Q4 2025 Jacobs Solutions Inc Earnings Call

November 20, 2025

Speaker #1: Good morning and welcome, everyone, to JACOBS Fiscal 4th Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. Today's conference is being recorded. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise.

Operator: Good morning and welcome, everyone, to Jacobs' fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings conference call and webcast. Today's conference is being recorded. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press the star key followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Bert Subin, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Good morning and welcome, everyone, to Jacobs' Fiscal Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference call and Webcast. Today's conference is being recorded. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press the star key followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Bert Subin, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press the star key followed by the number one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Bert Subin, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please go

Speaker #1: Ahead. Thank you, Audra, and good.

Bert Subin: Thank you, Audra, and good morning, everyone. Our earnings announcement and 10-K were filed this morning, and we have posted a slide presentation on our website, which we'll reference during the call. I would like to refer you to slide two of the presentation for information about our forward-looking statements, non-GAAP financial measures, and operating metrics. Now let's turn to the agenda on slide three. Speaking on today's call will be Jacobs Chair and CEO, Bob Pragada, and CFO, Venk Nathamuni. Bob will begin by providing comments on the business, as well as highlights from our fourth quarter and fiscal year results, and a recap of notable awards. Venk will then provide a detailed review of our financial performance, including commentary on end market trends, cash flow, balance sheet data, and our FY26 outlook. Finally, Bob will provide closing remarks, and then we'll open up the call for questions.

Bert Subin: Thank you, Audra, and good morning, everyone. Our earnings announcement and 10-K were filed this morning, and we have posted a slide presentation on our website, which we'll reference during the call. I would like to refer you to slide two of the presentation for information about our forward-looking statements, non-GAAP financial measures, and operating metrics. Now let's turn to the agenda on slide three. Speaking on today's call will be Jacobs' Chair and CEO, Bob Pragada, and CFO, Venk Nathamuni. Bob will begin by providing comments on the business, as well as highlights from our fourth quarter and fiscal year results, and a recap of notable awards. Venk will then provide a detailed review of our financial performance, including commentary on end market trends, cash flow, balance sheet data, and our FY 2026 outlook. Finally, Bob will provide closing remarks, and then we'll open up the call for questions.

Speaker #2: morning, everyone. Our earnings announcement and 10-K were filed this morning, and we have posted a slide presentation on our website which will reference during the call.

Speaker #2: I would like to refer you to slide two of the presentation for information about our forward-looking statements, non-GAAP financial measures, and operating metrics. Now, let's turn to the agenda on slide three.

Speaker #2: Speaking on today's call will be JACOBS Chair and CEO Bob Pragada, and CFO Bank Nathamuni. Bob will begin by providing comments on the business as well as highlights from our fourth quarter and fiscal year results and a recap of notable awards.

Speaker #2: Bank will then provide a detailed review of our financial performance, including commentary on end-market trends, cash flow, balance sheet data, and our FY26 outlook.

Speaker #2: Finally, Bob will provide closing remarks, and then we'll open up the call for questions. With that, I'll turn it over to our Chair and CEO, Robert Pragada.

Bert Subin: With that, I'll turn it over to our Chair and CEO, Bob Pragada.

Speaker #3: Good day, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 business performance. We delivered strong results for Q4 and are pleased to end FY25 the first year of our five-year strategy on a positive note.

Bob Pragada: Good day, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 business performance. We delivered strong results for Q4 and are pleased to end FY25, the first year of our five-year strategy, on a positive note. For both the quarter and the fiscal year, we drove strong double-digit growth in adjusted EPS, supported by solid revenue growth and robust margin expansion. Our consolidated backlog grew 6% to $23.1 billion, setting a new record to close out the year. PA Consulting capitalized on strong demand, delivering double-digit revenue and operating profit growth in the second half of FY25. Overall, we are very pleased with our results, and we see great runway as we enter FY26. During slide four, we provide a detailed overview of our quarterly and full fiscal year results.

Bob Pragada: Good day, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our Q4 and fiscal year 2025 business performance. We delivered strong results for Q4 and are pleased to end FY 2025, the first year of our five-year strategy, on a positive note. For both the quarter and the fiscal year, we drove strong double-digit growth in adjusted EPS, supported by solid revenue growth and robust margin expansion. Our consolidated backlog grew 6% to $23.1 billion, setting a new record to close out the year. PA Consulting capitalized on strong demand, delivering double-digit revenue and operating profit growth in the second half of FY 2025. Overall, we are very pleased with our results, and we see great runway as we enter FY 2026. During slide four, we provide a detailed overview of our quarterly and full fiscal year results.

Speaker #3: For both the quarter and the fiscal year, we drove strong double-digit growth in adjusted EPS supported by solid revenue growth and robust margin expansion.

Speaker #3: Our consolidated backlog grew 6% to 23.1 billion setting a new record to close out the year. And PA Consulting capitalized on strong demand delivering double-digit revenue and operating profit growth in the second half of FY25.

Speaker #3: Overall, we are very pleased with our results, and we see great runway as we enter FY26. During slide four, we provide a detailed overview of our quarterly and full fiscal year results.

Speaker #3: We grouped Q4 adjusted EPS by 28% year over year and this was primarily driven by 6% net revenue growth, a record quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin of just over 14.4%, and better below the line performance.

Bob Pragada: We grew Q4 adjusted EPS by 28% year over year, and this was primarily driven by 6% net revenue growth, a record quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin of just over 14.4%, and better below-the-line performance. For the full year, we grew adjusted EPS 16%, largely as a result of mid-single-digit net revenue growth, and strong margin expansion. We've also seen a solid EPS tailwind from share repurchases, which we increased significantly during FY25. Reflecting on our expectations, last quarter, we guided to an adjusted EPS range of $6 to $6.10 for FY25, and we were able to finish the year above the high end of that range at $6.12. Turning to slide five, I'd like to highlight a few notable infrastructure and advanced facility project awards from Q4. These wins highlight the power of our strategy to redefine the asset lifecycle, as we prioritize expanding our addressable market with core clients.

Bob Pragada: We grew Q4 adjusted EPS by 28% year-over-year, and this was primarily driven by 6% net revenue growth, a record quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin of just over 14.4%, and better below-the-line performance. For the full year, we grew adjusted EPS 16%, largely as a result of mid-single-digit net revenue growth, and strong margin expansion. We've also seen a solid EPS tailwind from share repurchases, which we increased significantly during FY 2025. Reflecting on our expectations, last quarter, we guided to an adjusted EPS range of $6 to $6.10 for FY 2025, and we were able to finish the year above the high end of that range at $6.12. Turning to slide five, I'd like to highlight a few notable infrastructure and advanced facility project awards from Q4. These wins highlight the power of our strategy to redefine the asset lifecycle, as we prioritize expanding our addressable market with core clients.

Speaker #3: For the full year, we grew adjusted EPS 16% largely as a result of mid-single-digit net revenue growth and strong margin expansion. We've also seen a solid EPS tailwind from share repurchases which we increased significantly during FY25.

Speaker #3: Reflecting on our expectations last quarter, we guided to an adjusted EPS range of $6 to $6.10 for FY25. And we were able to finish the year above the high end of that range at $6.12.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide five, I'd like to highlight a few notable infrastructure and advanced facility project awards from Q4. These wins highlight the power of our strategy to redefine the asset lifecycle as we prioritize expanding our addressable market with core clients.

Speaker #3: We continue to see a positive outlook in water and environmental, particularly in the water sector, which remains one of our most resilient and high-growth areas of our portfolio.

Bob Pragada: We continue to see a positive outlook in water and environmental, particularly in the water sector, which remains one of our most resilient and high-growth areas of our portfolio. Our full lifecycle delivery model, enabled by deep domain expertise and leading digital capabilities, helps our clients address aging infrastructure, scarcity issues, and regulatory changes around the world. Demonstrating the trust our clients place in Jacobs to deliver long-term outcomes, we extended our operational intelligence agreement with United Utilities, the largest listed water company in the UK, through 2030. Using our AI-powered AquaDNA platform, we're helping modernize utility operations and deliver measurable, sustainable benefits for millions of people. In the life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, data centers and life sciences continue to be two of the fastest-growing sectors in our portfolio. Additionally, our revenue growth in these sectors is now being complemented by new semiconductor investments.

We continue to see a positive outlook in water and environmental, particularly in the water sector, which remains one of our most resilient and high-growth areas of our portfolio. Our full lifecycle delivery model, enabled by deep domain expertise and leading digital capabilities, helps our clients address aging infrastructure, scarcity issues, and regulatory changes around the world. Demonstrating the trust our clients place in Jacobs to deliver long-term outcomes, we extended our operational intelligence agreement with United Utilities, the largest listed water company in the UK, through 2030. Using our AI-powered Aqua DNA platform, we're helping modernize utility operations and deliver measurable, sustainable benefits for millions of people. In the life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, data centers and life sciences continue to be two of the fastest-growing sectors in our portfolio. Additionally, our revenue growth in these sectors is now being complemented by new semiconductor investments.

Speaker #3: Our full lifecycle delivery model enabled by deep domain expertise and leading digital capabilities helps our clients address aging infrastructure, scarcity issues, and regulatory changes around the world.

Speaker #3: Demonstrating the trust our clients place in JACOBS to deliver long-term outcomes, we extended our operational intelligence agreement with United Utilities, the largest listed water company in the UK, through 2030.

Speaker #3: Using our AI-powered AquaDNA platform, we're helping modernize utility operations and deliver measurable, sustainable benefits for millions of people. In the life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, data centers and life sciences continue to be two of the fastest-growing sectors in our portfolio.

Speaker #3: Additionally, our revenue growth in these sectors is now being complemented by new semiconductor investments. As an example, we were awarded the design for a commercial-scale semiconductor fabrication facility by a confidential customer.

Bob Pragada: As an example, we were awarded the design for a commercial-scale semiconductor fabrication facility by a confidential customer. Our scope encompasses the design and engineering of a greenfield semiconductor manufacturing plant, along with its related infrastructure and manufacturing support facilities. We're also seeing strong demand across the critical infrastructure end market, with all verticals performing well during Q4. In the UK, together with PA Consulting, we were named to the Crown Commercial Services Management Consultancy Framework. This appointment expands our role advising public sector clients on delivering cleaner, smarter infrastructure, and maximizing value from public investment across transportation, cities, defense, and clean energy. In the US, we continue to build on strong momentum in the transportation sector. In New York, we were selected by the MTA, North America's largest transportation network, to deliver the Interborough Express Light Rail project, a transformative new 14mi transit line connecting Brooklyn and Queens.

