Finning reports Q1 2025 results, record equipment backlog

Core Insights - Finning International Inc. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with net revenue of CAD 2.5 billion, up 7% year-over-year, driven by a 7% increase in new equipment revenue and an 11% increase in product support revenue [6][11] - The company generated CAD 135 million in free cash flow, a significant improvement from a cash use of CAD 210 million in Q1 2024, reflecting higher inventory turns and reduced working capital [6][11] - Finning's backlog reached an all-time high of CAD 2.8 billion, up 9% from the previous quarter, primarily due to large mining equipment orders in Canada [6][11] Financial Performance - Q1 2025 revenue was CAD 2.8 billion, with a gross profit of CAD 624 million, representing a gross profit margin of 24.9% [6][7] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was CAD 0.99, an 18% increase compared to Q1 2024, while reported EPS was CAD 0.77, which included a CAD 0.22 impairment loss related to non-core assets [6][7] - Adjusted EBIT for Q1 2025 was CAD 213 million, up 6% from the previous year, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 8.5% [6][7] Operational Highlights - The company experienced double-digit growth in product support, with a 5% increase in product support revenue over the last twelve months [3][4] - Significant business was won with data center customers in the UK and Ireland, as well as mining customers in Canada, contributing to the strong backlog [4][11] - The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend, marking the 24th consecutive year of dividend growth [4][11] Regional Performance - South America operations saw a 17% increase in net revenue, driven by new equipment deliveries and strong product support growth in the mining segment [16] - Canada operations reported a decrease in net revenue by 8%, primarily due to lower new equipment sales in power systems, but product support revenue increased by 4% [16] - UK & Ireland operations faced soft demand in the construction sector, but strong activity in power systems and product support helped maintain resilience [32] Corporate Developments - Finning entered into agreements to sell 4Refuel for an implied transaction value of up to CAD 450 million and Compression Technology Corporation for CAD 40 million [6][11] - The proceeds from these transactions are expected to be used for share repurchases, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes [33] - The company has received approval to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 13.3 million common shares, representing 9.9% of the public float [17][18]