Press Releases May 13, 2026 04:35 PM

Nortech Systems Reports First Quarter Results

Nortech Systems posts improved Q1 2026 results with narrowed net loss, stronger backlog, and operational progress

By Nina Shah NSYS

Nortech Systems Incorporated reported first quarter 2026 results showing net sales growth to $30.3 million, significantly reduced net loss of $34,000 compared to the prior year, and positive adjusted EBITDA of $350,000. The company highlighted strategic restructuring success, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, and a growing backlog of $90.8 million, signaling improved operational performance and future growth prospects.

Nortech Systems Reports First Quarter Results
NSYS

Key Points

  • Net sales increased 12.7% year-over-year to $30.3 million in Q1 2026.
  • Net loss narrowed dramatically to $34,000 from $1.3 million in prior year quarter; adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $350,000.
  • Total backlog grew to $90.8 million, supporting near-term revenue visibility; aerospace and defense customer segment showing steady growth.
  • Strategic initiatives including restructuring and facility optimization are driving operational improvements and cost efficiencies.

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nortech Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: NSYS) (“Nortech” or the “Company”), a leading provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical and electromechanical products serving the medical imaging, medical device, industrial, and aerospace & defense markets, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

2026 Q1 Highlights:

 ●Net sales of $30.3 million in Q1 2026 vs. $26.9 million in Q1 2025 ●Net loss of $(34) thousand, or $(0.01) per basic share in Q1 2026 vs. $(1,316) thousand, or $(0.48) per basic share in Q1 2025 ●Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) of $350 thousand in Q1 2026 vs. $(1.0) million loss in Q1 2025 ●90-day backlog of $31.5 million as of March 31, 2026 vs. $26.7 million as of March 31, 2025 ●Total backlog of $90.8 million as of March 31, 2026 ●Company closed on $17.2 million debt financing


Management Commentary

“Nortech delivered another quarter of operational and financial progress, marking our fourth consecutive period of encouraging operating and EBITDA results reflecting the positive execution of our strategic restructuring initiatives. We are seeing continued improvements in gross margins, manufacturing efficiency, and world-class quality metrics reflect the disciplined execution of our long-term strategy. We are also excited to see our new Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Andrew Walko, stepping into his role to lead our global team and having an immediate and encouraging impact,” said President & CEO, Jay D. Miller.

“Our growing customer backlog, combined with the successful transfer of key programs to our optimized facilities, is strengthening the foundation for sustained performance improvement. Our Bemidji facility continues to make significant progress serving our customers in the Aerospace and Defense segment. Aerospace and Defense is historically our smallest customer segment, yet it continues to grow at a steady pace becoming an increasingly important part of our customer mix. The continued growth of the backlog will provide a tailwind for the Company into the second half of the year. With the closure of our new debt financing in March, and our strong North American and Asian footprint, we believe we are well-positioned to support customers pursuing nearshore manufacturing strategies. I am grateful for the hard work of our employees across the globe, and we remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead as we continue to execute our strategy in 2026 and beyond,” Miller said.

Summary Financial Information

The following table provides summary financial information comparing the first quarter 2026 (“Q1 2026”) financial results to the same quarter in 2025 (“Q1 2025”).

($ in thousands) Q1 2026  Q1 2025  %
Change Net sales $30,316  $26,895   12.7%Gross profit $4,702  $3,078   52.8%Operating expenses $4,655  $4,691   (0.8)%Net loss $(34) $(1,316)  (97.4)%EBITDA $350  $(1,266)  (127.6)%Adjusted EBITDA $350  $(1,000)  (135.0)%


Conference Call

The Company will hold a live conference call and webcast at 3:30 p.m. central time on Thursday, May 14, to discuss the Company’s 2026 first quarter results. The call will be hosted by Jay D. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President and Andrew D. C. LaFrence, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance. To access the live audio conference call, US participants may call 888-506-0062 and international participants may call 973-528-0011. Participant Access Code: 361581. Participants may also access the call via webcast at: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2814/53855.

