Q3 2025 North American Construction Group Ltd Earnings Call

November 13, 2025

Speaker #1: Good Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP CONFERENCE CALL regarding the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.

Speaker #1: Following management's prepared remarks, there will be an opportunity for analysts, shareholders, and bondholders to ask questions. The media may monitor this call and listen-only mode.

Speaker #1: They are free to quote any member of the management, but they are asked not to quote remarks from any other participant without that participant's permission.

Speaker #1: The company wishes to confirm that today's comments contain forward-looking information and that actual results could differ materially from a conclusion forecast or projection contained in that forward-looking information.

Speaker #1: Certain material factors or assumptions were applied in drawing conclusions or in making forecasts or projections that are reflected in the forward-looking information. Additional information about those material factors is contained in the company's most recent management's discussion and analysis, which is available on CDAR and EDGAR, as well as on the company's website at NACG.CA.

Operator: Additional information about those material factors is contained in the company's most recent management's discussion and analysis, which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR, as well as on the company's website at nacg.ca. I will now turn the conference over to Jason Veenstra, CFO. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the conference over to Jason Bienstra, CFO. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Joanna. Good morning, everyone. As we did last quarter, I'll start off with the financials and pass the call to Joe for the operational and forward-looking commentary.

Jason Veenstra: Thanks, Joanna. Good morning, everyone. As we did Q2, I'll start off with the financials and pass the call to Joe for the operational and forward-looking commentary. Starting on slide 4, the headline EBITDA numbers of CAD 99 million and 14.6% gross margin were generated by a strong operational quarter and were much improved from Q2 2025. We will discuss the specifics of the margin performance later. In general, the operational teams were able to execute their plans effectively given steady weather conditions and consistent customer demand. You can see from the graph that we continue to post continuous revenue growth as we posted CAD 390 million of combined revenue, a 6% sequential increase from Q2, despite the seasonally lowest demand during the Q3s in the oil sands region.

Speaker #2: Starting on slide four, the headline EBITDA numbers of $99,14.6% gross margin were generated by a strong operational quarter. And we're much improved from the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #2: margin performance later, but in We will discuss the specifics of the general, the operational teams were able to execute their plans effectively, given steady weather conditions and consistent customer demand.

Speaker #2: You can see from the graph that we continue to post continuous revenue growth, as we posted $390 million of combined revenue, a 6% sequential increase from the second quarter.

Speaker #2: Despite the seasonally lowest demand during the third region. Australia continued its quarter's in the oil sands consistent growth trajectory with a 12% sequential increase and an impressive growth of 26% compared to Q3 of 2024.

Jason Veenstra: Australia continued its consistent growth trajectory with a 12% sequential increase and an impressive growth of 26% compared to Q3 of 2024. To put our top line performance in perspective, this quarter's AUD 188 million in revenue we generated in Australia is nearly 2.5 times the 2022 run rate, an increase achieved in just three years. The MacKellar Group generated over AUD 65 million in September alone and set another company record for monthly revenue as they continue to grow. September's strong top line bodes well heading into Q4. This growth profile is indicative of the demand we see in Australia.

Speaker #2: To put our top-line performance in perspective, this quarter's $188 million in revenue we generated in Australia is nearly $2.5 times the 2022 run rate.

Speaker #2: An increase achieved in just three years. The McKellar Group generated over $65 million in September alone and set another company record for monthly revenue as they continue to grow.

Speaker #2: September's strong top-line bodes well heading into the fourth quarter, and this growth profile is indicative of the demand we see in Australia. The 26% year-over-year increase reflects two significant contracts secured in 2024, one expansion in an existing site and one new project.

Jason Veenstra: The 26% year-over-year increase reflects two significant contracts secured in 2024, one expansion at an existing site and one new project, as well as the growing production profile of our largest customer in Australia. Bolstering these increases are the units of fleet we transferred from Canada and are now operating in the region. Moving to slide 5 and our combined revenue and gross profit. As mentioned, Australia's margin of 19.6% benefited from both productive weather conditions but also strong operational performances across the sites. In specific to last quarter, we actively increased maintenance headcount in early Q3, subsequently were able to rely less on higher cost external maintenance service providers. The oil sands region posted a solid quarter at 9.2%, up significantly from the challenging Q2 of 2025.

Speaker #2: As well as the growing production profile of our largest customer in Australia. Enabling and bolstering these increases are the units of fleet we transferred from Canada and are now operating in the region.

Speaker #2: Moving to slide five, and our combined revenue and gross profit. As mentioned, Australia's margin of 19.6% benefited from both productive weather conditions but also strong operational performances across the sites.

Speaker #2: In specific to last quarter, we actively increased maintenance headcount in early Q3 and subsequently were able to rely less on higher-cost external maintenance service providers.

