Brookfield Business Corp Q4 2025 Brookfield Business Corp Earnings Call | AllMind AI Earnings | AllMind AI
Q4 2025 Brookfield Business Corp Earnings Call
Operator: Welcome to the Brookfield Business Partners Q4 2025 results conference call and webcast. As a reminder, all participants are in a listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, simply press star one one on your touchtone phone. Now, I'd like to turn the conference over to Alan Fleming, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, Mr. Fleming.
Speaker #1: After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, simply press star eleven on your touch-tone phone. Now, I'd like to turn the conference over to Alan Fleming.
Speaker #1: Head of Investor Relations, please go ahead Mr. Fleming.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Operator, and good morning. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that in responding to questions and talking about our growth initiatives and our financial and operating performance, we may make forward-looking statements.
Alan Fleming: Thank you, operator, and good morning. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that in responding to questions and talking about our growth initiatives and our financial and operating performance, we may make forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, and future results may differ materially. For further information on known risk factors, I encourage you to review our filings with the securities regulators in Canada and the US, which are available on our website. We'll begin the call today with Anuj Ranjan, our Chief Executive Officer, who will provide an overview of the year and an update on our strategy. Anuj will then turn the call over to Adrian Letts, Head of our Global Business Operations team, to share some observations on the global operating environment and progress we've made on our value creation plans.
Speaker #2: These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, and future results may differ materially. For further information on known risk factors, I encourage you to review our filings with the securities regulators in Canada and the US, which are available on our website.
Speaker #2: We'll begin the call today with a news update. Our Chief Executive Officer will provide an overview of the year and an update on our strategy.
Speaker #2: The news will then turn the call over to Adrian Letts, Head of our Global Business Operations Team, to share some observations on the global operating environment and the progress we've made on our value creation plans.
Speaker #2: Just Breed Dell, our Chief Financial Officer, will then discuss our financial results for the year. After we finish our prepared remarks, the team will be available to take your questions.
Alan Fleming: Jaspreet Dehl, our Chief Financial Officer, will then discuss our financial results for the year. After we finish our prepared remarks, the team will be available to take your questions. I'd now like to pass the call over to Anuj.
Speaker #2: I'd now like to pass the call over to Anush.
Speaker #3: Thanks, Alan, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us on the call today. 2025 was an excellent year for BBU, and the execution of our strategy to continue compounding value for our shareholders.
Anuj Ranjan: Thanks, Alan, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us on the call today. 2025 was an excellent year for BBU, and the execution of our strategy to continue, continue compounding value for our shareholders. Over the past year, we generated more than $2 billion of proceeds from capital recycling, repaid roughly $1 billion of our corporate borrowings, invested $700 million in four growth acquisitions, and repurchased about $235 million of stock at a significant discount to intrinsic value. We also delivered strong underlying financial performance, driven by the continued execution of our value creation plans, which, Adrian will get into more later. In addition, we're close to completing our corporate reorganization, which will result in us being a single, newly listed corporation.
Speaker #3: Over the past year, we generated more than $2 billion of proceeds from capital recycling, repaid roughly $1 billion of our corporate borrowings, invested $700 million in four growth acquisitions, and repurchased about $235 million of stock at a significant discount to intrinsic value.
Speaker #3: We also delivered strong underlying financial performance driven by the continued execution of our value creation plans, which Adrian will get into more later. In addition, we're close to completing our corporate reorganization, which will result in us being a single newly listed corporation.
Speaker #3: This is a big change, and we think that it will improve our trading liquidity, double the index-driven demand for our shares, and make it easier for investors globally to invest in our business.
Anuj Ranjan: This is a big change, and we think that it will improve our trading liquidity, double the index-driven demand for our shares, and make it easier for investors globally to invest in our business. We received the acquired unit and shareholder approvals earlier this month, and we're on track to complete the conversion over the coming weeks, pending final regulatory approval. Stepping back, we created our business about a decade ago with a simple purpose: to provide public market investors with access to Brookfield's global private equity capabilities, which has compounded value at exceptional rates for over 25 years. The strategy is straightforward. We find great businesses, we buy them for a reasonable value, and we execute on our operational plans to improve performance. More than half of the value we have historically realized has come from improving the businesses we own.