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About Nortech Systems Incorporated

Nortech Systems is a leading provider of design and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical devices, electromechanical systems, assemblies, and components. Nortech primarily serves the medical imaging, medical device, aerospace & defense, and industrial markets. Its design services span concept development to commercial design, and include medical device, software, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities are vertically integrated around wire, cable, and interconnect assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, as well as system-level assembly, integration, and final test. Headquartered in Maple Grove, Minn., Nortech currently has six manufacturing locations and design centers across the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Nortech Systems is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol NSYS. Nortech’s website is www.nortechsys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including without limitation statements regarding future financial results including increased gross margin, our ability to generate positive EBITDA, increased plant utilization and manufacturing efficiency, growth of our backlog, continuing improvement of quality metrics, success in moving production from on facility to another Company owned facility, nearshoring as a strategic advantage, successful execution of our long-term strategy, our enhanced competitiveness in aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability markets, effects of restructuring and consolidating manufacturing facilities, sustained long-term health and growth, and optimism about customer pipeline. While this release is based on management’s best judgment and current expectations, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (1) commodity cost increases coupled with challenges in raising prices and/or customer pressure to reduce prices; (2) supply chain disruptions leading to shortages of critical components; (3) volatility in market conditions which may affect demand for the Company’s products; (4) increased competition and/or reduced demand; (5) changes in the reliability and efficiency of operating facilities or those of third parties; (6) risks related to the availability of labor; (7) the unanticipated loss of any key member of senior management; (8) geopolitical, economic, financial and business conditions including changing tariff environment; (9) the Company’s ability to steadily improve manufacturing output and product quality; (10) the impact of global health epidemics on our customers, employees, manufacturing facilities, suppliers, the capital markets and our financial condition; (11) challenges with customers with respect to moving production from one facility to another Company-owned facility or (12) financing cost increases and continued availability. Some of the above-mentioned factors are described in further detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our annual and quarterly reports, as applicable. You should assume the information appearing in this document is accurate only as of the date hereof, or as otherwise specified, as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such date. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Reconciliation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measure

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management that we believe provides useful information to investors because it reflects ongoing performance excluding certain non-recurring items during comparable periods and facilitates comparisons between peer companies since interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization can differ greatly between different organizations as a result of differing capital structures and tax strategies. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus interest expense, plus income tax expense plus depreciation expense and amortization expense. EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA reflects the impact of restructuring and non-recurring items. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net sales or net income (loss), as applicable, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other businesses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical metric, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP.

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

  THREE MONTHS ENDED   MARCH 31,   2026  2025        Net sales $30,316  $26,895 Cost of goods sold  25,614   23,817 Gross profit  4,702   3,078 Operating expenses:        Selling  1,331   1,184 General and administrative  3,014   2,915 Research and development  310   326 Restructuring charges  -   266 Total operating expenses  4,655   4,691 Income (loss) from operations  47   (1,613)Other expense:        Interest expense, net  (256)  (214)Loss before income taxes  (209)  (1,827)Income tax benefit  (175)  (511)Net loss $(34) $(1,316)         Net loss per common share:        Basic (in dollars per share) $(0.01) $(0.48)Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)  2,786,134   2,760,929 Diluted (in dollars per share) $(0.01) $(0.48)Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)  2,786,134   2,760,929          Other comprehensive income (loss)        Foreign currency translation  69   6 Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $35  $(1,310)


NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF MARCH 31, 2026 AND DECEMBER 31, 2025
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

  MARCH 31,
2026  DECEMBER 31,
2025 ASSETS        Current assets:        Cash $1,964  $1,655 Restricted cash  244   - Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $205 and $161, respectively  17,823   16,998 Inventories, net  23,561   20,695 Contract assets  16,010   15,184 Prepaid assets and other assets  1,071   1,618 Total current assets  60,673   56,150 Property and equipment, net  5,077   5,203 Operating lease assets, net  6,720   7,016 Deferred tax assets  3,753   3,394 Other intangible assets, net  151   156 Deferred line of credit issuance costs  266   - Total assets $76,640  $71,919          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        Current liabilities:        Lines of credit $7,485  $7,000 Current portion of term loan  433   - Accounts payable  14,645   12,809 Accrued payroll and commissions  2,708   1,822 Customer deposits  4,672   5,386 Current portion of operating leases  1,309   1,332 Current portion of finance lease obligations  259   274 Other accrued liabilities  1,487   1,221 Total current liabilities  32,998   29,844 Long-term liabilities:        Term loan  1,743   - Long-term operating lease obligations  6,186   6,476 Long-term finance lease obligations  577   626 Other long-term liabilities  428   426 Total long-term liabilities  8,934   7,528 Total liabilities  41,932   37,372 Shareholders’ equity:        Preferred stock, $1 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 250,000 shares issued and outstanding  250   250 Common stock - $0.01 par value; 9,000,000 shares authorized; 2,786,134 and 2,786,134 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  28   28 Additional paid-in capital  17,981   17,855 Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (640)  (709)Retained earnings  17,089   17,123 Total shareholders’ equity  34,708   34,547 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $76,640  $71,919 


NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)

  THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,   2026  2025 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        Net loss $(34) $(1,316)Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        Depreciation and amortization  303   347 Compensation on stock-based awards  126   118 Change in allowance for credit losses  44   35 Change in inventory reserves  (257)  231 Deferred taxes  (359)  - Changes in current operating items:        Accounts receivable  (822)  (814)Inventories  (2,610)  487 Contract assets  (826)  388 Prepaid expenses and other assets  460   (1,588)Accounts payable  1,917   (1,441)Accrued payroll and commissions  883   674 Customer deposits  (713)  (112)Other accrued liabilities  327   61 Net cash used in operating activities  (1,561)  (2,930)         CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        Purchases of property and equipment  (228)  (268)Net cash used in investing activities  (228)  (268)         CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        Proceeds from lines of credit  9,960   25,970 Payments to line of credit  (9,472)  (22,710)Proceeds from term loan  2,200   - Payments of debt issuance costs  (290)  - Proceeds from notes payable  -   219 Principal payments on financing leases  (62)  (52)Stock award exercises  -   19 Net cash provided by financing activities  2,336   3,446          Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and restricted cash  6   (2)         Net change in cash and restricted cash  553   246 Cash and restricted cash - beginning of period  1,655   916 Cash and restricted cash - end of period $2,208  $1,162 


RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,   2026  2025        ($ in thousands)        Net loss $(34) $(1,316)Interest  256   214 Taxes  (175)  (511)Depreciation  298   342 Amortization  5   5 EBITDA  350   (1,266)Restructuring charges  -   266 ADJUSTED EBITDA $350  $(1,000)


There were no material adjustments to EBITDA in the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Adjustment to EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 include ($ in thousands):

 ●During the first quarter of 2025, we incurred $235 of severance charges for a February 2025 reduction in force to align staffing to our forecasted net sales and $31 of expenses related to our closed Blue Earth facility, which expense amount is not included in Adjusted EBITDA.


($ in millions) Last Twelve Months (“LTM”) Ended in Quarter   Q1
2023  Q2
2023  Q3
2023  Q4
2023  Q1
2024  Q2
2024  Q3
2024  Q4
2024  Q1
2025  Q2
2025  Q3
2025  Q4
2025  Q1
2026 Net Sales $138.3  $140.8  $138.9  $139.3  $138.7  $137.5  $135.6  $128.1  $120.8  $117.6  $116.7  $118.4  $121.8                                                      Gross Profit $ - Adjusted  21.9   22.4   21.4   23.1   23.1   22.2   20.7   16.7   14.4   14.6   15.8   18.0   19.6 Gross Margin % - Adjusted  15.8%  15.9%  15.4%  16.6%  16.6%  16.1%  15.3%  13.1%  11.9%  12.4%  13.5%  15.2%  16.1%                                                     EBITDA - Adjusted $6.7  $6.8  $6.0  $8.0  $8.1  $7.3  $5.9  $2.1  $(0.5) $(0.4) $0.7  $2.5  $3.9 


Contact

Andrew D. C. LaFrence
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance
[email protected]
952-345-2243


Risks

  • Commodity cost increases and pricing pressures could impact margins; relevant to manufacturing and industrial sectors.
  • Supply chain disruptions may cause shortages of critical components, affecting production schedules across medical device and aerospace markets.
  • Market volatility and competition may affect product demand, impacting aerospace, defense, medical imaging, and industrial sectors.

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