Speaker #2: The oil sand region posted a solid quarter at 9.2%, up significantly from the challenging second quarter of 2025. Demand for equipment was consistent throughout the quarter, which allowed our operators to properly plan and execute the scopes of work.

Jason Veenstra: Demand for our equipment was consistent through Q3, which allowed our operators to properly plan and execute the scopes of work. Our share of revenue generated in Q3 by the Fargo, Nuna, and other joint ventures was CAD 74 million in the quarter. Our Fargo team completed a strong quarter of work and progressed the project from 70% to approximately 80% at the end of Q3. Stepping back, combined gross profit margin of 14.6% reflected steady weather conditions, consistent demand, increased internal maintenance headcount, and reduced reliance on third-party heavy-duty mechanics. Of note, the 8.9% posted in Q2 was restated from the 10.6% reported as certain expenses in the Fargo joint ventures had been classified as administrative, when in fact should be included in the determination of gross margin.

Speaker #2: Our share of by the Fargo, Nuna, and revenue generated in the third quarter other joint ventures was $74 million in the quarter. Our Fargo team completed a strong quarter of work and progressed the project from 70% to approximately 80% at the end of the quarter.

Speaker #2: Stepping back, combined gross profit margin of 14.6% reflected steady weather conditions, consistent demand, increased internal maintenance headcount, and reduced reliance on third-party heavy-duty mechanics.

Speaker #2: Of note, the $8.9% posted in Q2 was restated from the $10.6% reported as certain expenses in the Fargo joint ventures had been classified as administrative when, in fact, should be included in the determination of gross margin.

Speaker #2: Moving to slide six, Q3 EBITDA and EBIT were down from their 2024 comparables as already indicated in our discussion. But importantly, in line with our guidance for the second half of 2025, the 25.3% margin we achieved is indicative of the commentary thus far and a significant improvement from the 21.6% posted in Q2.

Jason Veenstra: Moving to slide 6, Q3 EBITDA and EBIT were down from their 2024 comparables, as already indicated in our discussion. Importantly, in line with our guidance for the second half of 2025. The 25.3% margin we achieved is indicative of the commentary thus far and a significant improvement from the 21.6% posted in Q2. Included in EBITDA is direct general and administrative expenses of CAD 13 million in the quarter and equivalent to 4.1% of reported revenue, which is essentially at the target we've set for ourselves. Going from EBITDA to EBIT, we again expensed depreciation equivalent to approximately 14% of combined revenue, which is consistent with the 14% posted in 2024 Q3, consistent with our expected run rate moving forward, given historically we've been between 13% and 15%.

Speaker #2: Included in EBITDA is direct general and administrative expenses of $13 million in the quarter and equivalent to $4.1% of reported revenue. Which is essentially at the target we've set for ourselves.

Speaker #2: Going from EBITDA to EBIT, we again expense depreciation equivalent to approximately 14% of combined revenue, which is consistent with the 14% posted in 2024 Q3.

Speaker #2: Consistent with our expected run rate, moving forward given historically we've been between 13 and 15%. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter of $67 reflects EBIT generated by the business net of the expected interest and taxes.

Jason Veenstra: Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter of CAD 0.67 reflects EBIT generated by the business net of the expected interest and taxes. The average interest rate for Q3 remained consistent at 6.4%. Moving to slide 7, I'll briefly summarize our cash flow. Net cash provided by operations prior to working capital of CAD 72 million was generated by the business, reflecting EBITDA performance net of cash interest paid. Free Cash Flow of CAD 46 million for the quarter was based on EBITDA and the disciplined sustaining capital maintenance spent in the quarter. Moving to slide 8, net debt levels ended the quarter at CAD 904 million, a slight increase of CAD 7 million in the quarter as Free Cash Flow generation was used on growth capital, share purchases, and dividends.

Speaker #2: The average interest rate for Q3 remained consistent at 6.4%. Moving to slide seven, I'll briefly summarize our cash flow. Net cash provided by operations prior to working capital of $72 million was generated by the business, reflecting EBITDA performance net of cash interest paid.

Speaker #2: Free cash flow of $46 million for the quarter was based on EBITDA and the disciplined sustaining capital maintenance spent in the quarter. Moving to slide eight, net debt levels ended the quarter at $904 million, a slight increase of $7 million in the quarter as free cash flow generation was used on growth capital, share purchases, and dividends.

Speaker #2: Net debt and senior secured debt leverage ended at $2.3 times and $1.6 times, respectively. When taking into account the $125 million reopener we completed in October, senior secured leverage decreases to $1.3 times, with no change to net debt.

Jason Veenstra: Net debt and senior secured debt leverage ended at 2.3x and 1.6x, respectively. When taking into account the $125 million reopener we completed in October, senior secured leverage decreases to 1.3x with no change to net debt. Senior unsecured debt now accounts for approximately 40% of our overall net debt, and we've been pleased with the demand for that source of financing as it provides the ability to confidently grow our Australian and infrastructure businesses. With those comments, I'll pass the call to Joe.

