Q1 2026 Foraco International SA Earnings Call

April 30, 2026

Operator: Good morning, welcome to Foraco International's Q1 2026 Results Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode until the question and answer session. I will now turn the call over to Tim Bremner, Chief Executive Officer. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead. Thank you, Kelsey. And good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Foraco's results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026.

Tim Bremner: Thank you, Kelsey, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Foraco's results for Q1 ending 31 March 2026. Joining me on the call is Fabien Sevestre, our Chief Financial Officer, who will walk you through the financial results and key drivers. Before we begin, please note that our comments today may include forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Turning to the quarter. As a reminder, Q1 is traditionally one of our weaker periods due to seasonality and the restart after the holiday break, which impacts activity across several of our regions. Revenue for the quarter was $66 million compared to $55 million in Q1 2025, reflecting strong growth in almost all countries, particularly in Canada, the US, and South America.

Speaker #2: Joining me on the call is Fabian Sevest, our Chief Financial Officer, who will walk you through the financial results and key drivers. Before we begin, please note that our comments today may include forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #2: Now turning to the quarter, as a reminder, Q1 is traditionally one of our weaker periods due to seasonality and the restart after the holiday break, which impacts activity across several of our regions.

Speaker #2: Revenue for the quarter was $66 million, compared to $55 million in Q1 2025, reflecting strong growth in almost all countries, particularly in Canada, the US, and South America.

Speaker #2: While EBITDA remained stable at 7.4 million, margins were impacted by mobilization and ramp-up of new contracts, which has consisted with the early phase of a growth cycle.

Tim Bremner: While EBITDA remained stable at $7.4 million, margins were impacted by mobilization and ramp-up of new contracts, which is consistent with the early phase of a growth cycle. What is important is that we are clearly seeing the continuation of the demand inflection that began in H2 2025. This is supported by our robust order book, which remains near record levels and provides strong visibility going forward. Looking more broadly, the outlook for our industry remains very positive. We are operating in a market supported by near record metal prices for gold and copper, alongside strong demand across a wide range of other commodities. This demand is being driven not only by traditional drivers such as electrification and infrastructure, but also by structural forces, including de-globalization, geopolitical uncertainty, and the rapid expansion of AI-related infrastructure. Against this backdrop, Foraco remains focused on disciplined growth.

Speaker #2: What is important is that we are clearly seeing the continuation of the demand inflection that began in the second half of 2025. This is supported by our robust order book which remains near record levels, and provides strong visibility going forward.

Speaker #2: Looking more broadly, the outlook for our industry remains very positive. We are operating in a market supported by near-record metal prices for gold and copper, alongside strong demand across a wide range of other commodities.

Speaker #2: This demand is being driven not only by traditional drivers such as electrification and infrastructure, but also by structural forces including deglobalization, geopolitical uncertainty, and the rapid expansion of AI-related infrastructure.

Speaker #2: Against this backdrop, Foraco remains focused on disciplined growth. We are prioritizing scalable, long-term projects while maintaining a selective approach to new opportunities. At the same time, we're continuing to prepare our fleet and strengthen our teams so that we're well positioned to capitalize on further growth opportunities, particularly in the second half of 2026.

Tim Bremner: We are prioritizing scalable long-term projects while maintaining a selective approach to new opportunities. At the same time, we're continuing to prepare our fleet and strengthen our teams so that we're well-positioned to capitalize on further growth opportunities, particularly in H2 2026. With that, I'll turn the call over to Fabien for the financial review. Fabien.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call over to Fabian for the financial review. Fabian?

Speaker #3: Thank you, Tim. And good morning, everyone. As a reminder, Foraco reports in full IFRS and in US dollars. Revenue for Q1 2026 amounted to $66 million, compared to $55 million for the same period last year, representing strong growth driven by new North America delivered strong performance with revenue of $25 million, up 39%, reflecting the ramp-up of new contracts in both Canada and the US.

Fabien Sevestre: Thank you, Tim. Good morning, everyone. As a reminder, Foraco reports in full IFRS and in US dollars. Revenue for Q1 2026 amounted to $66 million compared to $55 million for the same period last year, representing strong growth driven by new contracts. By geography, North America delivered strong performance with revenue of $25 million, up 39%, reflecting the ramp-up of new contracts in both Canada and the US. South America nearly doubled year-over-year, increasing by 98%, highlighting strong demand across the region. Asia Pacific revenue was $14 million, reflecting normal contract phasing. EMEA grew to $7 million, supported by ongoing contract ramp-ups. From a profitability standpoint, gross margin was $7.1 million or 10.7% of revenue compared to 14.1% last year. Some operations are still in ramp-up mode and have not yet reached target margins.

