Graham (GHM) Q4 2025 Earnings Call June 09, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Tom Cook - Managing DirectorDaniel Thoren - President & CEOMatthew Malone - President & COOChristopher Thome - Chief Accounting Officer, VP of Finance, CFO & Corporate SecretaryRussell Stanley - Managing Director - Equity ResearchTony Bancroft - Portfolio Manager Conference Call Participants Richard Ryan - Vice President, Senior Research AnalystJoe Gomes - Senior Generalist AnalystChristopher Glynn - Managing Director and Seni ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year revenue grew approximately 13% to $210 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 69% to $22.4 million, representing 10.7% of sales [6][31] - Record backlog reached $412 million as of March 31, up 7% sequentially, with a book to bill ratio of 1.1, marking the fifth consecutive year above 1.0 [7][36] - Fourth quarter net income was $4.4 million, compared to $1.3 million in the prior year, equating to $0.40 per share on a GAAP basis [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Defense market sales grew by $7.7 million or 28% year-over-year, driven by existing programs and improved execution [28] - Energy and process sales increased by $1.8 million, supported by higher capital equipment sales to the Middle East and Asia [28] - Aftermarket sales for energy and process and defense markets totaled $12.1 million, up 3% from the prior year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense sector remains a key focus, with significant contracts awarded, including a $136.5 million contract for the Virginia class submarine program [7][8] - The energy and process market is seeing continued demand, with innovative solutions driving customer interest [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning into a growth phase, focusing on product life cycle expansion, commercialization, global reach, and digital transformation [23][26] - Investments in automation and facility expansion are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and throughput [21][22] - The strategic plan includes a target of 8% to 10% organic revenue growth and low to mid-teens adjusted EBITDA margins by fiscal 2027 [14][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on opportunities in the defense and energy sectors, supported by a robust backlog and strategic investments [14][39] - The leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity in strategic vision and operational execution [12][13] Other Important Information - The company has secured a $50 million credit facility to support future growth initiatives [22] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 were $19 million, with expectations to maintain CapEx at 7% to 10% of sales in the coming years [10][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about guidance and gross margin outlook - Management indicated that the gross margin outlook is primarily affected by tariffs and the absence of a training grant, with process improvement initiatives in place to offset these factors [45][46] Question: Details on the investment in radiographic equipment - The new X-ray equipment will enhance the evaluation of complex welds, improving efficiency and quality in production [47][48] Question: Update on M&A opportunities - The M&A pipeline is robust, with opportunities arising from aging ownership groups, and valuations are seen as favorable for strategic acquisitions [51][52] Question: Changes in contract terms for Navy orders - Management confirmed that there are protective clauses in contracts to mitigate commodity price volatility, ensuring stability in pricing [58][59] Question: Status of welder training program and future needs - The welder training program has been successful, with a 10% increase in welders year-over-year, supporting growth in both defense and energy sectors [62][63] Question: Utilization of the cryogenic facility - The cryogenic facility is on track to be operational soon, with strong demand anticipated based on customer inquiries [67][70] Question: Progress on NextGen nozzle and potential clients - The NextGen nozzle design is complete, with ongoing discussions with existing clients for upgrades during maintenance turnarounds [75][76]