Core Viewpoint - Exponent reported stable performance in Q2 FY2025 with a slight revenue increase, but faced profitability pressures due to rising operating costs and mixed demand trends across segments [1][5][7] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 FY2025 was $142.0 million, a 1.1% increase from $140.5 million in Q2 FY2024 [2] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 8.8% to $0.52 from $0.57 year over year [2] - EBITDA fell to $37.0 million, down 7.3% from $39.9 million in Q2 FY2024, with margins declining to 27.8% from 30.2% [2][7] - Net income decreased by 8.9% to $26.6 million compared to $29.2 million in Q2 FY2024 [2][7] Business Model and Strategy - Exponent operates as a technical consulting firm, focusing on specialized projects in engineering, data science, biomedical engineering, and environmental health [3] - The company aims to broaden its client base, increase technical specialization, and expand into emerging areas like digital health and artificial intelligence [4] Segment Performance - The Engineering and Other Scientific segment, contributing 85% of revenues before reimbursements, grew by 1% year over year, driven by demand for dispute-related consulting [5][10] - The Environmental and Health segment, accounting for 15% of revenues before reimbursements, contracted by 4% due to reduced activity in proactive services [6][10] Client Base and Market Trends - Exponent's client base is diversified across various industries, which helps mitigate risk [11] - Recent growth was noted in dispute-related activities in construction and medical devices, with potential future growth in digital health and AI usability [11] Future Outlook - Management expects low-single-digit revenue growth before reimbursements for FY2025, with EBITDA margins projected between 26.25% and 27.0% [14] - For Q3 FY2025, revenue before reimbursements is anticipated to increase by mid-single-digit percentages year over year [14] - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, continuing a steady capital return policy [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues before reimbursable expenses (RBR) grew 8% year-over-year, reaching a record high for the business [4][21] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $19.4 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, down from $37.5 million, or $2.23 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was $60.6 million, or 15.1% of RBR, compared to $55.7 million, or 15% of RBR in Q2 2024 [24] - Adjusted net income increased to $33.7 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, a 12.5% increase from Q2 2024 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Healthcare Segment**: RBR grew 4.1% to $197.8 million; excluding divested student education results, growth was 6% [25][26] - **Education Segment**: RBR reached a record $129.3 million, up 5.3% driven by strong demand for strategy and operations offerings [27][10] - **Commercial Segment**: RBR grew 28.2% to $75.4 million, driven by the acquisition of Akcea and strong demand for digital offerings [13][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The healthcare segment faces significant federal spending cuts projected to reduce Medicaid funding by over $1 trillion over the next decade, increasing the uninsured population by up to 10 million [6][7] - The education segment is experiencing heightened uncertainty due to potential declines in federal support for research grants and anticipated enrollment declines [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings, particularly in healthcare and commercial segments [18][16] - Recent acquisitions, including Eclipse Insights and Trelliant, are aimed at strengthening performance improvement capabilities and expanding into risk management and compliance [9][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth due to strong client relationships and demand for consulting services, particularly in healthcare [5][18] - The company anticipates ongoing financial pressures for clients, which will drive demand for performance improvement and financial advisory services [42][43] Other Important Information - The company has increased its RBR guidance for 2025 to a range of $1.64 billion to $1.68 billion, reflecting a 12% increase at the midpoint compared to 2024 [17][33] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be in the range of 25% to 27% [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility in the current environment - Management noted that visibility has improved compared to earlier in the year, driven by stronger sales conversions and a clearer regulatory environment [40][42] Question: Temporary pause in digital transformation sales - Management believes the slower sales conversions in digital offerings are temporary, as clients focus on immediate financial stability [46][47] Question: Headcount growth and utilization rates - Headcount growth was primarily driven by managed services and recent acquisitions, with utilization rates at the top end of the expected range [55][62] Question: Impact of Medicaid funding cuts - Management highlighted their comprehensive performance improvement offerings that can help healthcare clients navigate the challenges posed by reduced Medicaid funding [72][74] Question: Details on the Trelliant acquisition - The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's capabilities in risk management and compliance, complementing existing services in financial services [75][76]

Core Viewpoint - Exponent, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders and positioning itself for future growth opportunities [1][3]. Dividend Information - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share will be paid on September 19, 2025, to stockholders of record as of September 5, 2025 [1]. - Exponent plans to continue paying quarterly dividends each year in March, June, September, and December, subject to the Board's final determination [2]. Company Positioning and Strategy - Exponent is well-positioned to address rising expectations around safety, health, and the environment, while also laying the groundwork for future opportunities and driving long-term growth [3]. - The company leverages over 90 technical disciplines and 950+ consultants to help clients navigate complex industry challenges, focusing on solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world [3][4]. Operational Capabilities - Exponent's consultants utilize multidisciplinary expertise and resources from offices across North America, Asia, and Europe, enabling the delivery of high-value insights to various sectors including multinational companies, startups, law firms, and governments [4].

