Emerson(EMR) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a return to growth in net fee income, with a 0.1% year-on-year increase on a constant currency like-for-like basis, indicating modest growth despite macro pressures [3][4] - Reported net fee income declined by 8% to £23.4 million, primarily due to foreign exchange headwinds and strategic business exits [5] - Adjusted operating profit grew by 55% on a constant currency like-for-like basis and 70% on a reported basis, reaching £1.7 million, leading to a reduction in adjusted diluted loss per share to 0.8p [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the US, net fee income increased by 38% year-on-year, driven mainly by healthcare services [4][15] - Offshore services saw a net fee income increase of 11% on a constant currency like-for-like basis, with adjusted profit rising to £3.2 million [16][17] - The UK experienced a 9% decline in net fee income, although permanent placements improved by 31% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The UK market remains challenging, with a significant drop in temporary contracts by 19% due to a key client moving to an MSP relationship [14] - In Asia, net fee income fell by 20%, reflecting a lag in market recovery compared to Europe and the US [20] - Chile and Peru showed strong growth, with net fee income up 25%, while Germany and Austria faced challenges with a 13% decline [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying service offerings and client bases in offshore services to accelerate growth and improve resilience [7][8] - Investments in sales training and brand transformation are prioritized to enhance market positioning and client experience [8][10] - Non-core asset divestments are progressing well, with multiple active discussions underway [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed encouragement from the directional improvements in core operations despite mixed market conditions [5][22] - There are limited signs of market recovery, and the company is maintaining a focus on improving performance within the current environment [22] - The company believes it is well-positioned to continue delivering improved performance in the second half of the year [23] Other Important Information - Net debt increased to $16.1 million, primarily due to adverse foreign exchange movements, but average net debt remained stable at $15.1 million [6][12] - Cost controls have been effective across the group, reducing the impact of declining net fee income on profits [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the company feel is needed to return the UK business to profitability? - Management noted that the UK has made good progress despite market headwinds and is investing in sales teams and exploring new growth areas [26][27] Question: Is there further upside from cost optimization initiatives in non-core operations? - Management indicated that significant cost optimization has already been implemented, and further actions would depend on market conditions [28][29]