Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross revenue decreased by approximately 1% year over year to $2.9 billion, while revenue excluding billable expenses grew by 2% year over year [27] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $311 million, up 3% from the prior year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.6%, an increase of 30 basis points year over year [31] - Net income for the first quarter was $271 million, a year-over-year increase of 64%, primarily due to a favorable IRS agreement [31] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 70% year over year to $2.16, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by 7% year over year to $1.48 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Defense sector increased by 7% year over year, while Intel revenue rose by 6% compared to the prior year [27] - Civil business revenue decreased by 13% year over year, reflecting ongoing challenges in that segment [27] - The company achieved a book-to-bill ratio of 1.42 times for the quarter, with total backlog reaching an all-time Q1 record of $38 billion, an 11% increase year over year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The proposal pipeline at the end of the first quarter was nearly $43 billion, which is 3% higher than the same point in fiscal year 2024 [28] - The company noted variability in converting bookings to revenue compared to previous years, indicating a dynamic procurement environment [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on five strategic priorities to drive transformation, including restructuring the civil business, reimagining service delivery, directing resources to growth areas, advancing partnerships in the tech ecosystem, and creating efficiencies within the business [10][18] - The company is leveraging its technology-based approach to align with government priorities, particularly in areas like AI, cyber, and quantum technology [9] - Booz Allen Ventures received an additional $200 million commitment to invest in startups, emphasizing the company's focus on maintaining technological superiority [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about medium to long-term opportunities despite short-term disruptions and slow funding in the procurement environment [22][26] - The company anticipates a return to growth in the civil sector in the latter half of the fiscal year as funding solidifies [7][26] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to the changing landscape and the potential for increased funding from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" [59] Other Important Information - The company repurchased just over 1% of its outstanding shares during the quarter [24] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $96 million, resulting from $119 million in cash from operations [34] - The company plans to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share on August 29 [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there a greater appreciation for Booz Allen's technology in the current procurement environment? - Management confirmed that the business has stabilized and that the technology is performing well, with strong mission impact recognized by customers [42][44] Question: What is the interest from Silicon Valley tech providers to partner with Booz Allen? - Management stated that partnerships with commercial tech companies are a key strategy, and Booz Allen is seen as a valuable partner in making technology work in mission-critical environments [46][47] Question: How does the funded backlog trend relate to the overall book-to-bill ratio? - Management explained that while they are winning work, the slow funding environment has led to a relative decline in funded backlog [55] Question: What are the challenges in hiring and matching talent to demand? - Management indicated that they are comfortable with hiring and are focused on matching talent to demand, particularly in technical roles requiring security clearances [62][80] Question: How disruptive are the changes in software acquisition and contracting? - Management expressed that changes in the FAR and a shift towards outcome-based contracting are positive for the company and the government, allowing for more efficient operations [115][118]