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Knife River (KNF) Q4 2025 jumps as backlog tops $1.0B and 2026 outlook rises

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Knife River Corporation reported a record fourth quarter and mixed full-year 2025 results. Fourth quarter revenue rose to $755.1 million, up 15% from 2024, while net income increased 38% to $32.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew 47% to $119.4 million, with margin improving to 15.8%.

For 2025 as a whole, revenue increased 9% to $3,146.0 million, but net income declined to $157.1 million from $201.7 million, as interest expense and depreciation rose following heavy investment and acquisitions. Full-year Adjusted EBITDA improved to $496.5 million, up 7%. Year-end contracting services backlog reached about $1.0 billion, up from $745.6 million, supporting management’s positive outlook.

For 2026, the company expects revenue between $3.3 billion and $3.5 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $520–$560 million. Knife River highlighted benefits from five 2025 aggregates-focused acquisitions, higher pricing in key materials, and ongoing efficiency programs, while noting net leverage of 2.2x Adjusted EBITDA at December 31, 2025.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Knife River delivered a very strong Q4, solid 2026 outlook, but full-year earnings were pressured by higher debt and investment.

Knife River posted robust Q4 operating momentum: revenue rose 15% to $755.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA jumped 47% to $119.4 million, with margin expanding to 15.8%. Segment EBITDA growth was broad-based, especially in West and Mountain, helped by acquisitions, higher pricing and favorable weather.

For 2025 overall, revenue climbed 9% to $3,146.0 million, but net income fell to $157.1 million from $201.7 million, as interest expense increased to $81.9 million and depreciation, depletion and amortization to $193.7 million after $610.0 million of acquisitions and heavy capital spending. Adjusted EBITDA still improved 7% to $496.5 million.

The company enters 2026 with backlog of $1,032.1 million and guides revenue to $3.3–$3.5 billion and Adjusted EBITDA to $520–$560 million, implying continued growth. Net debt of $1,107.3 million and net leverage of 2.2x reflect a more leveraged balance sheet linked to its expansion strategy. Subsequent filings may provide more detail on acquisition returns and execution against the 2026 guidance ranges.

0001955520false00019555202026-02-172026-02-17




UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT


PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 17, 2026


Knife River Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation)
Delaware1-4164292-1008893

1150 West Century Avenue
P.O. Box 5568
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5568
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (701) 530-1400

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
(Title of each class)(Trading Symbol(s))(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueKNFNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.



Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition and
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

    On February 17, 2026, Knife River Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release announcing fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings. A copy of the press release, which the Company is furnishing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, is attached as Exhibit 99 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.

Exhibit Number    Description
99    Press release issued February 17, 2026, regarding fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings.
104    Cover page interactive data file (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


Knife River Corporation

Date February 17, 2026
By /s/ Nathan W. Ring
Nathan W. Ring
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
3

KNIFE RIVER CORPORATION REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Record fourth quarter and solid full-year financial results
Completed five aggregates-based acquisitions in 2025
Well positioned with record year-end backlog of $1 billion and strong public funding
Competitive EDGE initiatives driving continued growth and optimization efforts
Initiated full-year 2026 guidance
BISMARCK, N.D. February 17, 2026 — Knife River Corporation (NYSE: KNF), an aggregates-based, vertically integrated construction materials and contracting services company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025.

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Three Months Ended December 31,Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share)20252024% Change20252024% Change
Revenue$755.1 $657.2 15 %$3,146.0 $2,899.0 %
Net income$32.0 $23.3 38 %$157.1 $201.7 (22)%
Net income margin4.2 %3.5 %5.0 %7.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA$119.4 $81.2 47 %$496.5 $463.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin15.8 %12.4 %15.8 %16.0 %
Net income per share$0.56 $0.41 37 %$2.76 $3.55 (22)%
Note: Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on all non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, see the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“Knife River delivered strong second-half results in 2025, including a record fourth quarter that saw a 15% increase in revenue, 47% improvement in adjusted EBITDA and 340 basis-point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margin, year-over-year,” said Knife River President and CEO Brian Gray. “This strong finish was supported by favorable fourth quarter weather and caps a year of meaningful progress on our Competitive EDGE efforts. Throughout 2025, our teams advanced key strategic initiatives, worked to optimize operations and completed targeted acquisitions to expand our footprint.

