CECO Environmental’s second quarter was marked by strong year-on-year growth and a significant positive reaction from the market. Management credited the results to a combination of record backlog, robust order momentum, and successful execution of its operating model. CEO Todd Gleason emphasized that the company’s recent investments in portfolio diversification and operational productivity have begun to yield tangible results. Notable drivers included large project wins in power generation and broad-based order strength across semiconductor, natural gas, and industrial water sectors. Integration of recent acquisitions also contributed positively to both top-line growth and improved gross margins.

Is now the time to buy CECO? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From CECO Environmental’s Q2 Earnings Call

• Rob Brown (Lake Street Capital Markets) asked about the sustainability and size of the power generation pipeline. CEO Todd Gleason and CFO Peter Johansson stated the pipeline remains robust, with over $1 billion in potential projects and no significant capacity constraints.
• Aaron Spychalla (Craig-Hallum Capital Group) inquired about international industrial opportunities and timing. Johansson detailed a range of large projects, especially in water and metals processing in the Middle East and Asia, expected to progress over the next year or two.
• James Ricchiuti (Needham & Company) questioned the company’s flexibility in passing on inflation and supply chain costs. Gleason responded that while some large projects have fixed contracts, productivity gains and pricing actions are being used to offset these pressures.
• Gerard Sweeney (ROTH Capital) focused on the pathway to mid-teens EBITDA margins. Gleason explained that while investments in growth may slow margin expansion in the short term, the company remains committed to reaching these targets through volume leverage and continued productivity improvements.
• Robert Brooks (Northland Capital Markets) asked about the rationale for opening a Saudi Arabian office and the broader international strategy. Gleason and Johansson emphasized the importance of local presence in high-growth regions and highlighted accelerating international sales as a direct result of these investments.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, our team will be monitoring (1) the pace and conversion of the company’s record backlog into revenue, (2) the scale and timing of large project wins in power generation and industrial markets, and (3) the effectiveness of margin improvement initiatives amid inflationary pressures. Progress in international market expansion and the integration of recent acquisitions will also be key signposts for CECO Environmental’s execution.

CECO Environmental currently trades at $47.20, up from $34.66 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

Our Favorite Stocks Right Now

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.