Core Insights - LLYC reported a 15% increase in recurring EBITDA for H1 2025, reaching €7.9 million, with total income growing by 18.9% to €64.8 million [1][7] - The company updated its financial guidance for 2025, expecting operating income between €106 million and €114 million and recurring EBITDA between €19 million and €20.5 million, with an estimated EBITDA margin of around 18% [2] Financial Performance - Operating income increased by 6.1% to €45.8 million, while total income rose nearly 19% to €64.8 million [1][7] - The EBITDA margin improved to 17.2%, up 1.3 percentage points from the previous year, reflecting effective cost management [2] Strategic Initiatives - LLYC acquired a 60% stake in Digital Solvers, enhancing its digital communication capabilities in Brazil, and completed the acquisition of Lambert, solidifying its U.S. market position [4] - The company is focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth investments, particularly in AI and data processing technologies [5] Innovation and Technology - LLYC launched AI Legislab, an AI-powered platform for legislative information analysis, and is implementing a global solution using generative AI to enhance brand visibility and consistency [5]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Pat McLay as Senior Managing Director and Australia Leader of the Accounting Advisory practice within its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment [1][4] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 7,900 employees across 32 countries as of June 30, 2025 [6] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024 [6] Leadership Appointment - Pat McLay brings over 30 years of experience in accounting, external audit, consulting, transaction, and internal audit services, having worked with clients in various sectors including public companies, private equity, healthcare, and government [2][4] - In his new role, McLay will lead the Accounting Advisory practice in Australia, focusing on major change events such as mergers, acquisitions, capital transactions, and audits [3][4] Expertise and Services - McLay's expertise is expected to enhance FTI Consulting's accounting-related services, providing valuable technical accounting advice to CFOs and finance teams [4] - He emphasizes the firm's broad capabilities in Australia, including valuations, investigations, data analytics, and cybersecurity services, which allow for integrated support during client transformations [5]

Financial Performance - Science Group reported a record Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP), demonstrating resilience in a volatile market[5] - Group revenue increased to £57.2 million (H1-24: £53.7 million)[9, 16], while Adjusted Operating Profit reached £11.3 million (H1-24: £11.0 million)[9, 16] - Profit Before Tax significantly increased to £32.2 million (H1-24: £7.6 million)[7] and Statutory EPS increased to 55.3p (H1-24: 12.9p)[8] Investment in Ricardo plc - The investment in Ricardo plc generated a pre-tax investment gain of £24.0 million[9, 37] with a 74.2% Return on Investment[37] - The total investment in Ricardo was £32.4 million, realized for £58.0 million[37] - Tax liability on the Ricardo investment is estimated at £5.1 million[9, 37] Segment Performance - Professional Services revenue was £33.2 million (H1-24: £36.5 million) with an AOP of £7.9 million (H1-24: £8.8 million)[16, 22, 23] - Systems Division revenue increased to £23.7 million (H1-24: £16.8 million)[16] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Group cash increased to £82.0 million (H1-24: £38.8 million) and net funds to £70.3 million (H1-24: £26.4 million)[9, 21] - Cash generated from operations was £22.7 million (H1-24: £10.7 million)[21]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Sabine Bennett as a Senior Managing Director in the Australian Healthcare & Human Services practice [1] - Ms. Bennett brings over 16 years of experience in technology-enabled transformation programs for health, aged care, and life sciences clients [2] - The Healthcare & Human Services practice focuses on sector reform, digital transformation, and productivity, having launched in January 2025 [3] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a global expert firm with over 7,900 employees across 32 countries as of June 30, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024 [5] Industry Focus - The practice aims to support clients in creating digital solutions that enhance patient and clinician experiences [2][3] - Ms. Bennett emphasizes the ambition of Australian organizations in Digital and AI, highlighting the challenges in execution [4]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Sabine Bennett as a Senior Managing Director in the Australian Healthcare & Human Services practice, effective July 28, 2025 [1] - Ms. Bennett brings over 16 years of experience in technology-enabled transformation programs for health, aged care, and life sciences clients [2] - The Healthcare & Human Services practice focuses on sector reform, sustainability, digital transformation, and productivity, having launched in January 2025 [3] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 7,900 employees across 32 countries as of June 30, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during the fiscal year 2024 [5] Leadership and Expertise - Nathan Schlesinger, leader of the Healthcare & Human Services practice in Australia, highlighted Ms. Bennett's track record in creating seamless digital experiences and her ability to drive strategy to execution [3] - Ms. Bennett expressed enthusiasm for scaling the practice to support Australian organizations in their digital and