Speaker #3: We received the required unit and shareholder approvals earlier this month, and we're on track to complete the conversion over the coming weeks, pending final regulatory approval.
Speaker #3: Stepping back, we created our business about a decade ago with a simple purpose: to provide public market investors with access to Brookfield's global private equity capabilities, which is compounded value at exceptional rates for over 25 years.
Speaker #3: The strategy is straightforward. We find great businesses, we buy them for a reasonable value, and we execute on our operational plans to improve performance.
Speaker #3: More than half of the value we have historically realized has come from improving the businesses we own. In a world where returns can no longer depend on falling rates and cheap financing or multiple expansion, our approach to operational excellence matters more than ever.
Anuj Ranjan: In a world where returns can no longer depend on falling rates, cheap financing, or multiple expansion, our approach to operational excellence matters more than ever. This is the environment that our business was built for, and two forces are accelerating demand for that strategy. First, de-globalization is reshaping supply chains, causing businesses to rethink sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution strategies, which require both capital and significant change management expertise. Just to illustrate this, CapEx in US manufacturing has grown from $50 billion in 2020 to nearly $250 billion in 2025. At the same time, AI is reshaping industrial and essential services businesses, not just technology platforms behind the models. The opportunity is massive, but the constraint isn't technology.
Speaker #3: This is the environment that our business was built for, and strategy. First, deglobalization is reshaping supply chains, causing businesses to rethink sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution strategies.
Speaker #3: Which require both capital and significant change management expertise. Just to illustrate this, CapEx in US manufacturing has grown from $50 billion in 2020 to nearly $250 billion in 2025.
Speaker #3: At the same time, AI is reshaping industrial and essential services businesses, not just technology platforms behind the models. The beneficiaries will be those who can implement tools to automate processes, reduce costs, address labor shortages, and transform analog systems to digital operations.
Speaker #3: The opportunity is massive, but the constraint isn't technology—it's experienced operators who can implement real change and properly transform businesses. That is where we stand apart.
Anuj Ranjan: It's experienced operators who can implement real change and properly transform businesses. That is where we stand apart. Our integrated operating model, combining investment capabilities with decades of operating expertise and leveraging the power of the $1 trillion Brookfield ecosystem, has underpinned our returns for decades and will continue to differentiate our approach to value creation. It's an exciting time for BBU. The market backdrop for what we do is as attractive as it has been in years, and the value proposition for our investors is as strong as ever. First, our trading price is 50% higher than it was a year ago, but still at a material discount to NAV, which continues to grow. Second, we own market-leading providers of vital products and services, which underpin the durability of our cash flows.
Speaker #3: Our integrated operating model, combining investment capabilities with decades of operating expertise and leveraging the power of the $1 trillion Brookfield ecosystem, has underpinned our returns for decades and will continue to differentiate our approach to value creation.
Speaker #3: It's an exciting time for BBU. The market backdrop for what we do is as attractive as it has been in years, and the value proposition for our investors is as strong as ever.
Speaker #3: First, our trading price is 50% higher than it was a year ago, but still at a material discount to now, which continues to grow.
Speaker #3: Second, we own market-leading providers of vital products and services, which underpin the durability of our cash flows. And lastly, every dollar that is recycled is reinvested by the same Brookfield team, which has compounded capital at exceptional rates for decades.
Anuj Ranjan: Lastly, every dollar that is recycled is reinvested by the same Brookfield team, which has compounded capital at exceptional rates for decades. We made great progress over the past year and are well-positioned with the capital and capabilities to continue building value in 2026. With that, I'll turn it over to Adrian for an update on the operating environment and the progress we're making on our value creation plans.
