Core Viewpoint - Air T, Inc. reported a decline in revenues and increased net losses for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, despite a recent acquisition aimed at expanding its market presence in the Australian regional airline sector [2][8]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025, Air T reported revenues of $71.1 million, down 8.7% from $77.9 million in the prior-year quarter [2]. - The company experienced an operating loss of $3.8 million compared to an operating income of $1.4 million a year earlier [2]. - Net loss attributable to Air T stockholders widened to $2.5 million, or $(0.91) per share, from a loss of $1.3 million, or $(0.47) per share, in the prior-year period [2]. Year-to-Date Performance - On a nine-month basis, revenue declined 8.6% to $206.2 million from $225.5 million [3]. - Net income attributable to Air T stockholders fell 69.8% to $0.3 million, or $0.10 per share, from $0.9 million, or $0.32 per share, a year earlier [3]. Segment Performance - Overnight air cargo revenue was flat at $30.6 million [4]. - Ground support equipment sales rose 7.9% to $12.8 million from $11.8 million [4]. - Commercial aircraft, engines, and parts revenue fell 42.4% to $18.8 million from $32.7 million [4]. - Digital solutions revenue increased 24.9% to $2.5 million from $1.9 million [4]. - The newly added regional airline segment contributed $5.2 million for the partial quarter following the Rex acquisition [4]. Key Business Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $0.2 million, down from $2.7 million in the prior-year period [5]. - Ground support equipment generated $1.7 million in adjusted EBITDA, up from $0.2 million a year earlier [5]. - Overnight air cargo produced $1 million, down 48.6% from $1.9 million [5]. - The commercial aircraft, engines, and parts segment posted an adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.2 million against a $2.9 million profit last year [6]. - The regional airline segment reported a $0.5 million adjusted EBITDA loss for its initial 13 days of operations under Air T ownership [6]. - Order backlog in the ground support equipment segment nearly doubled to $12.9 million as of Dec. 31, 2025, from $6.2 million a year earlier [6]. Investments and Acquisitions - The equity method investments balance increased to $33.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2025, from $19 million as of March 31, 2025 [7]. - The acquisition of Rex Regional Airlines was described as a strategic entry into the Australian regional airline market, with a preliminary bargain purchase gain of $95.8 million recorded as a deferred credit on the balance sheet [8][10]. - The preliminary fair value of assets acquired from Rex totaled $164.8 million against liabilities of $57.9 million, resulting in net assets of $106.9 million [12]. Management Commentary - Management did not provide formal financial guidance for upcoming quarters, focusing instead on operational integration of Rex and execution priorities [11].

Market Overview - The market received a boost from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech, indicating potential rate cuts as early as September, leading to a 1.5% rally in the S&P 500 [1][10] - Powell's acknowledgment of persistent inflation, coupled with a focus on job growth, reassured investors about the Fed's readiness to intervene if economic momentum slows [1][10] - By the end of the week, traders raised their bets on a September rate cut, with odds exceeding 90% [1] Investor Sentiment - Investors interpreted Powell's remarks as a sign that tariff-related inflation is viewed as temporary, not a long-term concern, which has fueled optimism in equities [2][10] - With falling treasury yields and a returning risk appetite, equities are expected to continue gaining in the upcoming weeks [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Pediatrix Medical Group (MD), Enova International (ENVA), Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) [3][10] Stock Analysis Strategy - Investors should assess stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be prioritized for potential returns [5] - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are ideal candidates for investment [6] Earnings Estimates - Positive estimate revisions for upcoming earnings are crucial; upward revisions typically lead to additional price gains [7] - Screening parameters include relative price changes over various time frames and positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] Zacks Rank and Stock Performance - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500, are considered for investment [9] - Specific stocks highlighted include: - **Pediatrix Medical Group (MD)**: Market cap of $1.5 billion, 51.8% share price increase over the past year, and a 9.3% upward revision in earnings estimates [11][12] - **Enova International (ENVA)**: Market cap of $2.9 billion, 37.4% share price increase, and a 32.4% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [13][14] - **Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM)**: Market cap not specified, 107.7% share price increase, and a 20.7% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [15] - **SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW)**: Market cap of $4.8 billion, 60.4% share price increase, and a 28.1% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [16] - **Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)**: Market cap of $69 billion, 66% share price increase, and a 62.2% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [17][18]