FTI sulting(US:FCN)2025-10-23 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record results with earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted EPS of $2.60, an increase of over 40% year-over-year [5][36] - Revenue for the third quarter was $956.2 million, a 3.3% increase compared to the prior year quarter [36] - Net income rose to $82.8 million, reflecting a 25% increase year-over-year [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $130.6 million, or 13.7% of revenue, compared to $102.9 million, or 11.1% of revenue in the prior year quarter [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Finance (Corp Fin): Revenue increased by 18.6% to $404.9 million, with double-digit growth across all core businesses [38][39] - Forensic and Litigation Consulting (FLC): Revenue rose by 15.4% to $194.7 million, driven by higher demand for risk and investigation services [41] - Economic Consulting: Revenue decreased by 22% to $173.1 million, primarily due to lower demand for antitrust services [43] - Technology: Revenue decreased by 14.8% to $94.1 million, attributed to lower demand for M&A-related services [46] - Strategic Communications (Stratcom): Revenue increased by 7.4% to $89.4 million, supported by higher demand for corporate reputation services [48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong demand in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Spain, France, and Australia for restructuring services [40] - The EMEA region showed particularly strong growth in risk and investigation services [41] - The economic consulting segment faced significant headwinds, particularly in EMEA, affecting revenue from antitrust services [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes organic growth and investment in high-value areas where it believes it has a competitive advantage [8][9] - There is a commitment to enhancing team capabilities and attracting top talent, even during challenging market conditions [11][32] - The leadership team is focused on expanding service offerings and maintaining a strong brand position in the market [41][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and potential for future growth despite current headwinds in certain segments [33][54] - The company anticipates a gradual return to revenue growth in the economic consulting segment, although the timing remains uncertain [52] - There is a belief that the investments made in talent and capabilities will yield positive results in the medium to long term [30][31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.426 million shares at an average price of $164.18, with an additional $500 million authorized for share repurchases [50][51] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $146 million compared to $386.3 million a year ago, primarily due to share repurchases [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the revenue decline in economic consulting is market-driven versus talent dynamics? - Management estimates that approximately two-thirds of the revenue decline is due to talent transition and one-third to market conditions [61] Question: Can you elaborate on the strength of the transactions practice? - The strength is largely attributed to the quality of the team and their leadership, which has built credibility and allowed for the introduction of additional services [66] Question: Regarding FLC, can the price realization continue into next year? - Management believes that the price increases may be specific to 2025, but they are optimistic about maintaining strong performance in the segment [67]