Advanced Drainage Systems Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results, Increases Stock Repurchase Authorization

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS) ("ADS" or the "Company"), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite wastewater industries today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

• Net sales increased $2.8 million or 0.4% to $693.4 million
• Net income increased $11.7 million or 14.3% to $94.0 million
• Net income per diluted share increased $0.15 or 14.4% to $1.19
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased $17.7 million or 9.3% to $209.2 million
• Adjusted Earnings per share (Non-GAAP) increased $0.18 or 16.5% to $1.27

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2026 Results

• Net sales increased $85.1 million or 3.7% to $2.4 billion
• Net income increased $18.8 million or 5.0% to $394.6 million
• Net income per diluted share increased $0.25 or 5.2% to $5.02
• Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased $62.4 million or 8.8% to $774.9 million
• Adjusted Earnings per share (Non-GAAP) increased $0.34 or 7.0% to $5.20

Scott Barbour, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADS commented, "We delivered our third consecutive strong quarter in a demand environment that is both challenging and mixed by geography. The Infiltrator business and Allied products portfolio grew significantly above-market as we continue to introduce new products, distribution and customer programs. Notably, profitability increased across all facets of the business, including pipe, Allied products and the Infiltrator business. We continue to strategically shift our portfolio mix towards higher margin products, which strengthens the resiliency of our business. This mix shift, in conjunction with favorable price/cost dynamics, resulted in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.2% for the quarter."

"Earlier this week, we closed the acquisition of NDS, a leading U.S. supplier of residential stormwater and irrigation products. NDS' products are highly complementary to ADS' stormwater capture portfolio and enhance our offering in both the distribution and retail channels. The combination of Advanced Drainage Systems, Infiltrator, and NDS furthers our leading, diversified brand platform in stormwater and onsite wastewater. Given the business' strong cash generation and effective capital management strategy, we were able to complete the acquisition primarily using cash on hand."

"Today, we updated our Fiscal 2026 guidance to reflect the strong year-to-date performance as well as the inclusion of NDS results for the two months remaining in the fiscal year. The end market outlook for the remainder of Fiscal 2026 reflects a challenging macroeconomic environment and mixed end market demand. We also announced a new $1 billion stock repurchase authorization, bringing our total authorization to $1.148 billion, reflecting our ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders in the context of our overall capital allocation strategy."

Barbour concluded, "We are well positioned to continue executing on the value proposition, driving market conversion, and accelerating organic and inorganic growth while also generating free cash flow that enables the Company to invest in the business and return capital to shareholders."

Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

Net sales increased $2.8 million, or 0.4%, to $693.4 million, as compared to $690.5 million in the prior year quarter. Domestic pipe sales decreased $12.9 million, or 3.8%, to $326.7 million. Domestic allied products & other sales increased $14.1 million, or 9.4%, to $164.7 million. Infiltrator sales increased $2.9 million, or 1.9%, to $152.9 million, primarily due to growth in tanks and advanced treatment products. The overall increase in domestic net sales was primarily driven by growth in the Company's core non-residential construction end market. International sales decreased $1.3 million, or 2.5%, to $49.1 million.

Gross profit increased $17.6 million, or 7.3%, to $259.2 million as compared to $241.6 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily driven by volume growth, favorable price/cost, and favorable mix of Allied products and Infiltrator.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8.0 million, or 7.9% to $108.7 million, as compared to $100.8 million. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense was 15.7% as compared to 14.6% in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by transaction costs associated with the acquisition of National Diversified Sales ("NDS"), as described below.

Net income per diluted share increased $0.15, or 14.4%, to $1.19, as compared to $1.04 per share in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the factors mentioned above.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased $17.7 million, or 9.3%, to $209.2 million, as compared to $191.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 30.2% as compared to 27.7% in the prior year.

Segment sales results are based on Net sales to external customers. Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures for Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Earnings per Share have been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2026 Results

Net sales increased $85.1 million, or 3.7%, to $2,373.6 million, as compared to $2,288.5 million in the prior year. Domestic pipe sales decreased $17.1 million, to $1,155.3 million. Domestic allied products & other sales increased $40.6 million, or 7.9%, to $551.1 million. Infiltrator sales increased $70.0 million, or 15.9%, to $511.0 million. Excluding the acquisition of Orenco, Infiltrator organic revenue increased 5.4%. The overall increase in domestic net sales was primarily driven by growth in the core non-residential and residential construction end markets. International sales decreased $8.4 million, or 5.1%, to $156.2 million.

Gross profit increased $61.7 million, or 7.1%, to $929.7 million as compared to $868.0 million in the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily driven by favorable volume, price/cost and mix of construction market and Infiltrator sales, partially offset by unfavorable fixed cost absorption as well as the mix impact from the inclusion of Orenco.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $43.0 million, or 14.9% to $331.9 million, as compared to $289.0 million. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense was 14.0% as compared to 12.6% in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of Orenco, as well as transaction costs associated with the acquisition of NDS, as described below.

Net income per diluted share increased $0.25, or 5.2%, to $5.02, as compared to $4.77 per share in the prior year, primarily due to the factors mentioned above.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) increased $62.4 million, or 8.8%, to $774.9 million, as compared to $712.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to the factors mentioned above. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA was 32.6% as compared to 31.1% in the prior year.