Speaker #2: Senior unsecured debt now accounts for approximately 40% of our overall net debt, and we've been pleased with the demand for that source of financing as it provides the ability to confidently grow our Australian and infrastructure businesses.

Speaker #2: With those comments, I'll pass the call to Joe. Thanks, Jason. Good morning, everyone. I'll start on slide 10, where our Q3 trailing 12-month recordable rate of 0.45 continues our almost decade-long trend of bettering our industry-leading target frequency of 0.50.

Joe Lambert: Thanks, Jason. Good morning, everyone. I'll start on slide 10, where our Q3 trailing twelve-month recordable rate of 0.45 continues our almost decade-long trend of bettering our industry-leading target frequency of 0.50. It has been particularly pleasing to see our safety management systems and processes remain successful as we have expanded and diversified our business across multiple commodities and into the US and Australia. The exposure hours now exceeding 7 million is about 7 times our 2016 low and demonstrates the scalability of our safety systems and consistency of our safety culture, regardless of the country or the commodity. On slide 11, I'd like to highlight the strong operational quarter and gross margin achieved of about 15%.

Speaker #2: It has been particularly pleasing to see our safety management systems and processes remain successful as we have expanded and diversified our business across multiple commodities and into the US and Australia.

Speaker #2: The exposure hours now exceeding 7 million is about seven times our 2016 low, and demonstrates a scalability of our safety systems and consistency of our safety culture, regardless of the country or the commodity.

Speaker #2: On slide 11, I'd like to highlight the strong operational quarter and gross margin achieved about 15%. The continued high demand driven predominantly from the 30% year-over-year growth over three years in Australia, and the result of $1.5 billion record top line over the last 12 months.

Joe Lambert: The continued high demand, driven predominantly from the 30% year-over-year growth over three years in Australia and the result of CAD 1.5 billion record top line over the last 12 months. The 100% renewal rate, average five-year contract terms, and scope expansion opportunities continue in Australia, and the CAD 2 billion add to our backlog provides the stability and visibility for several years to come. We also added another CAD 125 million in liquidity from senior unsecured notes and believe we are well set up for growth opportunities we see in Australia and in infrastructure. On slide 12, we believe our H1 issues are truly behind us. We have a strong Q3 in the books, are in line with expectations, and have a keen focus on delivering a safe and efficient end to the year.

Speaker #2: The 100% renewal rate, average five-year contract terms, and scope expansion opportunities continue in Australia, and the $2 billion addition to our backlog provides the stability and visibility for several years to come.

Speaker #2: We also added another 125 million in liquidity from senior unsecured notes, and believe we are well set up for growth opportunities we see in Australia and in infrastructure.

Speaker #2: On slide 12, we believe our H1 issues are truly behind us. We have a strong Q3 in the books, are in line with expectations, and have a keen focus on delivering a safe and efficient end of the year.

Speaker #2: On slide 13, our equipment utilization, which jumped in late 2023 with the McKellar acquisition, is expected to lift into the target zone in Q4.

Joe Lambert: On slide 13, our equipment utilization, which jumped in late 2023 with the MacKellar acquisition, is expected to lift into the target zone in Q4 as our rapidly growing Australian demand is offsetting reductions in our Canadian demand. Fleet utilization drives our return on capital. Our asset management team is keenly focused on a clear execution plan for putting assets back to work, transferring assets to higher demand markets, and extracting the highest value from the consumption and sale of excess assets. As we start to look forward, I would like to reiterate that similar to last year, we have a large amount of predominantly oil sands work scopes that remain in tender process. We will await those results before providing our 2026 outlook, which we expect to provide in early to mid-December.

Speaker #2: As our rapidly growing Australian demand is offsetting reductions in our Canadian demand. Fleet utilization drives our return on capital and our asset management team is keenly focused on a clear execution plan for putting assets back to work, transferring assets to higher demand markets, and extracting the highest value from the consumption and sale of excess assets.

Speaker #2: As we start to look forward, I would like to reiterate that similar to last year, we have a large amount of predominantly oil sands work scopes that remain in tender process, and we will await those results before providing our 2026 outlook.

Speaker #2: Which we expect to provide in early to mid-December. On slide 15, we move into looking at the macro tailwinds that we believe will be driving all of the markets we operate in for the next few years.