“Our focus on commercial excellence resulted in increased aggregate pricing of high-single digits for the year, while our Process Improvement Teams continued to improve production and efficiency at our plants,” Gray said. “Additionally, we completed five acquisitions in 2025, starting with Strata in the first quarter through Texcrete in the fourth. We expect Texcrete will more than double our ready-mix volumes within the Texas Triangle in 2026, and we believe each of these transactions will allow us to better serve a growing customer base.

“We enter 2026 with momentum and confidence in our strategy to deliver long-term, profitable growth,” Gray said. “We have record year-end backlog of $1 billion, which includes the opportunity to pull through our higher-margin materials. We will continue our efforts to optimize materials pricing and drive efficiencies at our plants. Also, we expect our strategic M&A activity to continue, as our 2026 deal pipeline looks similar to 2025. And we will keep investing in organic growth opportunities across our markets, focused on the areas where we are getting our best returns. We have the growth framework in place, and I'm excited about our potential in 2026 and beyond.”
1


FOURTH QUARTER 2025 RESULTS
For the three months ended December 31, 2025, the company reported consolidated revenue of $755.1 million, a 15% increase from the prior-year, driven by contributions from acquisitions, as well as higher aggregate and ready-mix volumes and pricing. Contracting services revenue also improved in both the West and Mountain segments, benefiting from an extended construction season. Adjusted EBITDA increased 47% year-over-year, to $119.4 million, which was led by improved results in both the West and Mountain segments.
See the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more information on all non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure.
2026 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
Knife River expects full-year 2026 financial results in the ranges noted in the following table.

2026 Financial Guidance
LowHigh
(In millions)
Revenue
$3,300.0 $3,500.0 
Adjusted EBITDA
$520.0 $560.0 
The company further expects:
Aggregates volumes and pricing to increase mid-single digits.
Ready-mix volumes to increase mid-teens.
Asphalt volumes to increase mid-single digits.
Financial results for Energy Services expected to be broadly in line with full-year 2025 results.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization to increase mid-single digits.

The guidance ranges are based on normal weather, economic and operating conditions, and do not include the expected impact of potential acquisitions.
REPORTING SEGMENT PERFORMANCE
West
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,Dec. 31,
2025 2024 % Change2025 2024 % Change
(In millions)
Revenue$288.4 $270.6 7%$1,210.1 $1,185.3 2%
EBITDA$56.6 $36.3 56%$234.1 $209.7 12%
EBITDA margin19.6 %13.4 %19.3 %17.7 %
Fourth quarter revenue increased 7% from the prior year, primarily due to increased aggregate volumes and contributions from acquisitions. Ready-mix benefited from a combination of increased volumes and pricing, while contracting services saw an improvement as a result of market demand. EBITDA improved 56% year-over-year, supported by higher ready-mix and cement pricing and lower aggregate input costs throughout the region, as well as improved contracting services margins resulting from increased activity and favorable project execution.
2


