Core Insights - ABM Industries largely met Wall Street expectations for the quarter, but rising costs and full-year guidance imply potential risks of weakness compared to estimates [1] - Investors reacted defensively, leading to a 13% decline in ABM shares [1] Financial Performance - ABM reported earnings of $0.86 per share for the fiscal second quarter ending April 30, which was a penny shy of expectations, with revenue in line at $2.1 billion [3] - The quarter marked a return to organic revenue growth, driven by strength in the prime commercial office market, with revenue growth of 3.4% compared to a 3% rise in operating expenses and a 9% rise in selling, general, and administrative expenses [4] Market Outlook - The company secured $1.1 billion in new bookings in the first half of its fiscal year, reflecting an 11% increase [4] - CEO Scott Salmirs expressed a constructive outlook for core markets, particularly high-quality office buildings, manufacturing and distribution facilities, commercial aviation, and microgrids [5] - Projects delayed in the second quarter are expected to be realized in the third quarter [5] Investor Sentiment - Investors were looking for more acceleration than what ABM delivered, and given broader macro uncertainty, there appears to be more downside risk than upside in the coming months [6] - Concerns include potential slowdowns in manufacturing or layoffs affecting office building occupancy, which could negatively impact results [6]