Joe Lambert: On slide 15, we move into looking at the macro tailwinds that we believe will be driving all of the markets we operate in for the next few years. In Australia, we expect to see the continued growth of demand driven by the resource richness of the country and the speed at which new projects are built or existing mines are expanded. We believe Queensland thermal and metallurgical coal demand will remain strong with 5% to 10% annual growth potential and the biggest opportunities in Australia coming from gold and iron ore in Western Australia and copper opportunities in New South Wales. We likewise see growing civil opportunities in Australia with increasing new mine site development and expansions driving civil earthworks constructions such as site access roads, tailing storage construction, and facility expansions.

Speaker #2: In Australia, we expect to see the continued growth of demand driven by the resource richness of the country and the speed at which new projects are built or existing mines are expanded.

Speaker #2: We believe Queensland Thermal and Metallurgical Coal demand will remain strong with 5% to 10% annual growth potential, and the biggest opportunities in Australia coming from gold and iron ore in Western Australia and copper opportunities in New South Wales.

Speaker #2: We likewise see growing civil opportunities in Australia, with increasing new mine site development and expansions driving civil earthworks constructions such as site access roads, tailing storage construction, and facility expansions.

Speaker #2: Western Australia is also rich in resources like nickel and lithium, and as many mines on care and maintenance status due to current commodity pricing.

Joe Lambert: Western Australia is also rich in resources like nickel and lithium and has many mines on care and maintenance status due to current commodity pricing. Should those prices increase, Western Australia will be booming even more. Australia has become the strategic hub for Western allies seeking to secure their critical mineral supply chains, with demand for large-scale earthmoving ever-increasing. In the US, we see the biggest opportunities in the infrastructure markets, with federal investments being streamlined for prompt construction of climate resiliency projects like our Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion project. Energy transition projects like pumped hydro and other major earthworks construction required for Western US water conservation and transportation. Mine development in the US does not advance nearly as quickly as in Australia, we do expect to see increasing demand in US mining and civil contracting, predominantly supporting the Western US gold and copper markets.

Speaker #2: Should those prices increase, Western Australia will be booming even more. Altogether, Australia has become the strategic hub for Western allies seeking to secure their critical mineral supply chains with demand for large-scale moving earth-moving ever-increasing.

Speaker #2: In the US, we see the biggest opportunities in the infrastructure markets with federal investments being streamlined for prop construction of climate-resiliency projects like our Fargo, Moorhead flood Energy transition projects like pumped hydro and other major earthworks construction required for Western US water conservation and transportation.

Speaker #2: Although mine development in the US does not advance nearly as quickly as in Australia, we do expect to see increasing demand in US mining and civil contracting predominantly supporting the Western US gold and copper markets.

Speaker #2: In Canada, we see increasing resource development, defense projects, and infrastructure work with major works planned in the far north, providing what we think will be a competitive advantage to our new partnership with the Kitikmik Inuit Association.

Joe Lambert: In Canada, we see increasing resource development, defense projects, and infrastructure work, with major works planned in the Far North, providing what we think will be a competitive advantage to our Nunavut partnership with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. As mentioned in my letter to shareholders, we believe these type of nation-building project opportunities will come to market quickly with the support of government leadership, and we are positioned to execute at scale. Moving into slide 16, we highlight our strategic priorities for closing out the year and heading into 2026. These priorities simply feed into the market assessments and opportunities we see by region and discussed on the previous slide.

Speaker #2: As mentioned in my letter to shareholders, we believe these types of nation-building project opportunities will come to market quickly with the support of government leadership, and we are positioned to execute at

Speaker #1: Already simply feed into the market assessments and opportunities we see by region and discussed on the previous slide . In summary , these priorities are growth in Australia , led by Western Australia .

Speaker #1: Opportunities: advancing teaming agreements and subcontracting opportunities in our infrastructure business. We are targeting a 25% revenue contribution by 2028, leveraging our new experience and indigenous ownership for expected increases in Arctic opportunities. We are rightsizing our Canadian equipment fleet to meet the current run rate and increasing the development and application of low-cost, purpose-built technology to provide better data for asset and project management.

Joe Lambert: In summary, these priorities are growth in Australia, led by Western Australia opportunities, advancing teaming agreements and subcontracting opportunities in our infrastructure business, targeting the 25% revenue contribution by 2028, leveraging our Nunavut experience and indigenous ownership for expected increases in Arctic opportunities, rightsizing our Canadian equipment fleet to meet current run rate, and increasing development and application of low-cost, purpose-built technology to provide better data for asset and project management. We believe executing on our priorities will drive revenue, diversification, and margins. Slide 17 simply provides more data and detail into what we see as fantastic opportunities for organic growth over the next couple of years. Slide 18 identifies our top 10 infrastructure projects by name, location, and proponent so we can track progress more specifically in what we believe will be an exciting next couple of years in the infrastructure markets.

Speaker #1: believe We executing on our priorities will drive revenue diversification and margins . Slide 17 . Simply provides more data and detail into what we see as fantastic opportunities for organic growth over the next couple of years .

