Air & Liquid Processing (ALP) Record Performance
ALP set records for adjusted EBITDA and customer orders. ALP Q1 revenue rose 17% year-over-year and adjusted EBITDA increased 52% versus prior year. Backlog in the segment grew $23.5 million (19%) during the quarter and customer orders were 40% higher than any prior quarter. Management cites strong end-market demand (data centers, power generation, nuclear heat exchangers, U.S. Navy, pharmaceuticals) and ongoing capacity expansion (equipment installed in 2024, Navy-funded equipment arriving in 2026) to support continued growth.
Consolidated Revenue Growth
Consolidated net sales for Q1 were $108.3 million, up 3.9% versus prior year, driven primarily by the strong performance in the ALP segment.
Backlog and Order Momentum
Total corporate backlog increased 5% quarter-over-quarter, primarily driven by record order activity in ALP, indicating strong near-term revenue visibility.
Liquidity and Balance Sheet Improvements
Cash on hand was $9.2 million with $30.8 million undrawn on the revolving credit facility. The U.S. defined benefit pension plan reached fully funded status in early 2026, improving long-term plan health and reducing future pension expense volatility.
Planned Debt Reduction
Management identified debt reduction as a priority and expects to reduce debt by roughly $8 million to $10 million during the balance of 2026, improving leverage and interest burden.
Operational and Structural Benefits
Closure of the U.K. facility and the small steel distribution business reduced SG&A and depreciation/amortization (D&A fell by approximately $400,000). Management expects annual adjusted EBITDA improvement of $7 million to $8 million from actions taken in late 2025 (Forged & Cast segment changes).
Market Consolidation Opportunity
Two competitors exited the roll market (one in Europe in receivership and another in South America), creating opportunities for Ampco-Pittsburgh to capture incremental market share in FCEP markets.
Tariff Developments Beneficial to FCEP
Revised Section 232 tariffs reduced duties on some imported cast rolls (Sweden) improving competitiveness, while tariffs on FEP products remain at ~50%, supporting FEP order book growth and margins.