Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Statements and Supplemental Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
PART III
Directors Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
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PART I
Item 1. Business
A. The Company
SIFCO Industries, Inc. (“SIFCO,” “Company,” “we” or “our”), an Ohio corporation, was incorporated in 1916. The executive offices of the Company are located at 970 East 64th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, and its telephone number is (216) 881-8600.
SIFCO is engaged in the production of forgings, sub-assemblies, and machined components primarily for the Aerospace and Energy (“A&E”) markets. The Company’s processes and services include forging, heat-treating, chemical processing and machining. The Company’s operations are conducted in a single business segment. Information relating to the Company’s financial results is set forth in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In October 2024, the Company sold its European operations in order to streamline operational synergies and refocus on its core aerospace forging business. SIFCO Irish Holdings, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) pursuant to which it sold 100% of the share capital of CBlade S.p.A. Forging & Manufacturing, an Italian joint stock company located in Maniago, Italy, and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“CBlade”), for cash consideration.
As a result of the planned sale transaction, the Company’s financial statements have been prepared with the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of CBlade presented as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2024 and discontinued operations, respectively, as of and for the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. All historical statements, amounts and related disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to conform to this presentation. Refer to Note 2 — Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
B. Principal Products and Services
Operations
SIFCO is a manufacturer of forgings and machined components for the Aerospace and Defense, Energy and Commercial Space markets. We provide our customers with envelope and precision forgings, rough and finished machined components, as well as sub-assemblies. SIFCO services both original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”), Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and aftermarket service providers with products that range in size from approximately 2 to 1,200 pounds. The Company’s strategic vision is to build a leading A&E company positioned for long-term, stable growth and profitability.
SIFCO’s long-term plan is to seek to maintain a balance of military and commercial aerospace revenues, supplemented with revenue from energy, commercial space, and other adjacent market components. In fiscal 2025, commercial and military revenues accounted for 43.5% and 56.5% of revenues, respectively, compared with 52.4% in commercial revenues and 47.6% in military revenues in fiscal 2024. The Company’s capabilities are focused on supplying critical components, consisting primarily of steel, high temperature alloys, nickel alloys, titanium and aluminum.
SIFCO operates primarily from two locations. SIFCO manufacturing facilities are located in Cleveland, Ohio (“Cleveland”) and Orange, California (“Orange”). SIFCO’s operations in Cleveland and Orange are AS 9100D and/or ISO 9001:2015 certified and the Company also holds multiple National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (“NADCAP”) certifications and site approvals from key OEM customers.
The Company’s success is not dependent on patents, trademarks, licenses or franchises.
Raw Materials
SIFCO generally has multiple sources for its raw materials, which consist primarily of high-quality metals essential to its business. Suppliers of such materials are located principally in North America. SIFCO generally does not depend on a single source for the supply of its raw materials. Due to the limited supply of certain raw materials, some material is provided by a small number of suppliers; however, SIFCO believes that its sources are adequate for its busines s. In recent years, the Company occasionally experienced delays in the supply chain, which, if such delays reoccur, could affect our ability to timely obtain materials and components from our suppliers in the quantities we require or on favorable ter ms. As a result of increased supply chain lead times and inflationary pressures, the Company has experienced increases in pricing for raw materials, which could affect our customer demand and cost. However, SIFCO believes that its ability to pass through raw material costs under certain contractual agreements and discrete orders limits this exposure. For those contractual agreements under which pass through pricing is not permissible, a material adverse effect upon the profitability of one or more of the affected contracts, future period financial reporting and performance may result.
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Products
SIFCO’s products are made primarily of steel, high temperature alloys, nickel alloy, titanium and aluminum. SIFCO’s product offerings include: OEM and aftermarket components for aircraft and industrial gas turbine engines; steam turbine blades; structural airframe components; aircraft landing gear components; aircraft wheels and brakes; critical rotating components for helicopters; and commercial/industrial products. SIFCO also provides heat-treatment, surface-treatment, non-destructive testing and select machining and sub-assembly of forged components.
Industry
The performance of the domestic and international air transport industry, the global energy sector, the semiconductor supply chain, and U.S. government defense spending continues to directly and significantly affect the Company's results.
• SIFCO supplies new and spare components to the U.S military for aircraft, helicopters, vehicles, and munitions. Key programs include the H-60 Black Hawk, C-130, F-18 and F-35. U.S. defense spending remains elevated due to geopolitical tensions and modernization initiatives; however, procurement priorities may shift based on changes in threat assessments, government leadership, budget constraints, and strategic focus. Sustainment demand for legacy platforms remains strong, and most Company-supported programs continue to experience stable or favorable trends .
• SIFCO supplies components for commercial aircraft, principally for large aircraft produced by Boeing and Airbus, as well as for general aviation. Global air travel has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, driving increased aircraft utilization and order activity. Airbus production rates, particularly for the A320neo and A350, continue to rise. Boeing’s 787 and 737 MAX programs are progressing through quality-related production constraints, and the 777-9 continues toward certification. These conditions support a continued recovery in demand for forged components.
• SIFCO supplies components to the commercial space industry, which is experiencing rapid growth driven by increased launch cadence, expansion of satellite constellations, reusability, and new entrants. This market's ongoing innovation and development present opportunities for the Company to increase market share as customers seek suppliers with advanced materials and high-reliability capabilities.
• SIFCO supplies components used in semiconductor manufacturing industry. These products require high-purity materials and stringent technical performance. Global investment in semiconductor fabrication—supported by government incentives and increased demand for advanced chips—continues to drive growth in equipment production. The Company’s materials expertise and customer qualifications position it to benefit from continued market expansion.
• SIFCO supplies new and spare components to the energy sector. While renewable energy markets continue to expand, demand for traditional oil and gas equipment has stabilized as global commodity prices normalize. Increased investment in Liquefied Natural Gas projects, refining capacity, and upstream infrastructure supports steady demand. The Company has reduced dependence on OEM production cycles while maintaining flexibility to meet aftermarket needs and respond to changing sector dynamics.
Competition
SIFCO competes with numerous companies, both in and tangential to the A&E industry. SIFCO competes with both U.S. and non-U.S. suppliers of forgings, some of which are significantly larger than SIFCO; however, our competitors range from companies focused on the A&E markets to large diversified corporations that may also have business interests outside of the A&E markets to smaller companies that offer a limited portfolio of products in this market. SIFCO believes that it has an advantage and distinguishes itself in the primary markets it serves due to its: (i) demonstrated A&E expertise; (ii) focus on quality and customer service; (iii) operating initiatives such as SMART (Streamlined Manufacturing Activities to Reduce Time/Cost); and (iv) broad range of capabilities and offerings. As customers establish and utilize new facilities throughout the world, SIFCO will continue to encounter non-U.S. competition. SIFCO believes it can expand its market share by (i) continuing to increase capacity utilization; (ii) broadening its product lines through investment in equipment that expands its manufacturing capabilities; and (iii) developing new customers in markets where the participants require similar technical competence and service as those in the A&E industries. See further discussion of the risks relating to competition SIFCO faces in Item 1A. Risk Factors .
Government Contracts
Companies, such as SIFCO, that supply equipment and products to the U.S. military are subject to certain risks related to commercial relationships with the U.S. government and its agencies. Under the terms of these agreements, it is possible for demand and build rates to fluctuate or for the U.S. government to terminate existing contracts.
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Customers and Seasonality
During fiscal 2025, SIFCO had one direct customer that accounted for 18% of consolidated net sales; and 34% of the Company’s consolidated net sales were from two customers and their direct subcontractors, which individually accounted for 18% and 16% of net sales, respectively. SIFCO believes that the loss of sales to these customers would result in a material adverse impact on the business. However, SIFCO has maintained a business relationship with these customers for many years and is currently conducting business with them under multi-year agreements. Although there is no assurance that these relationships will continue, as one or more major customers have reduced their purchases in the past, historically SIFCO has generally been successful in gaining new business from these customers or from other customers to offset any potential reduction in purchases, thereby avoiding a material adverse impact on the Company. SIFCO relies on its ability to adapt its services and operations to changing requirements of the market in general and its customers in particular. No material part of SIFCO’s business is seasonal. For additional financial information about geographic areas, refer to Note 13 — Segment Information of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Backlog of Orders
SIFCO’s total backlog as of September 30, 2025 increased to $119.2 million , co mpared with $114.4 million as of September 30, 2024. Orders for delivery scheduled in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 increased to $87.3 million compared with $85.0 million scheduled as of the end of the 2024 fiscal year. Orders may be subject to modification or cancellation by the customer with limited charges. The increase in total backlog as of September 30, 2025 compared with the previous year is primarily due to tim ing of annual awards, SIFCO’s customers adjusting orders due to recovery within the commercial airline industry, new content awarded, and extended raw material lead times. Backlog information may not be indic ative of future sales.