As an example, we were awarded the design for a commercial-scale semiconductor fabrication facility by a confidential customer. Our scope encompasses the design and engineering of a greenfield semiconductor manufacturing plant, along with its related infrastructure and manufacturing support facilities. We're also seeing strong demand across the critical infrastructure end market, with all verticals performing well during Q4. In the UK, together with PA Consulting, we were named to the Crown Commercial Services Management Consultancy Framework. This appointment expands our role advising public sector clients on delivering cleaner, smarter infrastructure, and maximizing value from public investment across transportation, cities, defense, and clean energy. In the US, we continue to build on strong momentum in the transportation sector. In New York, we were selected by the MTA, North America's largest transportation network, to deliver the Interborough Express light rail project, a transformative new 14mi transit line connecting Brooklyn and Queens.

Speaker #3: encompasses the design and engineering of a greenfield semiconductor manufacturing plant along with its related infrastructure and manufacturing support facilities. We're also seeing strong demand across the critical infrastructure end market with all verticals performing well during Q4.

Speaker #3: the US, we continue to build on strong momentum in the transportation sector. In New York, we were selected by the MTA North America's largest transportation network to deliver the Interboro Express light Our scope In the UK, together with rail project.

Speaker #3: A transformative new 14-mile transit line connecting Brooklyn and Queens. The project will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, and promote sustainable transit-oriented growth for New York City communities.

Bob Pragada: The project will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, and promote sustainable transit-oriented growth for New York City communities. In summary, these awards reflect our continued momentum, and highlight the broad secular tailwinds driving growth across our business. As I reflect on FY25, we met or exceeded all of our annual targets, continued to drive robust bookings, stayed true to our disciplined capital returns policy, and now enter year two of our strategy cycle on track to achieve our long-term outlook. Now I'll turn the call over to Venk to review our financial results in further detail.

The project will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, and promote sustainable transit-oriented growth for New York City communities. In summary, these awards reflect our continued momentum, and highlight the broad secular tailwinds driving growth across our business. As I reflect on FY 2025, we met or exceeded all of our annual targets, continued to drive robust bookings, stayed true to our disciplined capital returns policy, and now enter year two of our strategy cycle on track to achieve our long-term outlook. Now I'll turn the call over to Venk to review our financial results in further detail.

Speaker #3: In summary, these awards reflect our continued momentum and highlight the broad secular tailwinds driving growth across our business. As I reflect on FY25, we met or exceeded all of our annual targets, continued to drive robust bookings, stayed true to our disciplined capital returns policy, and now enter year two of our strategy cycle on track to achieve our long-term outlook.

Speaker #3: Now I'll turn the call over to Venk to review our financial results in further detail.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Bob, and good day, everyone. During fiscal year '25, we delivered on our commitment to drive profitable growth, which consisted of double-digit growth in both EBITDA and adjusted EPS.

Venk Nathamuni: Thank you, Bob, and good day, everyone. During fiscal year 2025, we delivered on our commitment to drive profitable growth, which consisted of double-digit growth in both EBITDA and adjusted EPS, as well as a 7% free cash flow margin. We're demonstrating our differentiated business model through strong margin expansion, and we see continued opportunity to increase our margin profile moving forward. Now, please turn to slide number six, where I will walk through our results for Q4. We finished fiscal year 2025 on a strong note. In the fourth quarter, gross revenue increased 7% year over year, and adjusted net revenue, which excludes pass-through revenue, grew by 6%. Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $324 million, growing 12% year over year. Our adjusted EBITDA margin during Q4 came in strong at 14.4%, which is an increase of 79 basis points versus the same quarter last year.

Venk Nathamuni: Thank you, Bob, and good day, everyone. During fiscal year 2025, we delivered on our commitment to drive profitable growth, which consisted of double-digit growth in both EBITDA and adjusted EPS, as well as a 7% free cash flow margin. We're demonstrating our differentiated business model through strong margin expansion, and we see continued opportunity to increase our margin profile moving forward. Now, please turn to slide number six, where I will walk through our results for Q4. We finished fiscal year 2025 on a strong note. In the fourth quarter, gross revenue increased 7% year-over-year, and adjusted net revenue, which excludes pass-through revenue, grew by 6%. Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $324 million, growing 12% year-over-year. Our adjusted EBITDA margin during Q4 came in strong at 14.4%, which is an increase of 79 basis points versus the same quarter last year.

Speaker #1: As well as a 7% free cash flow margin. We're demonstrating our differentiated business model through strong margin expansion, and we see continued opportunity to increase our margin profile moving forward.

Speaker #1: Now, please turn to slide number six where I will walk through our results for Q4. We finished fiscal year 2025 on a strong note.

Speaker #1: In the fourth quarter, gross revenue increased 7% year over year, and adjusted net revenue, which excludes pass-through revenue, grew by 6%. Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $324 million, growing 12% year over year.

Speaker #1: Our adjusted EBITDA margin during Q4 came in strong at 14.4%, which is an increase of 79 basis points versus the same quarter last year.

Speaker #1: As a result, adjusted EPS rose to $1.75, a 28% increase year over year. Our disciplined cost management contributed to a new record adjusted EBITDA margin both during the quarter and for the full fiscal year.

Venk Nathamuni: As a result, adjusted EPS rose to $1.75, a 28% increase year over year. Our disciplined cost management contributed to a new record adjusted EBITDA margin, both during the quarter and for the full fiscal year, and we're well positioned to build on this momentum in fiscal year 2026. Consolidated backlog was up 6% year over year to a record $23.1 billion, putting our trailing 12-month book-to-bill at 1.1 times. Notably, gross profit and backlog increased over 13% year over year during Q4, highlighting our strong sales performance. Moving on to slide seven, I'll recap fiscal year 2025 results. Fiscal year 2025 total gross revenue increased about 5% year over year, with adjusted net revenue rising more than 5%. Revenue growth and higher margins resulted in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS increasing by 14% and 16%, respectively.

As a result, adjusted EPS rose to $1.75, a 28% increase year-over-year. Our disciplined cost management contributed to a new record adjusted EBITDA margin, both during the quarter and for the full fiscal year, and we're well positioned to build on this momentum in fiscal year 2026. Consolidated backlog was up 6% year-over-year to a record $23.1 billion, putting our trailing 12-month book-to-bill at 1.1 times. Notably, gross profit and backlog increased over 13% year-over-year during Q4, highlighting our strong sales performance. Moving on to slide seven, I'll recap fiscal year 2025 results. Fiscal year 2025 total gross revenue increased about 5% year-over-year, with adjusted net revenue rising more than 5%. Revenue growth and higher margins resulted in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS increasing by 14% and 16%, respectively.

Speaker #1: And we're well positioned to build on this momentum in fiscal year '26. Consolidated backlog was up 6% year over year, to a record 23.1 billion dollars, putting our trailing ing 12-month book-to-bill at 1.1 times.

Speaker #1: Notably, gross profit and backlog increased over 13% year over year during Q4, highlighting our strong sales performance. Moving on to slide seven, I'll recap fiscal year '25 results.

Speaker #1: Fiscal year '25 total gross revenue increased about 5% year over year, with adjusted net revenue rising more than 5%. Revenue growth and higher margins resulted in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS increasing by 14% and 16%, respectively.

Speaker #1: We're pleased to end fiscal year '25 in a strong position with mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, mid-teens adjusted EPS growth, and a backlog that sets us up well for the future.

Venk Nathamuni: We're pleased to end fiscal year 2025 in a strong position, with mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, mid-teens adjusted EPS growth, and a backlog that sets us up well for the future. Regarding our performance by end markets in infrastructure and advanced facilities, let's now turn to slide number eight. At a high level, net revenue growth across our three end markets was fairly consistent in fiscal year 2025, with water and environmental and life sciences and advanced manufacturing growing just over 4%, and critical infrastructure at about 6%. Focusing on Q4, net revenue increased more than 9% year on year in critical infrastructure. Our strong growth was a function of several key programs ramping up in the transportation sector, and continued momentum in energy and power, with favorable trends in both the US and internationally.

We're pleased to end fiscal year 2025 in a strong position, with mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, mid-teens adjusted EPS growth, and a backlog that sets us up well for the future. Regarding our performance by end markets in infrastructure and advanced facilities, let's now turn to slide number eight. At a high level, net revenue growth across our three end markets was fairly consistent in fiscal year 2025, with water and environmental and life sciences and advanced manufacturing growing just over 4%, and critical infrastructure at about 6%. Focusing on Q4, net revenue increased more than 9% year-on-year in critical infrastructure. Our strong growth was a function of several key programs ramping up in the transportation sector, and continued momentum in energy and power, with favorable trends in both the US and internationally.

Speaker #1: Regarding our performance by end markets and infrastructure and advanced facilities, let's now turn to slide number eight. At a high level, net revenue growth across our three end markets was fairly consistent in fiscal year 2025, with water and environmental and life sciences and advanced manufacturing growing just over 4%, and critical infrastructure at about 6%.

Speaker #1: Focusing on Q4, net revenue increased more than 9% year-on-year in critical infrastructure. Our strong growth was a function of several key programs ramping up in the transportation sector and continued momentum in energy and power, with favorable trends in both the U.S. and internationally.

Speaker #1: As we look ahead, we believe continued tailwinds in the transportation and energy and power sectors will be underpinned by improvements in cities and places.

Venk Nathamuni: As we look ahead, we believe continued tailwinds in the transportation, energy, and power sectors will be underpinned by improvement in cities and places. In our life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, net revenue grew a little more than 5% in Q4, a modest improvement from Q3. During the quarter, we saw strong net revenue growth in the life sciences and data center sectors, but at tougher comps in the industrial portion of the portfolio. Positively, we're on track to fully lap these tougher comps and are seeing semiconductor programs ramp up, which we believe will benefit our setup in fiscal year 2026. Net revenue for our water and environmental end market was roughly flat year on year in Q4.

As we look ahead, we believe continued tailwinds in the transportation, energy, and power sectors will be underpinned by improvement in cities and places. In our life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, net revenue grew a little more than 5% in Q4, a modest improvement from Q3. During the quarter, we saw strong net revenue growth in the life sciences and data center sectors, but at tougher comps in the industrial portion of the portfolio. Positively, we're on track to fully lap these tougher comps and are seeing semiconductor programs ramp up, which we believe will benefit our setup in fiscal year 2026. Net revenue for our water and environmental end market was roughly flat year on year in Q4.

Speaker #1: In our life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market, net revenue grew a little more than 5% in Q4, a modest improvement from Q3. During the quarter, we saw strong net revenue growth in the life sciences and data center sectors, but a tougher comps in the industrial portion of the portfolio.