AI ambitions [4] - Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Ms. Bennett held a leadership position at a Big Four firm and worked at NTT DATA Business Solutions [4]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting, Inc. (FCN) reported strong second-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but the stock price remained flat post-earnings release [1][7] - Adjusted EPS was $2.13, beating estimates by 14% but down 9% year over year; total revenues were $943.7 million, surpassing estimates by 3.6% but declining 0.6% year over year [1][7] Segment Performance - Technology revenues decreased by 27.9% year over year to $83.6 million, primarily due to lower demand for M&A-related "second request" services [3] - Economic Consulting revenues fell 17% year over year to $191.7 million, driven by reduced demand for M&A-related antitrust services, partially offset by higher realized bill rates [3] - Corporate Finance & Restructuring revenues increased by 9% year over year to $379.2 million, attributed to higher demand for restructuring services and increased bill rates [4] - Strategic Communications revenues rose by 20.8% year over year to $102.7 million, mainly due to an increase in pass-through revenues and demand for corporate reputation services [5] - Forensic and Litigation Consulting revenues grew by 10% year over year to $186.5 million, supported by higher realized bill rates for risk and investigations services [8] Financial Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA was $111.6 million, down 3.7% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin declining by 410 basis points to 8.7% [9] - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $152.8 million, down from $226.4 million in the prior quarter, and generated $55.7 million from operating activities [10] Guidance - FCN projects full-year 2025 revenues between $3.66 billion and $3.76 billion, with EPS expected to range from $7.24 to $7.84 [11] - The company anticipates additional capital expenditures of $29 million to $36 million for the remainder of 2025 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross revenue for the first quarter decreased by approximately 1% year over year to $2.9 billion, while revenue excluding billable expenses grew by 2% year over year [26] - 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 [30] - Net income for the first quarter was $271 million, a year-over-year increase of 64%, primarily due to a favorable agreement with the IRS [31] - Diluted earnings per share grew 70% year over year to $2.16, while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 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 revenue in the Intelligence sector rose by 6% compared to the prior year [26] - Civil business revenue decreased by 13% year over year, reflecting the challenges faced in that segment [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total backlog reached an all-time Q1 record of $38 billion, up 11% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.42 times for the quarter [28] - 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] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a strategy termed "Vault," which emphasizes velocity, leadership, and technology, aiming to leverage technology investments to drive mission effectiveness [9] - The company is restructuring its civil business to align with current demand and is focusing on modernization opportunities, such as a $51 million task order with Customs and Border Protection [12] - The company is also advancing partnerships across the technology ecosystem to maintain global technological supremacy [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the procurement environment is improving, it is still operating below historical speeds, and they expect to see a return to growth in the second half of the fiscal year [8][21] - The management expressed optimism about the medium to long-term outlook, particularly in technology investments related to AI, cyber, and quantum [9][21] Other Important Information - The company repurchased just over 1% of its outstanding shares during the quarter and increased its commitment to Booz Allen Ventures by $200 million [24][34] - The company expects free cash flow for the fiscal year to be between $900 million and $1 billion, reflecting anticipated federal tax impacts [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there a greater appreciation for Booz Allen's technology in the current procurement environment? - Management acknowledged that the business has stabilized and that their technology is recognized for its effectiveness in mission-critical conditions, leading to optimism about future opportunities [44][45] Question: What is the interest from Silicon Valley tech providers to partner with Booz Allen? - Management confirmed that partnerships with commercial tech companies are a significant part of their strategy, and they are seen as a valuable partner by these companies [48] Question: Can you comment on funded backlog trends? - Management indicated that while they are winning work, the funding environment is slow, leading to a relative decline in funded backlog [56] Question: What are the challenges in hiring talent? - Management stated that they are comfortable with their hiring pace and are effectively matching supply and demand, with no significant challenges in attracting talent [63][64] Question: How does the current administration's focus on transformational contracts affect Booz Allen? - Management believes that the current administration's focus on new priorities presents both challenges and opportunities, and they are well-positioned to adapt [101][102]