DLH Reports Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Impact

(Moderate)

Rhea-AI Sentiment

(Neutral)

Rhea-AI Summary

DLH Holdings (NASDAQ: DLHC) reported fiscal Q1 ended Dec 31, 2025 results with revenue of $68.9M (down 24.1% YoY) and Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5M (9.5% of revenue). The revenue decline reflects transition of legacy programs to small-business set-aside contractors.

Operating cash usage improved to $4.8M (vs. $11.5M prior year), debt modestly rose to $136.6M, and backlog remained largely stable at $517.4M. Management said cost rightsizing supported margins and that it intends to deploy future operating cash flow toward delevering.

Positive

Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5M, representing 9.5% of revenue
Operating cash usage improved by almost $7M year-over-year (from $(11.5)M to $(4.8)M)
Backlog stable at $517.4M, up 0.6% sequentially

Negative

Revenue declined 24.1% YoY to $68.9M
Net result swung to a $1.3M loss from $1.1M income prior year
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 34.3% YoY from $9.9M to $6.5M

Key Figures

Revenue: $68.9M Net (loss) income: $(1.3)M Diluted EPS: $(0.09) +5 more

8 metrics

Revenue $68.9M Q1 FY2026 vs $90.8M prior-year quarter, (24.1)% change

Net (loss) income $(1.3)M Q1 FY2026 vs $1.1M net income prior-year

Diluted EPS $(0.09) Q1 FY2026 vs $0.08 prior-year quarter

Adjusted EBITDA $6.5M Q1 FY2026, 9.5% of revenue vs $9.9M prior-year

EBITDA margin 8.3% Q1 FY2026 vs 11.0% prior-year quarter

Operating cash flow $(4.8)M Q1 FY2026 usage vs $(11.5)M prior-year, improved by almost $7M

Debt $136.6M As of Dec 31, 2025 vs $131.6M at Sep 30, 2025, up 3.8%

Backlog $517.4M As of Dec 31, 2025 vs $514.3M at Sep 30, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $5.56 Vol: Volume 8,776 is 9% above ...

normal vol

$5.56 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,776 is 9% above 20-day average 8,024 ahead of results. normal

Technical Trading above 200-day MA with price at $5.87 vs MA $5.54, mid-range between 52-week $2.72–$8.10.

Peers on Argus

DLHC slipped 0.34% while peers were mixed: SST -3.43%, PMEC -1.23%, WFCF -0.44%,...

DLHC slipped 0.34% while peers were mixed: SST -3.43%, PMEC -1.23%, WFCF -0.44%, NTIP -1.55%, and TISI +0.77%. Moves do not point to a unified sector trend.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 02 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 02	Earnings date announcement	Neutral	-0.9%	Set timing and details for upcoming fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call.
Dec 10	Quarterly earnings	Negative	-1.3%	Fiscal 2025 Q4 revenue decline, net loss and lower backlog versus prior year.
Nov 20	Earnings date announcement	Neutral	-0.2%	Announced date and access details for upcoming fiscal 2025 Q4 results.
Oct 22	Cybersecurity certification	Positive	-0.2%	Announced achieving CMMC Level 2, enhancing eligibility for DoD contracts.
Aug 14	Government contract award	Positive	+6.7%	Won NIH IT task order up to $46.9M, expanding digital and cybersecurity work.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows modest negative reactions to earnings dates and mixed operating updates, with a stronger positive move only on the NIH contract award.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, DLH reported several milestones. Fiscal Q4 2025 results on Dec 10, 2025 showed revenue and backlog pressure and drew a -1.34% reaction. Operational news such as CMMC Level 2 certification on Oct 22, 2025 saw a slight -0.18% move, while a major NIH IT task order worth up to $46.9M on Aug 14, 2025 coincided with a +6.72% gain. Earnings date notices have typically produced small negative moves.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details a transitional Q1 FY2026 with revenue at $68.9M, down from $90.8M, but Adj...

