Core Insights - Wall Street analysts forecast that Maximus (MMS) will report quarterly earnings of $1.63 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 11.6% [1] - Anticipated revenues for the quarter are projected to be $1.34 billion, showing a 1.7% increase compared to the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has not changed over the past 30 days, indicating that analysts have maintained their initial projections [2] - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3] Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Revenue- U.S. Federal Services' to be $750.39 million, representing an 11.2% increase from the prior-year quarter [5] - 'Revenue- U.S. Services' is expected to reach $454.98 million, indicating a decrease of 1.9% from the year-ago quarter [5] - 'Revenue- Outside the U.S' is projected to be $133.36 million, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 24.7% [5] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Maximus have decreased by 6.3%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 1.5% [6] - Maximus currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting that its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - Maximus has been awarded a new Joint Cyber Command & Control (JCC2) Readiness contract by the United States Air Force, with a potential value of $86 million [1] Group 1 - The contract aims to enhance interoperability and deliver innovative solutions in the field of cyber command and control [1] - This is the second award received by Maximus from the Air Force, indicating a growing relationship and trust in the company's capabilities [1]

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment returns Group 1: Company Performance - HudBay Minerals (HBM) has seen a 9.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) has experienced a 6.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Weatherford International (WFRD) has reported a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Maximus (MMS) has seen a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Jackson Financial (JXN) has experienced a 4.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - Maximus has experienced significant stock price appreciation, with an increase of almost 30% over the past three months and 20% year-to-date, indicating strong market momentum [1] - The company's growth and profitability are consistent, showcasing resilience in its business model with both top-line and bottom-line growth [1] Company Analysis - Maximus's business model demonstrates resilience, contributing to its consistent growth in revenue and profits [1] - The stock's performance reflects the company's ability to maintain a strong financial position and operational efficiency [1] Market Context - The analysis highlights the importance of identifying undervalued opportunities and unique business models within the investment landscape, particularly in the Nordic and U.S. markets [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of sales growth over traditional earnings metrics for evaluating stocks, especially in volatile market conditions [2][3][10] - A selection of stocks with strong sales growth and cash flow is recommended, including Universal Health Services, Methanex, Arista Networks, Voya Financial, and Maximus [2][10][12] Sales Growth as a Metric - Sales growth is preferred as it reflects actual demand for a company's products or services, providing better visibility into the durability of the business model [3][5] - Companies that can expand their sales during economic stress demonstrate pricing power and competitive advantages [3][5] Earnings Limitations - Earnings can be misleading due to one-off charges, cost-cutting, and accounting adjustments, making them less reliable indicators of a company's trajectory [4] Cash Flow and Financial Flexibility - Sustained sales growth leads to stronger cash flows, allowing companies to reinvest in innovation, expand markets, or return capital to shareholders without excessive debt reliance [5] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks are shortlisted based on criteria such as 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and Cash Flow exceeding $500 million [6] - Additional metrics include P/S Ratio, % Change in Sales Estimate Revisions, Operating Margin, Return on Equity, and Zacks Rank [7][8][9] Recommended Stocks - Universal Health Services (UHS) is expected to have a sales growth rate of 8.5% in 2025 and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 [11][12] - Methanex (MEOH) anticipates a sales growth rate of 5.6% in 2025 with a Zacks Rank of 1 [12] - Arista Networks (ANET) is projected to achieve a sales growth of 25.4% in 2025 and has a Zacks Rank of 2 [13] - Voya Financial (VOYA) expects a sales growth of 16.1% in 2025, also holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [14] - Maximus (MMS) forecasts a sales growth of 2.7% in fiscal 2025 and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [15]

Core Viewpoint - Maximus (MMS) has shown strong performance year-to-date and is positioned to maintain this momentum, making it a compelling addition to investment portfolios [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - MMS shares have increased by 17.5% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Government Services industry, which has seen a decline of 5% [2][8] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong market confidence [3] Group 2: Earnings and Growth Prospects - Maximus has a positive earnings surprise history, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 29.3% [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Maximus's 2025 revenues is $5.45 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 2.74%, while the earnings estimate is $7.41, indicating a 21.28% increase [4][8] Group 3: Competitive Edge and Financial Health - The company achieved CMMC Level 2 certification in August 2025, enhancing its credibility in defense and national security sectors by meeting stringent cybersecurity standards [5] - MMS's current ratio at the end of Q3 fiscal 2025 was 2.27, well above the industry average of 1.35, suggesting strong liquidity and ability to meet short-term obligations [6] Group 4: Dividend History - Maximus has consistently paid dividends over the past four fiscal years, with payouts of $68.8 million, $68.7 million, $68 million, and $72.9 million, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder value [9]

Group 1 - The company Maximus has announced an expansion of its common stock repurchase program, now authorized to buy back up to a total of $400 million in shares [1] - This new authorization includes the remaining $32.7 million from its previous repurchase program [1]