C. Regulatory Matters
The Company is subject to a number of domestic regulations relating to our operations and is required to comply with various environmental, health, and employee safety laws and regulations. The Company believes that it is in compliance with these laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with such laws and regulations has not had, and is not presently expected to have a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company or its subsidiaries under existing regulations and interpretations. Nevertheless, the Company cannot guarantee that, in the future, it will not incur additional costs for compliance or that such costs will not be material.
D. Human Capital Management
Excluding CBlade employees due to the sale of this business in October 2024, SIFCO employed approximately 244 full-time employees at the beginning of fiscal 2025, which increased slightly to approximately 259 employees at the end of fiscal 2025.
The Company’s employees include full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. As of September 30, 2025, all employees were located within the U.S., excluding CBlade due to its sale in October 2024. Approximately 68% of our workforce within the U.S. is composed of skilled and unskilled labor, and the remaining population includes management, corporate, administrative and support staff.
The Company is a party to collective bargaining agreements (“CBA”) with certain employees within the Cleveland location. The Company’s Cleveland bargaining unit 1 new CBA took effect on May 15, 2025 and contains substantially similar terms and conditions as the expired CBA. The second bargaining unit CBA expired on March 31, 2025. The Company continued to be in negotiations with unit 2, who continued to work under the terms of the expired CBA. Subsequent to year-end, the new CBA took effect on October 4, 2025 and contains similar terms and conditions as the expired CBA. The CBlade business was sold to a third party on October 15, 2024, and all employees and obligations transferred to the third party with the consummation of this sale.
At September 30, 2025, approximately 94 of the hourly plant personnel are represented by two separate collective bargaining agreements. The table below shows the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements.
Plant locations
Expiration date
Cleveland, Ohio (unit 1)
May 12, 2030
Cleveland, Ohio (unit 2)
March 31, 2029
The skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees significantly benefit our operations and performance. There are several ways in which we attract, develop, and retain highly qualified talent and measure the ongoing effectiveness of our human capital management practices, including by making the safety and health of our employees a top priority. The Company is focused on ensuring the health of our employees through the implementation of standards, controls, and inspections to help ensure that our operations and premises comply with national and local regulations. In addition, the Company conducts annual
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employee development reviews, identifies growth opportunities, which include employee rotations, promotes value-based recognition programs and engages employees in continuous improvement activities.
Set forth below is certain information concerning the Company’s executive officers. The executive officers are appointed annually by the Board of Directors (current officers in bold).
Name
Age
Title and Business Experience
George Scherff
Chief Executive Officer since July 2024. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Scherff served as CEO for Thermal Systems Manufacturing, Paradigm Packaging, Lund International, ABC Truck Body, and Hartzell Manufacturing following its merger with Continental Metal Specialties. He has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo. Mr. Scherff has successfully led middle-market organizations through periods of growth and transition and most recently served as a consultant, providing services to various companies with a focus on operational improvement.
Jennifer Wilson
Chief Financial Officer since November 13, 2024. Ms. Wilson served as the Company’s Director of External Reporting since 2022. She brings significant experience in strategic accounting and finance and a deep knowledge of the Company’s accounting and operating organization. Prior to her role as Director of External Reporting, Ms. Wilson served as the Controller of the Company’s Orange, California-facility and as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Wilson served as an Accounting and Finance Consultant with Resources Global Professionals and as a Manager of Accounting and Treasury for Technical Consumer Products. She is a certified public accountant and holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in accounting from David N. Myers University.
E. Non-U.S. Operations
The Company’s products are distributed in the U.S. as well as non-U.S. markets.
Financial information about the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. operations is set forth in Note 13 — Segment Information of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F. Available Information
The Company files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that are filed by the Company at http://www.sec.gov .
In addition, our annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to all of the foregoing reports, are made available free of charge on or through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.sifco.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Information relating to our corporate governance at SIFCO, including the Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee Charters, as well as the Corporate Governance Guidelines and Policies and the Code of Conduct & Ethics adopted by our Board of Directors, is available free of charge on or through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.sifco.com . References to our website or the SEC’s website do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on such websites, and such information is not part of this Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Set forth below are material risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business and financial condition and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained in this report.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
We are subject to the cyclical nature of the A&E industries and the continuing or further downturn in these industries could adversely impact the demand for our products.
The commerc ial aerospace industry is historically driven by the demand from commercial airlines for new aircraft. Demand for commercial aircraft is influenced by airline industry profitability, trends in airline passenger traffic, the state of U.S. and world economies, the ability of aircraft purchasers to obtain required financing and numerous other factors including the effects of terrorism, health and safety concerns and environmental constraints imposed upon aircraft operators. We continue to experience changes in demand from our customers in this market and a reduction in demand for commercial aircraft will adversely impact our net sales and operating results.
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There is risk that the industry reintroduces mitigation strategies in response to fluctuating demand for commercial air travel, which could include reduced capacity and shifting route patterns. We continue to experience uncertainty with respect to global trade volumes, which could put negative pressure on cargo traffic levels. Any of these factors would have a significant impact on the demand within the commercial aerospace industry. In addition, a lengthy period of reduced industry-wide demand for commercial aircraft could put additional pressure on our suppliers, resulting in increased procurement costs and/or additional supply chain disruption. To the extent that the market conditions within the commercial airline industry further impacts demand for our products and services or impairs the viability of some of our customers and/or suppliers, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected, and those impacts could be material.
The military aerospace cycle is highly dependent on U.S. and foreign government funding; as well as the effects of terrorism, a changing global political environment, U.S. foreign policy, the retirement of older aircraft and technological improvements to new engines. Accordingly, the timing, duration and severity of cyclical upturns and downturns within the military aerospace market cannot be forecast with certainty. Downturns or reductions in demand could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Government spending priorities and terms may change in a manner adverse to our business.
At times, our supplying of products to the U.S. military has been adversely affected by significant changes in U.S. defense and national security budgets. Budget changes that result in a decline in overall spending, program delays, program cancellations or a slowing of new program starts on programs in which we participate could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. Future levels of expenditures and authorizations for defense-related programs by the U.S. government may decrease, remain constant or shift to programs in areas where we do not currently provide products, thereby reducing the chances that we will be awarded new contracts. Moreover, an extended federal government shutdown resulting from failing to pass budget appropriations, adopt continuing funding resolutions, or raise the debt ceiling, and other budgetary decisions limiting or delaying deferral of government spending, may negatively impact U.S. or global economic conditions, and we could be at risk of program cancellations or other disruptions and nonpayment as a result. When the federal government operates under a continuing resolution, new contract and program starts are restricted and certain of our funding programs may be unavailable, reduced or delayed. Shifting funding priorities or federal budget compromises also could result in reductions in overall defense spending on an absolute or inflation-adjusted basis, which could adversely impact our business.
SIFCO has contracts for programs where the period of performance may exceed one year. Congress and certain foreign governments must usually approve funds for a given program each fiscal year and may significantly reduce funding of a program in a particular year. Significant reductions in these appropriations or the amount of new defense contracts awarded may affect our ability to complete contracts, obtain new work and grow our business. At times when there are perceived threats to national security, U.S. defense spending can increase; at other times, defense spending can decrease. Future levels of defense spending are uncertain and subject to congressional debate. Any reduction in future U.S. defense spending levels could adversely impact our sales, operating profit and cash flow.
