Argan, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Argan, Inc. (AGX) announces financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2024, with revenues reaching $573.3 million, a 26% increase. The company declares a regular quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share. Net income for the year was $32.4 million, a slight decrease from the previous year. EBITDA rose by 7% to $51.3 million. Cash dividends per share increased to $1.10.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The report from Argan, Inc. reveals a mixed financial landscape. The company's revenue growth is notable, with a 26% year-over-year increase, signaling a strong market demand for their services. However, the decline in gross margin percentage from 19.0% to 14.1% raises concerns about potential increases in cost of goods sold or pricing pressures. This contraction could indicate a less favorable cost structure or a competitive pricing environment that warrants investor attention.

Another point of interest is the slight decrease in net income despite the rise in revenues. This divergence often suggests rising operational costs or one-time expenses that have not been offset by the revenue growth. The increase in EBITDA is positive, but it's essential to understand what is driving this metric up, considering the net income dip. The increase in cash dividends per share from $0.25 to $0.30, alongside a modest increase in diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year, indicates a confidence in the company's liquidity and a commitment to shareholder return, which could be attractive to income-focused investors.

Market Research Analyst

Looking at the industry context, Argan, Inc.'s project backlog is a critical indicator of future revenue potential. A decrease in project backlog from $822 million to $757 million could be a sign of slowing demand or increased competition in their market sector. It's important to consider the company's backlog in relation to its revenue growth—while revenues have grown, a shrinking backlog may suggest challenges in sustaining this growth long-term.

The company's net liquidity increase is modest but positive, suggesting a stable financial position for handling short-term obligations. The strategic move to increase the cash dividends could be aimed at signaling financial stability and rewarding shareholders despite a competitive or cost-intensive market environment.

Economist

From an economic perspective, the financial results of Argan, Inc. must be evaluated against broader economic conditions, including inflation rates, interest rates and industry-specific trends. The gross margin compression could be reflective of broader economic pressures such as increased labor or material costs. The company's ability to pass these costs onto customers without affecting demand is important for maintaining profitability.

The increase in cash and investments by approximately $87 million is a strong liquidity indicator, which provides the company with a buffer in an uncertain economic climate. This financial cushion could support strategic investments or weather potential economic downturns. However, the decline in net income and gross profit year-over-year, despite revenue growth, could be a warning sign of inefficiencies or market saturation that may require strategic adjustments.

Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend of $0.30 Per Share

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Argan, Inc. (NYSE: AGX) (“Argan” or the “Company”) today announces financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. The Company will host an investor conference call today, April 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

($ in thousands, except per share data)

		January 31,
For the Quarter Ended:		2024				2023				Change
Revenues		$	164,554			$	118,778			$	45,776
Gross profit			23,633				20,028				3,605
Gross margin %			14.4	%			16.9	%			(2.5	)%
Net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company		$	12,018			$	13,633			$	(1,615	)
Diluted per share			0.89				1.00				(0.11	)
EBITDA attributable to the stockholders of the Company			17,564				11,227				6,337
Cash dividends per share			0.30				0.25				0.05
		January 31,
For the Fiscal Year Ended:		2024				2023				Change
Revenues		$	573,333			$	455,040			$	118,293
Gross profit			80,834				86,361				(5,527	)
Gross margin %			14.1	%			19.0	%			(4.9	)%
Net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company		$	32,358			$	33,098			$	(740	)
Diluted per share			2.39				2.33				0.06
EBITDA attributable to the stockholders of the Company			51,338				48,109				3,229
Cash dividends per share			1.10				1.00				0.10
		January 31,
As of:		2024				2023				Change
Cash, cash equivalents and investments		$	412,405			$	325,458			$	86,947
Net liquidity (1)			244,919				236,199				8,720
Share repurchase treasury stock, at cost			97,528				88,641				8,887
Project backlog			757,000				822,000				(65,000	)

(1)

Net liquidity, or working capital, is defined as total current assets less total current liabilities.

David Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Argan, commented, “Our solid fourth quarter performance closed out a strong fiscal 2024 for our Company, highlighted by a 26% increase in consolidated revenues to $573.3 million and a 7% increase in annual EBITDA to $51.3 million. Fourth quarter 2024 project backlog grew to $757.0 million sequentially, as compared to backlog of $730.0 million at the close of the third quarter. Backlog levels have remained relatively consistent since fiscal 2022 despite significant revenue growth in the same timeframe. We are energized about the opportunities we’re seeing in the market and our growing project pipeline, which includes several contracts secured after year-end for renewable, natural gas-fired and industrial projects that are in various stages of development and are expected to begin this year. The demand for reliable energy resources is only increasing as the power grid meets the needs of an expanding installed base of data centers, as the increased adoption of EVs and their charging requirements drives energy consumption, and as renewable power solutions require back-up sources. Argan’s capabilities and expertise are suited to the construction and support of all types of energy facilities, and with our established reputation as a proven partner, we’re excited about the marketplace interest we are seeing for our services.”

“While our fiscal 2024 results were strong, as we’ve previously discussed, our international subsidiary, Atlantic Projects Company (“APC”), was impacted during the year by operational and contractual challenges related to its Kilroot Power Station project in Northern Ireland (the “Kilroot” project). As a result of these challenges, during the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 we recorded loss amounts of approximately $2.1 million and $13.6 million, respectively, associated with the Kilroot project. APC has substantially completed the scope of their work and turned over one of the two power units to the owner, which achieved first fire in March. We’ve identified and submitted claims in excess of the amount of our recorded loss and will vigorously pursue those claims.”

“Our progress during fiscal 2024 illustrates the underlying strength of our business as we continue to grow our solid reputation as a full-service construction and project management partner with extensive capabilities for the support of both traditional and renewable power facilities as well as industrial projects. As we move through fiscal 2025, we’re focused on leveraging our strong reputation to continue to capitalize on the opportunities we’re seeing.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 were $164.6 million, an increase of $45.8 million, or 38.5%, from consolidated revenues of $118.8 million reported for the comparable prior year period. The Company experienced increased revenues at several projects, including the Shannonbridge Power Project; the Trumbull Energy Center, a large combined cycle, gas-fired power plant under construction near Lordstown, Ohio; and the three ESB FlexGen Peaker Plants being built in Dublin, Ireland. The increase in revenues was partially offset by decreased revenues at the Guernsey Power Station and Kilroot project as the projects were at or near completion during the current quarter.

For the quarter ended January 31, 2024, Argan’s consolidated gross profit was approximately $23.6 million, or 14.4% of consolidated revenues, reflecting positive contributions across all three reportable business segments. However, the consolidated gross profit for the quarter was adversely impacted by the loss related to the Kilroot project. Consolidated gross profit for the quarter ended January 31, 2023 was $20.0 million, or 16.9% of consolidated revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million, to $11.9 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2024, from $10.5 million in the comparable prior year period. However, as a percentage of revenues, these expenses declined to 7.2% from 8.8% between the same periods.

Other income increased by $2.8 million primarily due to the favorable effects of increased interest rates on the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments. During the quarter ended January 31, 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $5.0 million primarily due to consolidated pre-tax book income of $17.0 million. For the comparable period last year, Argan recorded an income tax benefit of $3.2 million on consolidated pre-tax book income of $12.0 million, primarily due to the favorable recognition of tax benefits related to research and development credits.

For the quarter ended January 31, 2024, Argan achieved net income of $12.0 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to $13.6 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for last year’s comparable quarter. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 increased to $17.6 million compared to $11.2 million in the same period of last year.

Fiscal Year 2024 Results

Power Industry Services

Revenues from the power industry services business increased by 20.3%, or $70.2 million, to $416.3 million for the year ended January 31, 2024 (“Fiscal 2024”) compared with revenues of $346.0 million for the year ended January 31, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”), largely due to an increase in construction activities at the Trumbull Energy Center, the Shannonbridge Power Project, the ESB FlexGen Peaker Plants and the Midwest Solar and Battery Projects. The revenues increase was partially offset by decreased construction activities associated with the Guernsey Power Station project, the Maple Hill Solar facility and the Equinix data center project, as those projects are generally near or at completion. Revenues from power industry services represented approximately 72.6% of consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2024. The project backlog amounts for the power industry services reportable segment as of January 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.6 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively.

Industrial Construction Services

Revenues from industrial construction services increased by $50.0 million, or 53.9%, to $142.8 million for Fiscal 2024 compared with revenues of $92.8 million for Fiscal 2023, and represented approximately 24.9% of consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2024 and 20.4% of consolidated revenues for the prior fiscal year. The Company’s focused business development efforts in a growing regional business environment have led to new customer project awards and an expansion of larger initiatives, with the industrial construction services segment increasing its revenues while maintaining its project backlog at $127.5 million as of January 31, 2024 as compared to $123.5 million as of January 31, 2023.

