DLH Holdings Corp (DLHC) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Revenue Challenges and ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue: $90.8 million for the first quarter, down from $97.9 million in the prior year period.

  • EBITDA: $9.9 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 11% on revenue.

  • Revenue Impact: $5 million contraction due to small business set aside conversions within the DOD portfolio.

  • Operating Cash Flow: Used approximately $11.5 million during the quarter, compared to cash generation of $5.1 million in the prior year first quarter.

  • Total Debt: Ended the quarter with $167 million, up from $154.6 million at the start of the fiscal year.

  • Debt Reduction Strategy: Plan to utilize approximately 50% to 55% of EBITDA to pay down debt during the remainder of fiscal 2025.

Release Date: February 06, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • DLH Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:DLHC) reported first quarter revenue of $90.8 million and EBITDA of $9.9 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 11%.

  • The company secured a significant contract to provide C6 ISR and advanced IT services to the Navy, expanding its information warfare systems engineering portfolio.

  • DLH Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:DLHC) has a strong pipeline of qualified bids, with several opportunities having contract values in excess of $100 million.

  • The company is investing in organic growth, focusing on digital transformation, cybersecurity, research and development, and systems engineering capabilities.

  • DLH Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:DLHC) anticipates strong cash flow in the fiscal second quarter, which will aid in debt reduction and support its key leveraging strategy.

Negative Points

  • First quarter revenue decreased from $97.9 million in the prior year period, primarily due to small business set aside conversions and service delivery timing on key contracts.

  • The company experienced a $5 million revenue contraction due to small business set aside conversions within its Department of Defense (DOD) portfolio.

  • DLH Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:DLHC) used approximately $11.5 million of operating cash during the quarter, compared to cash generation of $5.1 million in the previous year's first quarter.

  • The company faces headwinds from small business set aside conversions, which are likely to impact results in upcoming quarters.

  • Total debt increased to $167 million from $154.6 million at the start of the fiscal year, reflecting short-term borrowings.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide a breakdown of the factors contributing to the revenue decline, particularly regarding small business set-asides? A: Kathryn JohnBull, CFO, explained that the most significant impact was from the unbundling of a DOD program due to small business set-asides. This resulted in a $5 million revenue contraction, primarily from low-margin subcontractor work. Additionally, there was a $1.5 million impact from winding down acquired small business contracts and another $1.5 million from exiting international work. Lastly, about $2 million in services expected in Q1 were delayed to Q2.