Furthermore, business conducted pursuant to U.S. government contracts is subject to extensive procurement regulations and other unique risks. New procurement regulations, or changes to existing requirements, could increase compliance costs or otherwise have a material impact on the operating margins of the portion of our business derived from contracts with the U.S. government. The U.S. government contracting party may modify, curtail, or terminate its contracts and subcontracts with the Company without prior notice either at its convenience or for default based on performance, and funding pursuant to our U.S. government contracts may be reduced or withheld as a part of the appropriations process due to fiscal constraints or due to changes in foreign or domestic policy strategy.
Global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition.
Disruption and volatility in global financial markets may lead to increased rates of default and bankruptcy and may negatively impact consumer and business spending levels. These macroeconomic developments could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. Current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending on our products and services as their business and/or budgets are impacted by economic conditions. The inability of current and potential customers to pay SIFCO for its products and services may adversely affect its earnings and cash flows.
We are subject to risks related to changes in U.S. and international trade policies, including new or increased tariffs on materials that we use in manufacturing, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
In April 2025, the U.S. imposed global trade tariffs on a wide range of products and goods. Our business may be adversely affected by evolving global trade policies, including tariffs and other trade restrictions. We are subject to risks associated with changes in international trade policies, regulations, and relationships. In recent years, multiple countries, including the United States, the People's Republic of China, and members of the European Union, among others have enacted tariffs, export controls, quotas, and other forms of trade restrictions on a variety of goods and services. These measures have led to increased costs,
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supply chain disruptions, and reduced demand across several industries. Although certain tariffs have been reduced or delayed, the potential for future escalation or the imposition of new trade restrictions remains. Ongoing or future trade disputes may impact the availability and cost of materials used in our manufacturing processes. In some cases, suppliers may struggle to meet increased demand resulting from accelerated purchasing ahead of anticipated policy changes, further exacerbating supply chain instability. Additionally, retaliatory actions or changes in trade policies by foreign governments may reduce the demand for our customers’ products in impacted regions, which could lead to reduced orders and revenue for us. If we are unable to mitigate the effects of increased costs or pass them on to our customers, our gross margins, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We cannot predict the outcome of current or future trade negotiations, the timing of any policy changes, or the impact such changes may have on our industry, supply chain, or customer base.
A deadlock in the U.S. Congress over budgets and spending could cause another partial shutdown of the U.S. government, which could result in a termination or suspension of some or all of our contracts with suppliers to the U.S. government.
Congress may fail to pass a budget or continuing resolution, which could result in a partial shutdown of the U.S. government and cause the termination or suspension of our contracts with suppliers to the U.S. government. SIFCO could be required to furlough affected employees for an indefinite time. It is uncertain in such a circumstance if we would be compensated or reimbursed for any loss of revenue during such a shutdown. If we were not compensated or reimbursed, it could result in significant adverse effects on our revenues, operating costs and cash flows.
Failure to retain existing contracts or win new contracts under competitive bidding processes may adversely affect our sales.
SIFCO obtains most of its contracts through a competitive bidding process, and a material portion of the business that we expect to seek in the foreseeable future likely will be subject to a competitive bidding process. Competitive bidding processes present a number of risks, including:
a. the need to compete against companies or groups of companies with more financial and marketing resources and more experience in bidding on and performing major contracts than we have;
b. the need to compete against companies or groups of companies that may be long-term, entrenched incumbents for a particular contract for which we are bidding and/or that have, as a result, greater domain expertise and better customer relations;
c. the need to compete to retain existing contracts that have in the past been awarded to SIFCO on a sole-source basis or that have been incumbent to SIFCO for a prolonged period of time;
d. the award of contracts to providers offering solutions at the “lowest price technically acceptable,” which may lower the profit we may generate under a contract awarded using this pricing method or prevent us from submitting a bid for such contracts due to us deeming such work to be unprofitable;
e. the reduction of margins achievable under any contracts awarded to us;
f. the need to bid on some programs in advance of the completion of their specifications, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties or increased costs that lower our profitability;
g. the substantial cost and managerial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities, necessary to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us;
h. the need to develop, introduce and implement new and enhanced solutions to our customers’ needs;
i. the need to locate and contract with teaming partners and subcontractors;
j. the need to accurately estimate the resources and cost structure that will be required to perform any contract that we are awarded; and
k. changes in our cost profile that may occur over the life of a long-term agreement.
If SIFCO wins a contract, and upon expiration, the customer requires further services of the type provided by the contract, there is frequently a competitive rebidding process. There can be no assurance that we will win any particular bid or rebid, that we will win the contract at the same or at a similar profit margin, or that we will be able to replace business lost upon expiration or completion of a contract.
If SIFCO is unable to consistently retain existing contracts or win new contract awards, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The Company may not receive the full amounts estimated under the contracts in our total backlog, which could reduce our sales in future periods below the levels anticipated, and which makes backlog an uncertain indicator of future operating results.
As of September 30, 2025, our total backlog w as $119.2 million. Orders may be canceled and scope adjustments may occur, and we may not realize the full amounts of sales that we anticipate in our backlog numbers. Further, there is no assurance that our customers will purchase all the orders represented in our backlog, due in part to the U.S. government’s ability to modify,
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curtail or terminate major programs. Additionally, the timing of receipt of orders, if any, on contracts included in our backlog could change. The failure to realize amounts reflected in our backlog could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods.
SIFCO business is dependent on a few number of direct and indirect customers.
A substantial portion of SIFCO’s business is conducted with a relatively small number of large direct and indirect customers. In fiscal 2025, one direct customer accounted for approximately 18% percent of our consolidated net sales and two direct customers and their direct subcontractors accounted for approximately 34% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. A financial hardship experienced by any one of these key customers, the loss of any of them or a reduction in or substantial delay of orders from any of them could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The Company’s failure to identify, attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect our existing business, financial condition and results of operations.
SIFCO may not be able to identify, attract or retain qualified technical personnel, sales and customer service personnel, employees with expertise in forging, or management personnel to supervise such activities. We may also not attract and retain employees who share the Company’s core values, who can maintain and grow our existing business, and who are suited to work in a public company environment, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s business could be negatively affected by cybersecurity threats, information systems interruptions, intrusions or new software implementations and other disruptions.
SIFCO faces cybersecurity threats, as well as the potential for business disruptions associated with information technology failures and interruptions, new software implementation, and damaging weather or other acts of nature, and pandemics or other public health crises, which may adversely affect our business.
Although we continue to regularly review and enhance our protection systems and cybersecurity controls, SIFCO has experienced and expects to continue to experience cybersecurity threats, including threats to our information technology infrastructure and attempts to gain access to the Company’s sensitive information, as do our customers, suppliers and subcontractors. Although we maintain information security policies and procedures to prevent, detect, and mitigate these threats, information system disruptions, equipment failures or cybersecurity attacks, such as unauthorized access, malicious software and other intrusions, could still occur and may lead to potential data corruption, exposure of or unauthorized access to proprietary and confidential information. Further, while SIFCO works cooperatively with its customers, suppliers and subcontractors to seek to minimize the impacts of cyber threats, other security threats or business disruptions, in addition to our internal processes, procedures and systems, it must also rely on the safeguards put in place by those entities.
Any intrusion, disruption, breach or similar event may cause operational stoppages, fines, penalties, diminished competitive advantages through reputational damages and increased operational costs. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully mitigated by insurance or other means.
We continue to provide for remote work for certain of our employees, which may increase our vulnerability to cyber and other information technology risks. In addition to existing risks, any adoption or deployment of new technologies via acquisitions or internal initiatives may increase our exposure to risks, breaches, or failures, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Furthermore, the Company may have access to sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information that may be subject to privacy and security laws, regulations, or other contractually-imposed controls. Despite our use of reasonable and appropriate controls, material security breaches, theft, misplaced, lost or corrupted data, programming, or employee errors and/or malfeasance or factors outside of our control could lead to the compromise or improper use of such sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information, resulting in possible negative consequences, such as fines, ransom demands, penalties, loss of reputation, competitiveness or customers, or other negative consequences resulting in adverse impacts to our results of operations or financial condition.
