Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the Testing space for 2025, with Bureau Veritas and SGS rated as preferred Overweights [6][18]. Core Insights - The Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector is expected to achieve organic growth in line with FY25 guidance, with a consensus forecast of 5-7% organic growth and 40-50 basis points margin expansion across the TIC3 in 2025 [6][12]. - Despite a significant decline in China exports to the US in April (-21%) and May (-34%), the organic growth of the TIC sector has remained resilient, decoupling from traditional indicators such as GDP growth and patent applications [27][31]. - The report identifies 22 megatrends that could drive organic performance in the Testing sector through 2030, with Bureau Veritas and SGS positioned to capitalize on these trends [18][19]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - The global TIC market is forecasted to grow at a mid-single-digit rate to 2030, driven by increasing regulation and demand for testing solutions [12][14]. - The organic growth rates of testing companies have decoupled from GDP growth since 2021, with expectations of sustained GDP+ organic growth driven by regulatory demands [12][18]. Company Performance - Bureau Veritas has reported the highest average organic growth since the pandemic, while Intertek has shown the lowest group organic growth due to its higher consumer exposure [56]. - For FY25, Bureau Veritas guides to mid to high single-digit organic growth, SGS to 5-7%, and Intertek to mid-single digits [56]. Growth Drivers - Key growth drivers include testing megatrends, increased regulation, supply chain assurance, AI-enabled products, and ESG regulation [56]. - The report highlights the potential for high-single-digit to low-double-digit organic revenue growth in the Certification/Assurance division due to changes in the ESG reporting landscape [42]. Valuation and Financial Metrics - Bureau Veritas has a market capitalization of €12.5 billion ($14.8 billion) with a revenue of €6,241 million and an EBITA margin of 16.0% [59]. - The report provides a valuation snapshot, indicating that Bureau Veritas is expected to have an EV/EBITDA of 10.9x in 2025, while SGS is projected at 10.3x [58].

Financial Performance - UL Solutions' 2024 revenue reached $2.9 billion[14] - The company achieved 8.7% organic revenue growth in 2024[14] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $656 million, representing a 22.9% margin[14, 42] - The average Free Cash Flow from 2022 to 2024 was $249 million, with a 9.2% margin[42] - Q1 2025 saw a 7.6% organic revenue increase and a 22.9% rise in Adjusted EBITDA[60] Business Segments - The Industrial segment generated $1.254 billion in revenue in 2024, with a 31.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin[25, 30] - The Consumer segment's 2024 revenue was $1.238 billion, with a 16.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin[25, 32] - Software and Advisory segment revenue reached $378 million in 2024, with a 15.6% Adjusted EBITDA margin[25, 34] Market Position and Growth - UL Solutions holds the 1 product TIC market share by revenue[21] - The outsourced product TIC market is projected to grow at a 5-6% CAGR from 2022-2026[26]

Summary of UL Solutions (ULS) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: UL Solutions (ULS) - **Industry**: Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) - **Revenue**: $2.9 billion in the last fiscal year - **Customer Base**: Over 80,000 customers across more than 35 industries - **Global Presence**: 41% of revenue from the USA, 25% from Greater China, and the remainder from Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Asia [12][18][22] Key Themes and Core Messages 1. **Mission-Driven Growth**: ULS emphasizes its mission of creating a safer world, which resonates with customers and their end-users [6][61] 2. **Safety Science Commitment**: The company focuses on applying safety science to help customers navigate challenges in innovation, security, and sustainability [7][62] 3. **Long-Term Customer Relationships**: ULS has a history of long-lived customer relationships, with many clients being with the company for over a century [8][62] 4. **Global Scale and Operating Leverage**: The company leverages its global scale to drive margin expansion and growth, having invested over $1.3 billion in acquisitions since 2010 [9][17] 5. **Financial Strength**: ULS maintains a healthy balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation, allowing for flexibility in growth strategies and shareholder returns [9][10] Market Dynamics - **Industry Size**: The TIC industry is valued at over $240 billion, with a significant portion being outsourced [17] - **Growth Drivers**: Key megatrends driving growth include energy transition, new mobility solutions, sustainability, digitalization, and regulatory compliance [20][22] - **Recurring Revenue**: 33% of ULS's revenue is recurring, stemming from ongoing certification services [15] Financial Performance and Projections - **EBITDA Margin**: The adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.9% last year, with a target of 24% for the current year [38][39] - **Growth Resilience**: ULS has demonstrated resilient growth, averaging nearly 7% compound annual growth over the past decade, even during economic shocks [33] Strategic Initiatives 1. **Capital Allocation**: ULS reinvests approximately 18% of revenue back into the business, focusing on organic growth and capacity expansion [46][48] 2. **M&A Strategy**: The company seeks acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in product testing, inspection, and certification, focusing on technical expertise and service extension [49][50] 3. **Software and Advisory Services**: ULS is optimistic about growth in its software segment, which supports product compliance and supply chain transparency [52][53] Additional Insights - **Impact of Tariffs**: ULS views tariffs as short-term challenges that can lead to increased demand for retesting and recertification services as manufacturers adapt [29][30] - **Energy Transition**: The electrification of various sectors is expected to significantly increase demand for ULS's services, particularly in testing and certification for new energy technologies [24][26] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the UL Solutions FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market dynamics, and financial performance.