Speaker #1: Positively, we're on track to fully lapse these tougher comps and are seeing semiconductor programs ramp up, which we believe will benefit our setup in fiscal year '26.

Speaker #1: Net revenue for our water and environmental end market was roughly flat year on year in Q4. Our demand across this end market was mixed, with continued strength in the water sector, offset by softer revenue performance in environmental, particularly in the US, where both public and private clients moderated spending, more than anticipated.

Venk Nathamuni: Our demand across this end market was mixed, with continued strength in the water sector, offset by softer revenue performance in environmental, particularly in the US, where both public and private clients moderated spending more than anticipated. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, we expect water to remain a key growth driver, and on the environmental side, opportunities are reemerging as we position for a return to growth. In summary, we're seeing favorable trends in each of our end markets, and believe we're entering the new fiscal year with solid momentum. Moving on to slide nine, I will provide a brief overview of our segment financials. In Q4, infrastructure and advanced facilities operating profit increased 16% year on year, with a modest tailwind from FX. In fiscal year 2025, operating profit increased 13% year over year and on a constant currency basis.

Our demand across this end market was mixed, with continued strength in the water sector, offset by softer revenue performance in environmental, particularly in the US, where both public and private clients moderated spending more than anticipated. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, we expect water to remain a key growth driver, and on the environmental side, opportunities are reemerging as we position for a return to growth. In summary, we're seeing favorable trends in each of our end markets, and believe we're entering the new fiscal year with solid momentum. Moving on to slide nine, I will provide a brief overview of our segment financials. In Q4, infrastructure and advanced facilities operating profit increased 16% year-on-year, with a modest tailwind from FX. In fiscal year 2025, operating profit increased 13% year-over-year and on a constant currency basis.

Speaker #1: Looking ahead to fiscal year '26, we expect water to remain a key growth driver, and on the environmental side, opportunities are reemerging as we position for a return to growth.

Speaker #1: In summary, we're seeing favorable trends in each of our end markets, and believe we're entering the new fiscal year with solid momentum. Moving on to slide nine, I will provide a brief overview of our segment financials.

Speaker #1: In Q4, infrastructure and advanced facilities operating profit increased 16% year on year, with a modest tailwind from FX. In fiscal year '25, operating profit increased 13% year over year, and on a constant currency basis.

Speaker #1: Infrastructure and advanced facilities results were aided by both revenue growth and margin expansion. Now, moving to PA Consulting's performance, revenue increased 10% year on year in Q4.

Venk Nathamuni: Infrastructure and advanced facilities results were aided by both revenue growth and margin expansion. Now, moving to PA Consulting's performance, revenue increased 10% year on year in Q4. This contributed to a 17% increase in operating profit, or 13% in constant currency, on a strong operating margin of 23%. PA continued to benefit from rising demand for services in the public and national security sectors, driving double-digit growth in their backlog. For fiscal year 2025, operating growth for PA was in line with Q4 performance. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we anticipate PA's revenue growth will be similar to our consolidated growth rate. Turning now to slide 10, we provide an overview of cash generation and our balance sheet. For fiscal year 2025, free cash flow generation came in at $607 million. As a reminder, this does not add back the impact of restructuring or other charges.

Infrastructure and advanced facilities results were aided by both revenue growth and margin expansion. Now, moving to PA Consulting's performance, revenue increased 10% year-on-year in Q4. This contributed to a 17% increase in operating profit, or 13% in constant currency, on a strong operating margin of 23%. PA continued to benefit from rising demand for services in the public and national security sectors, driving double-digit growth in their backlog. For fiscal year 2025, operating growth for PA was in line with Q4 performance. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we anticipate PA's revenue growth will be similar to our consolidated growth rate. Turning now to slide 10, we provide an overview of cash generation and our balance sheet. For fiscal year 2025, free cash flow generation came in at $607 million. As a reminder, this does not add back the impact of restructuring or other charges.

Speaker #1: This contributed to a 17% increase in operating profit or 13% in constant currency on a strong operating margin of 23%. PA continued to benefit from rising demand for services in the public and national security sectors, driving double-digit growth in their backlog.

Speaker #1: For fiscal year '25, operating growth for PA was in line with Q4 performance. As we look ahead to fiscal year '26, we anticipate PA's revenue growth will be similar to our consolidated growth rate.

Speaker #1: Turning now to slide 10, we provide an overview of cash generation and our balance sheet. For fiscal year '25, free cash flow generation came in at $607 million.

Speaker #1: As a reminder, this does not add back the impact of restructuring or other charges. Good free cash flow generation and our high-quality balance sheet enabled us to repurchase $754 million of our shares and pay out $153 million in cash dividends.

Venk Nathamuni: Good free cash flow generation and our high-quality balance sheet enabled us to repurchase $754 million of our shares and pay out $153 million in cash dividends. As a result, we returned approximately 150% of our free cash flow during the fiscal year. Adding in our dividend of momentum shares distributed in May, we returned $1.1 billion to shareholders in fiscal year 2025, a company record. We also paid down debt, ending the year with $1 billion in net debt, yielding a net leverage ratio of 0.8x on LTM adjusted EBITDA, which is below our 1.0 to 1.5x target range. Our balance sheet strength supports continued investment in the business, along with continued returns to shareholders via share repurchases, as well as long-term dividend growth.

Good free cash flow generation and our high-quality balance sheet enabled us to repurchase $754 million of our shares and pay out $153 million in cash dividends. As a result, we returned approximately 150% of our free cash flow during the fiscal year. Adding in our dividend of momentum shares distributed in May, we returned $1.1 billion to shareholders in fiscal year 2025, a company record. We also paid down debt, ending the year with $1 billion in net debt, yielding a net leverage ratio of 0.8 times on LTM adjusted EBITDA, which is below our 1.0 to 1.5 times target range. Our balance sheet strength supports continued investment in the business, along with continued returns to shareholders via share repurchases, as well as long-term dividend growth.

Speaker #1: As a result, we returned approximately $150% of our free cash flow during the fiscal year. Adding in our dividend of momentum shares distributed in May, we returned 1.1 billion dollars to shareholders in fiscal year '25, a company record.

Speaker #1: We also paid down debt, ending the year with $1 billion in net debt, yielding a net leverage ratio of 0.8 times, on LTM adjusted EBITDA which is below our 1.0 to 1.5 times target range.

Speaker #1: Our balance sheet strength supports continued investment in the business, along with continued returns to shareholders, where a share repurchase is, as well as long-term dividend growth.

Speaker #1: Our commitment to return capital to shareholders is evidenced by a recently approved 32 cents per share dividend, representing 10% year over year growth, and our material increase in share repurchase activity this year.

Venk Nathamuni: Our commitment to return capital to shareholders is evidenced by a recently approved $0.32 per share dividend, representing 10% year over year growth, and our material increase in share repurchase activity this year. Finally, please turn to slide number 11 for our fiscal year 2026 outlook. We expect adjusted net revenue to increase 6% to 10% year over year, adjusted EBITDA margin to range from 14.4% to 14.7%, adjusted EPS to range from $6.90 to $7.30, and free cash flow margin, which is free cash flow divided by adjusted net revenue, to be in the range of 7% to 8%. Notably, our outlook for fiscal year 2026 implies 16% year on year growth in adjusted EPS at the midpoint. We provide relevant assumptions on the right side of the page to help with your modeling.

Our commitment to return capital to shareholders is evidenced by a recently approved $0.32 per share dividend, representing 10% year-over-year growth, and our material increase in share repurchase activity this year. Finally, please turn to slide number 11 for our fiscal year 2026 outlook. We expect adjusted net revenue to increase 6% to 10% year-over-year, adjusted EBITDA margin to range from 14.4% to 14.7%, adjusted EPS to range from $6.90 to $7.30, and free cash flow margin, which is free cash flow divided by adjusted net revenue, to be in the range of 7% to 8%. Notably, our outlook for fiscal year 2026 implies 16% year-on-year growth in adjusted EPS at the midpoint. We provide relevant assumptions on the right side of the page to help with your modeling.

Speaker #1: Finally, please turn to slide number 11 for our fiscal year '26 outlook. We expect adjusted net revenue to increase 6% to 10% year over year, adjusted EBITDA margin to range from 14.4% to 14.7%, adjusted EPS to range from $6.90 to $7.30, and free cash flow margin which is free cash flow divided by adjusted net revenue to be in the range of 7% to 8%.

Speaker #1: Notably, our outlook for fiscal year '26 implies 16% year on year growth in adjusted EPS at the midpoint. We provide relevant assumptions on the right side of the page to help with your modeling.

Speaker #1: One item to be mindful of is the fact that fiscal year '26 will include an extra week during Q4, adding just over a point and a half to our net revenue growth rate.

Venk Nathamuni: One item to be mindful of is the fact that fiscal year 2026 will include an extra week during Q4, adding just over a point and a half to our net revenue growth rate. Additionally, as it pertains to Q1, we're forecasting 5.5% to 7.5% net revenue growth and a low to mid 13% margin. Note that Q1 is typically our seasonally slowest quarter due to holiday timing. In summary, fiscal year 2025 was a great first year in our strategy cycle. We executed to our 13.9% EBITDA margin target, which puts us well on our way to reaching 16% by fiscal year 2029. We grew the top line mid-single digits, demonstrating resilience in a dynamic macro environment. In addition, we returned record amounts of capital back to our shareholders. As we enter fiscal year 2026, we believe we're very well positioned to build on our fiscal year 2025 performance.

One item to be mindful of is the fact that fiscal year 2026 will include an extra week during Q4, adding just over a point and a half to our net revenue growth rate. Additionally, as it pertains to Q1, we're forecasting 5.5% to 7.5% net revenue growth and a low to mid 13% margin. Note that Q1 is typically our seasonally slowest quarter due to holiday timing. In summary, fiscal year 2025 was a great first year in our strategy cycle. We executed to our 13.9% EBITDA margin target, which puts us well on our way to reaching 16% by fiscal year 2029. We grew the top line mid-single digits, demonstrating resilience in a dynamic macro environment. In addition, we returned record amounts of capital back to our shareholders. As we enter fiscal year 2026, we believe we're very well positioned to build on our fiscal year 2025 performance.

Speaker #1: Additionally, as it pertains to Q1, we're forecasting five and a half percent to seven and a half percent net revenue growth and a low to mid 13% margin.

Speaker #1: Note that Q1 is typically our seasonally slowest quarter, due to holiday timing. In summary, fiscal year '25 was a great first year in our strategy cycle.