SIFCO relies on our suppliers to meet the quality and delivery expectations of our customers.
Our ability to deliver products on schedule is dependent upon a variety of factors, certain of which are outside of our control, including execution of internal performance plans, availability of raw materials, internal and supplier produced parts and structures, conversion of raw materials into parts and assemblies, and performance of suppliers and others. We rely on numerous third-party suppliers for raw materials and a large proportion of the components used in our production process. Certain of these raw materials and components are available only from single sources or a limited number of suppliers, or similarly, customers’ specifications may require SIFCO to obtain raw materials and/or components from a single source or certain suppliers. Many of our suppliers are small companies with limited financial resources and manufacturing capabilities. We do not currently have the ability to manufacture these components ourselves. Consequently, our supply of key products and components could be disrupted if our suppliers fail or are unable to perform because of shortages in raw materials, operational problems, strikes, natural disasters, health crises or other factors. We have experienced and, in the future, may continue to
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experience delays in the delivery of such products as a result of increased demands and pressures on the supply chain, customs, labor issues, geopolitical pressures, disruptions associated with changes in political, economic, and social conditions, weather, laws and regulations. Unfavorable fluctuations in prices for raw materials, international trade policies, quality, delivery, and availability of these products could continue to adversely affect the Company’s ability to meet demands of customers and cause negative impacts to the Company’s cost structure, profitability and its cash flow. If we were unsuccessful in obtaining those products from other sources or at comparable cost, a disruption in our supply chain could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity.
We may have disputes with our vendors arising from, among other things, the quality of products and services or customer concerns about the vendor. If any of our vendors fail to timely meet their contractual obligations or have regulatory compliance or other problems, our ability to fulfill our obligations under contracts with our customers may be jeopardized. Economic downturns can adversely affect a vendor’s ability to manufacture or deliver products. Further, vendors may also be enjoined from manufacturing and distributing products to us as a result of litigation filed by third parties, including intellectual property litigation. If SIFCO were to experience difficulty in obtaining certain products from our key vendors, there could be an adverse effect on its results of operations and on its customer relationships and our reputation. Additionally, our key vendors could also increase pricing of their products, which could negatively affect our ability to win contracts by offering competitive prices.
Any material supply disruptions could adversely affect our ability to perform our obligations under our contracts and could result in cancellation of contracts or purchase orders, penalties, delays in realizing revenues, and payment delays, as well as adversely affect our ongoing product cost structure.
Failure by our subcontractors to perform could materially and adversely affect our contract performance and its ability to obtain future business.
The performance of contracts often involves subcontractors, upon which we rely to complete delivery of products to our customers. SIFCO may have disputes with subcontractors, and the failure by a subcontractor to satisfactorily deliver products can adversely affect our ability to perform our obligations as a prime contractor. Any subcontractor performance deficiencies could result in the customer terminating our contract for default, which could expose SIFCO to liability for excess costs of re-procurement by the customer and have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for other contracts and on our results of operations generally.
The Company’s future success depends on the ability to meet the needs of its customer requirements in a timely manner.
The Company believes that the commercial A&E markets in which we operate require sophisticated manufacturing and system-integration techniques and capabilities using composite and metallic materials. The Company’s success depends to a significant extent on our ability to acquire, develop, execute and maintain such sophisticated techniques and capabilities to meet the needs of our customers, and to bring those products to market quickly and at cost-effective prices. If we are unable to acquire and/or develop, execute and maintain such techniques and capabilities, we may experience an adverse effect to our business, financial condition or results of operation.
The Company faces certain significant risk exposures and potential liabilities that may not be covered adequately by insurance or indemnity.
We are exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products we provide. While we maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of insurance or indemnity may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs from an accident or incident. It is not possible for SIFCO to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Substantial claims resulting from an incident in excess of the indemnification we receive and our insurance coverage would harm our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, any accident or incident for which we are liable, even if fully insured, could negatively affect our standing with our customers and the public, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and could significantly impact the cost and availability of adequate insurance in the future.
We operate in a highly competitive and price sensitive industry, and customer pricing pressures could reduce the demand and/or price for our products and services.
The end-user markets SIFCO serves are highly competitive and price sensitive. We compete globally with a number of domestic and international companies that have substantially greater manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and financial resources than we do. Many of SIFCO’s customers have the in-house capability to fulfill their manufacturing requirements. SIFCO’s larger competitors may be able to vie more effectively for very large-scale contracts than we can by providing different or greater capabilities or benefits such as technical qualifications, past performance on large-scale contracts, geographic presence, price and availability of key professional personnel. If SIFCO is unable to successfully compete for new business, our net sales growth and operating margins may decline. Competitive pricing pressures may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, there can be no assurance that competition from existing or potential competitors will not have a material adverse effect on our financial results. If SIFCO does not continue to compete effectively
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and win contracts, our future business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to meet its financial obligations may be materially compromised.
The Company uses estimates when pricing contracts and any changes in such estimates could have an adverse effect on our profitability and our overall financial performance.
When agreeing to contractual terms, some of which extend for multiple years, SIFCO makes assumptions and projections about future conditions and events. These projections assess the productivity and availability of labor, complexity of the work to be performed, cost and availability of materials, impact of delayed performance and timing of product deliveries. Contract pricing requires judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenues and costs, and making assumptions for schedule and technical issues. Due to the size and nature of many of our contracts, the estimation of total revenues and costs at completion is complicated and subject to many variables. For example, assumptions are made regarding the length of time to complete a contract since costs also include expected increases in wages, prices for materials and allocated fixed costs. Similarly, assumptions are made regarding the future impact of our efficiency initiatives and cost reduction efforts. Incentives, awards or penalties related to performance on contracts are considered in estimating revenue and profit rates and are recorded when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated performance. Suppliers’ assertions are also assessed and considered in estimating costs and profit rates.
Because of the significance of the judgment and estimation processes described above, it is possible that materially different amounts could be obtained if different assumptions were used or if the underlying circumstances were to change. Changes in underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates may have a material adverse effect upon the profitability of one or more of the affected contracts, future period financial reporting and performance, as pass through pricing is not always permissible.
Our technologies could become obsolete, reducing our revenues and profitability.
Technologies related to our products have undergone, and in the future may undergo, significant changes and the future of our business will depend in large part upon the continuing relevance of our forging capabilities. SIFCO could encounter competition from new or revised technologies that render its technologies and equipment less profitable or obsolete in our chosen markets and our operating results may suffer.
If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, it may not be able to accurately or timely report its financial results. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in the Company’s financial reporting, which would harm the business and the trading price of its common stock.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, among other things, requires that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluations and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Compliance with Section 404 may require that we incur substantial accounting expenses and expend significant management efforts. Our testing has previously revealed, and in the future may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner, the market price of our stock could decline if investors and others lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other applicable regulatory authorities.
Labor disruptions by our employees or personnel turnover and/or shortage could adversely affect our business.
As of September 30, 2025, we employed approximately 259 pe ople (excluding CBlade due to its sale in October 2024). We face competition for management and employees from other companies and organizations. If we continue to experience turnover and/or are unable to quickly hire employees and subsequently retain our workforce, or we experience a significant or prolonged work stoppage in such an environment, we may experience increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees, and our ability to secure new work and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Additionally, we are party to a collective bargaining agreement with certain employees at our Cleveland, Ohio facility. Although we have not experienced any material labor-related work stoppage and consider our relations with our employees to be good, labor stoppages may occur in the future. If the unionized workers were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, or if SIFCO is unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements with the unions, or if other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, higher ongoing labor costs and possible loss of customer contracts, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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The price and availability of oil and other energy sources worldwide could adversely impact our results of operations. Unexpected pricing of fuel or a shortage of, or disruption in, the supply of fuel or other energy sources could have a material adverse effect on our and our customers’ business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations can be directly affected, positively and negatively, by volatility in the cost and availability of energy, which is subject to global supply and demand and other factors beyond our control. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to impact global energy markets, particularly in Europe, leading to high volatility and increasing prices for crude oil, natural gas and other energy supplies. Our customers’ businesses are significantly impacted by the availability and pricing of fuel. Weather-related events, natural disasters, terrorism, wars, political disruption or instability involving oil-producing countries, changes in governmental or cartel policy concerning crude oil or aircraft fuel production, labor strikes, cyberattacks or other events affecting refinery production, transportation, taxes, marketing, environmental concerns, market manipulation, price speculation and other unpredictable events may drive actual or perceived fuel supply shortages. In particular, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused shortages in the availability of fuel. In the event that the supply of natural gas from Russia stops or is significantly reduced, there may be supply disruptions, increased prices, shutdowns of manufacturing facilities, or further rationing of energy supply within countries where we and/or our customers do business, which could have a material adverse impact on our and our customers’ business or results of operations in those countries.
