CG
Capstone Green Energy Holdings, Inc. (CGEH)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Calendar Q3 2025 (Capstone’s FY26 Q2) delivered revenue of $28.4M (+25% YoY), gross margin of 32% (+100 bps YoY), and net income of $0.8M, marking the sixth straight quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA ($4.5M) .
- EPS from operations was $0.04, but reported EPS was a loss of $(0.89) due to non-cash preferred unit accretion under HLBV accounting; management emphasized underlying profitability despite this accounting effect .
- Product strength and higher rental utilization underpinned growth; the August 13 acquisition of Cal Microturbine contributed ~$0.7M revenue and ~$0.2M earnings in the quarter .
- Management highlighted positioning at the intersection of microgrids and AI/data centers; transcripts and investor materials reinforced focus on high-voltage/data center power systems and continued DFMA cost-outs .
- Consensus estimate comparison: Wall Street consensus from S&P Global was unavailable at time of request due to temporary limits; we cannot assess beat/miss versus estimates (see Estimates Context).
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Six consecutive quarters of positive Adjusted EBITDA ($4.5M in Q2) on stronger product mix and rental pricing; gross profit rose $2.0M YoY to $9.0M with gross margin at 32% (+100 bps YoY) .
- Return to net profitability: net income of $0.8M versus $(0.4)M YoY, driven by higher gross profit and ~$0.9M lower non-recurring professional/bad debt expenses .
- Strategic expansion: Cal Microturbine acquisition broadened direct distribution and service; contributed ~$0.7M revenue and ~$0.2M earnings in the partial quarter .
Quotes:
- “Six Straight Quarters of Positive Adjusted EBITDA highlight continued discipline.” – Press release .
- “Capstone… positioned to expand participation in… microgrids and data centers.” – CEO Vince Canino .
- “Our improving financial health reflects the renewed confidence of our customers coupled with significant operational improvements.” – Interim CFO John Miller .
What Went Wrong
- Reported EPS was a loss of $(0.89) due to non-cash accretion of preferred units under HLBV accounting despite positive operating EPS of $0.04, creating headline noise .
- Cash and restricted cash ended at $7.7M, down ~$1.0M since March 31, 2025, as working capital consumption increased (A/R and deferred revenue timing), and financing cash outflows rose YoY .
- Tariffs on imports from China added cost pressure; DFMA cost-outs offset part of the impact, but tariff headwinds remain an external risk .
Financial Results
Consolidated Metrics (Quarterly)
Notes: Reported EPS in Q2 reflects preferred unit accretion under HLBV accounting; “EPS from operations” highlights underlying operating performance .
Segment Revenue Breakdown ($M)
KPIs and Balance Sheet Highlights
Guidance Changes
Management did not issue numeric revenue, margin, OpEx, OI&E, tax, or dividend guidance in the materials reviewed.
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “Capstone today is a different company – more resilient, more focused… positions Capstone to expand participation in… microgrids and data centers.” – Vince Canino, CEO .
- “Six consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA… supported by solid growth in both product and rental revenues.” – John Miller, Interim CFO .
- “Gross margin expansion reflected higher profitability across all revenue streams, supported by ongoing DFMA cost-out initiatives… which helped offset… tariffs.” – Press release .
- Q1 framing: “Delivering on Strategic Pillars… five straight quarters of positive Adjusted EBITDA.” – Q1 release .
- FY25 framing: “First full‑year positive Adjusted EBITDA… improved services and rental revenues, cost efficiencies, and price increases.” – FY25 release .
Q&A Highlights
- Technology roadmap: Management spotlighted high‑voltage solutions targeting data centers and the broader AI infrastructure opportunity; reinforced intent to serve electrification-driven growth with resilient, low‑emission distributed generation .
- Cost discipline: Continued DFMA initiatives and global sourcing cited as levers to counter input/tariff pressures and sustain margin gains .
- Leadership transition: Commentary indicated a “deep leadership bench” and continuity of strategy following CFO transition and Board changes .
- Commercial mix: Color on product strength (>50% of mix) and healthy rental pricing/utilization supported the margin framework .
Estimates Context
- S&P Global consensus (EPS and revenue) for FY26 Q2 (calendar Q3 2025) was unavailable at the time of this analysis due to temporary access limits. We cannot formally assess beat/miss versus consensus at this time. Values from S&P Global were not retrievable (Daily Request Limit exceeded).
- Management’s pre‑announcement indicated a profitable quarter with ~25% YoY revenue growth, which was confirmed in final results .
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Underlying profitability is improving: positive net income, six straight positive Adj. EBITDA, and margin expansion to 32% reflect durable execution on pricing, mix, and DFMA .
- Accounting nuance matters: headline reported EPS of $(0.89) was driven by non‑cash preferred unit accretion (HLBV) despite $0.04 operating EPS—focus on operating earnings and cash conversion for valuation discussions .
- Growth vectors in place: product momentum and rental utilization are sustaining top‑line growth; inorganic expansion via Cal Microturbine enhances direct distribution and near‑term earnings .
- Strategic narrative is resonating with secular demand: microgrids and AI/data centers create a credible long‑term TAM; near‑term pipeline benefits from resilience and decarbonization themes .
- Watch working capital and liquidity: cash + restricted cash at $7.7M with operating cash use driven by A/R growth and deferred revenue timing; monitor collections and inventory turns .
- External risks persist: tariff exposure remains a cost headwind; DFMA and sourcing mitigations are key to sustaining gross margins .
- Trading implications: absent consensus comparisons, narrative catalysts include continued profitability, data center/microgrid positioning, and potential follow‑through on cost discipline; governance transitions bear monitoring for execution continuity .
Appendix: Additional Context Sources
- Q2 FY26 earnings press release and full financials (8-K Item 2.02 with Exhibit 99.1) .
- Q2 FY26 pre-announcement and leadership changes (8-K) .
- Q1 FY26 earnings release and financials (8-K) .
- FY25 Q4 and full-year results (8-K) .
- Earnings call transcript and investor materials: Seeking Alpha transcript & slides, Investing.com transcript summary, Capstone IR webcast/presentation .