Mountain
Idaho, Montana, WyomingThree Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,Dec. 31,
2025 2024 % Change2025 2024 % Change
(In millions)
Revenue$172.0 $148.2 16%$644.0 $663.1 (3)%
EBITDA$34.2 $17.0 101%$99.6 $113.5 (12)%
EBITDA margin19.9 %11.5 %15.5 %17.1 %
Fourth quarter revenue increased 16% from the prior year, largely driven by late-season contracting services work. Ready-mix volumes increased on more available work and all product lines benefited from higher pricing. EBITDA improved 101%, primarily driven by the increased pricing and contracting services activity, as well as improved cost controls across all product lines and increased asset disposal gains of $3.1 million.
Central
Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,Dec. 31,
2025 2024 % Change2025 2024 % Change
(In millions)
Revenue$247.5 $187.5 32%$1,004.8 $818.1 23%
EBITDA$39.8 $34.3 16%$159.6 $131.6 21%
EBITDA margin16.1 %18.3 %15.9 %16.1 %
Fourth quarter revenue increased 32% from the prior year, primarily driven by contributions from acquisitions and higher materials sales volumes across legacy operations. EBITDA improved 16%, with a majority of the increase attributable to contributions from acquisitions. Partially offsetting this improvement were higher per-unit costs for aggregates and lower margins on contracting services work.
Energy Services
California, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,Dec. 31,
2025 2024 % Change2025 2024 % Change
(In millions)
Revenue$57.5 $60.8 (5)%$338.0 $275.7 23%
EBITDA$6.0 $9.6 (38)%$54.9 $60.2 (9)%
EBITDA margin10.4 %15.7 %16.2 %21.8 %
Fourth quarter revenue decreased 5% from the prior year, driven by lower oil prices. This decrease was partially offset by increased revenues from the Albina Asphalt acquisition, which closed in November 2024, as well as from a new polymer-modified liquid asphalt plant in South Dakota. EBITDA decreased $3.6 million, largely due to lower pricing as previously mentioned.
CAPITAL ALLOCATION & LIQUIDITY
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the company spent $169.5 million, largely on the replacement of construction equipment and plant improvements. Additionally, $788.6 million was spent on growth initiatives, including $610.0 million on acquisitions and $178.6 million on aggregate expansions and greenfield projects.
For the full year 2026, the company expects capital expenditures for maintenance and improvement to be between 5% and 7% of revenue guidance and organic growth projects and aggregate reserve additions to be approximately $130 million. Capital expenditures for future acquisitions and new growth opportunities would be incremental to the outlined capital program.
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As of December 31, 2025, Knife River had $73.8 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $1.2 billion of gross debt and $476.6 million of available capacity under its revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. Net leverage, defined as the ratio of net debt to trailing-twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA, was 2.2x at December 31, 2025.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2025 RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL
Knife River will host a conference call at 11 a.m. EST on Feb. 17, to discuss fourth quarter and full-year results, and conduct a question-and-answer session. The event will be webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/487073447.

To participate in the live call:
Domestic: 1-800-549-8228
International: 1-289-819-1520
Conference ID: 97658
ABOUT KNIFE RIVER CORPORATION
Knife River Corporation, a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index, mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mix concrete, asphalt and other value-added products. Knife River also performs vertically integrated contracting services, specializing in publicly funded DOT projects and private projects across the industrial, commercial and residential space. For more information about the company, visit www.kniferiver.com.
CORPORATE CONTACTS
IR Contact: Dara Dierks, Vice President of Investor Relations, IR@kniferiver.com
Media Contact: Tony Spilde, Vice President of Communications, Media@kniferiver.com
4



Knife River Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
 December 31,December 31,
 2025202420252024
 (In millions, except per share amounts)
Revenue:  
Construction materials$407.9 $355.8 $1,762.1 $1,540.8 
Contracting services347.2 301.4 1,383.9 1,358.2 
Total revenue755.1 657.2 3,146.0 2,899.0 
Cost of revenue:  
Construction materials301.5 282.2 1,339.1 1,147.5 
Contracting services308.3 260.9 1,229.6 1,181.7 
Total cost of revenue609.8 543.1 2,568.7 2,329.2 
Gross profit145.3 114.1 577.3 569.8 
Selling, general and administrative expenses80.1 70.1 291.5 253.6 
Operating income65.2 44.0 285.8 316.2 
Interest expense21.3 13.4 81.9 55.2 
Other income1.3 2.5 9.3 10.0 
Income before income taxes45.2 33.1 213.2 271.0 
Income tax expense13.2 9.8 56.1 69.3 
Net income$32.0 $23.3 $157.1 $201.7 
Net income per share:  
Basic $.57 $.41 $2.77 $3.56 
Diluted$.56 $.41 $2.76 $3.55 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic56.7 56.6 56.7 56.6 
Diluted 56.9 56.9 56.9 56.8 
5