Speaker #3: South America nearly doubled year over year, increasing by 98%, highlighting strong demand across the region. Asia-Pacific revenue was $14 million, reflecting normal contract sizing.

Speaker #3: EMEA grew to $7 million, supported by ongoing contracts' ramp-ups. From. The profitability standpoint, gross margin was 7.1 million, or 10.7% of revenue, compared to 14.1% last year.

Speaker #3: Some operations are still in ramp-up mode and have not yet reached target margins. AGNA remained well controlled at $5 million, or 8% of revenue.

Fabien Sevestre: SG&A remained well controlled at $5 million or 8% of revenue. EBIT was $2 million compared to $3 million in Q1 2025, and EBITDA was stable at $7.4 million. Turning to the cash, working capital increased by $15 million as we supported higher activity levels. CapEx was $10 million during the quarter, primarily related to the addition of 5 new rigs and supporting equipment. This reflects our proactive approach to deliver the $4.4 million record order book released last quarter. Net debt increased to $91 million, which was expected given the working capital build and CapEx program. Importantly, we maintained solid liquidity with approximately $80 million of undrawn credit facilities. Overall, the financial performance in Q1 reflects a business in transition to higher activity levels. I will now turn the call back to Tim Bremner. Tim Bremner.

Speaker #3: EBIT was $2 million, compared to $3 million in Q1 2025. And EBITDA was stable at 7.4 million. Turning to the cash, working capital increased by $15 million, as we supported higher activity levels.

Speaker #3: CAPEX was $10 million during the quarter, primarily related to the addition of five new REITs and supporting equipment. This reflects our proactive approach to deliver the 404 million record order book released last quarter.

Speaker #3: Net debt increased to $91 million, which was expected given the working capital build and CAPEX program. Importantly, we maintained solid liquidity without approximately $18 million of undrawn credit facilities.

Speaker #3: Overall, the financial performance in Q1 reflects a business in transition to higher activity levels. I will now turn the call back to Tim. Tim?

Tim Bremner: Thanks, Fabien. Stepping back, the improvement in our Q1 year-over-year, combined with our record order book, reflects a business that is firmly in the early stages of a growth cycle supported by strong underlying market fundamentals. Demand remains robust, driven by strong gold and copper markets and broader commodity demand, supported by geopolitical dynamics, supply chain realignment, and increasing demand linked to energy transition and AI. As activity ramps up, our focus remains on execution and margin improvement. We will continue to take a disciplined approach to growth, focusing on scalable opportunities while remaining selective. We're investing in our fleet and our people, ensuring that we are well-positioned for the H2 of 2026. At the same time, we're focusing on driving operational efficiencies that will support margin expansion as contracts mature.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Fabian. Stepping back, the improvement in our first quarter year-over-year, combined with our record order book, reflects a business that is firmly in the early stages of a growth cycle, supported by strong underlying market fundamentals.

Speaker #2: Demand remains robust, driven by strong gold and copper markets, and broader commodity demand, supported by geopolitical dynamics, supply chain realignment, and increasing demand linked to energy transition and AI.

Speaker #2: As activity ramps up, our focus remains on execution and margin improvement. We will continue to take a disciplined approach to growth, focusing on scalable opportunities, while remaining selective.

Speaker #2: We're investing in our fleet and our people, ensuring that we're well positioned for the second half of 2026. At the same time, we're focusing on driving operational efficiencies that will support margin expansion as contracts mature.

Tim Bremner: In closing, we started 2026 with strong visibility, a robust order book, and a clear strategy to deliver sustainable growth. Operator, we can now open the call for questions.

Speaker #2: In closing, we started 2026 with strong visibility. A robust order book and a clear strategy to deliver sustainable growth. Operator, we can now open the call for questions.

Operator: Thank you. First question comes from Frederic Tremblay from Desjardins. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question-and-answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star followed by the 1 on your touch-tone phone.

Speaker #4: You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. If you wish to decline from the polling process, please press star followed by the 2.

Speaker #4: And if you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. First question comes from Frederick Tremblay from Desjardins. Please go ahead.

