Argan(AGX) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue growth of 23% to $193.7 million for Q1 fiscal 2026, with a gross margin of 19% [6][22] - Net income increased to approximately$ 23 million or $1.6 per diluted share, up from$ 7.9 million or $0.58 per diluted share year over year [6][23] - EBITDA rose to$ 30.3 million, representing 15.6% of revenues, compared to $11.9 million or 7.5% in the same period last year [6][24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Power Industry Services segment revenues increased by 45% to$ 160 million, contributing 83% of total revenues, with a pretax book income of approximately $31 million [11][22] - Industrial Construction Services segment revenues decreased to$ 29 million from $44 million, contributing 15% of total revenues, with a pretax book income of approximately$ 2 million [11][22] - Telecommunications Infrastructure Services segment contributed 2% of total revenues, with a gross margin of 18% [13][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record backlog of $1.9 billion as of April 30, 2025, reflecting a 36% increase from January 31, 2025 [7][17] - The backlog is comprised of approximately 67% natural gas projects and 28% renewable projects, indicating a strong demand for both types of energy sources [14][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the growing demand for energy infrastructure, particularly in the construction of natural gas and renewable energy facilities [7][28] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong balance sheet, returning capital to shareholders, and exploring M&A opportunities to enhance capabilities [8][27] - The company aims to strengthen its leadership role in energy infrastructure construction, emphasizing disciplined risk management and project execution [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the demand environment for energy infrastructure, expecting attractive project opportunities for the next decade [7][28] - The company highlighted the urgency to meet increasing power consumption needs coinciding with aging infrastructure and underinvestment in energy resources [28][29] - Management noted that combined cycle projects typically take three to four years to complete, indicating a long-term growth outlook [30] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with$ 546.5 million in cash and investments, net liquidity of $315 million, and no debt as of April 30, 2025 [8][25] - A quarterly dividend of 37.5¢ was paid, and the share repurchase program was increased to$ 150 million [8][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the pipeline look like for the rest of the year? - Management indicated a strong pipeline and expects to add several power industrial jobs, potentially exceeding $2 billion in backlog later this year [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for the Industrial business? - Management acknowledged a slight contraction in the previous quarter but expressed confidence in revenue growth due to strong interest in onshoring U.S. manufacturing [38][39] Question: Can you quantify the excess margin from projects like Trumbull? - Management noted that gross margins reflect strong execution and a favorable project mix, expecting to exceed last year's margin profile [42] Question: Is there an optimal backlog level if most of it is natural gas? - Management stated that backlog levels can fluctuate significantly, but they expect an overall increase in backlog throughout the year [43] Question: What is driving the extended project timelines? - Management attributed the longer timelines primarily to supply chain issues, indicating that the current typical timeframe is three to four years [46]