Knife River Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(In millions, except shares and per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets: 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$123.4 $281.1 
Receivables, net278.1 267.3 
Contract assets77.5 31.3 
Inventories435.7 380.3 
Prepayments and other current assets46.2 27.7 
Total current assets960.9 987.7 
Noncurrent assets: 
Net property, plant and equipment2,028.9 1,441.7 
Goodwill519.7 297.2 
Other intangible assets, net32.7 29.4 
Operating lease right-of-use assets52.6 49.4 
Investments and other55.3 45.8 
Total noncurrent assets 2,689.2 1,863.5 
Total assets$3,650.1 $2,851.2 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 
Current liabilities: 
Long-term debt - current portion$11.7 $10.5 
Accounts payable145.6 140.8 
Contract liabilities
33.8 42.1 
Accrued compensation44.3 50.7 
Current operating lease liabilities15.9 14.8 
Other taxes payable
11.3 8.3 
Accrued interest
7.3 5.5 
Other accrued liabilities108.1 97.3 
Total current liabilities 378.0 370.0 
Noncurrent liabilities: 
Long-term debt1,153.8 666.9 
Deferred income taxes287.9 174.7 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities36.7 34.5 
Other152.8 129.0 
Total liabilities 2,009.2 1,375.1 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity: 
Common stock, 300,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 57,095,301 shares issued and 56,664,165 shares outstanding at December 31, 2025; 57,043,841 shares issued and 56,612,705 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024
.6 .6 
Other paid-in capital629.6 620.9 
Retained earnings1,024.6 867.5 
Treasury stock held at cost - 431,136 shares
(3.6)(3.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(10.3)(9.3)
Total stockholders' equity1,640.9 1,476.1 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $3,650.1 $2,851.2 
6


Knife River Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended
 December 31,
 20252024
 (In millions)
Operating activities:  
Net income$157.1 $201.7 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
209.5 137.4 
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables(44.0)14.1 
Inventories(13.4)(44.3)
Other current assets(9.1)10.9 
Accounts payable(15.0)7.3 
Other current liabilities(9.3)(4.0)
Pension and postretirement benefit plan contributions(.6)(2.7)
Other noncurrent changes3.3 1.9 
Net cash provided by operating activities278.5 322.3 
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(348.1)(172.4)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(610.0)(131.0)
Net proceeds from sale or disposition of property and other47.5 12.0 
Investments(3.1)(3.4)
Net cash used in investing activities(913.7)(294.8)
Financing activities:
Issuance of long-term debt500.0 — 
Repayment of long-term debt(8.8)(7.0)
Debt issuance costs(11.1)— 
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation
(2.6)(1.7)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities477.5 (8.7)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(157.7)18.8 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash -- beginning of year281.1 262.3 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash -- end of period$123.4 $281.1 
7