Speaker #1: We executed to our 13.9% EBITDA margin target, which puts us well on our way to reaching 16% by fiscal year '29. We grew the top line mid-single digits, demonstrating resilience in a dynamic macro environment.

Speaker #1: In addition, we returned record amounts of capital back to our shareholders. As we enter fiscal year '26, we believe we are very well positioned to build on our fiscal year '25 performance.

Speaker #1: With that, I'll turn the call back over to Bob.

Venk Nathamuni: With that, I'll turn the call back over to Bob.

With that, I'll turn the call back over to Bob.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Venk. In closing, we're proud of our continued strong execution in FY '25. With a record backlog expanding margins and healthy demand across the sectors we serve, we're entering FY '26 with significant momentum.

Bob Pragada: Thank you, Venk. In closing, we're proud of our continued strong execution in FY25. With a record backlog, expanding margins, and healthy demand across the sectors we serve, we're entering FY26 with significant momentum. Operator, we will now open the call for questions.

Bob Pragada: Thank you, Venk. In closing, we're proud of our continued strong execution in FY 2025. With a record backlog, expanding margins, and healthy demand across the sectors we serve, we're entering FY 2026 with significant momentum. Operator, we will now open the call for questions.

Speaker #2: Operator, we will now open the call for

Speaker #2: questions. Thank you.

Speaker #3: We will now begin the question and answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue. If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star one again. We ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up to allow everyone an opportunity to ask a question. We'll take our first question from Sangita Jain at KeyBanc.

Speaker #3: If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star one again. We ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up to allow everyone an opportunity to ask a question.

Speaker #3: We'll take our first question from Sanjita Jain at

Speaker #4: Thank you. For taking my questions, can I start with the federal government shutdown? And do you think that had any impact on your fiscal '26 bookings to date?

Sangita Jain: Thank you for taking my questions. Can I start with the federal government shutdown, and if you think that had any impact on your fiscal 2026 bookings to date?

Speaker #5: Fiscal '26 or '25?

Bob Pragada: Fiscal 2026 or 2025?

Speaker #4: Well, the fiscal '25 ended and the shutdown started, so I'm trying to see if you had any impact in the early part of this year from the...

Sangita Jain: Well, the fiscal 25 ended and the shutdown started, so I'm trying to see if you had any impact in the early part of this year from the shutdown.

Sangita Jain: Well, the fiscal 2025 ended and the shutdown started, so I'm trying to see if you had any impact in the early part of this year from the shutdown.

Speaker #4: shutdown. No.

Speaker #5: We did not. The bookings trend was those awards in the federal government happened before the shutdown. So the short answer is no, Sanjita.

Bob Pragada: No, we did not. The bookings trend was those awards in the federal government happened before the shutdown. The short answer is no, Sangita.

Speaker #4: All All right. Great. And then can you give us an update on PA and how that process is unfolding?

Sangita Jain: All right, great. Can you give us an update on PA and how that process is unfolding?

Speaker #5: Sure. Sure. So our negotiations continue and I would say they're progressing. We've said from the beginning that we would be making a decision on that on or before March of '26.

Bob Pragada: Sure, sure. Our negotiations continue, and I would say they're progressing. We've said from the beginning that we would be making a decision on that on or before 26 March 2026, and we're on track to do so.

Bob Pragada: Sure, sure. Our negotiations continue, and I would say they're progressing. We've said from the beginning that we would be making a decision on that on or before March 2026, and we're on track to do so.

Speaker #5: And we're on track to do

Speaker #5: And we're on track to do so. Great.

Speaker #4: Thank you. I appreciate

Speaker #4: it. Thank you.

Sangita Jain: Great, thank you. I appreciate it.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Sanjita.

Bob Pragada: Thank you. Thank you, Sangita.

Speaker #3: We'll move next to Andy Whitman at Baird.

Operator: We'll move next to Andrew Wittmann at Baird.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Great. Thanks for taking my questions. I guess my first question is just in the water and environment portion of your business. Obviously, we saw some deceleration here. Bob, you mentioned the environmental business has been a little weaker.

Bert Subin: Yeah, great. Thanks for hearing my questions. I guess my first question is just on the water and environment portion of your business. Obviously, we saw some deceleration here. Bob, you mentioned the environmental business has been a little weaker. I was hoping maybe you could just drill into that. It seems like the water side is strong. What was it about the environmental side that caused a little bit of softness? Would you tie that to anything, maybe the administration change or something else? What are the indications that you have today? You made some comments that you see that improving going forward, and I just wondering kind of what that's based on. I thought you could drill in a little bit more there. Thank you.

Andy Wittmann: Yeah, great. Thanks for hearing my questions. I guess my first question is just on the water and environment portion of your business. Obviously, we saw some deceleration here. Bob, you mentioned the environmental business has been a little weaker. I was hoping maybe you could just drill into that. It seems like the water side is strong. What was it about the environmental side that caused a little bit of softness? Would you tie that to anything, maybe the administration change or something else? What are the indications that you have today? You made some comments that you see that improving going forward, and I just wondering kind of what that's based on. I thought you could drill in a little bit more there. Thank you.

Speaker #6: I was hoping maybe you could just drill into that. It seems like the water side is strong, but what was it about the environmental side that caused a little bit of softness?

Speaker #6: Would you tie that to anything? Maybe the administration change or something else? And then what are the indications that you have today? You made some comments that you see that improving going forward, and I just wondering kind of what that's based on.

Speaker #6: So I thought you could drill in a little bit more there.

Speaker #6: Thank you. Yeah.

Speaker #5: Absolutely, Andy. Maybe just I'll start with the positive. So the water sector continues to be strong. The pipeline is up double digits as well as our booking trend.

Bob Pragada: Yeah, absolutely, Andy. Maybe just I'll start with the positive. The water sector continues to be strong. The pipeline is up double digits, as well as our booking trend. We still see high single-digit growth in the water sector moving forward into FY26 and beyond. That's global. All major geographies are participating in that. In the environmental sector, kind of two dynamics that played out during the year, well, actually during Q4, accentuated in Q4. One was we did have a one-time event, a positive on last year's comp. That was one. From kind of the core of the business, the regulatory volatility right now within the environmental world has put a bit of a pause for our private sector clients.

Bob Pragada: Yeah, absolutely, Andy. Maybe just I'll start with the positive. The water sector continues to be strong. The pipeline is up double digits, as well as our booking trend. We still see high single-digit growth in the water sector moving forward into FY 2026 and beyond. That's global. All major geographies are participating in that. In the environmental sector, kind of two dynamics that played out during the year, well, actually during Q4, accentuated in Q4. One was we did have a one-time event, a positive on last year's comp. That was one. From kind of the core of the business, the regulatory volatility right now within the environmental world has put a bit of a pause for our private sector clients.

Speaker #5: So we still see high single digit growth in the water sector moving forward into FY '26 and beyond. And that's global all major geographies are participating in that.

Speaker #5: In the environmental sector, kind of two dynamics that played out during the year well, actually during Q4 accentuated in Q4. One was we did have a one-time event, a positive on last year's comp.

Speaker #5: So that was one. But, from kind of the core of the business, the regulatory volatility right now within the environmental world has put a bit of a pause for our private sector clients.

Speaker #5: And so until those kind of settle down, our private sector clients are tending to pull back a bit of the spend that we saw traditionally.

Bob Pragada: Until those kind of settle down, our private sector clients are tending to pull back a bit of the spend that we saw traditionally. These are some of the larger industrials, as well as chemical folks. On the public sector, it really was about disaster relief. The traditional, kind of the switch of FEMA funding and application down to the state level, there was a bit of a pause on how the states were going to, especially after the OBBBA was passed, how states were going to reorganize their budgets. We saw some delays in awards, as well as a pullback in FEMA.

Speaker #5: And these are some of the larger some of the larger industrials as well as chemical folks. On the public sector, it really was about disaster relief.

Speaker #5: The traditional kind of the switch of FEMA funding and application down to the state level there was a bit of a pause on how the states were going to, especially after the OBBBA was passed, how states were going to reorganize their budgets.

Speaker #5: And so we saw some delays in awards as well as a pullback in

Speaker #5: FEMA.

Speaker #6: Got it. Was

Speaker #6: the FEMA the one time item for the prior year or you're saying that's not affected this quarter? Sorry, just.

Bert Subin: Got it. Was the FEMA the one-time item for the prior year, or you're saying that's not affected this quarter? Sorry, just.

Andy Wittmann: Got it. Was the FEMA the one-time item for the prior year, or you're saying that's not affected this quarter? Sorry, just.

Speaker #5: No. The prior year, the Q4 of FY '24, one time event was a federal agency outside of the US that we had a

Bob Pragada: No, the prior year, the Q4 of FY 2024, one-time event was a federal agency outside of the US that we had a one-time event.

Speaker #5: one-time event. Got it.

Speaker #6: Okay. And then just for my follow-up, maybe for Venk, we saw the guidance here on free cash flow. Just the bridge, you're now doing it as a percentage of revenue, but if you convert it back to the old way of doing it, it's under the 100% targets.

Bert Subin: Got it. Okay. Just for my follow-up, maybe for Venk, we saw the guidance here on free cash flow. Just the bridge, you're now doing it as a percentage of revenue, but if you convert it back to the old way of doing it, it's under the 100% targets. I was wondering what the items in the 2026 outlook are that bridge you because obviously the business fundamentally is equipped to deliver at 100% or greater. That means something is kind of unusual or included in this number that we should know about. I thought maybe you could expand on that a little bit more.

Andy Wittmann: Got it. Okay. Just for my follow-up, maybe for Venk, we saw the guidance here on free cash flow. Just the bridge, you're now doing it as a percentage of revenue, but if you convert it back to the old way of doing it, it's under the 100% targets. I was wondering what the items in the 2026 outlook are that bridge you because obviously the business fundamentally is equipped to deliver at 100% or greater. That means something is kind of unusual or included in this number that we should know about. I thought maybe you could expand on that a little bit more.

Speaker #6: And I was wondering what the items in the '26 outlook are that bridge you because obviously the business fundamentally is equipped to deliver at 100% or greater.

Speaker #6: And so that means something is kind of unusual or included in this number that we should know about. I thought maybe you could expand on that a little bit.

Speaker #6: more. Yeah.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Andy, for the question. I'd say, first of all, I'd point out that as we stated at Investor Day, free cash flow margin of 10% target were well on track for that.