Speaker #1: And slide 18 identifies our top ten infrastructure projects by name, location, and proponent that we can track progress on more specifically, and what we believe will be an exciting next couple of years in the infrastructure markets.

Speaker #1: Slide 19 shows our bid pipeline of over $12 billion , which is a $2 billion increase since Q2 and includes increases in both the active tenders and 2026 opportunities .

Joe Lambert: Slide 19 shows our bid pipeline of over CAD 12 billion, which is a CAD 2 billion increase since Q2 and includes increases in both the active tenders and 2026 opportunities. This record bid pipeline puts the revenue numbers to the opportunities previously identified and positions us well for growth and stability with material expected wins over the next couple of years. On slide 20, we reiterate our H2 2025 outlook with nearly all metrics unchanged and strong Free Cash Flow consistent with our historical profile. That ends the Q3 presentation. We'd be happy to take any questions you may have.

Speaker #1: This record bid pipeline puts the revenue numbers to the opportunities previously identified and positions us well for growth and stability with material expected winds over the next couple of years .

Speaker #1: Lastly , on slide 20 , we reiterate our H2 2025 outlook with nearly all metrics unchanged and strong free cash consistent flow with our historical profile that Q3 ends the presentation .

Speaker #1: And we'd be happy to take any questions you may have .

Speaker #2: Thank you . To ask a question , please press Star one on your touchtone phone . If you wish to withdraw your you can press star two .

Speaker #2: Thank you . To ask a question , please press Star one on your touchtone phone . If you wish to withdraw your you can press question , Once you have completed your questions and would like to return to the queue , please press star one .

Operator: Thank you. To ask a question, please press star one on your touch-tone phone. If you wish to withdraw your question, you can press star two. Once you have completed your questions and would like to return to the queue, please press star one. After a brief pause, we will begin the Q&A section. The first question comes from Aaron MacNeil at TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: After a brief pause, we will begin the Q&A section. The first question comes from Erin MacNeil at TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Hey . Morning and thanks for taking my questions . In the prior quarter , you had said that you were confident in securing two memorandums of understanding .

Aaron MacNeil: Hey, morning all. Thanks for taking my questions. In the prior quarter, you had said that you were confident in securing two memorandums of understanding by the end of this year. How should we think about the progress there? I know you mentioned on slide 19 that you had pre-qualified for a mining infrastructure project in Arizona. I assume that's one of the two, but maybe you could just give us an update there.

Speaker #3: the end By year of this . How should we think about the progress there ? I know you mentioned on slide you had 19 that pre-qualified for a mining infrastructure project in I Arizona .

Speaker #3: assume that's one of the two , but maybe you could just give us an update there .

Speaker #4: Yeah , we've .

Speaker #1: There's different levels of agreements we seek with different partners . You obviously some know , of these we may be looking at doing on our own , we won't have that .

Speaker #1: But you know , I think our progress has gone well . I think , our our discussions with other potential partners , we target for especially some of the projects up north have gone well , you know , I'll probably provide that with our year end .

Joe Lambert: Yeah, we There's different levels of agreements we seek with different partners. You know, obviously, some of these that we may be looking at doing on our own, we won't have that. You know, I think our progress has gone well. I think our discussions with other potential partners we target for, especially some of the projects up north, have gone well. You know, I'll probably provide that with our year-end, exactly where we sit on those. It's really a first state step in the infrastructure side. You know, we're having the discussions with general contractors who have existing contracts to see if we can bring in some subcontracting opportunities sooner and hopefully in 2026. You know, certainly nothing inked on that right now.

Speaker #1: Exactly where we sit on those . It's really a first state step in the infrastructure side , you know , and we're having a discussions with with general contractors who have existing contracts to see if we can bring in some subcontracting opportunities sooner and hopefully in 2026 .

Speaker #1: But , you know , certainly nothing , nothing inked on that right now .

Speaker #3: Oh fair enough . And then can you just remind us of the timing of when Fargo-Moorhead will wind down and how should we think about the sequencing of sort of other infrastructure projects backfilling that , that revenue ?

Aaron MacNeil: No, fair enough. Can you just remind us of the timing of when Fargo-Moorhead will wind down, and how should we think about the sequencing of sort of other infrastructure projects backfilling that revenue?

Speaker #4: We

Speaker #4: .

Speaker #1: We see substantial reaching completion next fall.

Speaker #3: Okay . All right . Well , that was it for me . I'll turn it over .

Joe Lambert: We see it reaching substantial completion next fall.

Speaker #1: Thanks , Erin .

Joe Lambert: We see it reaching substantial completion next fall.

Speaker #1: Thanks . Erin

Speaker #5: .

Speaker #2: Thank you . The next question comes from Adam Thalhimer at Thompson Davis . Please go ahead .