Frederic Tremblay: Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker #5: Thank you. Good morning. Good morning.

Tim Bremner: Morning, Fred.

Fabien Sevestre: Good morning.

Frederic Tremblay: On the, on the margin side, we saw EBITDA margin of 11% in Q1, which, you know, as you explained, is understandable given the ramp-up cost on new contracts. I was just wondering, as you look at your, you know, contract schedules and all that, when would you expect EBITDA margins to normalize back to historical levels of, say, 20%? Do you think we could see that as early as Q2, or is it more of a H2 event?

Speaker #6: On the margin side, we saw EBITDA margin of 11% in Q1, which, as you explained, is understandable given the ramp-up cost on new contracts.

Speaker #6: I was just wondering, as you look at your contract schedules and all that, when would you expect EBITDA margins to normalize back to historical levels of, say, 20% plus?

Speaker #6: Do you think we could see that as early as Q2, or is it more of a second-half event?

Tim Bremner: Fred, EBITDA margins are improving, especially as we transition away from the ramp-up, which has impacted about 50% of our projects. As we move into the, you know, the more mature operating stage, we're seeing the margins improve. We expect that that improvement trend was going to continue over the next 2 quarters.

Speaker #2: Fred, EBITDA margins are improving. Especially as we transition away from the ramp-up, which is impacted about 50% of our projects. And as we move into the more mature operating stage, we're seeing the margins improve.

Speaker #2: And we expect that that improvement trend was going to continue over the next two quarters.

Frederic Tremblay: Okay, great. That's helpful. Just on the cash flow side as well, there was some cash deployment into working cap and CapEx to support growth in Q1. Is that sort of cash drag expected to continue in Q2, or was it more of a timing effect in Q1 that you'd expect would reverse in Q2?

Speaker #5: Okay, great. That's helpful. And just on the cash flow side as well, there was some cash deployment into working cap and CAPEX to support growth in Q1.

Speaker #5: Is that sort of cash drag expected to continue in Q2, or was it more of a timing effect in Q1 that you'd expect would reverse in Q2?

Tim Bremner: In terms of working capital, the increase will be reversed in cash before year-end. As we are increasing month after month, our activity until Q4. Working capital will be at high level until this date.

Fabien Sevestre: In terms of working capital, the increase will be reversed in cash before year-end. As we are increasing month after month, our activity until Q4. Working capital will be at high level until this date.

Speaker #2: In terms of working capital, the increase will be reversed in cash before year-end. As we are increasing month after month, our activity until Q4, so working capital will be at a high level until this date.

Frederic Tremblay: Okay. Just last question from me, just more of a clarification on utilization. There was a mention of 40% on average in Q1. Tim, can you maybe walk us through how that progressed in the quarter in January, February, and March, roughly? If you could talk about where you exited Q1 in terms of utilization and sort of your broad view on that as we move into Q2.

Speaker #5: Okay. And then just last question for me, just more of a clarification on utilization. There was a mention of 40% on average in Q1.

Speaker #5: Tim, can you maybe walk us through how that progressed in the quarter in January, February, and March, roughly? And if you could talk about where you exited Q1 in terms of utilization and sort of your broad view on that as we move into Q2.

Tim Bremner: Sure. As we transition through Q1, we ended up over 50% at the quarter. That is including the deployment of 5 new rigs, as you've seen, and we've got another 4 to deploy over the next quarter. We expect that the utilization rate is gonna continue to increase throughout the year. Just to remind everybody that by our definition, the maximum utilization rate is somewhere around the mid 70%.

Speaker #2: Sure. So as we transitioned through Q1, we ended up over 50% at the quarter. And that is including the deployment of five new REITs.

Speaker #2: As you've seen, and we've got another four to deploy over the next quarter. We expect that the utilization rate is going to continue. To increase throughout the year.

Speaker #2: And just a reminder, everybody, that by our definition, the maximum utilization rate is somewhere around the mid-70%.

Frederic Tremblay: Great. Thanks for taking the questions and congrats on the quarter.

Speaker #5: Great. Thanks for taking the questions and congrats on the quarter.

Tim Bremner: Thank you, Fred.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Fred.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Donangelo Volpe from Beacon Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Thank you. The next question comes from Donangelo Volpe from Beacon Securities. Please go ahead.