Risks Related to Financial Matters
A decline in operating results or access to financing may have an adverse impact on our liquidity position.
Our ability to make required payments of principal and interest on our debt will depend in part on our future performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, political and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, conditions could arise that could limit our ability to generate sufficient cash flows or to access borrowings to enable us to fund our liquidity needs, which could further limit our financial flexibility or impair our ability to obtain alternative financing sufficient to repay our debt at maturity. We believe that our cash on hand, together with funds generated by our operations and borrowings under our existing credit facilities, will provide us with sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet our operating needs for the foreseeable future. Significant assumptions underlie this belief however, including, among other things, assumptions relating to future sales volumes, the successful implementation of our business strategies and that there will be no material adverse developments in our competitive market position, business, liquidity or capital requirements. In the event that we do not have sufficient liquidity, we may be required to seek additional capital, reduce or cut back our operating activities, capital expenditures or otherwise alter our business strategy. If we obtain additional capital by issuing equity, the interests of our existing stockholders will be diluted. If we incur additional debt, the agreements governing that debt may contain significant financial and other covenants that may materially restrict our operations. The Company may not be able to obtain refinancing or additional financing on favorable terms or at all.
Our indebtedness and restrictive covenants under our credit facilities could limit our operational and financial flexibility.
We have incurred indebtedness, and may incur additional debt in the future. Our ability to make interest and scheduled principal payments and operate within restrictive covenants could be adversely impacted by changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, changes in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings or our outlook. These changes could increase our cost of business, limiting our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, react to market conditions and meet operational and capital needs, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage.
Global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition.
Disruption and volatility in global financial markets may lead to increased rates of default and bankruptcy and may negatively impact consumer and business spending levels. Current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending on our products and services as their business and/or budgets are impacted by economic conditions. The inability of current and potential customers to pay SIFCO for its products and services may adversely affect its earnings and cash flows.
Further, we are exposed to fluctuations in inflation, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. The United States and other jurisdictions have recently experienced high levels of inflation. If inflation rates continue to increase, it will likely affect our expenses, including, but not limited to, employee compensation and labor expenses and increased costs for supplies, and we may not be successful in offsetting such cost increases.
We cannot predict changes in worldwide or regional economic conditions and government policies, as such conditions are highly volatile and beyond our control. If these conditions were to deteriorate for extended periods, however, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
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The funding and costs associated with our pension plans and significant changes in key estimates and assumptions, such as discount rates and assumed long-term returns on assets, actual investment returns on our pension plan assets, and legislative and regulatory actions could affect our earnings, equity and contributions to our pension plans in future periods.
Certain of the Company’s employees are covered by its noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (collectively, the “Plans”). The impact of these Plans on our financial performance may be volatile in that the amount of expense we record may materially change from year to year because those calculations are sensitive to changes in several key economic assumptions, including discount rates, inflation, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates and mortality rates. The pension costs associated with the Plans are dependent on significant judgment in the use of various estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to the discount rate and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Changes to these estimates and assumptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Differences between actual investment returns and our assumed long-term returns on assets will result in changes in future pension expense and the funded status of our Plans, and could increase future funding of the Plans. Changes in these factors affect our plan funding, cash flows, earnings, and shareholders’ equity.
Market volatility and adverse capital or credit market conditions may affect our ability to access cost-effective sources of funding and may expose SIFCO to risks associated with the financial viability of suppliers.
The financial markets can experience high levels of volatility and disruption in response to various macroeconomic factors, reducing the availability of credit for certain issuers.
The tightening of the credit market and standards, as well as capital market volatility, could negatively impact our ability to obtain additional debt financing on terms equivalent to our existing Credit Agreement. Capital market uncertainty and volatility, together with the Company’s market capitalization and status as a smaller reporting company, could also negatively impact our ability to obtain capital market financing or bank financing on favorable terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Tightening credit markets could also adversely affect our suppliers’ ability to obtain financing. Delays in suppliers’ ability to obtain financing, or the unavailability of financing, could negatively affect their ability to perform their contracts with SIFCO and cause our inability to meet our contract obligations. The inability of our suppliers to obtain financing could also result in the need for us to transition to alternate suppliers, which could result in significant incremental costs and delays.
A write-off of all or part of our goodwill could adversely affect our operating results and net worth.
Goodwill is a component of our assets. At September 30, 2025 , goodwill was $3.5 million of our total assets of $73.4 million . We may have to write off all or part of our goodwill if the value becomes impaired. Although this write-off would be a non-cash charge, it could reduce our earnings and our financial condition.
The failure to streamline operational synergies and refocus on our core aerospace forging business could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
As noted above, in October 2024, we completed the sale of our CBlade forging and manufacturing business located in Maniago, Italy. We cannot be certain that initiatives to streamline operational synergies and refocus on our core aerospace forging business will be successfully implemented following the sale of our Italian operations, or that the disposition of these operations will positively impact our profitability. To the extent we are not successful in implementing these initiatives, our business may be adversely impacted.
General Risks
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not be sustained, which could depress the trading price of our common stock.
Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent shareholders from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares or at all. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, which include:
a. our quarterly or annual earnings or those of our competitors or our significant customers;
b. the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
c. changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track the stocks of our competitors;
d. new laws or regulations or new interpretations of laws or regulations applicable to our business;
e. changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
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f. changes in general conditions in the domestic and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, health crises or responses to such events;
g. litigation involving our company or investigations or audits by regulators into the operations of our company or our competitors;
h. strategic action by our competitors;
i. sales of common stock by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders; and
j. our stock being closely held by insider holdings and is thinly traded which impacts price volatility.
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry factors may significantly affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. If litigation is instituted against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our profitability and cash flow.
SIFCO is subject to income taxes in the United States and Ireland. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Changes in applicable income tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation, could result in higher or lower income tax rates or changes in the taxability of certain sales or the deductibility of certain expenses, thereby affecting our income tax expense and profitability. In addition, the final results of any tax audits or related litigation could be materially different from our related historical income tax provisions and accruals. Additionally, changes in our tax rate as a result of changes in our overall profitability, changes in tax legislation, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in differences between financial reporting income and taxable income, the examination of previously filed tax returns by taxing authorities and continuing assessments of our tax exposures can also impact our tax liabilities and affect our income tax expense, profitability and cash flow.
Damage or destruction of our facilities caused by storms, earthquakes or other causes could adversely affect our financial results and financial condition.
We have operations located in regions of the world that may be exposed to damaging storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters as well as other events outside of our control, such as fires, floods and other catastrophic events. We maintain standard property casualty insurance coverage for our properties and may be able to recover costs associated with certain natural disasters through insurance; however, even if covered by insurance, any significant damage or destruction of our facilities due to such events could result in our inability to meet customer delivery schedules and may result in the loss of customers and significant additional costs to SIFCO. Thus, any significant damage or destruction of our properties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The occurrence of litigation where we could be named as a defendant is unpredictable.
From time to time, we are involved in various legal and other proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. While we believe no current proceedings, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, no assurances can be given. Any such claims may divert financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Our operations are subject to environmental laws, and complying with those laws may cause us to incur significant costs.