Consolidated Operating Results

Consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2024 were $573.3 million, which represented an increase of $118.3 million, or 26.0%, from consolidated revenues of $455.0 million reported for Fiscal 2023. For Fiscal 2024, the Company reported a consolidated gross profit of approximately $80.8 million, which represented a gross profit percentage of approximately 14.1% of corresponding consolidated revenues. The gross profit for Fiscal 2024 primarily reflected the profit contributions of efficient construction activities related to the major projects of the power industry services reporting segment, which was adversely impacted by the loss recorded in Fiscal 2024 related to the Kilroot project. The gross profit percentages of corresponding revenues for the power industry services, industrial construction services and telecommunications infrastructure services segments for Fiscal 2024 were 14.1%, 12.9% and 26.5%, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $44.4 million and $44.7 million for Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, respectively, representing 7.7% and 9.8% of consolidated revenues for the corresponding periods, respectively.

For Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, the amounts of other income, net, were $12.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, representing an increase of 188.0% that was primarily due to meaningful increases in investment yields and average balances of invested funds between periods.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $16.6 million for Fiscal 2024, primarily due to consolidated pre-tax book income in the amount of $48.9 million. For Fiscal 2023, consolidated pre-tax book income was $46.0 million and the income tax expense was $11.3 million.

For Fiscal 2024, Argan reported net income of $32.4 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, compared to net income of $33.1 million, or $2.33 per diluted share, for the prior fiscal year. EBITDA for Fiscal 2024 increased to $51.3 million from $48.1 million for the prior fiscal year. The Company paid its regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share in January 2024.

As of January 31, 2024, cash and liquid investments totaled $412.4 million and balance sheet net liquidity was $244.9 million; furthermore, the Company had no debt.

Dividend Declaration and Share Repurchase Program

On April 10, 2024, the Argan Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share of common stock, payable April 30, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2024. The Company increased its quarterly cash dividend by 20% from $0.25 to $0.30 per share of common stock in October 2023 and paid a total of $1.10 per common stock share during Fiscal 2024. During Fiscal 2023, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.25 per common stock share for a total of $1.00 per share.

During Fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 303,160 shares of common stock at a cost of $12.5 million, including the repurchase of 90,719 shares of common stock at a cost of $4.0 million during the three months ended January 31, 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

Argan will host a conference call and webcast for investors today, April 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Domestic stockholders and interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 506-0062 and international participants should dial (973) 528-0011; all callers shall use access code: 802786. The call and the accompanying slide deck will also be webcast at:

https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2961/50203

The conference call and slide deck may also be accessed via the Investor Center section of the Company’s website at https://arganinc.com/investor-center. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site.

A replay of the teleconference will be available until April 25, 2024, and can be accessed by dialing 877-481-4010 (domestic) or 919-882-2331 (international). The replay access code is 50203. A replay of the webcast can be accessed until April 11, 2025.

About Argan

Argan’s primary business is providing a full range of construction and related services to the power industry. Argan’s service offerings focus on the engineering, procurement and construction of natural gas-fired power plants and renewable energy facilities, along with related commissioning, maintenance, project development and technical consulting services, through its Gemma Power Systems and Atlantic Projects Company operations. Argan also owns The Roberts Company, which is a fully integrated industrial construction, fabrication and plant services company, and SMC Infrastructure Solutions, which provides telecommunications infrastructure services.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Within this press release, the Company may make reference to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure described in this press release is important to management and investors because the measure supplements the understanding of Argan’s ongoing operating results, excluding the effects of capital structure, depreciation and amortization, and tax rates. The non-GAAP financial measure referred to above should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP financial information presented in this press release. Financial tables at the end of this press release provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to its comparable GAAP measure.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Reference is hereby made to the cautionary statements made by the Company with respect to risk factors set forth in its most recent reports on Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other SEC filings. The Company’s future financial performance is subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the successful addition of new contracts to project backlog, the receipt of corresponding notices to proceed with contract activities, and the Company’s ability to successfully complete the projects that it obtains. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risk factors highlighted above and described regularly in the Company’s SEC filings.

ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended								Fiscal Year Ended
		January 31,								January 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
		(Unaudited)
REVENUES		$	164,554			$	118,778			$	573,333			$	455,040
Cost of revenues			140,921				98,750				492,499				368,679
GROSS PROFIT			23,633				20,028				80,834				86,361
Selling, general and administrative expenses			11,909				10,466				44,376				44,692
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS			11,724				9,562				36,458				41,669
Other income, net			5,253				2,463				12,475				4,331
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES			16,977				12,025				48,933				46,000
Income tax expense (benefit)			4,959				(3,214	)			16,575				11,296
NET INCOME			12,018				15,239				32,358				34,704
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest			—				1,606				—				1,606
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN, INC.			12,018				13,633				32,358				33,098
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(293	)			2,176				(920	)			(425	)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			1,346				—				199				—
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN, INC.		$	13,071			$	15,809			$	31,637			$	32,673
NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN, INC.
Basic		$	0.90			$	1.01			$	2.42			$	2.35
Diluted		$	0.89			$	1.00			$	2.39			$	2.33
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic			13,319				13,535				13,365				14,083
Diluted			13,548				13,625				13,548				14,176
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE		$	0.30			$	0.25			$	1.10			$	1.00

ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
		January 31,
		2024				2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	197,032			$	173,947
Investments			215,373				151,511
Accounts receivable, net			47,326				50,132
Contract assets			48,189				24,778
Other current assets			39,259				38,334
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			547,179				438,702
Property, plant and equipment, net			11,021				10,430
Goodwill			28,033				28,033
Intangible assets, net			2,217				2,609
Deferred taxes, net			2,259				3,689
Right-of-use and other assets			7,520				6,024
TOTAL ASSETS		$	598,229			$	489,487
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$	39,485			$	56,375
Accrued expenses			81,721				49,867
Contract liabilities			181,054				96,261
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES			302,260				202,503
Noncurrent liabilities			5,030				6,087
TOTAL LIABILITIES			307,290				208,590
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share – 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.15 per share – 30,000,000 shares authorized; 15,828,289 shares issued; 13,242,520 and 13,441,590 shares outstanding at January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively			2,374				2,374
Additional paid-in capital			164,183				162,208
Retained earnings			225,507				207,832
Less treasury stock, at cost – 2,585,769 and 2,386,699 shares at January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively			(97,528	)			(88,641	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(3,597	)			(2,876	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY			290,939				280,897
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	598,229			$	489,487

ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATIONS TO EBITDA
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,
		2024			2023
Net income, as reported		$	12,018		$	15,239
Income tax expense (benefit)			4,959			(3,214	)
Depreciation			489			687
Amortization of intangible assets			98			121
EBITDA			17,564			12,833
EBITDA of non-controlling interest			—			1,606
EBITDA attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.		$	17,564		$	11,227

		Fiscal Year Ended
		January 31,
		2024			2023
Net income, as reported		$	32,358		$	34,704
Income tax expense			16,575			11,296
Depreciation			2,013			2,983
Amortization of intangible assets			392			732
EBITDA			51,338			49,715
EBITDA of non-controlling interest			—			1,606
EBITDA attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.		$	51,338		$	48,109

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411873945/en/

Company Contact:

David Watson

301.315.0027

Investor Relations Contacts:

John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau

IMS Investor Relations

203.972.9200

Source: Argan, Inc.

FAQ

What are the financial highlights for Argan, Inc. in Q4 2024?

In Q4 2024, Argan, Inc. reported revenues of $164.5 million, a gross profit of $23.6 million, and a net income of $12.0 million. The company declared a cash dividend of $0.30 per share.

How did Argan, Inc.'s fiscal year 2024 performance compare to the previous year?

Argan, Inc.'s fiscal year 2024 saw revenues of $573.3 million, a 26% increase from the previous year. The net income was $32.4 million, a slight decrease, while EBITDA rose by 7% to $51.3 million.

What was the change in cash, cash equivalents, and investments for Argan, Inc. from 2023 to 2024?

From 2023 to 2024, Argan, Inc.'s cash, cash equivalents, and investments increased by $86.9 million, reaching $412.4 million in 2024.

What is the project backlog for Argan, Inc. as of the fourth quarter of 2024?

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Argan, Inc.'s project backlog stood at $757.0 million, showing sequential growth from the previous quarter.

Who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Argan, Inc.?

David Watson serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Argan, Inc.