APi (US:APG)2026-02-25 14:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported net revenues for Q4 2025 were $2.12 billion, a 13.8% increase from $1.86 billion in the prior year period, with organic growth of 11.1% driven by inspection, service, and monitoring revenues [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 increased by 21.9%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.9%, representing a 90 basis point increase compared to the prior year [15][16] - Full year 2025 adjusted free cash flow was $836 million, up $168 million from the previous year, with a conversion rate of 80% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Safety Services segment, Q4 revenues were $1.42 billion, a 10.6% increase, with organic growth of 6.6% driven by inspection, service, and monitoring revenues [16][17] - Specialty Services reported Q4 revenues of $695 million, a 20.7% increase, with segment earnings increasing by 40.7% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog as of the end of 2025 was over $4 billion, indicating strong demand across various end markets, particularly in data centers and advanced manufacturing [30][51] - Data centers represented approximately 8% of total revenue by the end of 2025, expected to grow to about 10% in 2026 [43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on its 10/16/60+ financial targets, aiming for $10 billion in net revenues by 2028, with a target of 16%+ adjusted EBITDA margin [14][25] - The company is committed to a disciplined M&A strategy, having completed 14 acquisitions in 2025 and pursuing additional opportunities in fire-life safety and electronic security [11][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business, highlighting that 54% of revenue comes from recurring inspection, service, and monitoring, which provides stability regardless of macroeconomic conditions [93][94] - The company anticipates continued strong demand in 2026, driven by robust project opportunities and a healthy backlog [30][88] Other Important Information - The company will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, emphasizing its commitment to community and employee well-being [12] - The company has been recognized as a military-friendly employer for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to providing opportunities for veterans [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue guidance and market conditions - Management indicated that the revenue guidance reflects high single-digit growth in inspection service and monitoring, with low single-digit growth in project work, supported by a strong backlog [28][29] Question: Adjusted EBITDA margins - Management does not expect material changes in tariffs to impact the business and anticipates enhanced gross margins from project-related work, particularly in data centers [35][36] Question: Data center opportunities - Data centers are contributing to growth, expected to represent about 10% of total revenue in 2026, with strong margins due to limited competition [43][44] Question: M&A pipeline - The M&A pipeline remains robust, with opportunities in fire-life safety and elevator services, and management is optimistic about closing additional deals in 2026 [46][47] Question: Project demand assumptions - Management acknowledged that the guidance for project demand reflects conservatism due to early-year uncertainties and tougher comparisons from the previous year [75][76] Question: Capital deployment priorities - Management indicated that M&A will take priority over share repurchases, with a focus on finding attractive acquisition opportunities [84][85]