Bob Pragada: Yeah, thanks, Andy, for the question. I'd say, first of all, I'd point out that as we stated at investor day, free cash flow margin of 10% target, we're well on track for that. We delivered 7% this year, and we're guiding to between 7% and 8%. What we've imputed in that guidance is that there is a kind of a one-time tax event unrelated to our continuing operations that we're expecting sometime in fiscal 2026, so we just want to give transparency to that. On top of it, as Bob alluded to in response to Sangita's question, we are expecting resolution on our combination with PA, and we're just assuming some cash expenses associated with that. Those are the things that we want to factor in.

Venk Nathamuni: Yeah, thanks, Andy, for the question. I'd say, first of all, I'd point out that as we stated at investor day, free cash flow margin of 10% target, we're well on track for that. We delivered 7% this year, and we're guiding to between 7% and 8%. What we've imputed in that guidance is that there is a kind of a one-time tax event unrelated to our continuing operations that we're expecting sometime in fiscal 2026, so we just want to give transparency to that. On top of it, as Bob alluded to in response to Sangita's question, we are expecting resolution on our combination with PA, and we're just assuming some cash expenses associated with that. Those are the things that we want to factor in.

Speaker #5: We delivered 7% this year and we're guiding to between 7 and 8 percent. What we have imputed in that guidance is that there is a kind of a one-time tax event unrelated to our continuing operations.

Speaker #5: That we're expecting sometime in fiscal '26, so we just want to give transparency to that. And then on top of it, as Bob alluded to in response to Sanjita's question, we are expecting resolution on our combination with PA and we're just assuming some cash expenses associated with that.

Speaker #5: So those are the things that we want to factor in. We feel really good about our free cash flow margin expansion and we think that'll be a true indicator of the efficiency of the business.

Bob Pragada: We feel really good about our free cash flow margin expansion, and we think that'll be a true indicator of the efficiency of the business. You're absolutely right. Our efficiency has been improving, and we see continued growth in that in fiscal 2026 and beyond.

We feel really good about our free cash flow margin expansion, and we think that'll be a true indicator of the efficiency of the business. You're absolutely right. Our efficiency has been improving, and we see continued growth in that in fiscal 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #5: And you're absolutely right. Our efficiency has been improving and we see continued growth in that in fiscal '26 and beyond.

Speaker #6: Okay. Thank

Speaker #6: you.

Bert Subin: Okay, thank you.

Andy Wittmann: Okay, thank you.

Speaker #5: You're

Bob Pragada: You're welcome.

Speaker #3: We'll move next to welcome. Jamie Cook at Truist.

Operator: We'll move next to Jamie Cook at Truist.

Speaker #4: Hi. Good morning and congrats on a nice quarter. I guess my first question with regards to the margin performance and infrastructure and advanced facilities, we saw a nice improvement there.

Jamie Cook: Hi, good morning, and congrats on a nice quarter. I guess my first question with regards to the margin performance in infrastructure and advanced facilities, we saw a nice improvement there. Anything unusual in the margins and how to think about the cadence of margins in that segment in 2026? My second question, Bob, to you sort of more strategically. One of your public peers came out this week talking about their competitive advantage on AI and what that means for margins for them over the longer term. You have similar business models. Just wondering how you're leveraging AI, and is there a margin opportunity outside of what you've already announced, given your peers came out with much more bullish margin targets longer term? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Anything unusual in the margins and how to think about the cadence of margins in that segment? As in 2026. And then my second question, Bob, to you, sort of more strategically, your peer one of your public peers came out this week talking about their competitive advantage on AI and what that means for margins for them over the longer term.

Speaker #4: You have similar business models. Just wondering how you're leveraging AI and is there a margin opportunity outside of what you've already announced given your peers came out with much more bullish margin targets longer

Speaker #4: term? Thank you. Great.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Jamie. On the first part with regards to margins and INAF, I'll let Venk take that, and then I'll address the AI question. So, Venk, please.

Bert Subin: Great. Thanks, Jamie. On the first part with regards to margins in INAF, I'll let Venk take that, and then I'll address the AI question following. Venk, please.

Bob Pragada: Great. Thanks, Jamie. On the first part with regards to margins in INAF, I'll let Venk take that, and then I'll address the AI question following. Venk, please.

Speaker #6: Great. Jamie, thanks for that comment. So I'd say in terms of our margin performance and INAF, continues to go up and to the right.

Bob Pragada: Great. Jamie, thanks for that comment. I'd say in terms of our margin performance in INAF, it continues to go up and to the right, really solid performance across the entirety of our business. Also, a good job of improving our cash collections and so forth. As we guided to in the prepared remarks, when it comes to Q1, there will be a sequential slowdown and a seasonal slowdown driven by a couple of factors. One is fringe as it relates to things like medical insurance costs and health benefits that typically have an impact in Q1, but you get the recovery in subsequent quarters. We'll see a linear progression in margins throughout the rest of fiscal year 2026, but we wanted to make sure that we were transparent in terms of how to model it for fiscal Q1. That's number one.

Venk Nathamuni: Great. Jamie, thanks for that comment. I'd say in terms of our margin performance in INAF, it continues to go up and to the right, really solid performance across the entirety of our business. Also, a good job of improving our cash collections and so forth. As we guided to in the prepared remarks, when it comes to Q1, there will be a sequential slowdown and a seasonal slowdown driven by a couple of factors. One is fringe as it relates to things like medical insurance costs and health benefits that typically have an impact in Q1, but you get the recovery in subsequent quarters. We'll see a linear progression in margins throughout the rest of fiscal year 2026, but we wanted to make sure that we were transparent in terms of how to model it for fiscal Q1. That's number one.

Speaker #6: Really solid performance across the entirety of our business. Also a good job of improving our cash collections and so forth. I'd say as we guided to in the prepared remarks, when it comes to Q1, there will be a sequential slowdown and a seasonal slowdown.

Speaker #6: Driven by a couple of factors, one is fringe as it relates to things like medical insurance costs and health benefits that typically have an impact in Q1.

Speaker #6: But you get the recovery in subsequent quarters. So we'll see a linear progression in margins throughout the rest of fiscal year '26. But we wanted to make sure that we were transparent in terms of how to model it for fiscal Q1.

Speaker #6: So, that's number one. As it relates to the overall free cash flow margin target of 7 to 8 percent, imputed in that, as I mentioned earlier, is the fact that we're continuing to see operational improvements in the margin performance.

Bob Pragada: As it relates to the overall free cash flow margin target of 78%, imputed in that, as I mentioned earlier, is the fact that we're continuing to see operational improvements in the margin performance, combined with some of the one-time items that we expect to happen in fiscal 2026, and all of that is imputed in our margin guidance.

As it relates to the overall free cash flow margin target of 78%, imputed in that, as I mentioned earlier, is the fact that we're continuing to see operational improvements in the margin performance, combined with some of the one-time items that we expect to happen in fiscal 2026, and all of that is imputed in our margin guidance.

Speaker #6: Combined with some of the one-time items that we expect to happen in fiscal '26. And all of that is imputed in our margin guidance.

Speaker #6: Yeah. And then on the AI question, Jamie, we've been very vocal about this since dating all the way back to 2021. In fact, if you remember in our '19 and '22 strategy, we and it was the origins of the partnership with PA Consulting as well.

Bert Subin: On the AI question, Jamie, we've been very vocal about this since dating all the way back to 2021. In fact, if you remember in our '19 and '22 strategy, it was the origins of the partnership with PA Consulting as well. This is a journey we've been on for over five years. How it's transpired, we see it as an accelerant, a differentiator, a space that we continue to use to primarily provide greater solutions externally for our clients. That has realized itself, and these are things that we've highlighted in the past, all the way back to 2021, being able to deliver a transformational effort for Intel as they were expanding their business model into a foundry model back in 2021. That was done through machine learning and digital replication.

Bob Pragada: On the AI question, Jamie, we've been very vocal about this since dating all the way back to 2021. In fact, if you remember in our 2019 and 2022 strategy, it was the origins of the partnership with PA Consulting as well. This is a journey we've been on for over five years. How it's transpired, we see it as an accelerant, a differentiator, a space that we continue to use to primarily provide greater solutions externally for our clients. That has realized itself, and these are things that we've highlighted in the past, all the way back to 2021, being able to deliver a transformational effort for Intel as they were expanding their business model into a foundry model back in 2021. That was done through machine learning and digital replication.

Speaker #6: So this is a journey we've been on for over five years. How it's transpired, we see it as an accelerant at differentiator, a space that we continue to use to primarily provide greater solutions, externally for our clients.

Speaker #6: And that has realized itself, and these are things that we've highlighted in the past. All the way back to 2021, being able to deliver a transformational effort for Intel as they were expanding their business model into a foundry model back in '21. That was done through machine learning and digital replication.

Speaker #6: That then led to our partnership with Palantir and all of the water platforms that we have developed since '22 in reference one in AquaDNA as well as intelligent O&M that's really creating a differentiated position to gain efficiencies for our clients.

Bert Subin: That then led to our partnership with Palantir and all of the water platforms that we have developed since 2022, in reference one in AquaDNA, as well as Intelligent O&M, that's really creating a differentiated position to gain efficiencies for our clients. Most recently, we announced a partnership with NVIDIA, where we're utilizing AI enablement platforms, as well as digital twinning technology, to simulate gigawatt-plus type data centers and creating a reference design for NVIDIA clients. Even going all the way up to today, StreetLight Data is providing unbelievable transportation analytics for major metropolitan areas around the country. In fact, over 26 state DOTs are utilizing the StreetLight platform. You look at that portfolio, and it's creating a differentiated position for growth in the market, and it is contributing to our margin expansion as we continue to go up the value chain.

That then led to our partnership with Palantir and all of the water platforms that we have developed since 2022, in reference one in Aqua DNA, as well as Intelligent O&M, that's really creating a differentiated position to gain efficiencies for our clients. Most recently, we announced a partnership with NVIDIA, where we're utilizing AI enablement platforms, as well as digital twinning technology, to simulate gigawatt-plus type data centers and creating a reference design for NVIDIA clients. Even going all the way up to today, StreetLight Data is providing unbelievable transportation analytics for major metropolitan areas around the country. In fact, over 26 state DOTs are utilizing the StreetLight platform. You look at that portfolio, and it's creating a differentiated position for growth in the market, and it is contributing to our margin expansion as we continue to go up the value chain.

Speaker #6: Most recently, we announced a partnership with NVIDIA where we're utilizing AI enablement platforms as well as digital twinning technology to simulate gigawatt plus type data centers and creating a reference design for NVIDIA clients.

Speaker #6: And even going all the way up to today where streetlight data is providing unbelievable transportation analytics for major metropolitan areas around the country. In fact, over 26 state DOTs are utilizing the streetlight platform.