Analysis

This announcement details a transitional Q1 FY2026 with revenue at $68.9M, down from $90.8M, but Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5M and a 9.5% margin reflecting cost actions. Operating cash usage improved to $(4.8)M from $(11.5)M, while debt increased to $136.6M and backlog edged up to $517.4M. Investors may track future quarters for revenue stabilization, margin progression, debt reduction, and backlog trends relative to these baselines.

Key Terms

adjusted ebitda, ebitda, free cash flow, diluted earnings per share, +1 more

5 terms

adjusted ebitda financial

"Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5 million, or 9.5% of revenue, benefitting from..."

Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.

ebitda financial

"EBITDA | $5.7 | | $9.9 | | (42.4)%"

EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It measures a company's profitability by focusing on the money it makes from its core operations, ignoring expenses like taxes and accounting adjustments. Investors use EBITDA to compare how well different companies are performing financially, as it provides a clearer picture of operational success without the influence of financial structure or accounting choices.

free cash flow financial

"Free Cash Flow | $(4.8) | | $(12.1) | | (60.3)%"

Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.

backlog financial

"Backlog | $517.4 | | $514.3 | | 0.6%"

A backlog is the amount of work or orders that a company has received but hasn't completed yet. It’s like a restaurant with many dishes to serve; the backlog shows how many orders are still waiting to be finished. It matters because a large backlog can indicate strong demand or potential delays in delivering products or services.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

02/09/2026 - 04:15 PM

ATLANTA, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading provider of digital transformation and cybersecurity, systems engineering and integration, and science research and development, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Q1 Highlights:

Revenue variance from prior year period reflects the transition of certain programs to small-business set-aside contractors
Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5 million, or 9.5% of revenue, benefitting from the Company's initiatives to reduce costs and streamline operations
Operating cash usage of $4.8 million, reflecting normal first quarter patterns and working capital use; an improvement of almost $7 million year-over-year
Debt rose modestly due to short-term working capital needs; Company remains on track for further delevering during fiscal 2026

Management Discussion:

“The first quarter of fiscal 2026 demonstrated our resilience and disciplined commitment to managing profitability and cash flow through a period of transition," said Zach Parker, DLH President and Chief Executive Officer. "As previously communicated, our revenue results reflect the anticipated transition of legacy programs to small business contractors. In recognition of our revenue volumes, we have rightsized our cost structure during the first and second quarters. The impact of the first quarter cost scaling initiatives is reflected in Adjusted EBITDA. At the completion of these actions, we believe we will have aligned expense with revenue volumes, restored margins to a competitive level and protected strategic investments that fuel organic growth. Additionally, we remain focused on delevering our balance sheet. While debt grew this quarter in line with first quarter trends, going forward we expect to deploy operating cash flow toward reducing debt levels to enhance our long-term financial flexibility and shareholder value."


Operating Financial Summary
	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
$ million	2025	2024	% Change
Revenue	$68.9	$90.8	(24.1)%
Income from operations	$1.4	$5.6	(75.0)%
Net (loss) income	$(1.3)	$1.1	(218.2)%
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$(0.09)	$0.08	(212.5)%
EBITDA	$5.7	$9.9	(42.4)%
Adjusted EBITDA	$6.5	$9.9	(34.3)%
EBITDA margin on Revenue	8.3%	11.0%	(24.5)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin on Revenue	9.5%	11.0%	(13.6)%
Cash provided by Operating Activities	$(4.8)	$(11.5)	(58.3)%
Free Cash Flow	$(4.8)	$(12.1)	(60.3)%

Additional Financial Metrics
	December 31, 2025	September 30, 2025	% Change
Debt	$136.6	$131.6	3.8%
Backlog	$517.4	$514.3	0.6%

Earnings Call & Webcast:

DLH management will discuss first quarter results and provide a general business update, including current competitive conditions and strategies, during a conference call beginning at 10:00 AM Eastern Time tomorrow, February 10, 2026. Interested parties may listen to the conference call by dialing 888-347-5290 or 412-317-5256. Presentation materials will also be posted on the Investor Relations section of the DLH website prior to the commencement of the conference call.

