Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash earnings for the full year were $514.6 million, down 8.4% year on year, primarily due to a decrease in non-interest income and higher funding costs impacting margins in the first half [5][17] - Operating expenses increased by 7.7% year on year, reflecting planned investment spending and inflationary pressures, but only rose 2.1% in the second half [6][30] - The common equity tier one (CET1) capital ratio was 11%, down 17 basis points over the half but still above the board-approved target [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer division saw strong mortgage growth of 8% for the full year, but cash earnings remained flat [7] - The business and agri divisions experienced a 10% decrease in cash earnings, primarily due to reduced net interest income from competitive pressures [8] - The digital EasySaver product launched in February drove a 23% growth in EasySaver balances, contributing to low-cost deposit growth [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer numbers increased by 11%, with the digital bank reaching 1.2 million customers, marking the strongest growth since its inception [4] - Digital deposits through Bendigo Bank branded products grew by 58% over the year, while UP deposits increased by 34% [10][29] - The household deposit to loan ratio remained strong at 73%, significantly above the industry average [29][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a refreshed strategy that emphasizes trust, agility, regional presence, and a strong deposit-gathering franchise [38][39] - The strategy includes five pillars aimed at enhancing digital experiences, streamlining operations, deepening customer relationships, and reinforcing community support [41][42] - The company plans to optimize its deposit franchise and enhance productivity to achieve a return on equity (ROE) target of above 10% by 2030 [43][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a competitive environment and the need for disciplined pricing strategies to maintain margins [56][96] - The company anticipates a gradual improvement in ROE, with significant investments and productivity improvements required over the next two years [71][72] - Management expressed optimism about the potential for improved deposit growth through enhanced digital capabilities and customer engagement [65][99] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $416 million into local communities through sponsorships and grants over the last twenty years, with over $50 million invested this year alone [12] - The company has implemented a productivity program, with restructuring costs expected to continue as part of a comprehensive strategy [6][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin stability and expectations for the next half - Management expressed a desire for more stability in margins, noting that they have managed pricing effectively despite cash rate impacts [56][57] Question: Building blocks for the 10% ROE target - Management highlighted the importance of optimizing the deposit franchise and maintaining costs in line with inflation to support ROE growth [58][60] Question: Funding strategy for growth in business and agri - Management indicated that improving online deposit account opening capabilities would support growth ambitions in business and agri lending [64][65] Question: Regulatory changes and their impact - Management expressed hope that regulatory changes would reduce burdens for mid-sized banks, allowing for more investment in customer-facing capabilities [67][68] Question: Trajectory of ROE towards FY 2030 - Management indicated that the path to improved ROE would not be linear, with significant efforts required in the next two years [71][72] Question: Capital generation and dividend policy - Management reassured that organic capital generation would improve as the company grows, despite a high payout ratio [76][78] Question: Monetizing the UP client base - Management noted that UP's strong customer satisfaction scores would facilitate growth in home lending as the product offerings expand [85][87] Question: Margin compression in business and agri - Management acknowledged competitive pressures impacting margins but emphasized the importance of strategic pricing and deposit management [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash earnings for the full year were $514.6 million, down 8.4% year on year, primarily due to a decrease in noninterest income and higher funding costs impacting margins in the first half [4] - Operating expenses increased by 7.7% year on year, reflecting planned investment spending and inflationary pressures, but only rose 2.1% in the second half [5][30] - The common equity tier one (CET1) capital ratio remained strong at 11%, down 17 basis points from the previous half [36][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer division saw strong mortgage growth of 8% for the full year, but cash earnings remained flat [6] - The business and agri divisions experienced a 10% decrease in cash earnings, primarily due to reduced net interest income amid competitive pressures [7] - The digital EasySaver product launched in February drove a 23% growth in EasySaver balances, contributing to low-cost deposit growth [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer numbers increased by 11%, with the digital bank reaching 1.2 million customers [3] - Digital deposits grew significantly, with Bendigo Bank branded deposits up 58% over the year and UP deposits increasing by 34% [10] - The household deposit to loan ratio stood at 73%, significantly above the industry average [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a refreshed strategy that emphasizes trust, agility, regional presence, and a strong deposit-gathering franchise [38][40] - The strategy includes five pillars aimed at enhancing digital experiences, streamlining operations, deepening customer relationships, and reinforcing community support [41][42] - The company plans to optimize its deposit franchise and enhance productivity to achieve a return on equity (ROE) target of above 10% by 2030 [51][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a competitive environment and the need for disciplined pricing strategies to maintain margins [55][56] - The company expects cash rates to continue their downward trend, impacting net