Speaker #6: And so kind of you look at that portfolio and it's creating a differentiated position for growth in the market and it is contributing to our margin expansion as we continue to go up the value

Speaker #6: chain.

Speaker #4: Thank you. Congrats on a nice

Jamie Cook: Thank you. Congrats on a nice quarter.

Speaker #5: Thank quarter.

Speaker #5: you. We'll move next to

Bob Pragada: Thank you.

Bob Pragada: Yeah. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Andrew. Excuse me. Caplewitz with CITI.

Operator: We'll move next to Andrew, excuse me, Kaplowitz with Citi.

Speaker #4: Hi. Good morning. This is Natalia on behalf of ANY Caplewitz from CITI. So, congrats on a quarter.

Andy Kaplowitz: Hi, good morning. This is Natalia on behalf of Andy Kaplowitz from Citi.

Natalia Bak: Hi, good morning. This is Natalia on behalf of Andy Kaplowitz from Citi.

Speaker #6: Andrew.

Bert Subin: Andrew.

Bob Pragada: Andrew.

Speaker #4: Maybe first question I'll start off with, you cited that transportation was a contributor to growth. I'm just curious how the funding visibility under IIJ is progressing.

Andy Kaplowitz: Congrats on the quarter. Maybe first question I'll start off with, you cited that transportation was a contributor to growth. I'm just curious how the funding visibility under IIJ is progressing. Are you seeing any delays or accelerations as new money flows through the states?

Speaker #4: Are you seeing any delays or accelerations as new money flows through the states?

Speaker #6: We're not. We're not. That continues to be a catalyst. But I would say that transportation number, we're seeing globally. It's not just in the US, but nice growth that we experienced in Europe, Middle East, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

Bert Subin: We're not. We're not. That continues to be a catalyst, but I would say that transportation number we're seeing globally. It's not just in the US, but nice growth that we experienced in Europe, Middle East, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. It's something where, and again, it kind of goes to the previous question too, differentiated position utilizing strong transportation analytics and driving mobility concerns. I'd say IIJ is a component. Budget clarity in the UK is another component. Growth in the Middle East, as well as Australia, continues to be a really strong market for us in the transportation space.

Bob Pragada: We're not. We're not. That continues to be a catalyst, but I would say that transportation number we're seeing globally. It's not just in the US, but nice growth that we experienced in Europe, Middle East, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. It's something where, and again, it kind of goes to the previous question too, differentiated position utilizing strong transportation analytics and driving mobility concerns. I'd say IIJ is a component. Budget clarity in the UK is another component. Growth in the Middle East, as well as Australia, continues to be a really strong market for us in the transportation space.

Speaker #6: So it's something where and again, it kind of goes to the previous question too. Differentiated position utilizing strong transportation analytics and driving mobility concerns.

Speaker #6: So, I'd say IIJ is a component; budget clarity in the UK is another component. Growth in the Middle East, as well as Australia, continues to be a really strong market force in the transportation space.

Speaker #4: helpful. Maybe just continuing on the strengths that you see globally in transportation, maybe more so just curious about the regional performance across your end markets, which regions outperformed expectations and which ones are you expecting maybe to be a little softer into

Andy Kaplowitz: Got it. That's super helpful. Maybe just continuing on the strengths that you see globally in transportation, maybe more so just curious about the regional performance across your end markets, which regions outperformed expectations, and which ones are you expecting maybe to be a little softer into 2026? Any?

Natalia Bak: Got it. That's super helpful. Maybe just continuing on the strengths that you see globally in transportation, maybe more so just curious about the regional performance across your end markets, which regions outperformed expectations, and which ones are you expecting maybe to be a little softer into 2026? Any?

Speaker #4: 2026? Yeah.

Speaker #6: We're seeing growth across the board, Andrea. It's our

Bert Subin: Yeah, we're seeing growth across the board, Andrea. Our business domestically in the US has got some strong tailwinds behind it, but we're not seeing, oh, let me say it in a positive. Our business outside the US and internationally is in growth mode. We've got double-digit growth going on in the Middle East. Europe is going through a nice recovery, and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are really being buoyed by strong transportation and water growth. It's pretty uniform for us across the globe. I think add to just what Bob said, I mean, that's true of the PA business as well. We're seeing some good, solid momentum in the PA business, especially in the UK and continental Europe.

Bob Pragada: Yeah, we're seeing growth across the board, Andrea. Our business domestically in the US has got some strong tailwinds behind it, but we're not seeing, oh, let me say it in a positive. Our business outside the US and internationally is in growth mode. We've got double-digit growth going on in the Middle East. Europe is going through a nice recovery, and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are really being buoyed by strong transportation and water growth. It's pretty uniform for us across the globe. I think add to just what Bob said, I mean, that's true of the PA business as well. We're seeing some good, solid momentum in the PA business, especially in the UK and continental Europe.

Speaker #1: But we're not seeing . Let me say it in a positive way . Our our business outside the US and internationally is is in growth mode .

Speaker #1: We've got double digit growth going on in the Middle East . Europe is going through a nice recovery and Southeast Asia and Australia and New Zealand are really being buoyed by strong transportation and water growth .

Speaker #1: So it's pretty uniform for us across the globe . And if I could .

Speaker #2: Add to just what Bob said , I mean , that's true of the business as well . We're seeing some good solid momentum in the business , especially in the UK .

Speaker #2: And continental Europe .

Speaker #3: Got it . Thank you . Helpful . Congrats on the quarter .

Speaker #2: Thanks . Thank you .

Speaker #4: We'll go next to Steven Fisher at UBS .

Andy Kaplowitz: Got it. Thank you. Helpful. Congrats on the quarter.

Natalia Bak: Got it. Thank you. Helpful. Congrats on the quarter.

Bert Subin: Thanks.

Bob Pragada: Thanks. Thank you.

Bob Pragada: Thank you.

Speaker #5: Thanks . Good morning . I wonder if I could just follow Jamie's question up on on the margin in terms of bridging the the expansion in margins between fiscal 25 and fiscal 26 , if you can kind of be a little more specific on some of the major puts and takes , be it cost savings , operating leverage , any specific investments that you're making to to support AI and digital .

Operator: We'll go next to Steven Fisher at UBS.

Steven Fisher: Thanks. Good morning. I wonder if I could just follow up on Jamie's question on the margin in terms of bridging the expansion in margins between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026, if you can kind of be a little more specific on some of the major puts and takes, be it cost savings, operating leverage, any specific investments that you're making to support AI and digital, anything that you can help us sort of bridge within that. Thank you.

Speaker #5: Anything that you can help us sort of bridge within that . Thank you .

Speaker #2: Yeah . Thank you Steve . So , you know , as we mentioned in the prepared remarks , fiscal 25 , solid performance in terms of 110 basis point margin expansion .

Bob Pragada: Yeah. Thank you, Steve. As we mentioned in the prepared remarks, fiscal 2025, solid performance in terms of 110 basis point margin expansion, and we're guiding for between 50 and 80 basis points for fiscal 2026. A lot of what happened in fiscal 2025 was driven by some of the operating leverage and cost actions, as well as some early improvements in margin, especially as it relates to gross margins. We see a much bigger contribution, especially on the gross margin line going forward, driven by three things that we outlined at investor day, global delivery being a big component of it. As we look at the mix of business across the globe, we see that there's tremendous adoption of global delivery across our various end markets. That should be a meaningful driver of margin expansion for us this year.

Venk Nathamuni: Yeah. Thank you, Steve. As we mentioned in the prepared remarks, fiscal 2025, solid performance in terms of 110 basis point margin expansion, and we're guiding for between 50 and 80 basis points for fiscal 2026. A lot of what happened in fiscal 2025 was driven by some of the operating leverage and cost actions, as well as some early improvements in margin, especially as it relates to gross margins. We see a much bigger contribution, especially on the gross margin line going forward, driven by three things that we outlined at investor day, global delivery being a big component of it. As we look at the mix of business across the globe, we see that there's tremendous adoption of global delivery across our various end markets. That should be a meaningful driver of margin expansion for us this year.

Speaker #2: guiding And we're for between 50 and 80 basis points for fiscal 26 . A lot of what what happened in fiscal 25 was driven by some of the , you know , operating leverage and cost actions , as well as some early improvements in margin , especially as it relates to gross margins .

Speaker #2: We see a much bigger contribution , especially on the gross margin line going forward , driven by three things that we outlined at Investor Day a global delivery being a big component of it .

Speaker #2: As we look at the the mix of business across the globe . We see that there's tremendous adoption of global delivery across our various end markets .

Speaker #2: that should be a So meaningful driver of margin expansion for us this year . And then you know , we talk about commercial models and and how , you know , with the adoption of AI , that's increasing across the multitude of end markets that Bob talked about , that also makes a meaningful contribution to margin expansion .

Bob Pragada: We talk about commercial models and how with the adoption of AI that's increasing across the multitude of end markets that Bob talked about, that also makes a meaningful contribution to margin expansion. I would say multiple levers on the gross margin front, and we are committing to maintaining our operating leverage, meaning we want to grow our OpEx at a slower pace than our revenue growth, and that's driven by both efficiencies as well as what we do internally, as well as externally for our clients. A multitude of factors, we feel really good about our margin expansion story, and we're guiding for 65 basis points at the midpoint after 110 basis point expansion in fiscal 2025.

We talk about commercial models and how with the adoption of AI that's increasing across the multitude of end markets that Bob talked about, that also makes a meaningful contribution to margin expansion. I would say multiple levers on the gross margin front, and we are committing to maintaining our operating leverage, meaning we want to grow our OpEx at a slower pace than our revenue growth, and that's driven by both efficiencies as well as what we do internally, as well as externally for our clients. A multitude of factors, we feel really good about our margin expansion story, and we're guiding for 65 basis points at the midpoint after 110 basis point expansion in fiscal 2025.

Speaker #2: So I would say multiple levers on the gross margin front . And then , you know , we are committing to maintaining our operating leverage , meaning we want to grow our OpEx at a slower pace than our revenue growth .

Speaker #2: And that's driven by both efficiencies as well as what we do internally as well as externally for our clients . So multitude of factors we feel really good about our margin expansion story .

Speaker #2: And , you know , we're guiding for 65 basis points at the midpoint after 110 basis point expansion in fiscal 25 .

Speaker #5: Very helpful . Thank you . And then , Bob , maybe on the the data center side , since I think you guys have a pretty interesting perspective and role in the industry being on the front end of things , I'm curious if you could talk about the changes in the assignments that you're getting this year versus a year ago ?

