Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross revenue for the third quarter totaled $2.6 billion, representing a roughly 10% decline year-over-year and a 7% decline on a revenue ex-billable basis [20][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $285 million, translating to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.9% [23] - Net income for the third quarter was $200 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, while adjusted net income was $215 million, an increase of about 9% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The national security portfolio declined about 1% year-over-year, but grew about 4% when adjusting for the impact of the government shutdown [21] - The civil business experienced a significant decline of about 28% year-over-year, with expectations for stability in the remainder of the fiscal year [21][54] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net bookings for the third quarter totaled $888 million, resulting in a quarterly book-to-bill ratio of 0.3 times and a trailing 12-month book-to-bill of 1.1 times [21] - Funded backlog fell 10% year-over-year, but ended the calendar year with a record backlog of over $38 billion, up about 2% from the prior year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three priorities: reducing costs, accelerating the transition to outcome-based contracting and product sales, and concentrating investments on growth vectors like cyber, national security, partnerships, and AI [7][12] - A new partnership with Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) aims to co-create technology solutions for national security and public safety, with Booz Allen committing to deploy up to $400 million in A16Z's late-stage venture fund [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, anticipating improved funding in the fourth quarter and a tightening of revenue guidance to between $11.3 billion and $11.4 billion for the fiscal year [29] - The company expects to generate free cash flow between $825 million and $900 million, indicating a strong operational outlook despite challenges [29] Other Important Information - The company recognized a $7 million pre-tax gain from the divestiture of DARPA's Cedar work, which is excluded from non-GAAP adjusted income [24] - The company ended the quarter with $882 million in cash and a net leverage ratio of 2.5x adjusted EBITDA for the trailing 12 months [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the end market expectations for FY27? - Management indicated that defense and intelligence are expected to grow, while civil is anticipated to remain flat, with signs of improvement in the civil sector [34][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction plan? - Management confirmed that the cost reduction actions were completed during the quarter, with some impact expected in Q4 but primarily setting up for next fiscal year [44][46] Question: How is the pace of contract award activity? - Management noted that December saw a significant increase in funding activity, with January starting strong, indicating a positive trend in awards [47][49] Question: What is the outlook for funded backlog? - Management expressed optimism about the funded backlog, with strong funding in December and a positive demand environment for the upcoming fiscal year [79][80] Question: How does the company prepare for potential changes in the defense budget? - Management stated that they have been preparing to support key priorities and are positioned to respond to changes in funding, emphasizing agility in operations [71][73]