We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Comfort Systems Q3 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Backlog Surges
Read MoreHide Full Article
Key Takeaways
FIX's Q3 earnings surged 68.6% to $13.91 per share, while revenues jumped 53.7% to $3.77 billion.
FIX's backlog soared 90% to $17.81 billion, with technology customers driving 60.8% of revenues.
FIX shares fell over 6% after hours despite a 64.8% rise in operating income amid guidance and CFO concerns.
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX - Free Report) delivered impressive third-quarter 2026 results, with earnings and revenues surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing sharply year over year. The quarterly performance reflected robust demand across technology-related projects, strong execution and continued expansion in construction activity. Backlog reached $17.81 billion, reinforcing management's confidence in sustained growth and profitability.
FIX shares dipped more than 6% in after-hours trading on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, following the release of its third-quarter 2026 results. The decline reflected concerns over the absence of forward guidance and the company's CFO transition.
The company announced that longtime chief financial officer Bill George will retire after the filing of its 2026 annual report, ending a 30-year tenure. Julie Shaeff, currently chief accounting officer, will succeed him.
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
The company reported earnings per share of $13.91, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.71 by 9.4% and increased 68.6% from $8.25 reported in the year-ago quarter.
Revenues of $3.77 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $3.35 billion by 12.5% and rose 53.7% from $2.45 billion generated in the prior-year quarter. The improvement reflected strong demand, increased project activity and contributions from acquired businesses.
Comfort Systems Sees Robust Segment Growth
Comfort Systems generated Mechanical segment (which accounted for 68.6% of total revenues in the quarter) revenues of $2.58 billion in the third quarter, up 42.7% from $1.81 billion in the prior-year quarter. The segment's operating income increased 63.2% to $469.6 million from $287.8 million a year ago.
The Electrical segment's revenues (which accounted for 31.4% of total revenues) surged 84.8% year over year to $1.18 billion from $640.5 million. Segment operating income climbed 60.4% to $173.6 million, supported by increased activity across electrical contracting operations.
Technology customers accounted for 60.8% of consolidated revenues compared with 45.8% a year ago. Manufacturing represented 16.8%, followed by healthcare at 6.3%, education at 4.6% and government at 3.7%.
New construction contributed 76.2% of quarterly revenues, up from 65.2% in the year-ago period. Existing building construction accounted for 14%, while service projects and service calls, maintenance and monitoring represented 5.1% and 4.7%, respectively.
FIX Backlog Surges on Sustained Project Demand
Backlog as of Sept. 30, 2026, totaled $17.81 billion, increasing 26.7% from $14.06 billion at June 30, 2026, and jumping 90% from $9.38 billion reported a year ago.
On a same-store basis, backlog climbed to $17.39 billion from $9.38 billion in the prior-year period, highlighting substantial organic growth in the company's project pipeline.
Management attributed the strong order momentum to sustained demand and the company's execution capabilities. Approximately 65-75% of remaining construction performance obligations are expected to be recognized as revenues over the next 12 months, providing visibility into future business activity.
Comfort Systems Improves Operating Profitability
Gross profit increased 53.7% to $934.5 million from $607.9 million a year ago. Gross margin remained stable at 24.8%, reflecting consistent profitability despite the significant expansion in revenues.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 36.8% to $314.2 million. However, SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues improved to 8.3% from 9.4%, indicating better expense absorption as business volumes expanded.
Operating income surged 64.8% to $624.6 million from $378.9 million in the prior-year quarter. Operating margin expanded 110 basis points to 16.6%.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 61.4% to $667.9 million from $413.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved 80 basis points to 17.7%, reflecting stronger operating profitability.
FIX's Financial Position Remains Strong
As of Sept. 30, 2026, Comfort Systems had cash and cash equivalents of $2.16 billion, up from $981.9 million at 2025-end. Total debt declined to $49.6 million from $145.2 million, strengthening the company's financial flexibility.
During the quarter, net cash provided by operating activities increased 82.6% to $1.01 billion from $553.3 million a year earlier. Free cash flow rose to $805.6 million from $519 million, despite higher capital expenditures.
