Graham(US:GHM)2025-06-09 16:02Financial 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][30] - 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][34] - 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 and $0.43 per share on an adjusted basis [30] 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 [27] - Energy and process sales increased by $1.8 million, supported by higher capital equipment sales to the Middle East and Asia [27] - Revenue for the energy and process segment was up 1% year-over-year to $73 million for fiscal 2025 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth in defense and energy markets, with defense sales up 23% for the full year [28] - Aftermarket sales for energy and process and defense markets totaled $12.1 million, a 3% increase from the prior year [27] - Orders for the fourth quarter included $50 million related to a $136.5 million contract for the Virginia class submarine program [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "stabilize, improve, grow" strategy, with a strong emphasis on operational improvements and capital investments targeting a return on investment exceeding 20% [10][19] - Plans to expand capabilities include a new 30,000 square foot facility in Batavia, New York, and investments in automated welding and advanced machining [20][21] - The strategic vision includes enhancing product life cycle management and expanding into new markets while leveraging existing technologies [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet fiscal 2027 goals of 8% to 10% organic revenue growth and low to mid-teens adjusted EBITDA margins [40] - The leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity in strategic vision and operational execution [12][13] - Management highlighted strong demand in defense and energy sectors, with expectations for continued growth driven by strategic investments [19][20] Other Important Information - The company secured a strategic investment of $2.2 million from a key defense customer to enhance capabilities in evaluating critical welds [9] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 were $19 million, with expectations to maintain CapEx at 7% to 10% of sales in the coming years [10][36] - The company is actively pursuing both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, supported by a strong balance sheet and cash generation [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and gross margin outlook - Management indicated that the gross margin outlook is primarily affected by tariffs and the absence of a grant, with process improvement initiatives in place to offset these factors [43][44] Question: Investment in radiographic equipment - The new X-ray equipment will significantly enhance the evaluation process for complex welds, improving efficiency and quality across both defense and energy sectors [45][46][48] Question: M&A opportunities and valuations - The M&A pipeline is robust, with opportunities arising from aging ownership groups and favorable valuations for strategic acquisitions [49][50] Question: Changes in contract profitability - Contracts remain largely unchanged, with new clauses protecting against commodity price volatility, ensuring stability in pricing [56][58] Question: Welder training program and capacity needs - The welder training program has been successful, with a 10% increase in welders year-over-year, supporting both defense and energy sectors [60][61] Question: Cryogenic facility utilization - The cryogenic facility is on track to be operational soon, with strong demand anticipated based on customer inquiries [65][66] Question: NextGen nozzle progress - The NextGen nozzle design is complete, with ongoing discussions with existing customers for upgrades during maintenance turnarounds [73][74]