Ducommun 2025 Q1 Earnings Strong Performance as Net Income Surges 53%
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:46 am ET
DCO Trend
Ducommun's results were in line with expectations as the company maintained its guidance for 2025, reaffirming its forecast for adjusted EBITDA margins to meet or exceed 18% amid strong defense sector performance and limited tariff impacts.
Revenue
Ducommun's revenue for the first quarter of 2025 reached $194.11 million, reflecting a 1.7% growth compared to the previous year. The Electronic Systems segment contributed $109.75 million, driven by increased demand in military and space markets. Meanwhile, the Structural Systems segment recorded $84.37 million, demonstrating resilience despite challenges in the commercial aerospace sector.
Earnings/Net Income
Ducommun's EPS rose to $0.71 in 2025 Q1 from $0.47 in 2024 Q1, reflecting robust earnings growth. Net income increased to $10.51 million, a 53.5% rise from $6.85 million in the same quarter last year. The remarkable EPS growth underscores Ducommun's strong financial performance.
Post-Earnings Price Action Review
The strategy of buying Ducommun (DCO) shares following a quarter-over-quarter revenue drop and holding for 30 days has historically yielded a 31.35% return over the past five years, though this is modest compared to a benchmark return of 83.12%. This approach recorded a compound annual growth rate of 5.67% and a Sharpe ratio of 0.46, with a maximum drawdown of -15.31% and volatility of 12.25%. While not matching the broader market's performance, this strategy effectively managed risk, making it appealing to investors prioritizing stability over aggressive growth. The conservative returns reflect Ducommun's cautious approach in navigating market fluctuations while maintaining a focus on long-term growth.
CEO Commentary
Stephen G. Oswald, Chairman, President, and CEO of Ducommun, praised the company's strong start to 2025, with net revenue rising 2% to $194.1 million. He attributed this growth to the robust performance of the defense business, which offset declines in commercial aerospace. Oswald emphasized record gross margins of 26.6%, a 200 basis point improvement year-over-year, and reiterated the company's progress towards achieving its VISION 2027 financial target of 18% adjusted EBITDA, while monitoring tariff impacts with limited exposure to China's supply chain.
Guidance
Ducommun remains optimistic about its 2025 outlook as it advances through its VISION 2027 Plan. The company expects to meet or exceed 18% adjusted EBITDA margins, with 95% of its revenue generated domestically, minimizing tariff impacts. CEO Stephen G. Oswald expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory.
Additional News
In recent developments, Ducommun announced that CEO Stephen G. Oswald will participate in the 2025 Truist Securities Industrials & Services Conference on May 8, 2025, engaging in one-on-one investor meetings. This participation underscores the company's commitment to investor relations and transparency. Additionally, Ducommun has been strategically pruning its non-core industrial business to focus on higher-margin opportunities, aligning with its long-term vision. The company's limited supply chain exposure to China and domestic-focused manufacturing base position it well to manage potential trade tensions effectively. These strategic moves are part of Ducommun's broader effort to enhance operational efficiency and maintain its competitive edge in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Ask Aime: How did Ducommun's Q1 earnings compare to expectations?