Company Overview - ABM Industries is a provider of integrated facility solutions in the United States and internationally [12] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B [12] Investment Insights - ABM has a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong upward price movement, with shares up 2.4% over the past four weeks [12] - Four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2025, increasing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.05 to $3.76 per share [13] - The company boasts an average earnings surprise of 9.6%, suggesting a history of exceeding earnings expectations [13] Style Scores and Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in portfolio building [7] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) have produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - For optimal investment potential, it is recommended to consider stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 that also have Style Scores of A or B [10]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a framework for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with higher scores indicating better performance potential [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential based on earnings and sales projections [5] - The Momentum Score identifies trends in stock prices and earnings estimates to optimize entry points for investments [6] Integration with Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to assist in portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [10] - Stocks rated 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) should be approached with caution, even if they have high Style Scores, due to declining earnings forecasts [11] Company Spotlight: ABM Industries - ABM Industries, a provider of integrated facility solutions, holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, indicating moderate potential [12] - The company has a forward P/E ratio of 12.85, making it attractive for value investors [12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates have led to a Zacks Consensus Estimate increase to $3.76 per share, with an average earnings surprise of 9.6% [13]

Group 1: Trade and Market Impact - Investors showed relief on April 22 due to signs of easing trade tensions, with hints from President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about potential reductions in the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods [1] - The positive developments regarding tariffs have led to a bullish market trend since April 22, with expectations of further gains as more tariff-related good news is anticipated [2] Group 2: Stock Screening and Recommendations - A screening process has been designed to identify stocks based on improving broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past four weeks, incorporating the price/sales ratio as a complementary valuation metric [3] - The screening criteria include a net upgrade in ratings, percentage change in earnings estimates, price-to-sales ratio, stock price above $5, average daily volume over 100,000 shares, and market capitalization in the top 3000 [4][5] Group 3: Featured Stocks - Avis Budget operates as a leading vehicle rental operator with a fleet of nearly 695,000 vehicles, benefiting from strong demand in North America [6] - ABM Industries provides integrated facility solutions and has a strong earnings surprise history, with an average beat of 9.6% over the last four quarters [7] - CVR Energy focuses on renewable energy and petroleum refining, committed to developing renewable biofuels [9] - Delek US Holdings is an independent refiner with significant competitive advantages in the Permian Basin, achieving an average earnings beat of 22.3% [10][11] - Asbury Automotive Group's diversified product mix and e-commerce platform, Clicklane, are driving growth and improving its risk profile [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Aben Minerals Ltd. is changing its name to Aben Gold Corp., pending acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange, while maintaining its share capitalization and trading symbol [1] Group 1: Company Name Change - The company has announced a name change from Aben Minerals Ltd. to Aben Gold Corp. [1] - The share capitalization and trading symbol will remain unchanged [1] - A subsequent news release will confirm the effective date of the name change [1] Group 2: Domain Acquisition - The company has purchased the domain rights to www.abengold.com and www.abengold.ca [2] - The company's website URL will be www.abengold.com upon completion and approval [2] Group 3: Company Overview - Aben Minerals is a Canadian gold exploration company with projects in the Yukon Territory and British Columbia [3] - The flagship project is the 7,400-hectare Justin Gold Project, which is 100% owned and located in the Tintina Gold Belt [3] - The company also owns the Forrest Kerr Gold Project, which is located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia [3] Group 4: Company Goals - The company's goal is to increase shareholder value through new discoveries and developing exploration projects in geopolitically favorable jurisdictions [4] - The company has 23.2 million shares outstanding [4]

Core Viewpoint - ABM reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) and revenues exceeding expectations, yet the stock declined post-release [1][2]. Financial Performance - EPS (excluding non-recurring items) was 87 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.5% and increasing 1.2% year-over-year [2]. - Total revenues reached $2.1 billion, slightly surpassing consensus and up 2.2% from the previous year [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $120.6 million, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the year-ago quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.9% [7]. Segment Performance - Business & Industry segment revenues declined 1% year-over-year to $1 billion, meeting estimates [4]. - Manufacturing & Distribution segment revenues decreased 1.6% to $394.3 million, exceeding projections [4]. - Aviation segment revenues increased 8.2% to $270.1 million, driven by healthy travel markets [5]. - Education segment revenues rose 2.4% to $225.3 million, supported by favorable net pricing and increased work orders [5]. - Technical solutions segment revenues grew 21.9% to $202.3 million, although it missed estimates [6]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $59 million, down from $64.6 million [8]. - Long-term debt increased to $1.5 billion from $1.3 billion in the previous quarter [8]. - Net cash utilized by operating activities was $106.2 million, with free cash flow utilized at $122.9 million [8]. Guidance - ABM updated its EPS guidance for fiscal 2025 to a range of $3.65-$3.80, with the midpoint aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [9].