Donangelo Volpe: Hey, good morning, guys. Just to follow on the utilization rates, could you provide any commentary regarding where utilization rates are for the first month of Q2? Are we still confident in the ability to achieve a 60% utilization rate at some point of this year?

Speaker #5: Hey, good morning, guys. Just a follow-on on the utilization rates. Could you provide any commentary regarding where utilization rates are for the first month of Q2?

Speaker #5: And are we still confident in the ability to achieve at 60% utilization rate at some point of this year?

Tim Bremner: You know, right now the utilization rates are over 50%. Some of our operations are moving into the winter season, specifically high, high altitude projects, but that's going to be offset by, you know, increased demand in other parts of the world. As I mentioned, we're expecting the utilization rate to increase over the next 2 quarters. You know, I think I mentioned in my comments that we're continuing to prepare people and equipment to hopefully take that up 1 more level in the H2 of the year.

Speaker #2: So right now, the utilization rates are over 50%. Some of our operations are moving into the winter season, specifically high-altitude projects. But that's going to be offset by increased demand in other parts of the world.

Speaker #2: So as I mentioned, we're expecting the utilization rate to increase over the next two quarters. And I think I mentioned in my comments that we're continuing to prepare people and equipment to hopefully take that up one more level in the second half of the year.

Donangelo Volpe: Okay. Thank you. Just looking at the workforce, it was about a 16% year-over-year increase. Just curious if you guys are still ramping up hiring and recruiting and how the labor dynamics are looking right now.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you. And then just looking at the workforce, it was about a 16% year-over-year increase. Just curious, if you guys are still ramping up hiring and recruiting and how the labor dynamics are looking right now?

Tim Bremner: We're continuing to recruit as is everybody else. There's no question that labor markets are tighter than they work. That's not the case everywhere. There are certain markets that are better than others. Again, in Latin America, for example, high altitude projects are ending. That is gonna free up some labor. Generally speaking, we're managing to crew all of our projects. We're recognizing that it takes a little bit longer, and that's why we're being very careful not to over-commit and field rigs that are only partially crewed because that doesn't work very well for everybody. That's the careful approach and the disciplined approach that we're taking to crewing and finding the right people.

Speaker #2: We're continuing to recruit. As is everybody else. There's no question that labor markets are tighter than they were. But that's not the case everywhere.

Speaker #2: There are certain markets that are better than others. And again, in Latin America, for example, high-altitude projects are ending. So that is going to free up some labor.

Speaker #2: But generally speaking, we're managing to accrue all of our projects. But we're recognizing that it takes a little bit longer. And that's why we're being very careful not to overcommit and field REITs that are only partially accrued.

Speaker #2: Because that doesn't work very well for everybody. So that's the careful approach and the disciplined approach that we're taking. To accruing and finding the right people.

Donangelo Volpe: Okay. Thanks for the color there. Just pivoting over to the CapEx, I think it was about $10 million for the quarter. Just anything in particular you'd like to point out, or should we be expecting elevated CapEx levels, compared to last year's level for the remainder of the year?

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks for the color there. And then just pivoting over to the CAPEX, I think it was about $10 million for the quarter. Just anything in particular you'd like to point out or should we be expecting elevated CAPEX levels compared to last year's level for the remainder of the year?

Tim Bremner: The CapEx for Q1 was pretty strong. The CapEx is in line with the increase in the top line that we expect. As the business continues to grow, we're going to continue to invest in equipment that, you know, is first-rate technology. Don't forget that some of that is maintenance CapEx as we field some of the rigs that are in need of a complete and full robust overhaul. That includes part of it. As the business continues to grow, we're going to maintain a stronger CapEx, but always within reason. As I said, any new opportunity, we analyze that with respect to making certain that we have the correct re-return on investment on a project, especially long-term projects, before we do any investment in CapEx. We do not do any speculative investment on equipment.

Speaker #2: So the CAPEX for the first quarter was pretty strong. And the CAPEX is in line with the increase in the top line that we expect.

Speaker #2: And as the business continues to grow, we're going to continue to invest in equipment that is first-rate technology. Don't forget that some of that is maintenance CAPEX.

Speaker #2: As we field some of the REITs that are in need of a complete and full robust overhaul, that includes part of it. So as the business continues to grow, we're going to maintain a stronger CAPEX.

Speaker #2: But always within reason. And as I said, any new opportunity we analyze that with respect to making certain that we have the correct return on investment on a project, especially long-term projects, before we do any investment in CAPEX.

