AECOM(US:ACM)2025-05-06 12:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter saw record net service revenue (NSR), margins, and earnings per share (EPS) [11][29] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8% to $290 million, and adjusted EPS rose by 20% to $1.25, both setting new second-quarter highs [13][29] - Free cash flow increased by 141% to $178 million, with $110 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter [13][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NSR in The Americas increased by 6%, with adjusted operating margin rising by 130 basis points to 19.4%, a new second-quarter high [31][32] - In the international segment, NSR increased by 1%, with adjusted operating margin increasing by 10 basis points to 11.1% [33] - Contracted backlog in the design business increased by 5%, supporting confidence in future growth [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market remains robust, accounting for over 50% of NSR, with a record backlog driven by a 1.2 book to burn ratio [20][21] - Canada experienced double-digit growth in revenue and backlog, supported by a $150 billion investment plan [23] - The UK saw increases in NSR and backlog, although larger transportation projects faced delays due to budgetary challenges [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver 50% of revenue from advisory and program management over time, with ongoing investments to accelerate organic growth [16][20] - The competitive edge platform is delivering record high win rates, with an 80% success rate on large enterprise critical pursuits year to date [14] - Investments in innovation, technical excellence, and business development are expected to accelerate in the second half of the year [12][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second half of the year, supported by a record backlog and a growing pipeline of opportunities [14][19] - The company noted that delays in project decisions are common during changes in administration, but the impact on backlog was minimal [12][48] - Management highlighted that the work is highly technical and critical, with a versatile workforce that can adapt to growth opportunities [18] Other Important Information - The company is maintaining its capital allocation strategy, focusing on share repurchases consistent with free cash flow generation [61] - The backlog remains near all-time highs, with a strong pipeline of opportunities across various markets [19][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for second half EBITDA growth - Management indicated balanced growth expectations, with both top-line growth and margin improvement anticipated [38][39][44] Question: Is the company through the worst of the isolated delays? - Management expressed confidence in managing delays, noting that disruptions are typical during transitions in administration [45][48] Question: Free cash flow expectations for 2025 - Management aims to maintain a 10% free cash flow conversion rate, with expectations for continued strong performance [50][52] Question: Private sector exposure and customer confidence - Private sector accounts for approximately 30% of business, with growth expected to continue, particularly in water and environment sectors [56][57] Question: Capital allocation and share buybacks - No changes to capital allocation strategy, with share repurchases aligned with free cash flow generation [60][61] Question: Margin performance in The Americas - Management highlighted significant organic investments and improvements in pricing and efficiency as key drivers of margin expansion [78][80] Question: Expectations for international margins - Management expects international margins to continue improving, although not at the same rate as The Americas [101][103] Question: Update on AECOM Capital wind down - Management confirmed that AECOM Capital should not be modeled for 2026 [111][112]