Stantec (US:STN)2025-11-14 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Stantec reported net revenue of CAD 1.7 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of almost 12% compared to Q3 2024, driven by organic and acquisition growth, each over 5% [2][7] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by close to 18% year over year, achieving a record margin of 19% [2][7] - Adjusted EPS increased by 17.7% to CAD 1.53 compared to Q3 2024 [2][8] - Year-to-date operating cash flows rose 86% from CAD 296 million to CAD 551 million [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water business delivered almost 13% organic growth, while energy and resources achieved nearly 10% organic growth [2] - In the U.S., net revenue increased over 14% in Q3, driven by 4.6% organic growth and almost 9% acquisition growth [3] - The buildings business saw net revenue increase by more than 40% in Q3, attributed to the acquisition of Page and continued organic growth [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, net revenue grew 7.6% in Q3, entirely from organic growth, with double-digit growth in water and energy resources [4] - Global business delivered net revenue growth of almost 11% in Q3, achieving 5.5% organic and 2.8% acquisition growth [5] - The U.K., Australia, and New Zealand saw continued double-digit organic growth in the water business due to public sector investment [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Stantec maintains its net revenue growth guidance for the full year while increasing adjusted EBITDA margin outlook to 17.2%-17.5% [12] - The company aims to achieve net revenue of CAD 7.5 billion by the end of next year, supported by ongoing high levels of activity in its water business [14] - Stantec is optimistic about the long-term support for infrastructure investments following the recent federal budget release in Canada [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong momentum going into 2026, driven by ongoing demand in water, energy transition, and infrastructure projects [16][18] - The company acknowledges some near-term challenges in the U.S. market but remains optimistic about long-term growth drivers [28][30] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks associated with changing market conditions [32] Other Important Information - Stantec's contract backlog stood at CAD 8.4 billion, an almost 15% increase year over year, representing approximately 13 months of work [10] - The integration of the Page acquisition is progressing well, with expected revenue synergies already being realized [48][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 2026 - Management indicated strong momentum going into 2026, with continued support in water and infrastructure projects [16][18] Question: Canadian Infrastructure Opportunities - Management noted solid organic growth in Canada, particularly in land development and transportation projects, with strong public sector demand [20][22] Question: Concerns about Economic Indicators - Management acknowledged some uncertainty in the U.S. market but emphasized strong long-term demand drivers [28][30] Question: M&A Pipeline Update - Management confirmed ongoing discussions regarding potential acquisitions, maintaining a positive outlook for M&A activity [33][34] Question: Margin Sustainability - Management expressed confidence in continued EBITDA margin expansion, driven by organic revenue growth and operational efficiencies [54] Question: Exposure to Defense Sector - Management indicated limited exposure to the defense sector but sees potential growth opportunities in related infrastructure projects [57] Question: Free Cash Flow Performance - Management highlighted strong free cash flow performance due to effective working capital management and collection efforts [60]