Core Viewpoint - Air T, Inc. (AIRT) reported mixed financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, with revenue growth but increased net losses, highlighting both strengths in certain segments and weaknesses in others [1][2][7]. Revenue and Earnings Performance - AIRT reported revenues of $70.9 million for Q1 fiscal 2026, a 6.7% increase from $66.4 million in the prior-year quarter [2] - The company posted a net loss of $1.6 million, compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the same quarter last year, with loss per share widening to $0.61 from $0.12 [2] - Operating income improved to $0.4 million from a loss of $0.6 million in the prior-year quarter [2] Segment Results - Ground Support Equipment and Digital Solutions showed strong contributions, while Commercial Aircraft, Engines, and Parts experienced weakness [3] - Overnight Air Cargo revenues increased by 0.7% to $30.6 million, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 17.2% to $1.6 million due to lower maintenance margins [5] - Ground Support Equipment revenues surged by 104.9% to $15.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA turning positive at $1.4 million from a loss of $0.5 million [5] - The Commercial Aircraft, Engines, and Parts segment saw revenues decline by 16.3% to $21.9 million, primarily due to weaker component sales, with adjusted EBITDA down 54.7% to $0.8 million [6] - Digital Solutions revenues rose by 24.9% to $2.1 million, narrowing adjusted EBITDA loss to $0.1 million from $0.3 million [6] Key Business Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA was $1.5 million, up 71.1% from $0.9 million in the prior year [4] - Investment balance in equity method investees increased to $19.9 million from $19 million at the end of March 2025 [4] Management Commentary - Chairman and CEO Nick Swenson expressed satisfaction with the company's performance and highlighted strategic initiatives for long-term value creation, particularly in Ground Support Equipment and Digital Solutions [7] Factors Influencing Performance - Revenue growth was driven by strong demand for deicing trucks in Ground Support Equipment, which more than doubled sales compared to the prior year [8] - Overnight Air Cargo performance remained steady, supported by FedEx-related operations, although profitability declined due to lower-margin maintenance activities [8] - Digital Solutions benefited from customer acquisition momentum in subscription software [8] Expense and Non-Operating Results - Consolidated operating expenses increased by 5.1% year over year, mainly due to higher costs in Ground Support Equipment [9] - Non-operating results were less favorable, with a non-operating loss of $1.3 million compared to income of $0.7 million in the prior year, attributed to higher interest expenses and weaker contributions from equity method investments [9] Strategic Developments - On May 15, 2025, AIRT's subsidiary Mountain Air Cargo acquired Royal Aircraft Services for $1.2 million, integrating it into the Overnight Air Cargo segment [12] - On July 15, 2025, Contrail's subsidiary sold two Airbus A321 aircraft for over $18 million, transferring lease obligations to the buyer, reflecting ongoing portfolio restructuring [12]

Financial Performance - The company reported Q1 earnings per share of $0.83 on sales of $1.2 billion, with a return on invested capital of 15% [6][23] - Total net sales decreased by 4.9% year-over-year, or 3.6% at constant exchange rates, with organic sales excluding ESG declining by 25% [23][35] - The operating margin for the overall company was 9.1%, down 350 basis points from the prior year, but showed a sequential improvement of 130 basis points from Q4 2024 [24][30] Business Line Performance - Aerials segment sales were $450 million, with operating margins down 3% year-over-year but expected to return to double digits in Q2 due to seasonal demand [26][36] - Materials Processing (MP) sales were $382 million, maintaining double-digit margins despite lower volume, with expectations for sequential improvement throughout the year [27][36] - Environmental Solutions (ES) generated approximately $400 million in sales, representing a third of total sales, with an operating margin of 19.4%, showing strong performance and record throughput [29][30] Market Data - Approximately 75% of the company's 2025 U.S. machine sales are expected to come from products manufactured in the U.S., enhancing resilience against tariffs [8][10] - The company noted a generally weak economic environment in Europe but sees potential growth in infrastructure spending in the medium to long term [15][16] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on integrating ESG into its operations, expecting to deliver over $25 million in operational run rate synergies by the end of 2026 [17][38] - The company is leveraging its global sourcing capabilities to mitigate tariff impacts and maintain price-cost neutrality [13][50] - The company is optimistic about its position in the market, particularly in the U.S. and North America, where a significant portion of its products are manufactured [60] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the macroeconomic environment and geopolitical uncertainties but maintained a full-year EPS outlook of $4.7 to $5.1 [7][35] - The company anticipates a gradual recovery in MP driven by replacement demand in North America, with a focus on maintaining operational efficiency [36][118] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $1.1 billion in liquidity and plans to deleverage in the second half of the year while continuing to invest in growth [31][32] - The company repurchased $32 million of its stock and paid $11 million in dividends during the first quarter [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for Environmental Solutions - Management noted that strong Q1 performance was driven by increased sales, record throughput, and integration synergies, but expects moderation in margins going forward due to one-off items and increased expenses [41][44][46] Question: Handling of orders and tariff assumptions - Management confirmed they are in mitigation mode regarding tariffs, having pulled forward inventory and implemented surcharges where necessary, while maintaining price-cost neutrality [47][49][50] Question: Guidance dynamics and competitive advantage - Management explained that the Q1 performance exceeded expectations, and while tariffs are a concern, the majority of products are manufactured in the U.S., providing a competitive edge [53][59] Question: Aerials and Material Processing margin progression - Management indicated that Aerials are expected to see a seasonal ramp-up in Q2, with MP showing a gradual recovery driven by replacement demand [63][66][68] Question: Impact of tariffs on the UK and pricing strategies - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs on raw materials from China and indicated that pricing strategies would be adjusted as necessary to maintain competitiveness [79][82] Question: Sustainability of ES margins - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of ES margins due to strong demand and expected synergies from the ESG acquisition [84][86] Question: Clarification on tariff assumptions - Management clarified that the $0.40 tariff impact assumption includes expected easing of China tariffs, with a focus on maintaining competitive pricing [91][92] Question: Impact of Germany's stimulus plan - Management noted that while the stimulus plan in Germany is not included in current sales outlook, it could positively impact the Material Processing segment in the future [93][94]