Speaker #3: We made great progress over the past year, and are well positioned with the capital and capabilities to continue building value in 2026. With that, I'll turn it over to Adrian for an update on the operating environment and the progress we're making on our value.
Speaker #3: creation plans. Thank
Speaker #2: you. Anush, and good morning, everyone. Starting with some observations on the operating environment. While select regions and sectors continue to have their challenges, the overall backdrop remains relatively stable.
Operator: Thank you, Anuj, and good morning, everyone. Starting with some observations on the operating environment, while select regions and sectors continue to have their challenges, the overall backdrop remains relatively stable.
Speaker #2: In North America, conditions are benefiting from easing rates, steady consumer spending, and resilient labor markets. Demand is holding up, although near-term growth is still hard to come by in certain end markets, where sentiment and the pace of capital spending remain more measured.
Adrian Letts: ...In North America, conditions are benefiting from easing rates, steady consumer spending, and resilient labor markets. Demand is holding up, although near-term growth is still hard to come by in certain end markets, where sentiment and the pace of capital spending remain more measured. Longer-term structural trends around reshoring, automation, and the repositioning of critical supply chains are taking hold as businesses respond to evolving trade policy and geopolitical uncertainty. In Europe, conditions are more challenging. Activity has been slower in some cyclical and industrial end markets, including construction and certain more CapEx-sensitive manufacturing segments, where customer decision-making remains slow. That said, we're seeing some early signs of improvement, supported by increases in fiscal spending in countries like Germany, stabilizing energy prices, and more accommodative monetary policy across most parts of the region to promote growth.
Speaker #2: Longer-term structural trends around reshoring, automation, and the repositioning of critical supply chains are taking hold as businesses respond to evolving trade policy and geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaker #2: In Europe, conditions are more challenging. Activity has been slower in some cyclical and industrial end markets, including construction and certain more CapEx-sensitive manufacturing segments, where customer decision-making remains slow.
Speaker #2: That said, we're seeing some early signs of improvement, supported by increases in fiscal spending in countries like Germany. Stabilizing energy prices and more accommodative monetary policy across most parts of the region are promoting growth.
Speaker #2: As you know, we have teams on the ground across all the regions we operate, deeply embedded within our businesses, focused on implementing our operating playbook and working closely with our management teams to advance our core value creation plans.
Adrian Letts: As you know, we have teams on the ground across all the regions we operate, deeply embedded within our businesses, focused on implementing our operating playbook, and working closely with our management teams to advance our core, our value creation plans. One of the best examples of our approach in action is at Clarios, which is coming off another record calendar year of performance. Since our acquisition, underlying annual EBITDA has increased 40% or almost $700 million, and we see a path to a similar level of growth over the next 5 years as the team continues to execute. We're working closely with management on initiatives to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance Clarios' pricing and commercial strategy, and push forward the innovation of new product technologies.
Speaker #2: One of the best examples of our approach in action is at Clarios, which is coming off another record calendar year of performance. Since our acquisition, underlying annual EBITDA has increased 40%, or almost $700 million, and we see a path to a similar level of growth over the next five years, as the team continues to execute.
Speaker #2: We're working closely with management on initiatives to strengthen operational efficiency and enhance Clarios's pricing and commercial strategy, and push forward the innovation of new product technologies.
Speaker #2: At the same time, to meet the growing demand for high-performance advanced batteries, the business is investing to expand its advanced battery manufacturing capacity, enhance recycling and critical mineral recovery capabilities, and accelerate its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.
Adrian Letts: At the same time, to meet the growing demand for high-performance advanced batteries, the business is investing to expand its advanced battery manufacturing capacity, enhanced recycling and critical mineral recovery capabilities, and accelerate its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, all supported by strong cash generation and US manufacturing tax credits. We've also made excellent progress over the past year at Nielsen, our audience measurement operation. Since our acquisition, the business has executed about $800 million of cost savings, including over $250 million achieved in the past year, increasing EBITDA margins by more than 350 basis points. Most of the improvements have been driven by organizational simplification, automation, and reduction of third-party spend. On the back of the strong performance, the business recently completed two refinancings, which, combined with the debt paydown, will result in about $90 million of annual interest savings.