Our operations and facilities are subject to numerous stringent environmental laws and regulations. Although we believe that we are in compliance with these laws and regulations, future changes in these laws, regulations or interpretations of them, or changes in the nature of our operations may require us to make significant capital expenditures to ensure compliance.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
We have processes in place aimed at assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. Our cybersecurity risk management program is integrated into our overall enterprise risk management program, and shares common methodologies, reporting channels and governance processes that apply across the enterprise risk management program to other legal, compliance, strategic, operational, and financial risk areas.
Key elements of our cybersecurity risk management program include:
• periodic risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our critical systems and information;
• a formal register documenting and mitigating identified risks, reviewed by management on a quarterly basis;
• a data protection team principally responsible for managing our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, our security controls, and our response to cybersecurity incidents;
• the regular use of external service providers to independently assess and test security posture, as well as to otherwise assist with aspects of our security processes;
• cybersecurity awareness training of our employees, including incident response personnel and senior management;
• a written cybersecurity incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents, including data storage and restoration and disaster recovery plans; and
• a third-party risk management process for key service providers based on our assessment of their criticality to our operations and respective risk profile.
Most recently, we have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, which have materially affected us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. We face risks from cybersecurity threats that, if realized, are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations.”
Governance
Our Board of Directors considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function and maintains oversight of risk assessment and risk management, including cybersecurity and other information technology risks. In addition, our Board of Directors oversees management’s implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program.
The Board of Directors receives periodic reports from management on our cybersecurity risks. In addition, management updates the Board of Directors, where it deems appropriate, regarding cybersecurity incidents it considers to be significant or potentially significant. These presentations may cover a range of topics, including:
• the current cybersecurity landscape and best practices for mitigating emerging threats;
• progress on cybersecurity projects;
• incident reports;
• updates from past event(s); and
• adherence to regulatory requirements and/or industry standards, as appropriate.
Our management team, including our Data Protection Officer and external counsel, are responsible along with the Company’s Board of Directors for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Data Protection Officer has primary responsibility for our overall cybersecurity risk management program and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and our retained external cybersecurity consultants. Our Data Protection Officer has extensive experience in overseeing information technology and cybersecurity programs. Collectively, has approximately twenty years of experience in information technology, including more than eight years with direct responsibility for cybersecurity oversight and implementation. This experience included developing and implementing a cybersecurity incident response playbook and leading initiatives to achieve compliance with the NIST CSF 2.0 cybersecurity regulatory framework. Other experience included expanding and maintaining cybersecurity program in response to evolving state regulatory requirements, implementing automated playbooks to prevent and mitigate cyber threats, and overseeing compliance efforts related to NYDFS and CCPA. This backgrounds equips management with practical cybersecurity knowledge, and includes direct experience in cybersecurity program development, incident response readiness, automation of threat prevention, and compliance with applicable cybersecurity and data privacy regulations.
Our management team takes steps to remain informed about and monitor efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which may include briefings from internal security personnel; threat
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intelligence and other information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us; and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in our IT environment.
Item 2. Properties
The Company’s property, plant and equipment include the facilities described below and a substantial quantity of machinery and equipment, most of which consists of industry specific machinery and equipment using special dies, jigs, tools and fixtures and in many instances having automatic control features and special adaptations. In general, the Company’s property, plant and equipment are in good operating condition, are well maintained, and its facilities are in regular use. The Company considers its investment in property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2025 suitable and adequate given the current product offerings for the respective operations in the current business environment. The square footage numbers set forth in the following paragraph are approximations:
• SIFCO operates and manufactures in multiple facilities—(i) an owned 280,000 square foot facility located in Cleveland, Ohio, which is also the site of the Company’s corporate headquarters and (ii) leased facilities aggregating approximately 70,500 square feet located in Orange, California.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in ordinary, routine legal actions. The Company cannot reasonably estimate future costs, if any, related to these matters and does not believe any such matters are material to its financial condition or results of operations. The Company maintains various liability insurance coverages to protect its assets from losses arising out of or involving activities associated with ongoing and normal business operations; however, it is possible that the Company’s future operating results could be affected by future costs of litigation. See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the legal proceedings in which the Company is involved.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results and prospects. The words "will," "may," "designed to," "outlook," "believes," "should," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "forecasts" and similar expressions identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides this cautionary statement identifying important economic, political and technological factors, among others, the absence or effect of which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. Such factors include the following: (1) the impact on business conditions in general, and on the demand for product in the aerospace and energy (or "A&E”) industries in particular, of the global economic outlook, including the continuation of military spending at or near current levels and the availability of capital and liquidity from banks, the financial markets and other providers of credit; (2) the future business environment, including capital and consumer spending; (3) competitive factors, including the ability to replace business that may be lost at comparable margins; (4) metals and commodities price increases and the Company’s ability to recover such price increases; (5) successful development and market introduction of new products and services; (6) continued reliance on consumer acceptance of regional and business aircraft powered by more fuel efficient turboprop engines; (7) continued reliance on military spending, in general, and/or several major customers, in particular, for revenues; (8) the impact on future contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans due to changes in actuarial assumptions, government regulations and the market value of plan assets; (9) stable governments, business conditions, laws, regulations and taxes in economies where business is conducted; (10) the ability to successfully integrate businesses that may be acquired into the Company’s operations; (11) cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners; (12) our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to geopolitical and economic factors, suppliers, laws and regulations; (13) the ability to maintain a qualified workforce; (14) the adequacy and availability of our insurance coverage; (15) our ability to develop new products and technologies and maintain technologies, facilities, and equipment to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers; (16) our ability to realize amounts in our backlog; (17) investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other legal proceedings; and (18) extraordinary or force majeure events affecting the business or operations of our business.
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Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s Common Shares are traded on the NYSE American exchange under the symbol “SIF.”
Dividends and Shareholders
The Company did not declare a cash dividend during fiscal 2025 or fiscal 2024. The Company will continue to evaluate the payment of dividends annually based on its relative profitability, available resources, and investment strategies. The Company currently intends to retain a significant majority of its earnings for operations, focusing on its long-term plan and growth. Additionally, the Company’s ability to declare or pay cash dividends is limited by its credit agreement. At December 5, 2025 , there were approximately 241 shareholders of record of the Company’s Common Shares, as reported by Computershare, Inc., the Company’s Transfer Agent and Registrar, which maintains its U.S. corporate offices at 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.
Reference Part III, Item 12. “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” for information related to the Company’s equity compensation plans.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
SIFCO is engaged in the production of forgings and machined and sub-assembled components primarily for the Aerospace and Defense, Energy and Commercial Space markets. The processes and services include forging, heat-treating, chemical processing and machining. The Company operates under one business segment.
When planning and evaluating its business operations, the Company takes into consideration certain factors, including the following: (i) the projected build rate for commercial, business and military aircraft, as well as the engines that power such aircraft; (ii) the projected demand for private space launch and reentry programs; and (iii) the projected maintenance, repair and overhaul schedules for commercial, business and military aircraft, as well as the engines that power such aircraft.
The Company operates within a cost structure that includes a significant fixed component. Therefore, higher net sales volumes are expected to result in greater operating income because such higher volumes allow the business operations to better leverage the fixed component of their respective cost structures. Conversely, the opposite effect is expected to occur at lower net sales and related production volumes.
A. Results of Operations
Overview
The Company produces forged components for (i) turbine engines that power commercial, business and regional aircraft as well as military aircraft and armored military vehicles; (ii) airframe applications for a variety of aircraft; (iii) private space launch and reentry programs; and (iv) other commercial applications.
CBlade Sale
In October 2024, the Company sold its European operations in order to streamline operational synergies and refocus on its core aerospace forging business. SIFCO Irish Holdings, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) pursuant to which it sold 100% of the share capital of CBlade S.p.A. Forging & Manufacturing, an Italian joint stock company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“CBlade”), for cash consideration.