interest margins but aims to stabilize margins through strategic repricing [23][24] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to grow deposits and maintain a strong funding mix to support lending growth [59][60] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $416 million into local communities through sponsorships and grants over the last twenty years, with over $50 million invested this year alone [12] - The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a climate approach to support decarbonization in various sectors [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for margin stability - Management indicated a desire for more stability in margins and discussed the impact of cash rate changes on net interest margins [55][56] Question: Building blocks for the 10% ROE target - Management highlighted the importance of optimizing the deposit franchise and maintaining costs in line with inflation to support ROE growth [58][60] Question: Funding strategy for growth in business and agri - Management discussed plans to enhance digital capabilities for deposit gathering and cross-selling deposit products to existing customers [66][67] Question: Regulatory environment and its impact - Management expressed hope for a more balanced regulatory burden for mid-sized banks, which could support growth [68][69] Question: Trajectory of ROE towards FY '30 - Management acknowledged that achieving the ROE target will require significant effort over the next few years, with expectations of gradual improvement rather than linear growth [72][74] Question: Capital generation and dividend policy - Management reassured that the business can continue to generate organic capital despite a high payout ratio, with expectations of improved profitability [78][79] Question: Monetizing the UP client base - Management noted that UP is expected to contribute positively to the bottom line by FY '27, with plans to expand product offerings to include investment properties [86][88] Question: Margin compression in business and agri - Management acknowledged ongoing price pressure in a competitive market, impacting net interest margins [90][91]

Financial Performance - KBR reported revenues of $2.1 billion for Q1 2025, representing a 13% increase year-over-year, driven by growth across both segments and the LinkWest acquisition [29][30] - Adjusted EBITDA was $243 million, up 17% from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.8%, an increase of 40 basis points [29][30] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.98, reflecting a 27% increase, primarily due to a lower share count from repurchases [29][30] Business Segment Performance - Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) revenues were $1.5 billion, up 14% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $145 million, an 11% increase [31] - Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) revenues reached $550 million, a 12% increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $124 million, up 20% [32] - MTS ended the quarter with a 1.0 times book-to-bill ratio, while STS had a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times [31][32] Market Dynamics - KBR is experiencing a shift in focus from energy transition projects to energy security initiatives in certain geographies, particularly due to affordability issues [46] - The company maintains a strong position in the military space market, highlighted by a recent $176 million contract win [21] - KBR's international operations are well-positioned to capture geographical shifts in energy markets, particularly in the global South [20][23] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - KBR is focused on executing its growth strategy, increasing bid volumes, and winning new contracts, while maintaining a balanced and resilient business portfolio [41][42] - The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation, returning record levels of capital to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [9][34] - KBR is actively pursuing bolt-on acquisitions that align with its strategic priorities, particularly in government and sustainable technology sectors [75][76] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial outlook for 2025, reaffirming guidance for revenues between $8.7 billion and $9.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $950 million to $990 million [38][39] - The company is monitoring geopolitical situations, particularly troop support in Eastern Europe, but has not observed significant impacts on operations [39][92] - KBR's diversified global mix of business positions it well to navigate economic uncertainties and capitalize on strong secular growth trends [25][26] Other Important Information - KBR achieved a record low total recordable incident rate of 0.05 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average [6][7] - The company ended the quarter with over $20 billion in backlog and options, indicating strong future revenue potential [20][104] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the backlog growth and energy transition delays? - Management noted a global thematic shift towards energy security over energy transition due to affordability issues, but remains confident in the STS portfolio [46][47] Question: How confident are you in mid-single-digit organic growth for MTS? - Management highlighted a strong alignment with defense budget priorities and increased funding for human space exploration, indicating confidence in growth drivers [49][50] Question: What is the status of the $2 billion in awards under protest? - Management acknowledged a trend of protests in government awards but expects resolutions in the second half of the year [53][55] Question: How is HomeSafe performing during the peak moving season? - Management reported increased customer satisfaction rates and a strong relationship with Transcom, indicating positive performance expectations [56][58] Question: Can you provide insights on LNG project timelines? - Management indicated that LNG projects are at various stages, with ongoing work in the U.S., Indonesia, and Oman, allowing for flexibility in resource allocation [84][86] Question: What is the outlook for the ammonia industry? - Management confirmed a strong ammonia market with several projects focused on fertilizer usage, indicating a positive outlook for this segment [99]