Speaker #2: All supported by strong cash generation and U.S. manufacturing tax credits. We've also made excellent progress over the past year at Nielsen. Our audience measurement operation.
Speaker #2: Since our acquisition, the business has executed about $800 million of cost savings, including over $250 million achieved in the past year, increasing EBITDA margins by more than 350 basis points.
Speaker #2: Most of the improvements have been driven by organizational simplification, automation, and reduction of third-party spend. On the back of the strong performance, the business recently completed two refinancings, which combined with the debt paydown will result in about $90 million of annual interest savings.
Speaker #2: The team at Dexco has done great work to manage through a weak end market conditions. While overall volumes are down for the year, full-year EBITDA was up below single digits and margins have held up in line with levels at acquisition.
Adrian Letts: The team at Dexco has done great work to manage through weak end-market conditions. While overall volumes are down for the year, full-year EBITDA was up low single digits, and margins have held up in line with levels at acquisition, driven by a continued focus on cost optimization, commercial execution, and productivity improvements. It's still early days, but we're cautiously optimistic that volumes are stabilizing with new business wins, positioning Dexco well for a broader market recovery when it comes. Outside of North America, performance at Network, our Middle East payment processor, is tracking in line with our expectations. Over the past year, the team has driven meaningful operational improvements, upgrading the core technology platform, optimizing the cost base, improving Network's e-commerce offering, and expanding value-added services, particularly around data analytics, fraud, and loyalty solutions.
Speaker #2: Driven by a continued focus on cost optimization, commercial execution, and productivity improvements. It's still early days, but we're cautiously optimistic that volumes are stabilizing with new business wins, positioning Dexco well for a broader market recovery when it comes.
Speaker #2: Outside of North America, performance at Network, our Middle East payment processor, is tracking in line with our expectations. Over the past year, the team has driven meaningful operational improvements, upgrading the core technology platform, optimizing the cost base, improving Network's e-commerce offering, and expanding value-added services, particularly around data analytics, fraud, and loyalty solutions.
Speaker #2: We've also strengthened the leadership team, made significant process progress on combining the business with our legacy payments processing operation in the region, and closed an add-on acquisition, driving both operational and scale efficiencies to position the business for its next phase of growth.
Adrian Letts: We've also strengthened the leadership team, made significant progress on combining the business with our legacy payments processing operation in the region, and closed an add-on acquisition, driving both operational and scale efficiencies to position the business for its next phase of growth. We've been busy over the past year and are encouraged by the momentum we're seeing across our businesses. Execution has been strong, and our value creation plans are progressing well. Where we are seeing weaker end market conditions, our teams have leaned in to protect margins and strengthen cash generation to ensure we're best positioned for when conditions improve. With that, I'll hand it over to Jaspreet for a review of our financial results, and I'll be available for questions.
Speaker #2: We've been busy over the past year and are encouraged by the momentum we're seeing across our businesses. Execution has been strong, and our value creation plans are progressing well.
Speaker #2: Where we are seeing weaker end market conditions, our teams have leaned in to protect margins and strengthen cash generation to ensure we're best positioned for when conditions improve.
Speaker #2: With that, I'll hand it over to Jaspreet for a review of our financial results, and I'll be available for questions after.
Speaker #2: questions. Thanks, Adrian,
Jaspreet Dehl: Thanks, Adrian, and good morning, everyone. We generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in 2024. Current year results reflect the impact of lower ownership in three businesses following the partial sale of our interest and include $297 million of tax credits, compared to $271 million in the prior year. Excluding the tax credits and the impact of acquisitions and dispositions, Adjusted EBITDA was $2.1 billion, compared to $2 billion in the prior year. Adjusted EFO for the year was $1.2 billion, which included $161 million of net gains during the year. Turning to segment performance. Our industrial segment generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion, compared to $1.2 billion last year.