Tim Bremner: As I said, any new opportunity, we analyze that with respect to making certain that we have the correct re-return on investment on a project, especially long-term projects, before we do any investment in CapEx. We do not do any speculative investment on equipment.

Speaker #2: And we do not do any speculative investment on equipment.

Donangelo Volpe: Okay. Thank you. Final one from me, and then I'll pass the line. Just curious on how much of the revenue for this quarter was driven from new work versus realization from the existing backlog that was announced at the end of 2025.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you. Final one for me, and then I'll pass the line. Just curious on how much of the revenue was for this quarter was driven from new work versus realization from the existing backlog.

Speaker #5: That was announced at the end of 2025.

Tim Bremner: About 50%.

Speaker #2: About 50%.

Donangelo Volpe: Okay. Thank you. I'll pass the line.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you. I'll pass the line.

Tim Bremner: Thanks, Donangelo Volpe.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Donangelo.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, if you have any questions, please press star one. Next question comes from Steven Green from Ordnance. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Thank you. As a reminder, if you have any questions, please press star one. Next question comes from Stephen Green from Ordinance. Please go ahead.

Steven Green: Good morning. Morning, Tim. How are you?

Speaker #6: Good morning. Morning, Tim. How's it going? I was curious. I noticed the debt went up a little bit. Is the priority going to be getting the debt going back down by the end of the year?

Tim Bremner: Hi, Steven.

Steven Green: How's it going? I was curious. I noticed the debt went up a little bit. Is the priority gonna be getting the debt going back down by the end of the year?

Tim Bremner: Yes. I mean, our capital allocation policy has not changed, Steven. That is the top priority is debt reduction.

Speaker #2: Yes. I mean, our capital allocation policy has not changed, Stephen. And that is the top priority is debt reduction.

Steven Green: Okay. I was wondering where growth is coming from right now? Is some growth coming from the US operations? I know you guys were penetrating that market, and hopefully you are getting some new contracts there.

Speaker #6: Okay. And I was wondering, where is growth coming from right now? Is some growth coming from the U.S. operations? I know you guys were penetrating that market.

Speaker #6: And hopefully, you're getting some new contracts there.

Tim Bremner: Um, broadly-

Steven Green: Yes

Steven Green: Steven, growth is coming from everywhere. I mean, we gave some specifics on Latin America. You can see that there's a rebound in the growth in North America as well. It's virtually coming from all of the jurisdictions that we're working in. Some are recovering more quickly, and the others will come in Q2, Q3. We're getting growth everywhere.

Tim Bremner: Steven, growth is coming from everywhere. I mean, we gave some specifics on Latin America. You can see that there's a rebound in the growth in North America as well. It's virtually coming from all of the jurisdictions that we're working in. Some are recovering more quickly, and the others will come in Q2, Q3. We're getting growth everywhere.

Speaker #2: Broadly, Stephen, growth is coming from everywhere. I mean, we gave some specifics on Latin America. You can see that there's a rebound in the growth in North America as well.

Speaker #2: It's virtually coming from all of the jurisdictions that we're working in. Some are recovering more quickly. And the others will come in Q2, Q3.

Speaker #2: But we're getting growth everywhere.

Steven Green: Including the US, though?

Speaker #6: Okay. Including the US, though?

Tim Bremner: Yes, yes.

Speaker #2: Yes. Yes.

Steven Green: Great. Thanks again. I appreciate everything you do.

Speaker #6: Great. Thanks again. I appreciate everything you do.

Tim Bremner: Thanks a lot, Steven.

Steven Green: Thanks.

Fabien Sevestre: Thanks.

Speaker #2: Thanks a lot, Stephen.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Operator: Thank you. We have no further questions. I'll turn the call back over to Tim Bremner for closing remarks.

Speaker #4: Thank you. We have no further questions. I'll turn the call back over to Tim Bremner for closing remarks.

Tim Bremner: Thanks, Kelsey. Well, thank you everyone for participating in our Q1 conference call. We sincerely appreciate your interest, and we look forward to speaking to you at the end of July for Q2. Have a good day.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Kelsey. Well, thank you, everyone, for participating in our Q1 conference call. We sincerely appreciate your interest. And we look forward to speaking to you at the end of July for Q2.

Speaker #2: Have a good day.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating, and we ask that you please disconnect your lines.

Q1 2026 Foraco International SA Earnings Call

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