Core Insights - ABM Industries experienced a 13.9% decline in share price following a disappointing fiscal first-quarter earnings report [1] - The company has transitioned from window washing to a leading provider of facility solutions, with business and industry being its largest market, accounting for 48% of sales in the first quarter [2] Financial Performance - The first-quarter earnings report showed satisfactory results, with management raising the low end of the full-year earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance from $3.60 to $3.80 to a new range of $3.65 to $3.80 [3] - A significant concern for investors was the $100 million cash outflow during the quarter, which is alarming for a company with a market cap of $2.93 billion and debt of $1.59 billion [3] Operational Challenges - The negative cash flow was attributed to the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) IT system, which caused delays in invoicing and pressured cash flow [4] - The cautious approach to invoicing during the quarter is expected to improve as invoices will be sent out throughout the year [5] Future Outlook - The potential return of workers to offices may create a positive tailwind for ABM Industries [5] - The company presents an interesting opportunity for enterprising investors despite the current challenges [6]

Revenue and Growth - Revenues increased by $45.3 million, or 2.2%, to $2,114.9 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to the prior year period, driven by organic growth of 1.6% and acquisition growth of 0.6%[107] - Total revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2025, increased by $45.3 million, or 2.2%, to $2,114.9 million compared to the prior year period[120] - Acquisition growth included a $12.7 million revenue increase from the Quality Uptime Acquisition, completed in June 2024[109] - Aviation segment revenues increased by $20.6 million, or 8.2%, to $270.1 million, driven by new business and scope expansions with existing clients[125] - Education segment revenues increased by $5.2 million, or 2.4%, to $225.3 million, primarily due to new business wins and increased work orders[127] - Technical Solutions segment revenues increased by $36.4 million, or 21.9%, to $202.3 million, with organic growth of 14.2% and acquisition growth of 7.7%[129] Profitability and Margins - Operating profit rose by $3.5 million, or 4.7%, to $77.6 million during the same period, attributed to revenue increases and operational efficiencies[107] - Gross margin improved by 53 basis points to 12.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2025, from 11.8% in the prior year period[110] - Operating profit for the Technical Solutions segment increased by $10.0 million to $16.6 million, with an operating profit margin increase of 424 bps to 8.2%[130] Expenses and Cash Flow - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $14.4 million, or 9.3%, to $169.0 million, primarily due to higher compensation expenses from headcount expansion and legal settlements[111] - Corporate expenses increased by $8.5 million, or 11.4%, to $83.2 million, primarily due to higher legal settlements and compensation expenses[131] - Net cash used in operating activities was $106.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to $0.1 million in the prior year period, driven by increased working capital needs[107] - Net cash provided by financing activities increased to $116.9 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, from $0.5 million in the prior year[150] - Net cash used in investing activities increased by $1.4 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025, primarily due to purchases of property, plant, and equipment[149] Debt and Financing - Total outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility were $1.5 billion as of January 31, 2025, with a borrowing capacity of up to $238.0 million[107] - Total outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility were $1.5 billion in cash borrowings and $29.7 million in standby letters of credit, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.17%[140] - Principal payments under the term loan amounted to $8.1 million during the three months ended January 31, 2025[140] - As of January 31, 2025, the company was in compliance with its credit facility covenants, which include a maximum total net leverage ratio of 5.00 to 1.00[139] Strategic Initiatives - The ELEVATE strategy involves investments totaling $200 - $215 million aimed at strengthening industry leadership and enhancing core services[100] - The company anticipates long-term cash uses may include strategic acquisitions and ongoing technology transformation initiatives under the ELEVATE strategy[133] - The company plans to reinvest foreign earnings to fund future non-U.S. growth and expansion, without remitting such earnings to the United States[141] Market and Risk - A foreign currency translation loss of $7.6 million was recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2025, compared to a gain of $5.4 million in the prior year period[118] - There are no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures in the Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2024[155]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $2.1 billion, an increase of 2.2%, with 1.6% organic growth and the remainder from the acquisition of Quality Uptime Services [29] - Adjusted EPS was $0.87, up from $0.86 in the prior year, while adjusted net income increased to $55.3 million from $54.8 million [31] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 3% to $120.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin remaining flat at 5.9% [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Business & Industry (B&I)**: Revenue was $1 billion, slightly below last year, but operating profit and margin remained consistent due to cost controls [33] - **Aviation**: Revenue grew 8% to $270.1 million, with operating profit up 26% to $12.2 million, reflecting strong travel markets [34] - **Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D)**: Revenue decreased to $394.3 million due to a client exit, but new wins are expected to drive mid-single-digit organic growth later in 2025 [36] - **Education**: Revenue grew 2% to $225.3 million, with operating profit increasing 10% to $14 million [37] - **Technical Solutions**: Revenue surged 22% to $202.3 million, driven by strong microgrid project activity, with operating profit more than doubling to $16.6 million [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial office leasing activity in the US increased by 24% in Q4 2024, indicating a positive trend for B&I [19] - Strong performance in the semiconductor and data center markets is supporting growth in M&D [22] - The aviation sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with strong domestic flight volumes and TSA screenings indicating mid-single-digit market growth [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on implementing a new ERP system to drive cost efficiencies and improve analytics for commercial growth opportunities [11][12] - A new brand platform was launched to reflect the company's evolution into a tech-enabled solution provider [13][14] - Continued investment in client-facing technology, such as ABM Connect, aims to enhance operational efficiency and user experience [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of commercial real estate markets and anticipates growth in B&I in the latter half of fiscal 2025 [10] - The company is closely monitoring immigration policy changes but remains confident in its talent acquisition strategies [17] - Full-year adjusted EPS guidance has been raised to a range of $3.65 to $3.80, reflecting a strong start to the year [45] Other Important Information - The company expanded its credit facility to $2.2 billion, reflecting strong growth and lender confidence [15][41] - Free cash flow for Q1 was negative $123 million due to increased working capital related to the ERP transition, but normalization is expected in the coming months [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the recent improvement in commercial office leasing activity compare to previous quarters? - Management noted that there is no real seasonality in leasing activity, and the recent increase represents a positive trend in net absorption rates [52][54] Question: What is the company's exposure to federal projects? - Management indicated minimal risk from federal projects, as most work is in mission-critical areas that are not being cut [58][59] Question: How does the company plan to manage potential increases in labor costs? - Management stated that half of revenues come from union labor with set rates, and they typically pass labor increases to clients [66][67] Question: What is the expected impact of the new ERP system on cash flow? - Management anticipates a significant increase in cash flow in Q2 as invoicing delays are resolved [73][74] Question: Can you provide insights on the win rates for new business? - Management reported improved win rates due to increased business development efforts and the use of AI in responding to RFPs [84][85] Question: What is the outlook for the Technical Solutions segment? - Management expressed optimism for the microgrid business, supported by a strong backlog and sales pipeline [88][89] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of large client rebalancing in M&D? - Management indicated that the impact has been largely mitigated and expects incremental positive growth in the second half of the year [95][96] Question: What is the strategy for share repurchases? - Management clarified that share repurchases are aimed at offsetting dilution from share-based compensation and will evaluate further opportunities as they arise [108]