A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed on the DLH Investor Relations website or by dialing 855-669-9685 and entering the conference ID #1284372.

About DLH:

DLH (NASDAQ: DLHC) enhances technology, public health, and cyber security readiness missions through science, technology, cyber, and engineering solutions and services. Our experts solve some of the most complex and critical missions faced by federal customers, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 1,700 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovative solutions to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

Contact Information:

Investor Relations
Chris Witty
(646) 438-9385
cwitty@darrowir.com

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or DLH`s future financial performance. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances or that are not statements of historical fact (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions) should be considered forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or DLH’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among others, statements regarding estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings and cash flow. These statements reflect our belief and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements made in this release due to a variety of factors, including: the risk that we will not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions (including anticipated future financial performance and results); the diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations; the inability to retain employees and customers; contract awards in connection with re-competes for present business and/or competition for new business; our ability to manage our debt obligations; compliance with bank financial and other covenants; changes in client budgetary priorities; government contract procurement (such as bid and award protests, small business set asides, loss of work due to organizational conflicts of interest, etc.) and termination risks; the impact of inflation and higher interest rates; and other risks described in our SEC filings. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 as well as subsequent reports filed thereafter. The forward-looking statements contained herein are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry and business.

Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and may become outdated over time. The Company does not assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.


DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2025			2024
Revenue	$	68,892		$	90,782
Cost of operations:
Contract costs		55,395			72,771
General and administrative costs		7,761			8,067
Depreciation and amortization		4,300			4,307
Total operating costs		67,456			85,145
Income from operations		1,436			5,637
Interest expenses		3,396			4,133
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes		(1,960	)		1,504
Provision for income taxes (benefit) expense		(636	)		389
Net (loss) income	$	(1,324	)	$	1,115

Net (loss) income per share
Basic	$	(0.09	)	$	0.08
Diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	0.08
Weighted average common stock outstanding
Basic		14,493			14,386
Diluted		14,563			14,563

DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except par value of shares)

	December 31, 2025		September 30, 2025
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	257	$	125
Accounts receivable		35,842		38,394
Other current assets		3,543		4,018
Total current assets		39,642		42,537
Goodwill		138,161		138,161
Intangible assets, net		87,752		91,865
Operating lease right-of-use assets		8,264		8,764
Deferred income taxes, net		8,447		7,947
Equipment and improvements, net		1,127		1,274
Other long-term assets		115		115
Total assets	$	283,508	$	290,663
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	14,250	$	19,246
Accrued payroll		5,996		12,153
Debt obligations - current, net of deferred financing costs		17,425		8,067
Operating lease liabilities - current		3,129		2,918
Other current liabilities		226		287
Total current liabilities		41,026		42,671
Long-term liabilities:
Debt obligations - long-term, net of deferred financing costs		116,050		119,966
Operating lease liabilities - long-term		13,199		14,022
Other long-term liabilities		1,045		1,046
Total long-term liabilities		130,294		135,034
Total liabilities		171,320		177,705
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 14,493 and 14,493 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025, respectively		14		14
Additional paid-in capital		102,288		101,734
Retained earnings		9,886		11,210
Total shareholders’ equity		112,188		112,958
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	283,508	$	290,663

DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (Amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2025			2024
Operating activities
Net (loss) income	$	(1,324	)	$	1,115
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,300			4,307
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense		433			457
Stock-based compensation expense		647			193
Deferred income taxes, net		(501	)		780
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		2,552			(14,421	)
Other assets		974			(661	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(4,996	)		(6,567	)
Accrued payroll		(6,157	)		2,275
Other liabilities		(698	)		984
Net cash used in operating activities		(4,770	)		(11,538	)
Investing activities
Purchase of equipment and improvements		(39	)		(552	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(39	)		(552	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit		67,396			59,910
Repayment of revolving line of credit		(62,362	)		(47,509	)
Payments of deferred financing costs		—			(202	)
Payment of tax obligations resulting from net exercise of stock options		(93	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		4,941			12,199
Net change in cash		132			109
Cash - beginning of period		125			342
Cash - end of period	$	257		$	451
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	$	3,003		$	3,594
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	—		$	32
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity
Common stock surrendered for the exercise of stock options		(93	)	$	—
Lease liability recognized to acquire a right-of-use asset	$	—			1,377