Summary of Akron Corporation's First Quarter Earnings and Merger Announcement Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Akron Corporation - **Industry**: Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) and Engineering Services Core Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: Akron Corporation has signed a definitive merger agreement with NV5, which will enhance their service offerings and market reach [2][18][19]. 2. **First Quarter Performance**: Akron reported a revenue of $234 million, a 5% increase from $223 million year-over-year, with organic growth at 7.2% [13][16]. 3. **Market Conditions**: The company experienced growth despite macroeconomic volatility and tariff uncertainties, maintaining a disciplined pricing strategy [6][7][11]. 4. **Service Offerings**: Key services include run and maintain work (over 40% of business) and call out services, both of which showed strong performance [9][10]. 5. **Operational Resilience**: Akron's operational exposure to tariffs is minimal, primarily due to local labor costs and low material exposure [11]. 6. **Financial Metrics**: Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $25.9 million, down from $35.5 million the previous year, reflecting a decrease in adjusted EBITDA margin from 15.9% to 11% [15][16]. 7. **Full Year Guidance**: The company reaffirms its full-year revenue growth expectations in the low to mid-single-digit range, with flat adjusted EBITDA year-over-year [16]. Merger Details 1. **Transaction Structure**: Akron will acquire NV5 for approximately $1.7 billion, with NV5 shareholders receiving $23 per share, consisting of $10 in cash and $13 in common equity [20]. 2. **Market Expansion**: The merger is expected to create an industry-leading TIC and engineering platform, unlocking new geographies and end markets [18][19]. 3. **Shareholder Benefits**: The transaction is anticipated to be immediately accretive to Akron shareholders, with NV5 shareholders owning approximately 40% of the combined business [20][21]. 4. **Operational Efficiencies**: The merger is expected to yield significant operational efficiencies and a larger service platform [19][21]. Additional Insights 1. **Geospatial Services**: NV5's capabilities in geospatial data and analytics will complement Akron's services, enhancing asset management and inspection processes [28][29]. 2. **Infrastructure Focus**: Both companies see strong growth potential in infrastructure services, driven by aging assets and increased investment in essential infrastructure [26][62]. 3. **Cross-Selling Opportunities**: The merger will facilitate cross-selling of services between the two companies, particularly in new end markets such as infrastructure and industrial sectors [88][90]. 4. **M&A Strategy**: The combined entity will continue to pursue M&A opportunities, leveraging a robust pipeline and the strengths of both companies [108][110]. Conclusion The merger between Akron Corporation and NV5 is positioned to create a stronger entity in the TIC and engineering services industry, with significant growth potential and operational efficiencies. The first quarter results indicate a solid foundation for future performance, despite current economic challenges.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 5.2% year-over-year, with organic growth of 7.6% [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 22.9% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.8%, up 320 basis points [7][16] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $80 million, a 31.1% increase from $61 million in the same quarter last year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial segment revenues rose by 8.1% organically, driven by ongoing certification services and certification testing [7][17] - Consumer segment revenues increased by 7.7% organically, with strong demand across consumer technology and retail products [7][19] - Software and Advisory segment revenues grew by 5.6% organically, with a 9.3% increase in the software service line [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed across all geographic regions, with North America showing particular strength in both industrial and consumer segments [6][62] - The automotive electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in Japan is expected to address a growing market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capacity expansions in HVAC testing facilities and developing a global fire science center to enhance market position [8][9] - Strategic M&A opportunities are being pursued to strengthen market position and drive margin and earnings improvement [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment presents both risks and opportunities, but they reaffirmed their full-year 2025 outlook [13][25] - The company is monitoring key performance indicators closely to understand potential impacts from tariffs and macroeconomic conditions [12][13] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be approximately 26%, up from 16.9% in 2024 due to the implementation of OECD's Pillar Two [26] - The company generated over $100 million in free cash flow and paid down $90 million of debt [7][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on product redesign and manufacturing locations - Management indicated that customers have been making decisions regarding tariffs