NDS Acquisition

On February 2, 2026, the Company announced that it completed the previously disclosed acquisition of the water management business of Norma Group SE (DAX: NOEJ), known as National Diversified Sales ("NDS"). Following the closing of the acquisition, the Company's trailing-twelve-month leverage ratio was approximately 1.5 times. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.

Stock Repurchase Authorization

In the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not repurchase shares of its common stock. As of December 31, 2025, approximately $147.7 million of common stock may be repurchased under the Company's existing stock repurchase authorization.

Today, the Company announced a new $1 billion stock repurchase authorization for open market share repurchases, bringing the total existing stock repurchase authorization to $1.148 billion.

Repurchases of shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program will be made in the open market and in accordance with applicable securities laws. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be suspended or terminated at any time at the Company's discretion.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

Net cash provided by operating activities was $779.1 million, as compared to $540.3 million in the prior year. Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) was $582.4 million, as compared to $373.9 million in the prior year. Net debt (total debt and finance lease obligations net of cash) was $437.5 million as of December 31, 2025, a decrease of $524.9 million from March 31, 2025.

ADS had total liquidity of $1,598.1 million, comprised of cash of $1,008.2 million as of December 31, 2025 and $589.9 million of availability under committed credit facilities. As of December 31, 2025, the Company's trailing-twelve-month leverage ratio was 0.5 times Adjusted EBITDA.

Fiscal 2026 Outlook

Based on results to date, current visibility, backlog of existing orders and business trends, the Company updated its financial targets for fiscal 2026. Net sales are expected to be in the range of $2.990 billion to $3.040 billion and Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $930 million to $960 million. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $250 million.

Conference Call Information

Webcast: Interested investors and other parties can listen to a webcast of the live conference call by logging in through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.ads-pipe.com/events-and-presentations. An online replay will be available on the same website following the call.

Teleconference: To participate in the live teleconference, participants may register at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/961178744. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation through email, including dial in details and unique conference call codes for entry. Registration is open through the live call. To ensure participants are connected for the full call, please register at least 10 minutes before the start of the call.

About the Company

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and onsite wastewater solutions that manage the world's most precious resource: water. ADS, along with NDS and Infiltrator Water Technologies, provides superior stormwater drainage and onsite wastewater products used across commercial, residential, infrastructure, and agricultural applications, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS operates the industry's largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team and a vast manufacturing network. As one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ADS keeps millions of pounds of plastic out of landfills each year. Founded in 1966, ADS' water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the Company's website at www.adspipe.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Company's business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements relating to our operations and business include: fluctuations in the price and availability of resins and other raw materials, new tariff and international trade policies, and our ability to pass any increased costs of raw materials and tariffs on to our customers; disruption or volatility in general business, political and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate; cyclicality and seasonality of the non-residential and residential construction markets and infrastructure spending; the risks of increasing competition in our existing and future markets; uncertainties surrounding the integration and realization of anticipated benefits of acquisitions or doing so within the intended timeframe, including our ability to successfully integrate NDS into our business; risks that the acquisition of NDS may involve unexpected costs, liabilities, risks that the cost savings and synergies from the acquisition of NDS may not be fully realized; the effect of any claims, litigation, investigations or proceedings; the effect of weather or seasonality; the loss of any of our significant customers; the risks of doing business internationally; the risks of conducting a portion of our operations through joint ventures; our ability to expand into new geographic or product markets; the risk associated with manufacturing processes; the effects of global climate change and any related regulatory responses; our ability to protect against cybersecurity incidents and disruptions or failures of our IT systems; our ability to assess and monitor the effects of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and blockchain or other new approaches to data mining on our business and operations; our ability to manage our supply purchasing and customer credit policies; our ability to control labor costs and to attract, train and retain highly qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; changes in laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations; our ability to appropriately address any environmental, social or governance concerns that may arise from our activities; the risks associated with our current levels of indebtedness, including borrowings under our existing credit agreement and outstanding indebtedness under our existing senior notes; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the Company's expectations, objectives or plans will be achieved in the timeframe anticipated or at all. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Financial Statements

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth net sales by reportable segment for each of the periods indicated.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). ADS management uses non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company's performance. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP results available in the accompanying tables.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes references to Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Earnings per Share, non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are not intended to be substitutes for those reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that comprise net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, non-cash charges and certain other expenses. The Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from similar measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures. Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric used by management and the Company's board of directors to assess financial performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's business strategies. Accordingly, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as the Company's management and board of directors. In order to provide investors with a meaningful reconciliation, the Company has provided a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income.

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that comprises cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is a measure used by management and the Company's board of directors to assess the Company's ability to generate cash. Accordingly, management believes that Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our ability to generate cash flow from operations after capital expenditures. In order to provide investors with a meaningful reconciliation, the Company has provided a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities to Free Cash Flow.

Adjusted Earnings per Share excludes (gains) losses on disposals of assets or business, restructuring and realignment expenses, impairment charges and transaction costs. Adjusted Earnings per Share is a measure used by management and may be useful for investors to evaluate the Company's operational performance.

The following tables present a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, Free Cash Flow to Cash Flow from Operating Activities, and Adjusted Earnings per Share to Diluted Earnings per Share, the most comparable GAAP measures, for each of the periods indicated.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit to Gross Profit

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Cash flow from Operating Activities

Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Earnings per Share

The following table presents diluted earnings per share on an adjusted basis to supplement the Company's discussion of its results of operations herein.

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For more information, please contact:

Michael Higgins

VP, Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations

(614) 658-0050

[email protected]