AECOM(ACM)2025-05-06 12:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results showed record net service revenue (NSR), margins, and earnings per share (EPS) [9][27] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8% to 1.25, both setting new second quarter highs [11][27] - Free cash flow increased by 141% to 110 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [11][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NSR growth was highest in The Americas, with a 6% increase, reflecting strong demand across all end markets [30] - The adjusted operating margin in The Americas rose by 130 basis points to 19.4%, a new second quarter high [30] - In the international segment, NSR increased by 1%, with mixed trends across markets, but backlog and pipeline are at record highs [31][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog increased quarter over quarter to a new record, driven by a 1.1 times book to burn ratio [12] - The U.S. market remains robust, accounting for over 50% of NSR, with significant funding appropriated for infrastructure projects [18][19] - Canada experienced double-digit growth in revenue and backlog, supported by a $150 billion investment plan [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver 50% of revenue from advisory and program management over time, investing in these areas to meet growing demand [14] - The competitive edge platform is delivering record high win rates, with an 80% success rate on large enterprise critical pursuits year to date [12][13] - Investments are being made to accelerate organic growth and expand competitive advantages, particularly in advisory and program management [14][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second half of the year, supported by a strong backlog and pipeline of opportunities [12][41] - The company is navigating macroeconomic volatility and expects continued growth despite isolated delays in project decisions [9][44] - Management noted that the work is highly technical and critical, with ongoing demand driven by aging infrastructure and sustainability requirements [14][15] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with net leverage of 0.7x and a focus on capital allocation strategies [32] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders while continuing to invest in high-return opportunities [11][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for second half EBITDA growth - Management indicated that growth will be balanced between top line and bottom line, with confidence in contracted backlog and pipeline [35][41] Question: Is the company through the worst of isolated delays? - Management expressed confidence in managing delays, noting that disruptions are typical during changes in administration [42][44] Question: Free cash flow expectations for 2025 - Management aims to maintain over 10% free cash flow conversion of adjusted net income, with strong performance in the first half [47][50] Question: Private sector exposure and customer confidence - Private sector represents approximately 30% of the business, with growth expected to continue, particularly in water and environment sectors [52][54] Question: Capital allocation strategy and share buybacks - The capital allocation strategy remains unchanged, with share repurchases aligned with free cash flow generation [58][59] Question: Expectations for international margins - Management expects international margins to improve in the second half, with continued investments in people and capabilities [95][96] Question: Gross revenue versus net revenue and construction management - Management is repositioning the construction management business, which may lead to a decline in gross revenue in the short term [101][102] Question: Update on AECOM Capital wind down - Management confirmed that AECOM Capital should not be modeled for 2026 [104]