Aaron MacNeil: Okay. All right. Well, that was it for me. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #6: Hey good morning guys . Congrats on putting the Q2 issues behind you . So quickly . I wanted to ask first on the US infrastructure opportunity .

Joe Lambert: No worries. Thanks, Aaron.

[Analyst] (Aera): Thanks, Aaron.

Jason Veenstra: Thanks, Aaron.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Adam Thalhimer at Thompson Davis. Please go ahead.

Adam Thalhimer: Hey, good morning, guys. Congrats on putting the Q2 issues behind you so quickly.

Speaker #6: Does that potentially include work for private sector customers as well , such as data centers ? Or are you just looking at large civil projects ?

Joe Lambert: Thank you.

Adam Thalhimer: I wanted to ask first on the US infrastructure opportunity, does that potentially include work for private sector customers as well, such as data centers? Are you just looking at large civil projects?

Speaker #1: The ones we have targeted in that deck are all are all public projects . We certainly look at private ones . It just just a matter of getting on those bid lists and time with the spending more customers .

Joe Lambert: The ones we have targeted in that deck are all public projects. We'd certainly look at private ones. It's just a matter of getting on those bid lists and spending more time with the customers there.

Speaker #1: There .

Speaker #6: And how near term you said you were positioning to support major GCS across North America who are at capacity . Just just curious how near term that particular opportunity could be .

Adam Thalhimer: How near term you said you were positioning to support major GCs across North America who are at capacity. Just curious how near-term that particular opportunity could be?

Speaker #1: That that's pretty much the stuff we see in 2026 , potentially being subcontracting work where there's yeah , we there's the general contracting community is pretty full and there's projects still rolling out .

Joe Lambert: That's pretty much the stuff we see in 2026 potentially being subcontracting work, where there's the general contracting community is pretty full, and there's projects still rolling out. We think that's gonna open up some opportunities to support projects that are already in progress or soon to be.

Speaker #1: So we think that's going to open up some opportunities to support projects that are already in progress or soon to be .

Speaker #6: All right . And the last one for me on Australia , the mechanics situation . Are you are you where you need to be on that now or do you still need to hire more folks to fill those slots ?

Adam Thalhimer: All right. The last one for me on Australia, the mechanics situation. Are you where you need to be on that now, or do you still need to hire more folks to fill those slots?

Speaker #4: Oh , we're we're we're where we need to be .

Speaker #1: We'd still like to keep bringing on more . I mean , we kind of budget a certain level of subcontractors in the business , and we do the same thing here .

Joe Lambert: We're where we need to be. We'd still like to keep bringing on more. I mean, we kind of budget a certain level of subcontractors in the business, we do the same thing here. We're certainly looking at opportunities to reduce costs further. We're at our, you know, what I would call our historical levels. It's just upside potential or improvements that we can continue to make.

Speaker #1: But we're certainly looking at opportunities to reduce costs further. But we're at our, you know, what I would call our historical levels.

Speaker #1: It's just upside potential or improvements that we can continue to make .

Speaker #6: I'll turn it over . Thanks , Joe .

Speaker #1: Thank you . Adam .

Speaker #2: Thank you . The next question comes from Maxim Suchith at National Bank Capital Markets . Please go ahead .

Adam Thalhimer: I'll turn it over. Thanks, Joe.

Speaker #7: Hi , gentlemen . Good , good . I was wondering if we can circle back to Australia just for a second . I mean , obviously , you're highlighting coal and iron ore opportunities , but I was wondering , in terms of precious metals , and it seems to be like a very active space right now .

Joe Lambert: Thank you, Adam.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Maxim Sytchev at National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Maxim Sytchev: Hi, good morning, gentlemen.

Joe Lambert: Good morning, Max.

Maxim Sytchev: Good, good. I was wondering if we can circle back to Australia just for a second. I mean, obviously you're highlighting coal and iron ore opportunities, but I was wondering, in terms of precious metals, and it seems to be, like, a very active space right now. Is there anything brewing on that front? Anything you can share with us in terms of, yeah, potential pipeline there? Thank you.

Speaker #7: Is there anything brewing on that Anything front ? you can you can share with us in terms of , you know , pipeline there ?

Speaker #7: Thank you .

Speaker #1: Yeah , there's actually a massive pipeline in the in the Western Australia gold market as well , Max . That that's a big area that the lithium is actually still being mined in Western Australia .

Joe Lambert: Yeah. There's actually a massive pipeline in the Western Australia gold market as well, Max. That's a big area. The lithium is actually still being mined in Western Australia. It's probably the higher grade stuff. But certainly with a lift of lithium and nickel, we'd see those commodity markets open up. The biggest driver in Australia right now on the precious metal side is gold. As you would expect with these gold prices, there's quite a few people that are doing expansions and opening up new mines there, which moves a lot faster than it does in North America.