The company also paid dividends of 90 cents per share during the quarter, compared with 50 cents a year ago. Share repurchases totaled $340.9 million, reflecting continued shareholder returns alongside investments in business expansion.
Comfort Systems Remains Confident in Growth Prospects
Comfort Systems' management maintained a positive outlook, supported by strong customer demand, an expanding project pipeline and consistent operating execution.
The company expects to sustain organic growth, high profitability and solid cash generation through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Management emphasized that continued demand and workforce capabilities position the business to capitalize on opportunities across its key markets.
Recent acquisitions also expanded the company's operating capabilities. During the third quarter, Comfort Systems acquired Boys Electrical Contractors in Florida and a Texas-based modular construction business, strengthening its presence across electrical services and customized building components.
KB Home (KBH - Free Report) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $1.05 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 88 cents by 19.3%. Earnings declined 34.8% from $1.61 per share in the year-ago quarter.
KBH’s total revenues of $1.30 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $1.29 billion by 0.4% but dropped 20% year over year. Results reflected lower deliveries and continued pricing pressure, partly offset by progress in the company’s Built to Order model. BTO homes represented 74% of deliveries, supporting sequential improvement in housing gross margin.
Lennar Corporation (LEN - Free Report) reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended Aug. 31) results. Adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 by 4.7% and fell 38.5% from $2.00 per share a year ago.
Lennar’s total revenues of $8.05 billion missed the consensus estimate of $8.33 billion by 3.4% and declined 8.6% year over year. Lower deliveries and home prices weighed on results amid affordability pressure. Inventory turn stood at 2.4 times.
United Rentals, Inc. (URI - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings per share and total revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing year over year. URI’s adjusted earnings of $15.55 per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.83 by 12.4% and grew 32.9% year over year from $11.70 per share. URI’s total revenues rose 15.7% year over year to $4.89 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $4.69 billion by 4.3%.
United Rentals management raised its revenue outlook to $18-$18.2 billion from $17.5-$17.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is now projected at $8.3-$8.4 billion compared with $7.98-$8.13 billion previously.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Comfort Systems Q3 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Backlog Surges
Key Takeaways
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX - Free Report) delivered impressive third-quarter 2026 results, with earnings and revenues surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing sharply year over year. The quarterly performance reflected robust demand across technology-related projects, strong execution and continued expansion in construction activity. Backlog reached $17.81 billion, reinforcing management's confidence in sustained growth and profitability.
FIX shares dipped more than 6% in after-hours trading on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, following the release of its third-quarter 2026 results. The decline reflected concerns over the absence of forward guidance and the company's CFO transition.
The company announced that longtime chief financial officer Bill George will retire after the filing of its 2026 annual report, ending a 30-year tenure. Julie Shaeff, currently chief accounting officer, will succeed him.
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Quote
FIX's Q3 Earnings & Revenue Discussion
The company reported earnings per share of $13.91, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.71 by 9.4% and increased 68.6% from $8.25 reported in the year-ago quarter.
Revenues of $3.77 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $3.35 billion by 12.5% and rose 53.7% from $2.45 billion generated in the prior-year quarter. The improvement reflected strong demand, increased project activity and contributions from acquired businesses.
Comfort Systems Sees Robust Segment Growth
Comfort Systems generated Mechanical segment (which accounted for 68.6% of total revenues in the quarter) revenues of $2.58 billion in the third quarter, up 42.7% from $1.81 billion in the prior-year quarter. The segment's operating income increased 63.2% to $469.6 million from $287.8 million a year ago.
The Electrical segment's revenues (which accounted for 31.4% of total revenues) surged 84.8% year over year to $1.18 billion from $640.5 million. Segment operating income climbed 60.4% to $173.6 million, supported by increased activity across electrical contracting operations.
Technology customers accounted for 60.8% of consolidated revenues compared with 45.8% a year ago. Manufacturing represented 16.8%, followed by healthcare at 6.3%, education at 4.6% and government at 3.7%.
