Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company achieved over 12% revenue growth, nearly all organic, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 12% to $1,315 million, yielding an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11$1.52, a 55% increase year over year [38][39] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $194 million, resulting from$218 million of cash from operations, less $24 million of CapEx [39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense and intelligence businesses saw significant growth, with revenue up 145$800 million, indicating strong demand and increasing integration into government operations [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the fiscal year with a record year-end backlog of $37 billion, up 15$53.4 billion [35][36] - The book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 0.71 times, in line with historical averages, while the trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio was 1.39 times, above the trailing five-year average of 1.28 times [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is restructuring its civil business to return to growth rapidly after a reset period, while focusing on capturing major outcome-based opportunities [22][23] - The Vault strategy, emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology, aligns with government changes, particularly in AI and advanced technology [17][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a near-term disruption in the civil business due to government spending reductions and procurement slowdowns, but expressed optimism about growth opportunities in defense and intelligence sectors [10][29] - The outlook for FY 2026 anticipates revenue between $12 billion and$12.5 billion, with adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1,315 million to$1,370 million, maintaining an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 11% [42] Other Important Information - The company plans to make targeted cost and headcount reductions to match anticipated demand, with an expected 7% reduction in staff concentrated in the civil business [12][37] - The board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 55¢ per share, payable on June 27, reflecting a strong balance sheet and commitment to shareholder value [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage the impact of unpredictable descoping and cancellations? - Management highlighted the dual dynamics of a reset in the civil business and continued strength in defense and intelligence, indicating a proactive restructuring to position for growth [47][48] Question: What are the expectations for the multiyear growth environment, particularly in defense and civil? - The company noted a significant increase in defense spending and a focus on technology integration, while the civil business is undergoing a reset with positive reviews of their technology [55][56] Question: How does the company plan to address the low double-digit decline in the civil business? - Management indicated that the civil business has undergone most reviews positively, and they expect growth to resume as new opportunities arise in the second half of the fiscal year [68][73] Question: How does the company view its branding and perception in the market? - Management acknowledged being a market leader attracts attention, and they are working to improve communication about their advanced technology capabilities [88][90] Question: What is the outlook for the AI business and its future programs? - The company remains optimistic about its AI business, emphasizing its integration into various missions and the potential for significant growth in the sector [99][100]