Speaker #3: And good morning, everyone. We generated full-year adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in 2024. Current year results reflect the impact of lower ownership in three businesses, following the partial sale of our interest, and include $297 million of tax credits.
Speaker #3: Compared to $271 million in the prior year. Excluding the tax credits and the impact of acquisitions and dispositions, adjusted EBITDA was $2.1 billion, compared to $2 billion in the prior year.
Speaker #3: Adjusted EFO for the year was $1.2 billion, which included $161 million of net gains during the year. Turning to segment performance. Our industrial segment generated full-year adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion, compared to $1.2 billion last year.
Speaker #3: Excluding the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and tax benefits, segment performance increased by 10% compared to the prior year. Results benefited from strong performance at our advanced energy operation, driven by the favorable mix of higher-margin batteries and strong commercial execution.
Jaspreet Dehl: Excluding the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and tax benefits, segment performance increased by 10% compared to prior year. Results benefited from strong performance at our advanced energy operation, driven by the favorable mix of higher-margin batteries and strong commercial execution. Performance of our engineered components manufacturer increased over the prior year, supported by margin improvement initiatives and commercial actions, despite weak end-market conditions. Moving to our business services segment, which generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $823 million, compared to $832 million last year, on a same-store basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately 5% over the prior year. Results at our residential mortgage insurer during the year reflect the timing impact of slower revenue recognition under the IFRS 17 accounting standard, given uncertain Canadian economic forecast.
Speaker #3: Performance of our engineered components manufacturer increased over the prior year, supported by margin improvement initiatives and commercial actions, despite weak end-market conditions. Moving to our Business Services segment, we generated full-year adjusted EBITDA of $823 million, compared to $832 million last year.
Speaker #3: On a same-store basis, adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately 5% over the prior year. Results at our residential mortgage insurer during the year reflect the timing impact of slower revenue recognition under the IFRS 17 accounting standard, given uncertain Canadian economic forecasts.
Speaker #3: Volumes of new insurance premium increased during the year, reflecting the benefit of new mortgage insurance products, which have expanded the market and helped improve affordability in an otherwise soft Canadian housing market.
Jaspreet Dehl: Volumes of new insurance premium increased during the year, reflecting the benefit of new mortgage insurance products, which have expanded the market and helped improve affordability in an otherwise soft Canadian housing market. At our dealer software and technology services operation, stable renewal activity and commercial initiatives are largely offsetting the impact of churn in the business. Costs associated with the modernization initiatives were included in results during the year and will continue to impact results through 2026. Finally, our infrastructure services segment generated full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $436 million, compared to $606 million last year. Results reflect the sale of our offshore oil services shuttle tanker operation and a $14 million impact related to the sale of a partial interest in our work access services operation earlier this year.
Speaker #3: At our dealer software and technology services operation, stable renewal activity and commercial initiatives are largely offsetting the impact of churn in the business. Costs associated with the modernization initiatives were included in results during the year, and will continue to impact results through 2026.
Speaker #3: Finally, our infrastructure services segment generated full-year adjusted EBITDA of $436 million, compared to $606 million last year. Results reflect the sale of our offshore oil services shuttle tanker operation and a $14 million impact related to the sale of a partial interest in our work access services operation earlier this year.
Speaker #3: Improved margins and the ongoing ramp-up of recent commercial wins at our lottery services operation were offset by the impact of lower terminal deliveries and hardware sales during the year.
Jaspreet Dehl: Improved margins and the ongoing ramp-up of recent commercial wins at our lottery services operation was offset by the impact of lower terminal deliveries and hardware sales during the year. The business continues to execute on a strong pipeline of new commercial opportunities, including the recent full rollout of its UK digital service offering. Our modular building leasing services operation was impacted by lower activity levels and fleet utilization, which was partially offset by continued growth of value-added products and services. Turning to our balance sheet and capital allocation priorities. We ended the year with approximately $2.6 billion of pro forma liquidity at the corporate level, including the fair value of units we received in exchange for the sale of a partial interest in 3 businesses to a new Brookfield Evergreen Fund last year. During the quarter, 87 million of the units we received were redeemed.
