss in the first quarter, which is reflective of the company's unique footprint in Northern States.
Private Market Slowdown
Some private projects are being delayed due to economic uncertainties, impacting aggregates and ready-mix volumes, particularly in Oregon and Montana.
Increased SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses increased by $13 million over the prior year, largely due to acquisition-related costs and business development activities.
Company Guidance
During the Knife River Corporation's first quarter 2025 results conference call, the company provided guidance indicating expectations for a record year with projected revenue between $3.25 billion and $3.45 billion and adjusted EBITDA ranging from $530 million to $580 million. The first quarter showed an 8% seasonal loss, reflective of the acquisition of Strata, which is expected to contribute positively in the second quarter. The company also highlighted a step-up in SG&A expenses, with $13 million reported for the quarter, primarily due to acquisitions and business development. Additionally, Knife River forecasts high single-digit increases in aggregate volumes and ready-mix volumes for the full year, supported by strategic investments and a robust backlog, particularly in public projects, which represent 87% of the backlog. The call also noted the company's efforts in integrating recent acquisitions and its focus on operational improvements and dynamic pricing to drive margin growth.

Knife River Corporation Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Knife River Corporation exhibits strong financial health with consistent revenue growth and improved profitability. The balance sheet reflects a solid equity base and stable leverage, while cash flow operations are robust. Although there are areas to watch, such as EBITDA margin and debt levels, the company's overall financial trajectory is positive, showing resilience and potential for future growth.
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
Knife River Corporation showed a commendable financial performance with consistent revenue growth over the years, reaching $2.9 billion in 2024. The gross profit margin and net profit margin have improved, indicating effective cost management. The EBIT margin has also shown an upward trajectory, reflecting operational efficiency. However, the EBITDA margin decreased slightly in 2024, signaling potential areas for improvement in depreciation or amortization costs management.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The Debt-to-Equity ratio is relatively stable, indicating manageable leverage levels. Return on Equity has improved significantly, demonstrating effective use of shareholder funds. The Equity Ratio shows a solid financial position with a strong equity base. However, the total debt remains substantial, requiring careful management to maintain financial stability.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
The company has maintained healthy operating cash flows, with a robust Operating Cash Flow to Net Income ratio. Despite a decline in Free Cash Flow in 2024, the overall cash flow position is strong, supported by prudent capital expenditure. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income ratio indicates efficient conversion of income into cash flow, though improvements in Free Cash Flow growth would enhance liquidity further.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
2.90B2.83B2.53B2.23B2.18B
Gross Profit
569.83M538.93M347.27M346.95M370.58M
EBIT
316.19M296.40M164.55M191.08M214.50M
EBITDA
463.11M427.09M310.81M290.90M302.46M
Net Income Common Stockholders
201.68M182.87M72.92M129.75M147.32M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
281.13M262.32M221.29M13.85M0.00
Total Assets
2.85B2.60B2.51B2.18B0.00
Total Debt
726.76M726.37M925.29M734.52M0.00
Net Debt
445.63M464.05M704.00M720.67M0.00
Total Liabilities
1.38B1.33B1.48B1.23B0.00
Stockholders Equity
1.48B1.27B1.03B952.84M0.00
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
149.90M211.44M29.28M7.01M96.53M
Operating Cash Flow
322.32M335.73M207.44M181.24M232.40M
Investing Cash Flow
-294.80M-117.89M-155.88M-398.27M-185.85M
Financing Cash Flow
-8.71M34.39M-55.32M223.80M-47.95M

Knife River Corporation Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price96.11
Price Trends
50DMA
93.56
Positive
100DMA
96.00
Positive
200DMA
93.59
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.54
Positive
RSI
56.33
Neutral
STOCH
25.27
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KNF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 96.11 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 96.81, above the 50-day MA of 93.56, and above the 200-day MA of 93.59, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.54 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 56.33 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 25.27 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for KNF.

Knife River Corporation Risk Analysis

Knife River Corporation disclosed 45 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Knife River Corporation reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 3 New Risks
1.
We operate in a capital-intensive industry and are subject to capital market and interest rate risks. Q4, 2024
2.
Despite our current level of indebtedness, we may be able to incur substantially more debt, which could increase the risks to our financial condition described above. Q4, 2024
3.
The incurrence by us of substantial indebtedness in connection with the financing of the Acquisition may have an adverse impact on our liquidity, limit our flexibility in responding to other business opportunities, and increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions. Q4, 2024

Knife River Corporation Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (50)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
VMVMC
78
Outperform
$35.43B38.0212.10%0.70%-2.24%3.00%
KNKNF
77
Outperform
$5.62B31.2913.76%2.48%2.22%
EXEXP
76
Outperform
$7.01B15.5633.52%0.47%0.64%-1.15%
MLMLM
75
Outperform
$33.86B32.3011.88%0.55%-0.54%-48.61%
CXCX
73
Outperform
$10.88B7.396.58%1.16%-8.41%570.14%
BCBCC
65
Neutral
$3.26B10.8214.26%0.96%-4.67%-35.04%
50
Neutral
$2.00B-1.13-21.16%3.71%2.15%-30.95%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KNF
Knife River Corporation
99.26
27.55
38.42%
CX
Cemex SAB
7.19
-0.29
-3.88%
EXP
Eagle Materials
218.04
-13.24
-5.72%
MLM
Martin Marietta Materials
567.49
0.43
0.08%
VMC
Vulcan Materials
270.16
18.11
7.19%
BCC
Boise Cascade
89.54
-40.61
-31.20%

Knife River Corporation Corporate Events

Financial Disclosures
Knife River Corporation Announces Q1 2025 Earnings
Neutral
May 6, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Knife River Corporation announced its first quarter 2025 earnings. The announcement may impact the company’s operations and industry positioning, but specific implications for stakeholders were not detailed in the release.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.