Steven Fisher: Very helpful, Venk. Bob, maybe on the data center side, since I think you guys have a pretty interesting perspective and role in the industry, being on the front end of things, I'm curious if you could talk about the changes in the assignments that you're getting this year versus a year ago. What are your customers asking you that's different this year? How are the projects different? Is there anything more international or more domestic? Any changes there? Just curious your perspective on how things are different entering 2026 versus 2025.

Speaker #5: What are what are your customers asking you that's different this year ? What what are the how the projects different ? Is there anything more international or more domestic ?

Speaker #5: Any changes there ? Just curious your perspective on how different things are entering 26 versus 25 ?

Speaker #1: Sure . Well , let me let me start with the geography . And then then go to how our scope is , is expanding in that area .

Bert Subin: Sure. Well, let me start with the geography and then go to how our scope is expanding in that area. We're seeing interest now in data center starts in the Middle East and in Europe in addition to the US. The US continues to be the strongest of the three, but it is expanding into Europe, into the Middle East as well. From a scope standpoint, our scope has traditionally been within the white space. The white and the gray space are now merging, and especially the work that we're doing now for NVIDIA is translating into more innovation happening within the server rack in that white space area. Then broadly, solutions around the power requirements behind the meter, as well as reclaimed water, that we're expanding our scope on that front too. All of that put together has really been a net benefit.

Bob Pragada: Sure. Well, let me start with the geography and then go to how our scope is expanding in that area. We're seeing interest now in data center starts in the Middle East and in Europe in addition to the US. The US continues to be the strongest of the three, but it is expanding into Europe, into the Middle East as well. From a scope standpoint, our scope has traditionally been within the white space. The white and the gray space are now merging, and especially the work that we're doing now for NVIDIA is translating into more innovation happening within the server rack in that white space area. Then broadly, solutions around the power requirements behind the meter, as well as reclaimed water, that we're expanding our scope on that front too. All of that put together has really been a net benefit.

Speaker #1: We're seeing interest now in data center starts in the Middle East and in Europe. In addition to the U.S., the U.S. continues to be the strongest of the three.

Speaker #1: So but it is it is expanding into into Europe , into the Middle East as well . From a scope standpoint , you know , our scope is is has traditionally been within the white space , the white and the gray space are now merging .

Speaker #1: And so especially the work that we're doing now for , for Nvidia is translating into . More innovation happening within the within the , within the server rack .

Speaker #1: And that that white space area . And then broadly solutions around the power requirements behind the meter as well as reclaimed water that that we're we're scope expanding our on that front too .

Speaker #1: So all of that put together has has really been a net benefit . Just another data point , Steve . In the last quarter , hour pipeline in the data center space has gone up five x .

Bert Subin: Just another data point, Steve. In the last quarter, our pipeline in the data center space has gone up 5x. We're actually being selective on how we deploy that talent and growing that talent, not just in the US, but in the Philippines and in India as well.

Just another data point, Steve. In the last quarter, our pipeline in the data center space has gone up 5x. We're actually being selective on how we deploy that talent and growing that talent, not just in the US, but in the Philippines and in India as well.

Speaker #1: so And we are we're actually being selective on on how we deploy that talent . And growing that talent , not just in the US but in the Philippines and in India as well .

Speaker #5: Very helpful. Thanks a lot.

Speaker #4: We'll go next to Michael Dudas at Vertical Research .

Steven Fisher: Very helpful, thanks a lot.

Speaker #1: Good morning .

Speaker #6: Gentlemen .

Operator: We'll go next to Michael Dudas at Vertical Research.

Speaker #2: Morning .

Speaker #6: Mike . Bob . Maybe tailing off your last comment on pipeline , which is of course , maybe you could share . You've put out , I guess , your investors a two year pipeline outlook and you're of the segments .

Bert Subin: Morning, gentlemen.

Michael Dudas: Morning, gentlemen.

Bob Pragada: Morning, Mike.

Bert Subin: Bob, maybe tailing off your last comment on pipeline, which is important, maybe you could share you've put out, I guess, your eventually two-year pipeline outlooks and your segments. Maybe you can refresh on that, how that looks today versus a year ago, and what areas should we be looking at as we monitor on bookings and progress as the year goes through? There are certain couple of areas. I mean, you just touched on some of them, but role for the pipeline and whether the conversions are going to happen sooner rather than later that might drive the 10% range of the 26 numbers.

Michael Dudas: Bob, maybe tailing off your last comment on pipeline, which is important, maybe you could share you've put out, I guess, your eventually two-year pipeline outlooks and your segments. Maybe you can refresh on that, how that looks today versus a year ago, and what areas should we be looking at as we monitor on bookings and progress as the year goes through? There are certain couple of areas. I mean, you just touched on some of them, but role for the pipeline and whether the conversions are going to happen sooner rather than later that might drive the 10% range of the 26 numbers.

Speaker #6: Maybe you can refresh on that . How that looks today versus a year ago , and what areas should we be looking at as we as we monitor on bookings and progress as the year goes through , as there couple of areas you just touched on some but of them , roll through the pipeline and where the conversions are going to happen sooner rather than later .

Speaker #6: That might drive the 6% to 10% range of 26 numbers.

Speaker #1: Sure . Maybe . Maybe . Mike , I'll kind of segregate it into into two categories , one by sector and then second by by geography .

Bob Pragada: Sure. Maybe, Mike, I'll kind of segregate it into two categories: one, by sector, and then second, by geography. By sector, I'd say the fastest growing pipelines, and I can quote some numbers here, in the data center world, just mentioned pipeline is up 5x. In the semiconductor world, we're seeing more growth there after some flatness over the course of the last year, and it's really centered around high bandwidth memory for the American client. In the US, semiconductor pipeline's up 20%. Life sciences continues to be strong, and in all those areas that we mentioned before, that's really been driven in the US. That pipeline is up 50%, and the water sector. The water sector continues to be a strong sector for us globally, and that's up 50%. Overall, the pipeline is looking really, really strong as we go into FY26.

Speaker #1: By sector . I'd say the fastest growing pipelines . And I can quote some numbers here in the data center world just mentioned , pipeline is up five x in the semiconductor world .

Speaker #1: We're seeing more more growth there after , you know , some flatness over the course of the last year . And it's really centered around high bandwidth memory for the American client in the US , semiconductor pipeline is up 20% .

Speaker #1: Life Sciences continues to be strong . And and all those areas that we mentioned before , that's really been driven in the US , that pipeline is up 50% .

Speaker #1: And the water sector , the water sector continues to be a strong sector for us globally . And that that's up 50% . So overall , the pipeline is is looking really , really strong as we go into 26 .

Speaker #1: into FY reason why I The mentioned those four sectors is because that's where we see the fastest conversion of that pipeline in in 26 and in early 27 from a geography standpoint , it's the Middle East .

Bob Pragada: The reason why I mentioned those four sectors is because that's where we'll see the fastest conversion of that pipeline in 2026 and in early 2027. From a geography standpoint, it's the Middle East. We just announced the award for Nuraba, specifically the Muqab component of that. That's a huge, really good job for us. We're now on the expo, and we've got a few opportunities at Abu Dhabi and Etihad Rail that could convert here shortly. Across the Middle East region, we're seeing good growth leading up to not just the expo, but also the World Cup coming up too.

The reason why I mentioned those four sectors is because that's where we'll see the fastest conversion of that pipeline in 2026 and in early 2027. From a geography standpoint, it's the Middle East. We just announced the award for New Murabba, specifically The Mukaab component of that. That's a huge, really good job for us. We're now on the expo, and we've got a few opportunities at Abu Dhabi and Etihad Rail that could convert here shortly. Across the Middle East region, we're seeing good growth leading up to not just the expo, but also the World Cup coming up too.

Speaker #1: You know , we just announced the award for new Maraba , specifically the component of That's a that . huge a really good job for us .

Speaker #1: We're now on the expo and we've got a few opportunities at Abu Dhabi and Etihad Rail that could convert here shortly . So across the the Middle East region , we're seeing good growth leading up to not just the Expo , but also the Cup World coming up to .

Speaker #6: Germany, the visit in Washington this week from the Saudis certainly can add to that visibility. I would assume it did.

Bert Subin: Certainly, the visit in Washington this week from the Saudis certainly can add to that visibility, I would assume.

Michael Dudas: Certainly, the visit in Washington this week from the Saudis certainly can add to that visibility, I would assume.

Speaker #6: It did . Yeah , of course . The second question , just as we think about cadence through 2026 on free cash and share repurchase , just , you know , 2025 had a lot of a lot of up , opportunistic one time issues .

Bob Pragada: It did. It did.

Bert Subin: Yeah, of course. The second question, Venk, just as we think about cadence through 2026 on free cash and share repurchase, just 2025 had a lot of opportunistic one-time issues, but how do we think about as you allocate that cash relative to share repurchase and whatever, maybe target on debt relief or what have you as we look through 2026?

Michael Dudas: Yeah, of course. The second question, Venk, just as we think about cadence through 2026 on free cash and share repurchase, just 2025 had a lot of opportunistic one-time issues, but how do we think about as you allocate that cash relative to share repurchase and whatever, maybe target on debt relief or what have you as we look through 2026?

Speaker #6: But how do we think about as you allocate that cash relative to to share repurchase and whatever it may be target on that relief or what have you .

Speaker #6: As we look through 26.

Speaker #2: thanks for the Yeah . Mike , question . So answer the I'll margin question first , which is as we as we to guided expecting a linear progression in margins , Q1 being probably the slowest in terms of margins .

Bob Pragada: Yeah, Mike, thanks for the question. I'll answer the margin question first, which is, as we guided to, expecting a linear progression in margins, Q1 being probably the slowest in terms of margins, and then a steady increase right through the rest of the year, such that we feel good about the 50 to 80 basis points for the full year. As it relates to our use of cash, as we pointed out, our net leverage ratio is right now at 0.8x. We do want to maintain the optionality for additional deployment of cash for a potential increase in our stake in PA, as we've been stating all along. Outside of that, we want to be regular buyers of our stock. We truly believe in the value of being predictable in terms of buying back shares, and we'll do it at a regular quantum.

Venk Nathamuni: Yeah, Mike, thanks for the question. I'll answer the margin question first, which is, as we guided to, expecting a linear progression in margins, Q1 being probably the slowest in terms of margins, and then a steady increase right through the rest of the year, such that we feel good about the 50 to 80 basis points for the full year. As it relates to our use of cash, as we pointed out, our net leverage ratio is right now at 0.8x. We do want to maintain the optionality for additional deployment of cash for a potential increase in our stake in PA, as we've been stating all along. Outside of that, we want to be regular buyers of our stock. We truly believe in the value of being predictable in terms of buying back shares, and we'll do it at a regular quantum.

