CoreCivic(US:CXW)2025-11-06 20:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company generated GAAP EPS of $0.24 per share and FFO per share of $0.48, with adjusted EPS increasing by 20% from $0.20 in Q3 2024 [21][22] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $88.8 million, a 6.6% increase from $83.3 million in the prior year quarter [22][23] - The operating margin for safety and community facilities was 22.7%, down from 24.9% in the prior year quarter, but adjusted for startup losses, it was 24% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from federal partners, primarily ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service, increased by 28% year-over-year, with ICE revenue up by $76.2 million or 54.6% [13] - Revenue from state partners increased by 3.6%, driven by new contracts with Montana and population increases in Georgia [13][14] - Total occupancy for safety and community segments was 76.7%, up 1.5 percentage points year-over-year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nationwide ICE detention populations reached historical highs of around 60,000, with a 37% increase in ICE populations in company facilities from the end of 2024 to Q3 2025 [8][9] - U.S. Marshals populations slightly declined to just over 6,300, but are expected to increase in 2026 due to anticipated enforcement activities [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on activating idle facilities, with four new contracts expected to generate approximately $320 million in annual revenue once stabilized occupancy is reached [5][19] - The company plans to accelerate share repurchases, indicating a belief that current stock valuation does not reflect the cash flows of the business [11][33] - The company anticipates reaching a run rate EBITDA of at least $450 million once new facilities reach stabilized occupancy in 2026 [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future demand, citing ongoing conversations with state partners and the potential for additional contract awards [9][60] - The company noted that the pace of ICE admissions has remained stable, with expectations for increased enforcement activity [41] - Management acknowledged challenges related to startup activities for new contracts but emphasized the importance of these contracts for future growth [43][30] Other Important Information - The company has five idle facilities containing approximately 7,000 beds, with ongoing discussions about potential future activations [10][60] - The company plans to spend $60-$65 million on maintenance capital expenditures in 2025, unchanged from prior guidance [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on ICE detention pace and government shutdown impact - Management indicated that the pace of admissions and activity in facilities has remained stable, with some increase in transportation demands [39][40] Question: Guidance and updated occupancy projections - Updated guidance reflects startup activities and new contracts, resulting in some operating losses but viewed positively as it includes new contracts [43][44] Question: Share repurchase strategy and leverage goals - Management confirmed plans to be more aggressive with share repurchases, considering current stock price and expected cash flow growth [46][47] Question: Future activations and state demand - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with state partners for potential bed utilization beyond ICE contracts [60][61] Question: Staffing issues and wage trends - Management reported strong hiring experiences and favorable wage trends, with no significant concerns regarding staffing [56]