Group 1: Earnings Performance - ABM Industries reported quarterly earnings of $0.87 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.78 per share, and showing a slight increase from $0.86 per share a year ago [1] - The earnings surprise for this quarter was 11.54%, following a previous quarter where the company also surpassed expectations with earnings of $0.90 per share against an estimate of $0.86, resulting in a surprise of 4.65% [2] - Over the last four quarters, ABM Industries has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates [2] Group 2: Revenue Performance - The company posted revenues of $2.11 billion for the quarter ended January 2025, which was 0.69% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and an increase from $2.07 billion in the same quarter last year [3] - ABM Industries has also topped consensus revenue estimates in each of the last four quarters [3] Group 3: Stock Performance and Outlook - Since the beginning of the year, ABM Industries shares have declined by approximately 2.6%, while the S&P 500 has seen a decline of 5.3% [4] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the trends in earnings estimate revisions [4][5] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.88 on revenues of $2.07 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.71 on revenues of $8.56 billion [8] Group 4: Industry Context - The Business - Services industry, to which ABM Industries belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [9] - The performance of ABM Industries may also be influenced by the outlook for the industry as a whole, with research indicating that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [9]

First Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation March 12, 2025 Forward Looking Statements This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements about ABM Industries Incorporated ("ABM") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "ABM," "we," "us," "our," or the "Company"). We make forward-looking statements related to future expectations, estimates and projections that are uncertain, and often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "int ...