As a result of the planned sale transaction, the Company’s financial statements have been prepared with the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of CBlade presented as assets held for sale and discontinued operations, respectively, as of and for the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. All historical statements, amounts and related disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to conform to this presentation. Refer to Note 2 — Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Fiscal Year 2025 Compared with Fiscal Year 2024
Net Sales
Net sales comparative information for fiscal 2025 and 2024 is as follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Years Ended September 30,
Year Over Year Increase
(Decrease)
Aerospace components for:
Fixed wing aircraft
Rotorcraft
Commercial space
Energy components for power generation units
Commercial products and other revenue
Total
Net sales in fiscal 2025 increased 6.5%, or $5.2 million, to $84.8 million, compared with $79.6 million in fiscal 2024. Fixed wing aircraft sales increased $9.6 million compared with the same period last year primarily due to higher demand across most programs. Rotorcraft sales decreased $0.2 million in fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 primarily due to timing of orders in the H-60 program. Commercial space products decreased by $8.2 million year-over-year due to reduced procurement activity in the commercial space market. One key customer, significantly scaled back orders as they manage excess inventory. Energy components for power generation units increased $0.7 million due to growth in the steam turbine markets. Commercial products and other revenue increased by $3.3 million in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024, mostly due to timing of orders related to munitions programs.
Commercial net sales were 43.5% of total net sales and military net sales were 56.5% of total net sales in fiscal 2025, compared with 52.4% and 47.6%, respectively, in fiscal 2024. Commercial net sales decreased $4.8 million to $36.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $41.7 million in fiscal 2024 primarily due to reduced procurement activity in the commercial space market due to reasons noted above. Military net sales increased $10.0 million to $47.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $37.9 million in fiscal 2024 primarily due to increased demand across most programs.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold (“COGS”) increased by $0.6 million, or 0.8%, to $74.2 million, or 87.5% of net sales, during fiscal 2025, compared with $73.7 million, or 92.5%, of net sales during fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume, partially offset by $3.0 million of Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) benefit.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $4.6 million, to $10.6 million during fiscal 2025, compared with $6.0 million in fiscal 2024. Gross margin percent of sales was 12.5% during fiscal 2025, compared with 7.5% in fiscal 2024, primarily due to higher sales and improved margin, as well as $3.0 million ERC benefit recognized.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $10.4 million, or 12.3% of net sales, during fiscal 2025, compared with $11.1 million, or 14.0% of net sales, in fiscal 2024. The decrease in SG&A expenses is primarily due to lower employee-related expenses, resulting from reduced headcount due to deferred backfill of certain positions and a $0.5 million benefit recognized from ERC. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $0.8 million in legal and professional fees related to the ERC submission process. In addition, SG&A expenses in the prior year included a one time credit of $0.6 million from a vendor pertaining to the fiscal 2023 cybersecurity incident and $0.4 million in severance costs, which did not recur in the current period.
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Interest Expense, Net
The following table sets forth the weighted average interest rates and weighted average outstanding balances under the Company’s debt agreements in fiscal 2025 and 2024:
(Dollars in millions)
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
Years Ended September 30,
Weighted Average
Outstanding Balance
Years Ended September 30,
Revolving credit agreement
Term loan
Other debt
The Company believes that inflation did not materially impact its results of operations in either fiscal 2025 or 2024.
Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate in fiscal 2025 was 24.7% compared with 0.4% in fiscal 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2025 is primarily attributable to changes in jurisdictional mix of income and increase in Ireland income tax expense as a result of the sale of Italian business in fiscal 2025 compared with the same period in fiscal 2024. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to the valuation allowance against the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and income in foreign jurisdictions that are taxed at different rates than the U.S. statutory tax rate.
Loss from Continuing Operations
Loss from continuing operations was $0.9 million during fiscal 2025 compared with a loss from continuing operations of $8.6 million in fiscal 2024 due to higher sales volumes and gross margins improvements coupled with lower SG&A expenses, lower interest expense attributable to lower average debt outstanding during the period and the net benefit recognized of $3.3 million related to ERC.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased to $0.5 million at September 30, 2025 compared with $1.7 million at September 30, 2024. The Company also had cash and cash equivalents related to its discontinued operations (i.e., CBlade) of nil and $1.0 million, September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are included in current assets of business held for sale in the audited consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, cash included financing proceeds for capital investment and a nominal amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were in the possession of its non-U.S. holding company subsidiary.
Our primary requirements for liquidity and capital resources besides our growth initiatives, are working capital, capital expenditures, principal and interest payments on our outstanding debt, and other general corporate needs. Historically, the main sources of liquidity of the Company have been cash flows from operations and borrowings under our debt agreements. As of September 30, 2025, the Company was not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. The cash requirements for the upcoming fiscal year relate to payments on our outstanding debt and leases, operating and capital purchase commitments, and expected contributions to our defined benefit and contribution plans. For information regarding the Company’s expected cash requirements and timing of payments related to leases and noncancellable purchase commitments, see Note 11 — Leases and Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, refer to Note 9 — Retirement Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the Company’s pension and defined contribution plans.
With the sale of the CBlade manufacturing operations located in Maniago, Italy, the Company increased its cash on hand from the proceeds, which was used to repay a portion of its outstanding debt balances and for general operational needs. Historically, the cash flows from the Company’s CBlade business represented a material portion of the consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Although future contributions from the CBlade business ceased with the execution of the sale transaction, the Company believes that its streamlined operations will allow management to focus on domestic growth opportunities. There is no guarantee that the Company’s continuing operations will sufficiently replace the liquidity and cash flows previously provided by CBlade’s operations. For details regarding the sale of CBlade, refer to Note 2 — Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We believe that our current operating structure will facilitate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our expected long-term liquidity requirements beyond the next 12 months. If these resources are not sufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements due to changes in circumstances, we may be required to borrow under our loan agreement or seek additional financing. The Company’s liquidity could be negatively affected if the Company is unable to obtain capital, if customers extend payment
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terms, and/or if demand for our products decline. The Company and management will continue monitor its liquidity needs. For details regarding our debt agreements, see Note 6 — Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating Activities
The Company’s operating activities provided $0.1 million of cash in fiscal 2025, compared with $2.6 million of cash used in fiscal 2024. The cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to net operating loss of $0.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $8.7 million, partially offset by uses of working capital of $7.6 million. The use of cash from working capital of $7.6 million was primarily due to accounts receivable decreasing, reflecting improved collections and timing of billings, inventories increased, accounts payables and accrued liabilities decreased as the Company reduced outstanding obligations and normalized payment cycles.
The Company’s operating activities used $2.6 million of cash in fiscal 2024. The cash used by operating activities in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to net operating loss of $8.6 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $8.3 million, partially offset by use of working capital of $2.3 million. The use of cash from working capital of $2.3 million was primarily due to higher inventories due to timing of raw material receipts, the increase in account receivables due to higher sales and timing of payments at the end of fiscal year, and higher prepaid expenses attributable to deferred financing costs related to debt refinancing, partially offset by an increase in contract liabilities due to advance payments for raw materials and higher sales recognized over-time and higher accounts payable due to timing of payments
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $0.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared with $2.0 million in fiscal 2024. Fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 expenditures were used primarily for manufacturing enhancement and maintenance. Capital commitments as of September 30, 2025 were $0.1 million. The Company anticipates the total fiscal 2026 capital expenditures will be within the range of $1.0 million to $2.0 million. These expenditures are expected to relate primarily to projects aimed at improving production capabilities, expanding product offering, and achieving operating cost efficiencies.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $14.0 million in fiscal 2025 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $6.3 million in fiscal 2024. The year-over-year decrease in cash from financing was primarily related to the higher repayments on our revolving credit line and the debt refinancing and repayment of the promissory note during fiscal 2025.
Refer to Note 6 — Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details regarding our financing activities during fiscal 2025 and 2024.
Future cash flows from the Company’s operations may be used to pay down outstanding debt amounts. The Company believes it has adequate cash/liquidity available to finance its operations from the combination of (i) the Company’s expected cash flows from operations and (ii) funds available under its loan and security agreement as described in Note 6 — Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tightening of the credit market and standards, as well as capital market volatility, could negatively impact our ability to obtain additional debt financing on terms equivalent to our existing debt agreements when needed in the future. Capital market uncertainty and volatility, together with the Company’s market capitalization and status as a smaller reporting company, could also negatively impact our ability to obtain equity financing.