Speaker #3: The business continues to execute on a strong pipeline of new commercial opportunities, including the recent full rollout of its UK digital service offering. Our modular building leasing services operation was impacted by lower activity levels and fleet utilization, which was partially offset by continued growth of value-added products and services.
Speaker #3: Turning to our balance sheet and capital allocation priorities, we ended the year with approximately $2.6 billion of pro forma liquidity at the corporate level, including the fair value of units we received in exchange for the sale of a partial interest in three businesses to a new Brookfield Evergreen Fund last year.
Speaker #3: During the quarter, $87 million of the units we received were redeemed. We came into 2026 with a strong liquidity position and significant flexibility to support our growth and balanced capital allocation priorities.
Jaspreet Dehl: We came into 2026 with a strong liquidity position and significant flexibility to support our growth and balanced capital allocation priorities. Credit markets remain quite constructive, and we completed more than $20 billion of financings over the past year across our operations, extending maturities, improving terms, and reducing the cost of refinanced borrowings by over 50 basis points. Finally, to date, we've repurchased approximately $235 million of our units and shares at an average price of approximately $26 per unit and share. We remain committed to completing our $250 million buyback program, and beyond that, we will be opportunistic with respect to further repurchase activity. With that, I'd like to close our prepared remarks and turn the call back to the operator for questions.
Speaker #3: Credit markets remain quite constructive, and we completed more than $20 billion of financings over the past year across our operations, extending maturities, improving terms, and reducing the cost of refinanced borrowings by over 50 basis points.
Speaker #3: To date, we've repurchased approximately $235 million of our units and shares at an average price of approximately $26 per unit and share. We remain committed to completing our $250 million buyback program, and beyond that, we will be opportunistic with respect to further repurchase activity.
Speaker #3: With that, I'd like to close our prepared remarks and turn the call back to the operator for Q&A.
Speaker #4: Thank
Speaker #4: Thank you. Questions. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.
Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. One moment, please. Our first question comes from the line of Devin Dodge with BMO Capital Markets.
Speaker #4: To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. One moment, please. And our first question comes from the line of Devin Dodge with BMO Capital.
Speaker #4: To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. One moment, please. And our first question comes from the line of Devin Dodge with BMO Capital Markets.
Speaker #5: Yeah, thank you. Good morning. I wanted to start with Clarios. Look, the business is clearly performing very well. Just wondering if we should be assuming that once the 45X tax credits start to come in, should we look at that as being a bit of a tipping point for when Brookfield could get more front-footed on monetizing that business?
Devin Dodge: Yeah, thank you. Good morning. I wanted to start with a question on Clarios. Look, the business is clearly performing very well. Just wondering if we should be assuming that once the 45X tax credits start to come in, you know, should we look at that as being a bit of a tipping point for when Brookfield could get more front-footed on monetizing that business? Or are there other factors that we should be thinking about?
Speaker #5: Or are there other factors that we should be thinking about?
Speaker #5: Or are there other factors that we should be thinking about? Hi, Devin.
Jaspreet Dehl: Hi, Devin. It's Jaspreet. Look, Clarios is an incredible business. It's a global champion, industrial business that, you know, doesn't come around very often. The business is generating a lot of free cash flow today, and the 45X credits just add to that cash and kind of reinvestment into further growth for the business. So we've got a lot of optionality around the business and, you know, getting proceeds up to shareholders, whether that's, you know, doing distributions, doing some kind of monetization event. Like, there's a lot of optionality when you've got such an incredible business. So, you know, we're constantly thinking about that, whether it's Clarios or any of our mature businesses, like, how do we get cash and distributions back up to shareholders? And, you know, that'll be, that'll be a focus for us.
Speaker #6: It's Jaspreet. Look, Clarios is an incredible business. It's a global champion industrial business that doesn't come around very often. The business is generating a lot of free cash flow today.
