Cushman & Wakefield(CWK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved fee revenue of $1,500,000,000, an increase of 4%, with organic fee revenue growing by 6% [13] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 24% to$ 96,000,000, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 100 basis points year over year [13] - Adjusted EPS increased to $0.09 from breakeven a year ago, with net leverage at 3.9 times EBITDA [13][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing business grew by 9%, with Americas leasing showing a standout growth of 14% in Q1, marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [14] - APAC leasing grew by 16%, while EMEA leasing contracted by 26% due to tough comparisons from the previous year [14][15] - The services business achieved organic revenue growth of 4%, with The Americas organic services fee revenue growing by 6% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In The Americas, the pipeline of large capital markets deals is now two times the size it was one year ago [8] - RFPs in Americas Leasing and the Multi Market Occupier Group are up by 35% compared to last year, and bid volume in the valuation business was up 30% in Q1 [9] - The APAC Services business demonstrated strong retention rates and five new sizable contracts coming online in the first half of the year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building strength for long-term growth, with disciplined investments unlocking new areas of organic growth [5] - A flat organizational culture allows the company to adapt swiftly to client needs and market shifts, fostering a culture of problem-solving and trust [6][7] - The management believes they are at the beginning of a multi-year recovery in commercial real estate, positioning the company for compelling value opportunities for investors [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that tariff uncertainty has not materially impacted the sector, with strong demand for high-quality products continuing [28] - The company expects leasing growth in the mid-single digits for the full year, with capital markets growth anticipated to exceed the previous year's mid-single-digit growth rate [19] - Management remains confident in achieving EPS growth in 2025 that exceeds the growth reported in 2024 [20] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was a use of$ 167,000,000, consistent with historical working capital trends [17] - The company completed a repricing of $1,000,000,000 of terminal debt, lowering the applicable interest rate by 25 basis points [18] - The balance sheet remains strong, with$ 1,700,000,000 in liquidity and no funded debt maturities until 2028 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin improvement and its drivers - Management indicated that the margin improvement was driven primarily by top-line strength, with stronger than expected leasing and services contributing to the results [25] Question: Impact of tariffs on leasing and capital markets - Management stated that tariff uncertainty has not materially impacted the sector, with 90-95% of clients moving forward with decisions [28] Question: Outlook for office leasing in a potential recession - Demand for office leasing remains strong, with long-term leases being signed and lease terms averaging 77 months [34] Question: Recruiting and retention efforts - The company has strengthened its talent pool significantly, hiring multiple capital markets and leasing teams over the past year [36] Question: Trends in industrial leasing amid trade discussions - The company has been outperforming in industrial leasing, with positive trends continuing despite tariff discussions [41] Question: Capital markets sensitivity to interest rates - Management noted that large investors have alternative borrowing methods, and many clients are closing deals regardless of financing market conditions [44] Question: EMEA market performance - EMEA is currently the weakest economy for the company, but there are signs of recovery, particularly in capital markets in the UK [50] Question: Balancing growth and deleveraging - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on growth while continuing to deleverage, with a higher percentage of capital allocated to growth investments [51]