Federal Signal (US:FSS)2025-10-30 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q3 were $555 million, an increase of $81 million or 17% year over year [5] - Organic net sales growth for the quarter was $51 million or 11% [5] - Consolidated operating income for the quarter was $94 million, up $18.1 million or 24% compared to last year [5] - GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.11 per share, up $0.24 or 28% from last year [6] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.14 per share, up $0.26 or 30% from last year [6] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $116.2 million, up $23.2 million or 25% compared to last year, with a margin of 20.9% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental Solutions Group (ESG) net sales were $466 million, an increase of $67 million or 17% year over year [6] - ESG's operating income was $85.3 million, up $13.8 million or 19% [6] - ESG's adjusted EBITDA was $104.9 million, up $17.7 million or 20% with a margin of 22.5% [7] - Safety and Security Systems Group (SSG) net sales were $90 million, up $14 million or 18% [7] - SSG's operating income was $21.9 million, up $5.1 million or 30% [7] - SSG's adjusted EBITDA was $22.9 million, up $5.1 million or 29% with a margin of 25.6% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Order intake for the quarter was $467 million, an increase of $41 million or 10% year over year [6] - Backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $992 million, down 4% compared to Q3 last year [6] - SSG orders increased 31% year over year, driven by demand for public safety equipment and warning systems [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building more trucks across its specialty vehicle businesses and improving throughput at its ESG facilities [13] - Investment in productivity-enhancing projects and automation initiatives is planned to improve efficiency [14] - The company aims for a balanced contribution between organic and inorganic growth, with a focus on strategic acquisitions [21][26] - The acquisition of New Way is expected to close in Q4, pending regulatory approval, which will enhance growth opportunities [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving another record year in 2026, driven by strategic initiatives and backlog visibility [49] - Demand for products and services remains strong, with expectations for increased orders in Q4 [19] - The company anticipates that the transition from third-party refuse trucks to New Way will impact backlog and margins positively over time [32][34] Other Important Information - The company generated $61 million of cash from operations during the quarter, bringing year-to-date cash generation to $158 million, an increase of 12% [10] - A new five-year $1.5 billion credit facility was executed, providing greater financial flexibility for growth initiatives and acquisitions [11] - The company paid dividends of $8.5 million during the quarter, reflecting a dividend of $0.14 per share [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the M&A contribution from HOG Technologies and Standard Equipment Company at ESG in the quarter? - HOG Technologies contributed approximately $20 million, and Standard Equipment Company contributed about $10 million [31] Question: Can you help us frame the backlog contribution from the refuse trucks and expectations for margin lift going forward? - The backlog reduction was primarily driven by the decline of third-party refuse backlog, which is expected to continue as the transition to New Way occurs [32][34] Question: What feedback are you hearing from the dealer channel regarding the New Way acquisition? - Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with excitement about welcoming new dealers to the Federal Signal family [37] Question: Have you seen any changes to funding or delays with orders due to the federal government shutdown? - No meaningful disruption is expected from the federal government shutdown, and strong SSG orders were reported in Q3 [43] Question: How do you view the pricing environment following the recent merger of another large waste truck company? - The company believes it is well positioned with its ASL product line and the strength of its municipal channel, despite the merger [46] Question: Can you discuss the pace of margin expansion going forward, especially with the New Way acquisition? - New Way is expected to be margin dilutive in 2026, but long-term margin targets remain intact [54]