Argan(AGX) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue growth of 23% to $193.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with a gross margin of 19% [6][21] - Net income increased to approximately$ 22.6 million or $1.6 per diluted share, up from$ 7.9 million or $0.58 per diluted share year over year [6][24] - EBITDA rose to$ 30.3 million, representing 15.6% of revenues, compared to $11.9 million or 7.5% for the same period last year [6][25] - The company achieved a record backlog of$ 1.9 billion as of April 30, 2025, reflecting a 36% increase from January 31, 2025 [7][17] 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] - Industrial Construction Services segment revenues decreased to $29 million from$ 44 million, contributing 15% of total revenues, with a pretax book income of approximately $2 million [11][12] - Telecommunications Infrastructure Services segment contributed 2% of total revenues, with a gross margin of 18% [13][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a substantial increase in power demand, reaching its highest level in two decades, driven by AI data centers, onshoring of manufacturing, and electric vehicle adoption [8][14] - The current project backlog is comprised of approximately 67% natural gas projects and 28% renewable energy projects [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain its presence in renewable energy while focusing on natural gas projects as the core growth engine [18][29] - The company aims to leverage its capabilities in constructing both traditional and renewable energy facilities to meet the increasing demand for reliable power [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the demand environment, expecting attractive project opportunities for the next decade [9][30] - The company highlighted the urgency to meet power consumption increases coinciding with aging infrastructure and underinvestment in energy [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with$ 546 million in cash and investments, net liquidity of $315 million, and no debt as of April 30, 2025 [9][26] - The board increased the share repurchase program to$ 150 million, reflecting a disciplined capital allocation strategy [9][28] 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][37] Question: What is the outlook for the Industrial business segment? - Management acknowledged a slight contraction but noted strong interest in the segment, expecting revenues to increase meaningfully over the next several quarters [39] Question: Can you quantify the excess margin from projects like Trumbull? - Management stated that the gross margins reflect strong execution and a favorable project mix, expecting to exceed last year's margin profile [42] Question: Is the current project timeline of three to four years a permanent change? - Management attributed the extended timeline primarily to supply chain issues, indicating that it may not revert to previous timelines [48]