Capstone Partners, a middle market investment banking firm, released its May 2023 Construction Services Sector Update, reporting that elevated construction spending, increased project backlogs, and continued employment growth have driven acquisition activity. While macroeconomic headwinds have challenged the Construction Services space, sector participants have remained optimistic in their outlook for operating performance. Notably, contractors expect growth in sales, profit margins, and staffing over the next six months. These projections have been supported by healthy construction spending, which increased by 5.8% year-over-year (YOY) as of January 2023. Elevated interest rates and materials costs have continued to present hurdles for sector players, however, pockets of the market have maintained steady project visibility. Notably, backlogs in the Heavy Industrial and Commercial & Institutional segments increased by 2.5 months and 0.7 months YOY, respectively, in March.
Labor shortages have been the main challenge to sector growth as the supply of workers has lagged construction project demand. While employment in the Construction space increased 2.5% YOY in March, the industry lost 9,000 net jobs month-over-month. Notably, Heavy & Civil Engineering and Residential Building were the only two segments to add jobs from the previous month. Industry employment will likely continue to lag demand as one in four construction workers are over the age of 55 and nearing retirement age.
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the Construction Services sector has remained strong, with 78 transactions announced or closed year-to-date (YTD). Although this marks a 32.1% YOY decline, YTD volume has remained in line with pre-pandemic averages. Sector valuations have remained elevated, with the average M&A sector multiple standing at 10.6x EV/EBITDA, outpacing the broader Building Products & Construction Services industry multiple of 8.3x EV/EBITDA. Strategic buyers have represented the majority of M&A deals, comprising 65.4% of total transactions YTD. Private strategic buyers accounted for 52.6% of all sector M&A activity to-date. Sector participants have looked to acquire assets that expand product and service offerings to increase firm attractiveness in the project bidding process.
"Despite some economic headwinds, we continue to see strong interest in construction services businesses. Valuations are being upheld as acquirers look to add capabilities, headcount, and geographic reach, specifically in the Southeastern U.S.," said Capstone’s Head of Building Products & Construction Services Darin Good, the lead contributor in the report.
Also included in the report:
- Insight into key sector trends that have driven M&A activity through YTD 2023.
- A summary of strategic buyer activity, trends, and drivers that are fueling continued investment.
- Commentary on two public companies in the sector, and how recent macroeconomic trends have affected select participants’ financial strength.
To access to full report, click here.