Speaker #2: And know , a then , you steady increase right through the rest of the year , such that we feel good about the 50 to 80 basis points for the full year as it relates to our use of cash .

Speaker #2: You know , as we pointed out , our net leverage ratios right now at 0.8 x , we do want to maintain the optionality for additional deployment of cash for a potential increase in our stake in PA , as we've been saying all along .

Speaker #2: But outside of that , we want to be regular buyers of our stock . We truly believe in the value of being predictable in terms of buying back shares do it at .

Speaker #2: And we'll a regular quantum , and it won't be at the same level as it was last year . 150% . But we made the commitment at Investor Day to return at least 60% of our free cash flow in the form of share repurchases and and dividends .

Bob Pragada: It won't be at the same level as it was last year, 150%, but we made the commitment at investor day to return at least 60% of our free cash flow in the form of share repurchases and dividends, and we're committed to that.

It won't be at the same level as it was last year, 150%, but we made the commitment at investor day to return at least 60% of our free cash flow in the form of share repurchases and dividends, and we're committed to that.

Speaker #2: And we're committed to that .

Speaker #6: Excellent . Thanks , John . Thank you .

Speaker #4: And we'll take our final question from Jerry Revich Wells at Fargo .

Bert Subin: Excellent. Thanks, gentlemen.

Michael Dudas: Excellent. Thanks, gentlemen.

Bob Pragada: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Yes . Hi . Good morning , everyone . Hi , Jerry . Hi . Given the top line outlook you have for the year and I think what you shared for the first quarter , you know , you could be exiting if you hit the high end of the range with call it 13% type top growth line in the fourth quarter .

Operator: We'll take our final question from Jerry Revich at Wells Fargo.

Jerry Revich: Yes, hi. Good morning, everyone.

Bert Subin: Hi, Jerry.

Bob Pragada: Hi, Jerry.

Jerry Revich: Venk. Hi. Given the top-line outlook you have for the year and, Venk, what you shared for the first quarter, you could be exiting if you hit the high end of the range with, call it, 13% pipeline growth in the fourth quarter. Can you just talk about if you do hit the high end of the range, given the color you provided earlier, Bob, which end markets do we need to see that pipeline turn into bookings if we're talking about the high end of the outlook being feasible and exiting at that teen's growth rate in the fourth quarter if that plays out?

Speaker #7: Can you just talk about if you do hit the high end of the range , given the color you provided earlier ? Bob , which end markets do we need to see that pipeline turn into bookings ?

Speaker #7: If we're talking about the high end of the outlook being feasible and exiting at that teens growth rate in the fourth quarter , if that plays out ?

Speaker #2: Yeah , I'll take the first part of the question and then Bob can add a lot more color . I would say , you know , in terms of the sequential nature of the of the growth profile as well as the margin profile you expect , we expect to see continued momentum right through the year .

Bob Pragada: Yeah, Jerry, I'll take the first part of the question, then Bob can add a lot more color. I would say in terms of the sequential nature of the growth profile, as well as the margin profile, we expect to see continued momentum right through the year. As we stated, Q4 is the one which will have the extra week, so that'll have an extra boom, if you will, in terms of both revenue contribution, as well as margin contribution. In terms of the end markets, it's pretty broad-based, and maybe Bob can add more color on how we expect that to play out.

Venk Nathamuni: Yeah, Jerry, I'll take the first part of the question, then Bob can add a lot more color. I would say in terms of the sequential nature of the growth profile, as well as the margin profile, we expect to see continued momentum right through the year. As we stated, Q4 is the one which will have the extra week, so that'll have an extra boom, if you will, in terms of both revenue contribution, as well as margin contribution. In terms of the end markets, it's pretty broad-based, and maybe Bob can add more color on how we expect that to play out.

Speaker #2: And as we stated , Q4 is the one which will have the extra week . So that will have an extra oomph , if you will , in terms of both revenue contribution as well as margin contribution .

Speaker #2: But in terms of the end markets , you know , it's pretty broad based and maybe Bob can add more color on how we expect that to play out .

Speaker #1: Yeah. The ones that would drive the high end of the range. Jerry would be life sciences and data centers, clearly.

Speaker #1: And really that's that's a matter of that . Those sectors moving at pace that wouldn't have to be accelerated . Just need to move at pace .

Bert Subin: Yeah, the ones that would drive the high end of the range, Jerry, would be life sciences and data centers, clearly. Really, that's a matter of those sectors moving at pace. That wouldn't have to be accelerated, just need to move at pace, and that would be a big contributor. We're seeing semiconductor fabrication facilities start to move, and if that were to accelerate, that would definitely be a tailwind. Momentum, I think on Citi's question with regards to transportation, that international transportation market would provide some momentum as well. Then major prospects. We're seeing major prospects in cities and places in the Middle East, but also we're now starting at the LA Olympics, as well as FAA and a few other kind of larger initiatives that would drive the higher end.

Bob Pragada: Yeah, the ones that would drive the high end of the range, Jerry, would be life sciences and data centers, clearly. Really, that's a matter of those sectors moving at pace. That wouldn't have to be accelerated, just need to move at pace, and that would be a big contributor. We're seeing semiconductor fabrication facilities start to move, and if that were to accelerate, that would definitely be a tailwind. Momentum, I think on Citi's question with regards to transportation, that international transportation market would provide some momentum as well. Then major prospects. We're seeing major prospects in cities and places in the Middle East, but also we're now starting at the LA Olympics, as well as FAA and a few other kind of larger initiatives that would drive the higher end.

Speaker #1: And that would be a big contributor . We're seeing semiconductor fabrication facilities start to move . And so if that were to to accelerate , that would definitely be a tailwind momentum .

Speaker #1: I think on , on on cities question . With regards to transportation that international transportation market would provide some momentum as well . And then major prospects , you know , we're seeing major prospects in in cities and places in Middle East , but also we're now starting at at the LA Olympics as well as FAA and a few other kind of larger initiatives that that would drive the higher end .

Speaker #7: And then Bob , on data centers , specifically , you mentioned a five fold increase in that pipeline for you . Obviously , that market is very hot , but I don't think it's up five x .

Jerry Revich: Bob, on data centers specifically, you mentioned a five-fold increase in that pipeline for you. Obviously, that market is very hot, but I don't think it's up 5x. Are you folks expanding the scope of what you're doing within data centers, or is it people are looking farther out to lock in services? Can you just expand on that five-fold comment, and if you're willing to share off of what base from a Jacobs standpoint, that'd be helpful.

Speaker #7: Are you folks expanding the scope of what you're doing within data centers, or are people looking farther out to lock in services?

Speaker #7: Can you just expand on that five-fold comment? And if you're willing to share off of what base from Jacobs' standpoint, that would be helpful?

Speaker #7: just . Yeah ,

Speaker #1: Just to put it in perspective , it's about a $200 million business for us today . And , you know , over time , I won't be specific on on time .

Bert Subin: Yeah. Just to put in perspective, it's about a $200 million business for us today. Over time, I won't be specific on time, but that business could be as big as our life sciences business today in a few years. That's kind of where it's headed. I'd say it's across the board. It's hyperscalers. It's what we call kind of the neo cloud providers, as well as multi-tenant players as well. It's in just sheer numbers of people that are coming into the market. Our scope has expanded from a content standpoint, going within the battery limits of the data center into the water requirements, as well as power needs. That's a nice kind of adjacency with our energy and power group, then alternative delivery.

Bob Pragada: Yeah. Just to put in perspective, it's about a $200 million business for us today. Over time, I won't be specific on time, but that business could be as big as our life sciences business today in a few years. That's kind of where it's headed. I'd say it's across the board. It's hyperscalers. It's what we call kind of the neo cloud providers, as well as multi-tenant players as well. It's in just sheer numbers of people that are coming into the market. Our scope has expanded from a content standpoint, going within the battery limits of the data center into the water requirements, as well as power needs. That's a nice kind of adjacency with our energy and power group, then alternative delivery.

Speaker #1: But , you know , that business could be as big as our life sciences business today . You know , in a few years .

Speaker #1: So that's that's kind of where , where it's headed , I'd say it's across the board . It's hyperscalers . It's what we call kind of the cloud providers as well as multi-tenant players as well .

Speaker #1: And it's in just sheer numbers of people that are coming into the Our market . scope has expanded from a from a content standpoint , going within the battery limits of the data center into the water requirements , as well as power needs .

Speaker #1: And that's a nice kind of adjacency with our energy and power group . And then , you know , alternative delivery . So similar to what we do in in the life sciences sector where we as well as in the water sector where we do not just design , but program management for the delivery of the facility .

Bert Subin: Similar to what we do in the life sciences sector, as well as in the water sector, where we do not just design, but program management for the delivery of the facility, we're now in that mode in the life sciences—I'm sorry, in the data center space as well.

Similar to what we do in the life sciences sector, as well as in the water sector, where we do not just design, but program management for the delivery of the facility, we're now in that mode in the life sciences—I'm sorry, in the data center space as well.

Speaker #1: We're now in that that mode in the I'm sorry , in the data center space as well .

Speaker #7: Super. Thank you. And is there anything you could do to improve traffic in the New York area? A lot of us on the call would be grateful.

Speaker #7: So thanks everyone .

Jerry Revich: Super. Thank you. Anything you could do to improve traffic in the New York area, a lot of us on the call would be grateful. Thanks, everyone.

Speaker #8: Okay .

Speaker #1: We're working on it . Jerry .

Speaker #4: And that concludes our Q&A session . I will now turn the conference back over to Bob for closing remarks .

Bert Subin: Okay. We're working on it, Jerry.

Bob Pragada: Okay. We're working on it, Jerry.

Operator: That concludes our Q&A session. I will now turn the conference back over to Bob Pragada for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Thank you , everyone , for for joining our earnings call . We look forward to engaging with many of you over the coming days and weeks as we go on the road and hope all that are celebrating the US Thanksgiving .

Bert Subin: Well, thank you. Thank you, everyone, for joining our earnings call. We look forward to engaging with many of you over the coming days and weeks as we go on the road, and hope all that are celebrating the US Thanksgiving have a happy holiday.

Bob Pragada: Well, thank you. Thank you, everyone, for joining our earnings call. We look forward to engaging with many of you over the coming days and weeks as we go on the road, and hope all that are celebrating the US Thanksgiving have a happy holiday.

Speaker #1: Have a have a happy holiday .

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Q4 2025 Jacobs Solutions Inc Earnings Call

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