The GEO (US:GEO)2026-02-12 19:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net income of approximately $32 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, on revenues of approximately $708 million, compared to net income of approximately $15.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, on revenues of approximately $608 million in Q4 2024 [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was approximately $126 million, up from approximately $108 million in Q4 2024 [20] - For the full year 2025, net income attributable to GEO operations was approximately $254 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, on revenues of approximately $2.63 billion, compared to $32 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, on revenues of $2.42 billion in 2024 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Owned and leased secure service revenues increased by approximately $70 million, or 23%, in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, primarily driven by new contracts with ICE [20] - Managed-only contracts revenues increased by approximately $26 million, or 17%, due to the joint venture for the North Florida Detention Facility and transportation revenue increases [21] - Revenues for electronic monitoring and supervision services increased by approximately 3%, reflecting a favorable technology and case management mix shift [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The census across active ICE facilities increased from approximately 22,000 in Q3 to approximately 24,000, the highest level recorded [6] - The current ICE detention census is approximately 70,000, distributed over 225 locations, primarily short-term jail facilities [11] - The company has approximately 6,000 idle beds at six company-owned facilities, which could generate over $300 million in annualized revenues at full capacity [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capture new growth opportunities that could generate up to $520 million in annualized revenues, marking the most successful period for new business wins in its history [3][32] - The company is exploring participation in the federal government's initiative to purchase and retrofit commercial warehouses for detention capacity, while also focusing on utilizing its idle facilities [13][42] - The company is pursuing additional opportunities in mental health services at the state level, indicating a diversification strategy [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential of the ICE contract, particularly with the increase in monitoring services and case management [9][10] - The company expects 2026 to be as active as 2025, with potential upside across diversified business segments [32] - Management acknowledged the impact of government funding processes on operations but indicated strong liquidity and support from lenders [14][29] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of the Lawton, Oklahoma facility for $312 million and the Hector Garza facility for $10 million, resulting in a significant pre-tax gain [24][30] - A share repurchase program was initiated in August 2025, with approximately 5 million shares repurchased for about $91 million by year-end 2025 [16][30] - The company closed 2025 with approximately $70 million in cash and approximately $1.65 billion in total debt [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding ICE's focus on warehouse initiatives and contract delays - Management indicated that ICE is pursuing both warehouse initiatives and utilizing existing private sector bed capacity, estimating a need for at least 20,000 new beds to reach a target of 100,000 [40][41] Question: On ISAP contract participant levels and capacity - Management confirmed readiness to scale monitoring devices and case management services to meet increased participant levels as outlined in the new ISAP contract [44] Question: Stock buyback strategy given current stock price - Management acknowledged the potential for more aggressive buybacks at current stock levels, emphasizing a diligent approach to capital allocation [46][47] Question: Monitoring service margins and mix shifts - Management explained that margin compression is primarily due to a shift in service mix, with increased demand for higher-cost ankle monitors impacting overall margins [51][52] Question: Guidance for 2026 and startup expenses - Management provided insights into conservative guidance for 2026, factoring in startup expenses related to activating idle facilities, with expectations for margin normalization in the latter half of the year [70][71]