Core Viewpoint - Maximus has authorized an expansion of its stock purchase program to a total of $400 million, indicating confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Company Summary - The new stock purchase program includes approximately $32.7 million of remaining availability from the existing program, suggesting a strategic approach to capital allocation [1] - Maximus plans to purchase shares opportunistically at prevailing market prices, utilizing methods such as open market transactions and 10b5-1 plans, which allows for systematic buying [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group normalized revenue increased by 3% to AUD 541.6 million, with a notable 8% growth in the second half compared to the first half [4][13] - Normalized net profit after tax (NPATA) was AUD 103.2 million, down 4.1% year-on-year, while statutory net profit after tax rose by 6.4% to AUD 95.8 million [14][26] - The cost-to-income ratio improved by 230 basis points in the second half compared to the first half, with a full-year ratio of approximately 58.7% [5][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Remuneration Services (GRS) revenue was slightly up at AUD 293.4 million, with novated lease sales growing by 4.1% [16] - Asset Management Services (AMS) revenue increased by 4.3% to AUD 185.5 million, with written down value rising by 6.4% [21] - Participant numbers in the PSS segment grew by 10.5%, with revenue up 11.5% to AUD 56.5 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EV percentage of new novated sales peaked at 56% in Q3 before stabilizing around 45% in Q4 [17] - The number of employees in the SME and corporate segments increased by 15.8%, contributing to 29% of total novated sales in FY 2025 [19] - NDIS participant growth was strong at 11.8%, with the government focusing on managing cost growth [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a trusted partner providing simple solutions across its segments, focusing on customer experience, technology enablement, and process simplification [7][10] - Key investment areas include digital and service excellence, data-driven insights, AI and automation, process simplification, and expanding the partner ecosystem [9][10] - The company is committed to sustainability, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy through initiatives like the On the Go EV charge card [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company enters FY 2026 with strong business momentum and expects stable auto supply and used car values [33] - Cash rates are anticipated to decrease as inflation moderates, which should support customer confidence [34] - The company expects continued growth from new client wins and buoyant novated orders, alongside benefits from strategic investments [34] Other Important Information - The company invested AUD 20.8 million in growth and productivity, with AUD 6.1 million classified as nonrecurring costs [13][26] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with no debt maturities due in the next twelve months, following a successful AUD 300 million private placement [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the drivers for the improvement in novated yield? - The improvement was largely due to a higher proportion of plug-in hybrids at higher price points and a larger proportion of new vehicles being financed [37] Question: Is the 4.7% of novated leases in Olli incremental business? - Most of the new customers acquired through Olli are in employee brackets of 20 to 200, which was not previously targeted [40] Question: What should be expected for the cost-to-income ratio in FY 2026? - A fair assessment for FY 2026 would be around the 57% mark, with expectations for further benefits from productivity investments [42][44] Question: Will onboard finance be a positive contributor to NPATA for FY 2026? - It is expected to be neutral for FY 2026 but positive thereafter [45][46] Question: How will the removal of setup fees impact margins in PSS? - There will be a downward movement in margins in 2026 due to the removal of setup fees, but automation investments are expected to improve margins over time [52] Question: What is the outlook for GRS contract renewals? - Approximately 10% of the portfolio is up for renewal in the next eighteen months, with a strong pipeline for new opportunities [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group normalized revenue increased by 3% to AUD 541.6 million, with normalized unpata at AUD 103.2 million, down 4.1% year-on-year [4][14][26] - Statutory net profit after tax rose by 6.4% to AUD 95.8 million, while normalized return on capital employed increased to 63.4% [6][14][26] - The cost to income ratio improved by 230 basis points in the second half compared to the first half, with a full-year ratio of approximately 58.7% [5][44][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Remuneration Services (GRS) segment saw normalized revenue slightly up to AUD 293.4 million, with novated lease sales growing by 4.1% [16][17] - Asset Management Services (AMS) revenue increased by 4.3% to AUD 185.5 million, with written down value up 6.4% [22] - Participant numbers in the Plan and Support Services (PSS) segment grew by 10.5% organically, with total customers increasing by 21.5% to over 42,600 [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EV percentage of new novated sales reached 56% in Q3 before returning to around 45% in Q4, consistent with previous periods [18][19] - Demand and momentum remained strong, with order growth of 11.3% in June and July compared to the same period last year [18] - The company reported a strong customer growth across all segments, particularly in the SME segment [4][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a trusted partner providing solutions that simplify processes, focusing on customer experience, technology enablement, and broadening its ecosystem of partners [7][10] - Investments in digital solutions, AI, and automation are central to enhancing customer experience and operational productivity [8][10] - The Simply Stronger program has been completed, with expectations of improved customer experiences and productivity gains [13][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company expects auto supply and used car values to remain stable, with continued growth in new client wins and NDIS participant growth supporting customer growth across all segments [33][35] - Management anticipates benefits from strategic investments and the removal of non-recurring costs in FY 2026 [35][36] - The company remains optimistic about growth opportunities despite the removal of setup fees impacting margins in the PSS segment [56][72] Other Important Information - The company executed a successful AUD 300 million private placement, enhancing investor diversity and lowering funding costs [6][21] - The Onboard Finance segment's normalization concluded in FY 2025, with expectations of neutral contributions in FY 2026 [47][52] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with no maturities due in the next twelve months, providing flexibility for growth [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the drivers for the improvement in novated yield? - The improvement was largely due to a higher proportion of plug-in hybrids at higher price points and improvements in insurance related to residual risk [39][40] Question: Is the 4.7% of novated leases through Olli incremental business? - Most of the new customers acquired through Olli are in employee brackets of 20 to 200, which was not previously targeted [41][42] Question: What should be expected for the cost to income ratio in FY 2026? - A fair assessment for FY 2026 would be around the 57% mark, with further benefits expected from productivity investments [44][46] Question: Will onboard finance be a positive contributor to NPATA for FY 2026? - It is expected to be neutral for FY 2026, with positive contributions anticipated thereafter [47][48] Question: How do you view margin within PSS with the new acquisition? - There will be a bit of downward movement on the margin in 2026, but automation and process improvements are expected to help recover margins over time [55][56] Question: What is the outlook for GRS contract renewals? - Approximately 10% of the portfolio is up for renewal over the next eighteen months, with a strong pipeline for new opportunities [86][87]