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA as a percent of revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue as supplemental non-GAAP measures of performance. The Company uses Free Cash Flow as a supplemental non-GAAP liquidity measure. We define the measures as following:

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA represent net (loss) income excluding depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and provision for income taxes; Adjusted EBITDA further excludes costs associated with scaling general and administrative expenses to revenue volume.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue are calculated by dividing EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, for the measurement period by revenue for the same period.

Free cash flow is net cash provided by operating activities less the impact of purchases of equipment and improvements.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA as a percent of revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue are non-GAAP measures of performance and are used by management to conduct and evaluate its business during its review of operating results for the periods presented. Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP liquidity measure, is used by management to assess our ability to generate cash from our business operations and plan for future operating and capital actions.

Management and the Company's Board utilize these non-GAAP measures to make decisions about the use of the Company's resources, analyze performance between periods, develop internal projections and measure management performance. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's ongoing operating and financial results and understanding how such results compare with the Company's historical performance.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA as a percent of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue, and free cash flow are not recognized measurements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and when analyzing our performance and liquidity investors should (i) evaluate adjustments in our reconciliation to the nearest GAAP financial measures and (ii) use non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as an alternative to, measures of our operating results, as defined under GAAP.

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2025			2024			Change
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Net (loss) income	$	(1,324	)	$	1,115		$	(2,439	)
Depreciation and amortization		4,300			4,307			(7	)
Interest expense, net		3,396			4,133			(737	)
Provision for income taxes (benefit) expense		(636	)		389			(1,025	)
EBITDA	$	5,736		$	9,944		$	(4,208	)
Cost scaling initiatives		808			—			808
Adjusted EBITDA	$	6,544		$	9,944		$	(3,400	)
Net (loss) income as a % of revenue	(1.9		)%		1.2	%
EBITDA as a % of revenue		8.3	%		11.0	%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue		9.5	%		11.0	%
Revenue	$	68,892		$	90,782

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2025			2024			Change
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(4,770	)	$	(11,539	)	$	6,769
Less: Purchases of equipment and improvements		(39	)		(552	)		513
Free Cash Flow	$	(4,809	)	$	(12,091	)	$	7,282

FAQ

Why did DLHC revenue fall 24.1% in Q1 2026?

Revenue fell primarily due to program transitions to small-business set-aside contractors, reducing legacy contract volumes. According to the company, several legacy programs moved to small-business awardees, which lowered revenue vs. the prior-year quarter.

What was DLHC's Adjusted EBITDA and margin for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2025?

DLH reported Adjusted EBITDA of $6.5M, a 9.5% margin on revenue for Q1 2026. According to the company, cost-reduction initiatives helped sustain positive Adjusted EBITDA despite lower revenue.

How did DLHC's operating cash flow change in Q1 2026 compared to last year?

Operating cash usage improved to $(4.8)M versus $(11.5)M in the prior-year quarter, an almost $7M improvement. According to the company, this reflects typical first-quarter working capital patterns and improved cash management.

What is DLHC's debt and backlog as of Dec 31, 2025?

As of Dec 31, 2025, DLH reported total debt of $136.6M and backlog of $517.4M. According to the company, debt rose modestly for short-term working capital while backlog remained largely stable sequentially.

Did DLHC report a net loss for Q1 2026 and what drove it?

Yes; DLH posted a net loss of $1.3M for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2025. According to the company, lower revenue from transitioned programs and associated operating leverage contributed to the quarterly loss.

Will DLHC reduce debt using operating cash flow in fiscal 2026?

Management said it expects to deploy operating cash flow toward delevering the balance sheet during fiscal 2026. According to the company, future operating cash generation will be prioritized to reduce debt and improve financial flexibility.

DLH Reports Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Results