Basis of Presentation Updates
As previously announced, the company adjusted its organizational structure in January 2025 to better align with its business strategy. The former Pacific and Northwest operating segments were combined to form the new West operating segment. The former North Central and South operating segments were combined to form the new Central operating segment. The reorganization resulted in four operating segments: West, Mountain, Central and Energy Services, each of which is also a reportable segment. Prior periods presented have been recast to conform to the current reportable segment presentation.
In December 2025, the company reclassified retention receivables of $42.8 million on a contract-by-contract basis from accounts receivable. The reclassification resulted in an increase to contract assets of $31.8 million and a decrease to contract liabilities of $11.0 million due to FASB clarification of retention receivables under Accounting Standards Codification 606. Prior years were not revised.
Segment Financial Data and Highlights (Unaudited)
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
2025202420252024
DollarsMarginDollarsMarginDollarsMarginDollarsMargin
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues by segment:
West$288.4$270.6$1,210.1$1,185.3
Mountain172.0148.2644.0663.1
Central247.5187.51,004.8818.1
Energy Services57.560.8338.0275.7
Total segment revenues765.4667.13,196.92,942.2
Corporate Services and Eliminations(10.3)(9.9)(50.9)(43.2)
Consolidated revenues$755.1$657.2$3,146.0$2,899.0
EBITDA by segment:
West$56.619.6%$36.313.4%$234.119.3%$209.717.7%
Mountain34.219.9%17.011.5%99.615.5%113.517.1%
Central39.816.1%34.318.3%159.615.9%131.616.1%
Energy Services6.010.4%9.615.7%54.916.2%60.221.8%
Total segment EBITDA (a)136.617.8%97.214.6%548.217.1%515.017.5%
Corporate Services and Eliminations (b)
(19.8)N.M.(18.4)N.M.(63.9)N.M.(60.7)N.M.
Consolidated EBITDA (a)
$116.815.5%$78.812.0%$484.315.4%$454.315.7%
(a)Consolidated EBITDA, total segment EBITDA, Consolidated EBITDA margin and total segment EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information and a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, see the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
(b)N.M. - not meaningful

8


The following table summarizes backlog for the company.
December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(In millions)
West$203.6 $230.2 
Mountain395.7 339.9 
Central432.8 175.5 
$1,032.1 $745.6 
Margins on backlog at December 31, 2025, are expected to be lower than the margins on backlog at December 31, 2024. Approximately 89% of the company's contracting services backlog relates to publicly funded projects, including street and highway construction projects. Period over period increases or decreases should not be used as an indicator of future revenues or earnings.

Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
2025 2024 2025 2024 
Sales (thousands):
Aggregates (tons)8,1916,99932,49431,832
Ready-mix concrete (cubic yards)9978313,9133,484
Asphalt (tons)1,3811,2716,3346,454
Average selling price:*
Aggregates (per ton)$18.53$17.14$18.99$17.47
Ready-mix concrete (per cubic yard)$204.09$195.57$199.17$188.11
Asphalt (per ton)$67.79$71.32$66.47$68.40
*The average selling price includes freight and delivery and other revenues.
9



Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
2025202420252024
Dollars
Margin
Dollars
Margin
DollarsMarginDollarsMargin
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues by product line:
Aggregates$151.7$120.0$617.1$556.1
Ready-mix concrete203.6162.6779.4655.5
Asphalt93.690.6421.0441.5
Liquid asphalt
49.151.7296.0238.9
Other*65.459.4279.8265.8
Contracting services347.2301.41,383.91,358.2
Internal sales(155.5)(128.5)(631.2)(617.0)
Total revenues$755.1$657.2$3,146.0$2,899.0
Gross profit by product line:
Aggregates$26.117.2%$18.315.2%$114.118.5%$114.320.6%
Ready-mix concrete39.719.5%27.917.2%133.617.1%106.016.2%
Asphalt13.814.7%13.414.8%65.415.5%68.215.4%
Liquid asphalt
5.110.3%7.815.2%49.516.7%51.521.6%
Other*21.733.2%6.210.4%60.421.6%53.320.1%
Contracting services38.911.2%40.513.4%154.311.2%176.513.0%
Total gross profit$145.319.2%$114.117.4%$577.318.4%$569.819.7%
*Other includes cement, merchandise, fabric and spreading, and other products and services that individually are not considered to be a core line of business.
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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, as well as total segment measures, as applicable, net debt and net leverage are considered non-GAAP measures of financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. The items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Therefore, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered substitutes for the applicable GAAP metric.
EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are most directly comparable to the corresponding GAAP measures of net income and net income margin. Net debt and net leverage are most directly comparable to the corresponding GAAP measures of total debt. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to corresponding GAAP measures, are useful to investors by providing meaningful information about operational efficiency compared to our peers by excluding the impacts of differences in tax jurisdictions and structures, debt levels and capital investment. We believe Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are useful performance measures because they allow for an effective evaluation of our operating performance by excluding stock-based compensation, unrealized gains and losses on benefit plan investments and the impact of selling acquired inventory after markup to fair value as part of acquisition accounting as they are considered non-cash and not part of our core operations. We also exclude the one-time, non-recurring costs associated with the separation of Knife River from MDU Resources as those are not expected to continue. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist rating agencies and investors in comparing operating performance across operating periods on a consistent basis by excluding items management does not believe are indicative of the company's operating performance, including using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to calculate Knife River’s leverage as a multiple of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are important financial metrics for debt investors who utilize debt to EBITDA and debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratios. We believe EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, including those measures by segment, are useful performance measures because they provide clarity as to the operational results of the company. Management believes net debt and net leverage are useful performance measures because they provide a measure of how long it would take the company to pay back its debt if net debt and Adjusted EBITDA were constant. Net leverage also allows management to assess our borrowing capacity and optimal leverage ratio. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP results when evaluating our operating results internally and calculating employee incentive compensation, and leverage as a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA to determine the appropriate method of funding our operations.
EBITDA is calculated by adding back income taxes, interest expense (net of interest income) and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense to net income. EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing EBITDA by revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back unrealized gains and losses on benefit plan investments, stock-based compensation, the impact of selling acquired inventory after markup to fair value as part of acquisition accounting, and one-time separation costs, to EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenues. Net debt is calculated by adding unamortized debt issuance costs to the total debt balance presented on the balance sheet, less any unrestricted cash. Net leverage is calculated by dividing net debt by trailing-twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures are calculated the same for both the segment and consolidated metrics and should not be considered as alternatives to, or more meaningful than, GAAP financial measures such as net income, net income margin and total debt and are intended to be helpful supplemental financial measures for investors’ understanding of our operating performance. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, net debt and net leverage measures having the same or similar names.
The following information reconciles segment and consolidated net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and provides the calculation of EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, net debt and net leverage. Interest expense, net, is net of interest income that is included in other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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The following table provides the reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
2025202420252024
(In millions)
Net income
$32.0 $23.3 $157.1 $201.7 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization51.3 35.4 193.7 136.9 
Interest expense, net
20.3 10.3 77.4 46.4 
Income taxes13.2 9.8 56.1 69.3 
EBITDA$116.8 $78.8 $484.3 $454.3 
Unrealized (gains) losses on benefit plan investments(0.8)— (2.9)(2.9)
Stock-based compensation expense2.9 2.4 11.4 7.8 
Impact of selling acquired inventory after markup to fair value as part of acquisition accounting0.5 — 3.7 — 
One-time separation costs— — — 3.8 
Adjusted EBITDA$119.4 $81.2 $496.5 $463.0 
Revenue$755.1 $657.2 $3,146.0 $2,899.0 
Net income margin
4.2 %3.5 %5.0 %7.0 %
EBITDA margin
15.5 %12.0 %15.4 %15.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin
15.8 %12.4 %15.8 %16.0 %
The following table provides the reconciliation of consolidated net income to total segment EBITDA.
Three Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
2025202420252024
(In millions)
Net income
$32.0 $23.3 $157.1 $201.7 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization51.3 35.4 193.7 136.9 
Interest expense, net
20.3 10.3 77.4 46.4 
Income taxes13.2 9.8 56.1 69.3 
EBITDA$116.8 $78.8 $484.3 $454.3 
Less corporate services EBITDA
(19.8)(18.4)(63.9)(60.7)
Total segment EBITDA
$136.6 $97.2 $548.2 $515.0 
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The following tables provide the reconciliation of the net leverage calculation of net debt to Adjusted EBITDA.
Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2025
(In millions)
Long-term debt$1,153.8 
Long-term debt - current portion11.7 
Total debt1,165.5 
Add: Unamortized debt issuance costs
15.6 
Total debt, gross
1,181.1 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash73.8 
Total debt, net
$1,107.3 
Trailing-twelve-months ended December 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA
$496.5 
Net leverage
2.2x
Knife River’s projections for 2026 Adjusted EBITDA, 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin, 2026 EBITDA contributions and long-term net leverage target are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude or otherwise have been adjusted for non-GAAP adjustment items from Knife River’s financial statements. When the company provides its forward-looking 2026 Adjusted EBITDA, 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin, 2026 EBITDA contributions and long-term net leverage target, it does not provide a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures as Knife River is unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the actual impact of the non-GAAP adjustment items. By their very nature, non-GAAP adjustment items are difficult to anticipate with precision because they are generally associated with unexpected and unplanned events that impact our company and its financial results, including, but not limited to, the potentially high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to the items that would be excluded from the applicable GAAP measure in the relevant future period, such as unusual gains and losses, the impact and timing of potential acquisitions and divestitures, certain financing costs and other structural changes or their probable significance. Therefore, Knife River is unable to provide a reconciliation of these measures without unreasonable efforts.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information in this news release highlights the key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions for the company and its subsidiaries, including with respect to the benefits of acquisitions. Many of these highlighted statements and other statements not historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although the company believes that its expectations are expressed in good faith and based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance the company’s statements with respect to its EDGE strategy, shareholder value creation, financial guidance, expected long-term goals, expected backlog margin, acquisition contributions, financing plans, expected federal and state funding for infrastructure or other proposed strategies will be achieved. Please refer to assumptions contained in this news release, as well as the various important factors listed in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Changes in such assumptions and factors could cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, the company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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FAQ

