Jacobs Solutions (J) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS grew over 22% to $1.43, supported by solid year-over-year margin expansion [7][21] - Adjusted net revenue rose over 3% in Q2, with adjusted EBITDA for Q2 at$ 287 million, representing an 8% year-over-year increase [11][20] - Backlog grew 20% to more than $22 billion, a new record [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PA Consulting's revenue growth inflected positively, reaching mid-single digits and driving double-digit operating profit growth [7] - Adjusted net revenue growth for Water and Environmental was 2% in Q2, with expectations for mid to high single-digit growth in the second half [22] - Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing adjusted net revenue grew approximately 6% in Q2, with strong demand in both sectors [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 9% of total revenue comes from U.S. Federal infrastructure and related services, primarily tied to Department of Defense engagements [10] - The Middle East saw strong growth, continuing at double digits [45] - FX was a headwind in Q2, but if rates remain stable, it could become a tailwind in Q3 [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The core pillar of the strategy is to redefine the asset lifecycle for clients, focusing on high-growth markets [13][18] - The company aims to deliver sustainable, profitable growth by providing differentiated, digitally enabled solutions [18] - Continued investment in PA Consulting is being considered to strengthen the partnership and capitalize on growth opportunities [90][91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The geopolitical backdrop remains stable, with infrastructure and consulting services in high demand [9] - The company anticipates sequential revenue growth from Q2 to Q3, with Q3 net revenue expected to grow 5% to 7% year-on-year [31] - Management expressed confidence in the backlog and its ability to absorb impacts from legal reserves and FX challenges [39][40] Other Important Information - The company returned a record amount of capital to shareholders during Q2, with$ 351 million in share repurchases [28] - A dividend of $0.32 per share was declared, representing a 10% year-over-year growth [29] - The company is on track to potentially return more than 100% of adjusted free cash flow in fiscal year 2025, excluding the distribution of Momentum shares [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the reserve for the JV matter and discuss customer spending visibility? - Management indicated that while the procurement cycle is extending, there are no broad cancellations or delays in execution [37] Question: What are the regional dynamics, particularly in PA and the UK? - PA is experiencing strong growth, particularly in defense and security, while the UK business is rebounding with solid performance in transportation and water [41][42] Question: How is the company addressing rising construction costs? - The company is working with clients on supply chain scenario planning and value engineering opportunities due to rising costs [66][68] Question: Is there potential for stimulus spending from government customers? - Some programs that were paused are now resuming, particularly in federal infrastructure [72] Question: What is the outlook for margins and utilization rates? - Utilization rates have improved and are on par with previous years, with expectations for margin improvements in Q3 and Q4 [55][107]