Net Cash Provided By Discontinued Operations
Net cash from discontinued operations are presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows as summarized operating, investing and financing cash flows, as well as the impact of exchange rate changes on cash. The Company’s operating activities from discontinued operations provided no cash in fiscal 2025, compared with $1.4 million of cash provided by fiscal 2024 primarily driven by net income from discontinued operations and changes in working capital. Cash provided for investing activities from discontinued operations was $14.4 million in fiscal 2025 and cash use of $1.4 million in 2024, related to proceeds received from its sale and outlays for capital expenditures. Cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations was $0.4 million in fiscal 2025 compared to $1.1 million of cash used in fiscal 2024, attributable to proceeds from new borrowings and loan payments, respectively.
C. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available. The Company believes that the accounting estimates employed and the resulting balances are
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reasonable; however, actual results in these areas could differ from management’s estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are discussed in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes that the assumptions and estimates associated with allowance for credit losses, inventory valuation, goodwill, contract balances, and income taxes have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements because they are inherently uncertain, involve significant judgements, and include areas where different estimates reasonably could materially impact the financial statements. The Company believes that the critical accounting estimates employed and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, actual results in these areas could differ from management’s estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Allowances for Credit Losses
The Company establishes allowances for credit losses on accounts receivable, customer financing receivables, and certain other financial assets. The adequacy of these allowances are assessed quarterly through consideration of factors including, but not limited to, customer credit ratings, bankruptcy filings, published or estimated credit default rates, age of the receivable, expected loss rates and collateral exposures. The Company determines the creditworthiness of each customer based upon publicly available information and information obtained directly from its customers. As these factors change, the Company’s allowances for credit losses may change in subsequent periods. Historically, losses have been within management’s expectations and have not been significant.
Inventories
Approximately 40% of the Company’s inventory is valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method with the remaining valued using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion.
The Company evaluates obsolete and excess inventory on a quarterly basis. The Company maintains a formal policy, which requires at a minimum, that amounts are written down based on an analysis of the age of the inventory. In addition, if the Company learns of specific obsolescence, other than that identified by the aging criteria, an additional write down will be recognized. Specific obsolescence may arise due to a technological or market change or based on cancellation of an order. Management’s judgment is necessary in determining the proper write down for obsolete and excess inventory. For the portion of the Company’s inventory not valued at LIFO, inventory is valued at FIFO and stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company evaluates net realizable value on a quarterly basis. See Note 3 — Inventories, net of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue using the five-step revenue recognition model in which it depicts the transfer of goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The revenue standard also requires disclosure sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from the cost to obtain or fulfill a contract.
Contract Balances
Contract assets on the consolidated balance sheets are recognized when a good is transferred to the customer and the Company does not have the contractual right to bill for the related performance obligations. In these instances, revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer and the right to payment is not solely subject to the passage of time. Amounts do not exceed their net realizable value. Contract liabilities relate to payments received in advance of the satisfaction of performance under the contract. Payment from customers are received based on the terms established in the contract with the customer.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (group) might not be recoverable. This review involves judgment and is performed using estimates of future undiscounted cash flows, which include proceeds from disposal of assets and which the Company considers a critical accounting estimate. The Company would assess the fair value of the asset group and compare it to its carrying value. Under the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 360 (“Topic 360”), if the carrying value of a long-lived asset or asset group is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, then the long-lived asset or asset group is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its fair value.
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In projecting future undiscounted cash flows, the Company relies on internal budgets and forecasts, including revenue and cash flow projections,, and estimated residual value of the asset group upon disposal of long-lived assets. The Company’s budgets and forecasts are based on historical results and anticipated future market conditions, such as the general business climate and the effectiveness of competition. The Company believes that its estimates of future undiscounted cash flows and fair value are reasonable; however, changes in estimates of such undiscounted cash flows and fair value could change the Company’s estimates, which could result in future impairment charges.
2025 and 2024 Long-Lived Asset Recoverability Tests
In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, certain qualitative factors, including operating results, at the Orange location, triggered a recoverability test. The results indicated that the long-lived assets were recoverable and did not require further review for impairment. The Company did not identify any indicators that the asset groups might be impaired in any of the other quarters assessed during fiscal 2025 and 2024.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of July 31. If circumstances change during interim periods between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company will test goodwill for impairment. Factors that would necessitate an interim goodwill impairment assessment include a sustained decline in the Company’s stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends, or significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement for its goodwill impairment testing. The Company’s fair value measurement approach combines the income and market valuation techniques for each of the Company’s reporting units that carry goodwill. These valuation techniques use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions.
If a reporting unit fails the quantitative impairment test, impairment expense is immediately recorded as the difference between the reporting unit’s fair value and carrying value not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded.
2025 Annual Goodwill Impairment Tests
SIFCO performed its annual test as of July 31, 2025. Goodwill existed at one of the Company’s reporting units, Cleveland, Ohio as of July 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025. No impairment charge was identified in connection with the annual goodwill impairment test with respect to the Cleveland reporting unit. Refer to Note 4 — Goodwill of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2024 Annual Goodwill Impairment Tests
SIFCO performed its annual test as of July 31, 2024. Goodwill existed at one of the Company’s reporting units, Cleveland, Ohio as of July 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. No impairment charge was identified in connection with the annual goodwill impairment test with respect to the Cleveland reporting unit. Refer to Note 4 — Goodwill of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Expense
The Company maintains three defined benefit pension plans in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for pension benefits under these three defined benefit pension plans are determined on an actuarial basis utilizing various assumptions. The following table illustrates the sensitivity to change in the assumed discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on assets for the Company’s pension plans as of September 30, 2025.
Impact on Fiscal 2025 Benefits Expense
Impact on September 30, 2025 Projected Benefit Obligation for Pension Plans
Change in Assumptions
(In thousands)
25 basis point decrease in discount rate
25 basis point increase in discount rate
100 basis point decrease in expected long-term rate of return on assets
100 basis point increase in expected long-term rate of return on assets
The discussion that follows provides information on the significant assumptions/elements associated with these defined benefit pension plans.
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The Company determines the expected return on plan assets principally based on (i) the expected return for the various asset classes in the respective plans’ investment portfolios and (ii) the targeted allocation of the respective plans’ assets. The expected return on plan assets is developed using historical asset return performance as well as current and anticipated market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and market performance. Should the actual rate of return differ materially from the assumed/expected rate, the Company could experience a material adverse effect on the funded status of its plans and, accordingly, on its related future net pension expense.
The discount rate for each plan is determined, as of the fiscal year end measurement date, using prevailing market spot-rates (from an appropriate yield curve) with maturities corresponding to the expected timing/date of the future defined benefit payment amounts for each of the respective plans. Such corresponding spot-rates are used to discount future years’ projected defined benefit payment amounts back to the fiscal year end measurement date as a present value. A composite discount rate is then developed for each plan by determining the single rate of discount that will produce the same present value as that obtained by applying the annual spot-rates. The discount rate may be further revised if the market environment indicates that the above methodology generates a discount rate that does not accurately reflect the prevailing interest rates as of the fiscal year end measurement date. The Company computes a weighted-average discount rate taking into account anticipated plan payments and the associated interest rates from the USI Consulting Group Pension Discount Curve.
As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, SIFCO used the following weighted-average assumptions:
Years Ended September 30,
Discount rate for liabilities
Discount rate for expenses
Expected return on assets
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
The Company accounts for deferred taxes in accordance with the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification guidance related to accounting for income taxes, whereby the Company recognizes an income tax benefit related to income tax credits, loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax reporting basis.
A high degree of judgment is required to determine the extent a valuation allowance should be provided against deferred tax assets. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the likelihood of realization of its deferred tax assets considering all available evidence, both positive and negative. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry-back and carry-forward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. It is generally difficult to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Based on the weight of available evidence, the Company determines if it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.
As a result of losses incurred in recent years, the Company entered into a three-year cumulative loss position in the U.S. jurisdiction during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and remains in a cumulative loss position at the conclusion of fiscal 2025. Accordingly, the Company maintained its valuation allowance on its U.S. deferred tax assets as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.
D. Impact of Newly Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
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