How did Knife River Corporation (KNF) perform in the fourth quarter of 2025?

Knife River delivered a strong fourth quarter 2025, with revenue rising 15% to $755.1 million and net income increasing 38% to $32.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew 47% to $119.4 million, reflecting stronger pricing, higher volumes and segment improvements.

What were Knife River Corporation’s full-year 2025 financial results?

For full-year 2025, Knife River’s revenue increased 9% to $3,146.0 million, while net income declined to $157.1 million from $201.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $496.5 million, up 7%, as higher interest and depreciation costs offset some operating gains.

What 2026 financial guidance did Knife River Corporation (KNF) provide?

Knife River expects 2026 revenue between $3.3 billion and $3.5 billion and Adjusted EBITDA between $520 million and $560 million. Management also anticipates mid-single-digit growth in aggregates and asphalt volumes and mid-teens growth in ready-mix volumes.

How large is Knife River Corporation’s backlog entering 2026?

At December 31, 2025, Knife River reported total backlog of $1,032.1 million, up from $745.6 million a year earlier. About 89% of contracting services backlog is tied to publicly funded projects, mainly street and highway construction work.

What capital investments and acquisitions did Knife River make in 2025?

In 2025, Knife River spent $169.5 million on equipment replacement and plant improvements and $788.6 million on growth initiatives. That growth spending included $610.0 million on acquisitions and $178.6 million on aggregate expansions and greenfield projects.

What is Knife River Corporation’s leverage and liquidity position at year-end 2025?

As of year-end 2025, Knife River had $73.8 million of unrestricted cash, total debt of $1,165.5 million and available revolver capacity of $476.6 million. Net leverage was reported at 2.2x trailing-twelve‑month Adjusted EBITDA.

How did Knife River’s operating segments perform in Q4 2025?

In Q4 2025, West revenue grew 7%, Mountain 16%, Central 32%, while Energy Services declined 5%. Segment EBITDA increased strongly in West, Mountain and Central, but fell in Energy Services due to lower oil prices and margin compression.

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5.00B
56.48M
Building Materials
Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (no Fuels)
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United States
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