Speaker #1: probably It's the higher grade stuff . But certainly with a lift of lithium and nickel , we'd see those those commodity markets open up .

Speaker #1: The biggest driver in Australia right now on the precious metals side is gold. And, as you would expect with these gold prices, there's quite a few people that are doing expansions and opening up new mines.

Speaker #1: There which which moves a lot faster than it does in North America .

Speaker #7: guess , I mean , And I like in terms of equipment , etc. . I mean , it's still the same . Process , similar for for , etc.

Speaker #7: those brownfields , right ?

Maxim Sytchev: Right. I guess, I mean, like, in terms of equipment, et cetera, like, I mean, it's still the same process, similar contractual structure, et cetera, for those brownfields, right?

Speaker #1: Yeah , I would say that what we find slightly different in Western Australia is that there's a lot more unit rate work , more very little rental , a lot more unit rate work down there .

Joe Lambert: Yeah. I would say that what we find slightly different in Western Australia is that there's a lot more unit rate work. Very little rental, a lot more unit rate work down there. That's really where we've brought our systems and processes over and been able to. We won the first one last year with that copper project. Taking that unit rate model into Western Australia is what we would look to be doing.

Speaker #1: And that's that's really where we brought our systems and processes over in . And been able to , to we won the first one last year with that copper project .

Speaker #1: And taking that unit rate model into Western Australia is what we've looked to be doing.

Speaker #7: Okay . That's that's good to hear . Thank you so much . And then in terms of Canada we look , when at some of the critical mineral opportunity , the budget that just was released and it seems to be pretty , pretty constructive , was wondering how do you think about potential timing of of the inflection point here ?

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. That's good to hear. Thank you so much. In terms of Canada, when we look at some of the critical mineral opportunity, the budget that just was released, I mean, it seems to be pretty constructive. Was wondering how do you think about potential timing of the inflection point here? I don't know if you want to maybe attribute some stuff to Nuna, some to the core business, whichever way you think is makes the most sense.

Speaker #7: And I don't know if you want to maybe attribute some Nuna , stuff to some to the core business , whichever way you think is makes the most sense .

Speaker #1: I'd say we're a bit unclear on the timing . We've seen a lot of projects and there's a lot of talk of support , but yeah , we're looking for ones that shovel is going to be in the ground date and you know , I , I don't think we're expecting anything in 2026 .

Joe Lambert: I'd say we're a bit unclear on the timing. We've seen a lot of projects, and there's a lot of talk of support. Yeah, we're looking for when's the shovel's going to be in the ground date. You know, I don't think we're expecting anything in 2026. I think it's probably more 2027, but I'd love to be wrong about that. Certainly if they can speed these up and give us the opportunity sooner. Right now, we haven't heard a lot of definitive dates, so I'd say we're being a bit more conservative and believing they're going to kick off in 2027.

Speaker #1: I think it's probably more 2027 . But I'd love to be wrong about that . And certainly if they can speed these up give us and opportunity sooner .

Speaker #1: But right now we don't . We haven't heard a lot of definitive dates . And so we're I'd say we're being a bit more conservative and believing they're going to kick off in 2027 .

Speaker #7: Okay . Makes sense . Thank you . And then lastly , in terms of Canada , in terms of the right sizing of the fleet , I mean , where are we in terms of that process .

Speaker #7: And we're kind of done or you're still waiting depending on the allocations on on equipment for 2026 that you still have to make some , some adjustments or how do you feel from from that perspective ?

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. Makes sense. Thank you. Lastly, in terms of Canada, in terms of the right sizing of the fleet, I mean, where are we in terms of that process? Are we kind of done or you're still waiting, depending on the allocations on equipment for 2026 that you still have to make some adjustments? Or how do you feel from that perspective? Thank you.

Speaker #7: Thank you .

Speaker #1: There's some of that fleet we know what we have to do with it . We're building strategies by each individual fleets . But yeah , we're waiting to find out these last bids to figure out what the consumption of the remainder of the fleet is .

Joe Lambert: There's some of that fleet we know what we have to do with it. We're building strategies by each individual fleets. Yeah, we're waiting to find out these last bids to figure out what the consumption of the remainder of the fleet is. We'll have a much better idea of that come mid-December. We're executing. You know, I can tell you that we've got three more dozers we're looking to send over to Australia because they haven't been in high demand here, and they've been crazy demand down there. You know, that kind of stuff's going on every day. We'll have more of a, again, a wholesome picture of the fleet probably in that mid-December discussion.

Speaker #1: And we'll have a much better idea that come mid-December . But we're executing , you know , I can tell you that there's we've got three more dozers .

Speaker #1: We're looking to send over to Australia because they haven't been in high demand here , and they've been crazy demand down there . So , you know , that kind of stuff's going on every day .

