Brookfield Business Partners L.P.(BBU) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter increased to $591 million from $524 million in the prior period, reflecting improved underlying operating performance and tax benefits [18][19] - Adjusted EFO for the quarter was $234 million, benefiting from lower interest expenses due to reduced corporate borrowings compared to the prior period [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Industrial segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $307 million, an increase from $213 million in the previous year, supported by tax benefits and contributions from recent acquisitions [19] - The Business Services segment's adjusted EBITDA rose to $205 million from $182 million last year, aided by increased volumes of new insurance premiums and stable performance in technology services [20] - The Infrastructure Services segment's adjusted EBITDA decreased to CAD 109 million from CAD 157 million, primarily due to the sale of the offshore oil services shuttle tanker operation [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed resilience with stabilized GDP expectations and low unemployment, while Europe is seeing increased stimulus spending [11][13] - The GCC markets in the Middle East remain strong, and India continues to be a growth economy [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on acquiring high-quality, market-leading businesses with strong competitive advantages, which allows for pricing power and resilience against economic fluctuations [14] - The strategy includes leveraging secondary market opportunities to surface value and enhance shareholder returns through buybacks and reinvestments [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, noting that while there are challenges, the principles of acquiring high-quality businesses are serving the company well [14][15] - The company is confident in its ability to maintain or increase margins despite economic slowdowns, with a focus on optimizing operations and integrating recent acquisitions [15][16] Other Important Information - The company has realized over $800 million from asset sales and distributions while investing $300 million in acquiring two market-leading businesses [6] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $2.9 billion in corporate liquidity, providing options for capital allocation [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance of Scientific Games - Management acknowledged that while hardware deliveries were lower, the overall EBITDA performance was flat, and they remain positive about the business's future growth potential [26][29] Question: Repositioning of Brand Safeway - Management noted that they are repositioning the business towards higher growth markets, although they expect volume softness to continue through the second half of the year [30][32] Question: Leveraging AI for Productivity - Management highlighted numerous AI initiatives across the portfolio that have led to significant operational improvements and cost savings [35][41] Question: Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill - Management expects the provisions in the bill, including accelerated depreciation, to be net positive for the business, enhancing flexibility and reducing tax burdens [42][44] Question: Secondary Transaction Insights - Management explained the decision-making process behind the secondary transaction, emphasizing the strategic choice of assets and the favorable terms achieved [52][55]