KBR(US:KBR)2025-05-06 12:30Financial Performance - Revenues for Q1 2025 were $2.1 billion, representing a 13% increase year-over-year, driven by growth across both segments and the LinkWest acquisition [27] - 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 [27][28] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.98, reflecting a 27% increase, primarily due to a lower share count from repurchases [27][28] - Operating cash flow was $98 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, with expectations for increased cash flow in subsequent quarters [28] 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 [30] - Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) revenues reached $550 million, a 12% increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $124 million, up 20% [31] - MTS margins were slightly lower at 9.6%, while STS margins improved to 22.5%, up 60 basis points [30][31] Market Dynamics - The company ended the quarter with a 1.1 times trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio and over $20 billion in backlog and options [18] - There is a growing pipeline of LNG and energy security projects, with strong demand for ammonia noted [18][95] - The company is experiencing a shift in some geographies from energy transition projects to energy security initiatives due to affordability issues [43] Strategic Direction - The company is focused on executing its growth strategy, increasing bid volumes, and winning new contracts [39] - KBR is leveraging its strong balance sheet to return capital to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, with over $150 million in buybacks in Q1 [8][33] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation, targeting a leverage ratio below 2.5 times [33] Management Commentary - 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 [36] - The company is monitoring geopolitical situations, particularly troop support in Eastern Europe, but has not observed significant impacts on operations [37][89] - Management emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction and operational excellence in the HomeSafe program, achieving a customer satisfaction rate of nearly 90% [76] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning to a new supplemental financial disclosure format, providing revenues by customer type and phasing out business unit disclosures by the end of 2025 [35] - KBR's extensive experience in LNG and advantageous commercial business model are contributing to strong financial performance [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on energy transition and backlog growth - Management noted a global shift towards energy security projects, particularly in regions like Europe, while still engaging in energy transition initiatives [43][44] Question: Confidence in mid-single-digit organic growth - Management highlighted alignment with defense budget priorities and increased funding for human space exploration, indicating strong positioning for growth [46][48] Question: Status of awards under protest - Management confirmed $2 billion in awards under protest, with expectations for resolution in the second half of the year [51][52] Question: HomeSafe program performance - Management reported strong customer satisfaction and effective synchronization with Transcom, with expectations for increased volumes in the peak moving season [53][76] Question: LNG project timelines - Management indicated that various LNG projects are at different stages, with ongoing work in the U.S., Indonesia, and Oman [80][82] Question: Ammonia industry outlook - Management confirmed a strong ammonia market, with a focus on fertilizer usage in the pipeline [95]