Mercury Systems(MRCY) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings for Q1 FY26 were $250 million, resulting in a record backlog of $1.4 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.11 [5][16] - Revenue for Q1 was $225 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.2% [5][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $35.6 million, up 66% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.8%, an increase of 530 basis points [5][10][18] - Free cash outflow was $4.4 million, showing a significant improvement of $16.5 million year-over-year [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized $4 million of net adverse EAC changes, down 51% year-over-year, indicating improved program management capabilities [6] - Accelerated customer deliveries contributed approximately $20 million in revenue and $10 million in adjusted EBITDA, previously planned for Q2 [6][10] - Gross margin for Q1 increased to nearly 28%, up approximately 260 basis points year-over-year, driven by a favorable program mix [10][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a healthy mix of competitive wins and follow-on production awards, including $26 million in competitive takeaways [8] - The European defense market is experiencing significant growth, with defense budgets expected to triple over the next few years [36] - The company has seen a 15% growth rate in its European defense business over the last 12 months [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four priorities: performance excellence, driving organic growth, expanding margins, and improving free cash flow [4][5] - Plans to increase capacity and automation in manufacturing, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona, to support anticipated demand [7][10] - The company aims for adjusted EBITDA margins in the low to mid-20% range and free cash flow conversion of 50% over time [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential for increased global defense budgets and domestic priorities to positively impact demand [14][36] - The company maintains its full-year outlook for FY26, expecting low single-digit annual revenue growth with a flat first half and sequential increases in the second half [13][14] - Management noted minimal impact from the US government shutdown on funding or program starts [45] Other Important Information - A new $200 million buyback authorization was announced, reflecting confidence in the business and long-term shareholder value [15] - The company ended Q1 with $305 million in cash on hand and has made significant progress in reducing net working capital [5][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the ongoing ability to pull revenues forward? - Management indicated that while they have successfully accelerated deliveries, they do not have clear visibility on future constraints until mid or late quarter [24][25] Question: What is the timing and potential revenue impact of the new capacity in Phoenix? - Management stated that the new capacity is intended to meet anticipated demand increases but did not quantify potential revenue impacts [28][30] Question: How is the production ramp-up for CPA products progressing? - Management confirmed that production is ramping up and they expect future demand to follow as production increases [32][33] Question: What is the outlook for the European defense environment? - Management noted strong growth in the European defense market, with a 15% growth rate over the last year and ongoing discussions with European primes [36] Question: How should margins be expected to progress through the year? - Management indicated that gross margins are expected to improve as low-margin backlog is converted and new bookings align with targeted margins [38][49] Question: What is the expected free cash flow conversion for the year? - Management expects to be free cash flow positive for the year, with stronger performance in the second half [40][22]