for several years, and while some adjustments are expected, no material impact has been observed currently [34] Question: M&A strategy in the current macro backdrop - The company continues to engage in conversations about various acquisition opportunities and remains active in pursuing growth through M&A [36] Question: Anticipated impact of tariffs on guidance - Management affirmed their guidance, indicating that they have accounted for increased uncertainty while maintaining confidence in their core business [41] Question: Moderation in new product launches - There has been no meaningful impact on innovation, and management remains close to customers regarding their new product development plans [42] Question: Context on margin expansion in Q1 - Strong operational execution and revenue growth contributed to significant margin improvement, particularly in the Industrial segment [46][48] Question: Growth by geography - North America, especially in industrial sectors, continues to show strong demand, with notable growth also in Asia [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 5.2% year-over-year, with organic growth of 7.6% [7][16] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 22.9% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.8%, up 320 basis points [8][17] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $80 million, a 31.1% increase from $61 million in the same quarter last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial segment revenues rose by 4.4% to $308 million, or 8.1% on an organic basis, driven by ongoing certification services and certification testing [18] - Consumer segment revenues were $304 million, up 6.3% year-over-year, or 7.7% on an organic basis, with strong demand across all service offerings [19] - Software and Advisory segment revenues increased by 4.5% year-over-year to $93 million, with organic growth of 5.6% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed across all geographic regions, with North America showing particular strength in both industrial and consumer segments [61] - The automotive electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in Japan is expected to address a growing market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capacity expansions in HVAC testing facilities and developing a global fire science center of excellence [9][10] - Strategic investments are being made to align with megatrends such as global energy transition and digitalization [6][30] - The company aims to pursue strategic M&A opportunities to enhance margins and earnings [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed the full-year 2025 outlook despite increased macroeconomic uncertainties, expecting mid-single-digit organic revenue growth [25][26] - The company is monitoring key performance indicators closely to navigate potential risks and opportunities [14] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be approximately 26%, up from 16.9% in 2024 due to new tax regulations [27] - Free cash flow for Q1 was $103 million, up from $84 million in the prior year [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on product redesign and manufacturing - Management noted that customers have been making decisions regarding tariffs for several years, with some already shifting manufacturing locations [34] Question: M&A strategy in uncertain macro backdrop - The company continues to engage in conversations about various acquisition opportunities globally, emphasizing the importance of CapEx as a growth accelerator [36] Question: Anticipated impact of tariffs on guidance - Management affirmed guidance, indicating confidence based on current business visibility and order book [41] Question: Moderation in new product launches - There has been no meaningful impact on innovation, with management maintaining close relationships with customers regarding their product development plans [42] Question: Margin expansion context - Strong operational execution across segments contributed to significant margin improvement, particularly in the Industrial segment [46] Question: Growth by geography - North America, especially in industrial sectors, continues to show strong demand, with notable growth also in Asia [61]

Q1 2025 Financial Highlights - Revenue grew by 5.2%, with organic revenue growth of 7.6%[8] - Adjusted Net Income increased by 31.1%[8] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.9%, with Adjusted EBITDA margin up by 320 bps[8] - Free Cash Flow generated was $306 million for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2025[8] Q1 2025 Revenue Breakdown - Industrial segment revenue increased by 4.4% (8.1% organic) to $308 million[20, 40] - Consumer segment revenue increased by 6.3% (7.7% organic) to $304 million[24, 40] - Software and Advisory segment revenue increased by 4.5% (5.6% organic) to $93 million[27, 40] Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.9% to $161 million, with a margin of 22.8%[13] Q1 2025 Adjusted Net Income - Adjusted Net Income increased by 31.1% to $80 million, with a margin of 11.3%[16] Full-Year 2025 Outlook - The company is affirming its 2025 outlook, which includes mid-single-digit constant currency organic revenue growth[34, 36] - Adjusted EBITDA margin organic improvement to approximately 24%[36] - Capital expenditures are expected to be 7% to 8% of revenue[36]