Speaker #1: And we'll we'll have more a of a , I guess wholesome picture of the whole of the fleet , probably in that mid , mid December discussion .

Speaker #7: That's Okay . great . That's it . Thank you so much .

Speaker #5: Thanks , Max .

Speaker #2: Thank you . The next question comes from Sean Jack at Raymond James . Please go ahead .

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. That's great. That's it for me. Thank you so much.

Speaker #8: guys . Good morning .

Speaker #5: Sean Good Sean morning .

Joe Lambert: Thanks, Max.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Sean Jack at Raymond James. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: just thinking about how So Canada and Australia are both seeing their own macro know , tailwinds , you split between nation building and critical minerals .

Sean Jack: Hey, guys. Good morning.

Joe Lambert: Good morning, Sean.

Maxim Sytchev: Sean.

Speaker #8: Can you touch on the priorities for Noah and how we should expect the company to invest across either geography to get the the best , most visible return ?

Sean Jack: Just thinking about how Canada and Australia are both seeing their own macro tailwinds, you know, split between nation-building and critical minerals, can you touch on the priorities for Nuna and how we should expect the company to invest across either geography to get the, you know, the best, most visible return?

Speaker #1: Yeah , you know , for me , it's getting and especially in the mining sector , it's getting the maximum out of the assets we have and creating the highest return .

Speaker #1: think We there's a lot of growth potential . We can do in Western Australia in particular , with very little growth capital . And that that creates the highest returns for are us .

Joe Lambert: Yeah, you know, for me, it's getting, especially in the mining sector, it's getting the maximum out of the assets we have and creating the highest return. We think there's a lot of growth potential we can do in Western Australia in particular, with very little growth capital. That creates the highest returns for us. Those are our target markets. You know, I think we can walk the chew gum at the same time too, is there's these infrastructure jobs tend to be very low capital intensity, and they Free Cash Flow very quickly. You know, certainly we'll be pursuing all aspects of those, along with the critical minerals and the commodity opportunities we see in Western Australia.

Speaker #1: target markets . You know , I think we Those walk and chew gum at the same too , is time there's these these jobs that tend to be very low infrastructure capital intensity .

Speaker #1: And they free very cash flow quickly . So , you know , certainly we'll be pursuing aspects all of those along with the critical minerals and the and the commodity opportunities we see in Western Australia .

Speaker #8: Right . Perfect . And flipping to Australia . I know it's already been asked , but just thinking about the contractor usage and the periods , you know , there's been two quarters now where they've impacted margins .

Sean Jack: Right. Perfect. Flipping to Australia, I know it's already been asked, but just thinking about the contractor usage in the period. You know, there's been two quarters now where they've impacted margins. Sounds like they were all actually on two different functions. Wondering what the strategy is going forward to mitigate just overall impact from contractor usage going forward.

Speaker #8: It sounds like they were actually on two different functions wondering what the strategy is going forward to mitigate just overall impact from contractor usage going forward .

Speaker #1: Yeah . You know , we've been through this more than once . And both in Canada and down there . It's just building up your your skilled trades workforce through apprentice programs and bench hands .

Joe Lambert: You know, we've been through this more than once and both in Canada and down there. It's just building up your skilled trades workforce, through apprentice programs and bench hands. You know, we've done this. We're at the levels we budget to be, but certainly we see more opportunities for continuing to increase the skilled trades in areas that have, you know, high demand, which Australia has been the biggest one right now. It's following our HR programs and bringing in apprentices and building them up quicker.

Speaker #1: You know we've we've done this . We're at the levels we budget to be . But certainly we see more opportunities for continuing to increase the skilled trades in areas that have , you know , high demand , which Australia has been the biggest one right now .

Speaker #1: So it's following our HR programs and bringing in apprentices and building them up quicker .

Speaker #8: Right , okay . Thanks guys . That's all for me .

Speaker #5: Thank you Sean .

Speaker #2: Thank you . This concludes the Q&A section of the call , and I will pass the call over to Joe Lambert and , president CEO for closing comments .

Sean Jack: Right. Okay. Thanks, guys. That's all for me.

Joe Lambert: Thank you, Sean.

Speaker #1: Joanna . Thanks , Thanks again , everyone , for joining us today . We look forward to providing next update upon closing of our fourth quarter results .

Operator: Thank you. This concludes the Q&A section of the call, and I will pass the call over to Joseph Lambert, President and CEO, for closing comments.

Speaker #2: Thank you. This concludes the North American Construction Group conference call regarding the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. You may now disconnect.

Joe Lambert: Thanks, Joanna. Thanks again everyone for joining us today. We look forward to providing next update upon closing of our Q4 results.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes the North American Construction Group conference call regarding the Q3 ended 30 September 2025. You may now disconnect.

Q3 2025 North American Construction Group Ltd Earnings Call

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