FirstService(US:FSV)2026-02-04 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, consolidated revenues were $1.38 billion, up 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $138 million, yielding a margin of 9.9%, slightly down from 10.1% in the prior year [13] - For the full year, consolidated revenues increased 5% to $5.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA came in at $563 million, up 10% over the prior year, delivering a 10.2% margin, up 40 basis points compared to 9.8% in 2024 [14][15] - Adjusted EPS for 2025 was $5.75, reflecting a 15% increase versus 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - FirstService Residential revenues for Q4 were $563 million, up 8%, with EBITDA of $51.5 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, and a margin of 9.1%, up from 8.8% in Q4 2024 [15] - FirstService Brands revenues for Q4 were $820 million, down 3% compared to Q4 2024, with EBITDA of $88.5 million, down 12% year-over-year, and a margin of 10.8%, down from 11.9% in the prior year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The restoration segment saw revenues flat sequentially compared to Q3 and down 13% year-over-year, impacted by lower claim activity and fewer named storms [6][7] - The roofing segment experienced a few percentage points increase in revenues due to tuck-under acquisitions, but organic revenues were down over 5% [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on mid-single digit organic growth for 2026, with expectations of modest growth in the first quarter due to declines in certain amenity management services [4][10] - The company is being patient in the current M&A environment, focusing on tuck-under acquisitions and selective opportunities rather than larger platform deals [27][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current economic indicators do not suggest an improved environment through 2026, with consumer confidence remaining depressed [10] - The company expects to see an uptick in revenue growth in subsequent quarters, primarily driven by organic growth and tuck-under acquisitions [20] Other Important Information - Operating cash flow for Q4 was $155 million, a 33% increase year-over-year, contributing to annual cash flow from operations of over $445 million, up 56% versus 2024 [18] - An 11% dividend increase to $1.22 per share annually was announced, up from $1.10 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on M&A and market conditions - Management noted that the market is slower than 12 months ago, with fewer opportunities and high valuations remaining [24] Question: Capital deployment strategy - The company is focused on acquiring underperforming franchises and tuck-under acquisitions, with a cautious approach to larger acquisitions [26][51] Question: Margin outlook for both segments - Management expects margins to be flattish for the year, with some headwinds in Q1 for the brands segment [30][62] Question: Impact of recent weather events on revenue - Management indicated it is too early to quantify the impact of recent weather events on Q1 revenue, but expects modest growth [32][33] Question: Competition in the roofing segment - Competition has intensified, leading to compressed gross margins, and management does not expect this to alleviate until new construction picks up [50]