New construction contributed 76.2% of quarterly revenues, up from 65.2% in the year-ago period. Existing building construction accounted for 14%, while service projects and service calls, maintenance and monitoring represented 5.1% and 4.7%, respectively.
FIX Backlog Surges on Sustained Project Demand
Backlog as of Sept. 30, 2026, totaled $17.81 billion, increasing 26.7% from $14.06 billion at June 30, 2026, and jumping 90% from $9.38 billion reported a year ago.
On a same-store basis, backlog climbed to $17.39 billion from $9.38 billion in the prior-year period, highlighting substantial organic growth in the company's project pipeline.
Management attributed the strong order momentum to sustained demand and the company's execution capabilities. Approximately 65-75% of remaining construction performance obligations are expected to be recognized as revenues over the next 12 months, providing visibility into future business activity.
Comfort Systems Improves Operating Profitability
Gross profit increased 53.7% to $934.5 million from $607.9 million a year ago. Gross margin remained stable at 24.8%, reflecting consistent profitability despite the significant expansion in revenues.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 36.8% to $314.2 million. However, SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues improved to 8.3% from 9.4%, indicating better expense absorption as business volumes expanded.
Operating income surged 64.8% to $624.6 million from $378.9 million in the prior-year quarter. Operating margin expanded 110 basis points to 16.6%.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 61.4% to $667.9 million from $413.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved 80 basis points to 17.7%, reflecting stronger operating profitability.
FIX's Financial Position Remains Strong
As of Sept. 30, 2026, Comfort Systems had cash and cash equivalents of $2.16 billion, up from $981.9 million at 2025-end. Total debt declined to $49.6 million from $145.2 million, strengthening the company's financial flexibility.
During the quarter, net cash provided by operating activities increased 82.6% to $1.01 billion from $553.3 million a year earlier. Free cash flow rose to $805.6 million from $519 million, despite higher capital expenditures.
The company also paid dividends of 90 cents per share during the quarter, compared with 50 cents a year ago. Share repurchases totaled $340.9 million, reflecting continued shareholder returns alongside investments in business expansion.
Comfort Systems Remains Confident in Growth Prospects
Comfort Systems' management maintained a positive outlook, supported by strong customer demand, an expanding project pipeline and consistent operating execution.
The company expects to sustain organic growth, high profitability and solid cash generation through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Management emphasized that continued demand and workforce capabilities position the business to capitalize on opportunities across its key markets.
Recent acquisitions also expanded the company's operating capabilities. During the third quarter, Comfort Systems acquired Boys Electrical Contractors in Florida and a Texas-based modular construction business, strengthening its presence across electrical services and customized building components.
FIX’s Zacks Rank & A Few Construction Releases
Comfort Systems currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
KB Home (KBH - Free Report) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $1.05 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 88 cents by 19.3%. Earnings declined 34.8% from $1.61 per share in the year-ago quarter.
KBH’s total revenues of $1.30 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $1.29 billion by 0.4% but dropped 20% year over year. Results reflected lower deliveries and continued pricing pressure, partly offset by progress in the company’s Built to Order model. BTO homes represented 74% of deliveries, supporting sequential improvement in housing gross margin.
Lennar Corporation (LEN - Free Report) reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended Aug. 31) results. Adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 by 4.7% and fell 38.5% from $2.00 per share a year ago.
Lennar’s total revenues of $8.05 billion missed the consensus estimate of $8.33 billion by 3.4% and declined 8.6% year over year. Lower deliveries and home prices weighed on results amid affordability pressure. Inventory turn stood at 2.4 times.
United Rentals, Inc. (URI - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings per share and total revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing year over year. URI’s adjusted earnings of $15.55 per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.83 by 12.4% and grew 32.9% year over year from $11.70 per share. URI’s total revenues rose 15.7% year over year to $4.89 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $4.69 billion by 4.3%.
United Rentals management raised its revenue outlook to $18-$18.2 billion from $17.5-$17.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is now projected at $8.3-$8.4 billion compared with $7.98-$8.13 billion previously.