Core Insights - Twin Disc, Incorporated (TWIN) reported a narrower net loss of 4 cents per share for Q1 fiscal 2026, compared to a loss of 20 cents per share in the same period last year, indicating improved financial performance [1][3] - The company's net sales increased by 9.7% to $80 million, driven by the acquisition of Kobelt and strong performance in the Marine and Propulsion Systems segment [2][4] - Gross profit rose to $22.9 million, an 18.7% increase year-over-year, with gross margin expanding by 220 basis points to 28.7% due to higher volumes and operational improvements [3][10] Financial Performance - EBITDA surged to $4.7 million, reflecting a 172.3% increase from the previous year, supported by higher sales and improved margins [3][9] - The company reported a six-month backlog of $163.3 million, up from $150.5 million in the previous quarter, indicating strong demand in propulsion and defense applications [7][8] - Total debt increased by 46.7% year-over-year to $43.7 million, while cash decreased by 14.8% to $14.2 million, resulting in a net debt of $29.5 million primarily due to the Kobelt acquisition [7] Business Segment Performance - The Marine and Propulsion Systems segment achieved sales of $48.2 million, a 14.6% year-over-year increase, driven by record new-unit bookings and demand for autonomous-vessel applications [4] - Land-Based Transmissions saw a modest sales increase of 1.6% to $17.6 million, with positive signs in North American oil and gas demand despite challenges in China [5] - The Industrial segment recorded a 13.2% increase in sales to $10.4 million, attributed to a recovery in demand and a favorable product mix [6] Management Commentary - The President and CEO emphasized the quarter as a solid start to the fiscal year, highlighting top-line growth and improved margins, along with strong defense orders [8] - The CFO noted that the year-over-year improvement in EBITDA was due to higher sales and improved margins, despite increased operating expenses [9] Factors Influencing Results - Gross margin expansion was a key highlight, driven by incremental volume and successful margin-enhancement initiatives [10] - A reduction in currency-related losses contributed to the narrower net loss, while marketing, engineering, and administrative expenses increased by 6.2% to $20.7 million due to the integration of Kobelt and inflationary pressures [11][12] Other Developments - The integration of the Kobelt acquisition has expanded Twin Disc's market presence in hybrid and electric applications, positively impacting sales growth [13]