Air T Stock Slips Post Q2 Earnings Despite Strong Profitability Gains

Core Insights - Air T, Inc. (AIRT) shares have decreased by 0.3% since the fiscal year results were reported, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 1.9% decline during the same period, but the stock has lost 8.2% over the past month compared to the S&P 500's 0.1% gain [1] Financial Performance - For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Air T reported a 21% year-over-year decline in revenues to $64.2 million, down from $81.2 million, primarily due to reduced activity in the Commercial Aircraft, Engines and Parts segment [2] - Operating income increased by 52.2% to $5.5 million from $3.6 million a year ago, indicating stronger margins and effective cost controls [2] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 56.6% to $7.9 million from $5 million, while earnings per share climbed by 76.9% to $1.61 from $0.91 [2] Segment Performance - The Overnight Air Cargo segment experienced a 4% revenue decline, Ground Support Equipment revenue fell by 33.3%, and Commercial Aircraft, Engines and Parts revenue contracted by 36.6% [3] - Digital Solutions, although the smallest segment, saw a revenue increase of 20.3% year over year [3] - Despite softer sales trends, segments like Commercial Aircraft and Ground Support Equipment reported strong year-over-year EBITDA gains [3] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Air T's engine and aircraft asset management business, Contrail, eliminated all bank debt, ending the quarter with $6.7 million in cash, a significant improvement from peak pandemic-era debt of $74.9 million [4] - The investment balance for equity method investees increased to $27.9 million as of Sept. 30, 2025, up from $19 million at the end of March 2025 [4] Consolidated Results - For the six-month period ending Sept. 30, 2025, consolidated revenues declined by 8.6% to $135 million from $147.7 million a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA grew by 58.7% to $9.3 million from $5.9 million [5] Management Commentary - CEO Nick Swenson emphasized operational discipline and strategic positioning, praising the Contrail team for their efforts in deleveraging the business [7] - Management highlighted progress toward acquiring Rex Regional Airlines in Australia, pending court approval and expected to close in December 2025 [7] Factors Influencing Results - The revenue decline was attributed to timing-related issues and lower component inventory availability, with fewer deicing trucks sold due to earlier orders shifting revenue recognition [8] - The Commercial Aircraft segment's revenue contraction was due to reduced component inventory purchases over the prior 12 months [8] - Profitability improved due to strong execution in higher-margin areas, including the sale of two Airbus A321-111 aircraft, which significantly boosted earnings [9] Future Outlook - Air T did not provide formal forward guidance but emphasized continued investment in asset management and growth through selective acquisitions [10] - Management reiterated the goal of expanding cash flow per share while leveraging partnerships and disciplined capital allocation [10] Recent Developments - Air T signed a Sale and Implementation Deed to acquire Regional Express Holdings Limited (Rex), subject to creditor and court approvals [11] - The company amended its revolving credit agreement, increasing borrowing capacity to $20 million and reducing interest costs [11] - In the Commercial Aircraft segment, the sale of two Airbus A321-111 aircraft generated net proceeds of $19.9 million, contributing significantly to second-quarter profitability [11]