Argan Inc (AGX) Q3 Earnings: EPS of $2.00 Beats Estimate, Revenue Surges to $257 Million

Robust Revenue Growth and Improved Profit Margins Highlight Argan Inc's Performance

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Dec 05, 2024
Summary
  • Revenue: $257.0 million, surpassing the estimated $205.6 million, marking a 57% increase year-over-year.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): $2.00, significantly exceeding the estimated EPS of $1.10.
  • Net Income: $28.0 million, a substantial rise from $5.5 million in the prior year quarter.
  • Gross Margin: Improved to 17.2% from 11.7% in the previous year, reflecting enhanced project execution.
  • EBITDA: Increased to $37.5 million, up from $12.2 million in the same quarter last year.
  • Cash and Investments: Totaled $506.3 million as of October 31, 2024, up from $412.4 million at the beginning of the year.
  • Project Backlog: Reached $800 million, a 6% increase from the start of fiscal year 2025, with $478 million in renewable projects.
Article's Main Image

On December 5, 2024, Argan Inc (AGX, Financial) released its 8-K filing detailing the financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending October 31, 2024. Argan Inc, a U.S.-based construction firm, operates through its subsidiaries GPS, APC, TRC, and SMC, providing comprehensive services to the power generation market, including renewable energy. The company operates in three segments: Power Services, Industrial Services, and Telecom Services, with Power Services generating the majority of its revenue.

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Performance Overview

Argan Inc reported consolidated revenues of $257.0 million for the quarter, a significant increase of 57% compared to $163.8 million in the same quarter last year. This figure exceeded the analyst estimate of $205.60 million. The company's gross profit rose to $44.3 million, with a gross margin of 17.2%, up from 11.7% in the previous year. Net income surged to $28.0 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, surpassing the estimated earnings per share of $1.10. This performance underscores Argan's strong execution across its business segments, particularly in the power industry services.

Financial Achievements and Industry Impact

Argan's financial achievements are noteworthy, with EBITDA reaching $37.5 million, a substantial increase from $12.2 million in the prior year. The company's cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $506.3 million as of October 31, 2024, reflecting a robust financial position with no debt. The project backlog increased to $800 million, including $478 million in renewable projects, highlighting Argan's strategic focus on diversifying its project mix and capitalizing on the growing demand for energy solutions.

Income Statement and Key Metrics

For the nine months ended October 31, 2024, Argan reported revenues of $641.7 million, a 57% increase from the previous year. The gross profit for this period was $93.4 million, with a gross margin of 14.6%. Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose to $37.8 million, but as a percentage of revenues, these expenses decreased to 5.9%. The company's net income for the nine months was $54.1 million, or $3.91 per diluted share, compared to $20.3 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
Revenues $257.0 million $163.8 million $93.3 million
Gross Profit $44.3 million $19.2 million $25.1 million
Net Income $28.0 million $5.5 million $22.5 million
Diluted EPS $2.00 $0.40 $1.60

Analysis and Commentary

David Watson, President and CEO of Argan, commented on the results, stating,

Our third quarter revenues and earnings, each the second highest in Company history, reflect strong execution across all of our businesses, which drove consolidated revenues growth of 57% to $257 million, gross margin of 17.2%, net income of $28.0 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, and EBITDA of $37.5 million."
This statement highlights the company's effective project execution and strategic positioning in the power services sector.

Argan's performance is crucial as it demonstrates the company's ability to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the renewable energy and natural gas sectors. The increase in project backlog and strong financial metrics position Argan well for future growth, particularly as the industry anticipates increased power demand driven by data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and electric vehicle infrastructure expansion.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Argan Inc for further details.