Speaker #6: And the 45X credits just add to that cash. And kind of reinvestment into further growth for the business. So we've got a lot of optionality around the business.
Speaker #6: And getting proceeds up to shareholders, whether that's doing distributions or some kind of monetization event, there's a lot of optionality when you've got such an incredible business.
Speaker #6: So we're constantly thinking about that, whether it's Clarios or any of our mature businesses—how do we get cash and distributions back up to shareholders?
Speaker #6: And that'll be a focus for Q4.
Speaker #6: us. Okay.
Devin Dodge: Okay, makes sense. So, Jaspreet, do you have, do you have line of sight for when those production tax credits should start to be received? And would you ever consider selling these credits to third parties to pull forward the timing? I think we've seen that from some others, or just are the discounts for that be too steep right now?
Speaker #5: Makes sense. So Jaspreet, do you have line of sight for when those production tax credits should start to be received? And would you ever consider selling these credits to third parties to pull forward the timing?
Speaker #5: I think we've seen that from some others. Or, are the discounts for that too steep right now?
Jaspreet Dehl: So look, we've filed our return. It's being processed. We feel really good about the qualifying. You know, we had third-party independent advisors kind of verify everything, and we feel very good about qualifying and getting these credits. The timing is hard for us to predict, but we do know that it's being processed and in due course, we should receive it. So I'd say from that perspective, you know, we feel good. Being able to—so when we applied for the credit, we had a choice of kind of getting cash back or getting it in a form that's transferable. And for the 2024 credits, we did choose to get cash back.
Speaker #6: So look, we filed our returns. It's being processed. We feel really good about the qualifying. We had third-party, independent advisors kind of verify everything, and we feel very good about qualifying and getting these credits.
Speaker #6: The timing is hard for us to predict, but we do know that it's being processed, and in due course, we should receive it. So, I'd say from that perspective, we feel good.
Speaker #6: The being able to, so when we applied for the credit, we had a choice of kind of getting cash back or getting it in a form that's transferable.
Speaker #6: And for the 2024 credits, we did choose to get cash back. So at this point, we're not looking to sell the credits, and we should in due time.
Jaspreet Dehl: So at this point, we're not looking to sell the credits, and, you know, we should, in due time, get the cash from the IRS.
Speaker #6: Get the cash from the IRS.
Speaker #5: Okay, good call there. Thank you. Just switching over to Scientific Games, we thought it was actually encouraging to see the sequential pickup in earnings this quarter.
Devin Dodge: Okay. Good color there. Thank you. Maybe just switching over to Scientific Games. We thought it was actually encouraging to see the sequential pickup in earnings this quarter. So just wondering if you feel the business has passed an inflection point where it's on an earnings growth trajectory from here, or were there developments in Q4, at least versus Q2 or Q3, that were more of a one-time benefit that may, you know, that we should temper the enthusiasm?
Speaker #5: So just wondering if you feel the business has passed an inflection point where it's on an earnings growth trajectory from here? Or were there developments in Q4, at least versus Q2 or Q3, that were more of a one-time benefit that should temper the enthusiasm?
Speaker #5: So, just wondering if you feel the business has passed an inflection point where it's on an earnings growth trajectory from here? Or were there developments in Q4, at least versus Q2 or Q3, that were more of a one-time benefit that should temper the enthusiasm?
Speaker #7: So look, I think it's Adrian. Let's speak. I think the first thing to say is we're very pleased that the market launch in the UK has gone successfully last week.
Adrian Letts: So look, I think it's Adrian Letts speaking. I think the first thing to say is we're very pleased that the market launch in the UK has gone successfully last week. You are starting to see the benefit of crystallization in earnings of the pipeline. We still continue to see a relatively strong pipeline for this business, but, you know, to manage expectations, it takes anywhere between 6 to 12 months for earnings to come through. We remain very positive about the business. We think there's a strong market. The business has a very strong market position, but the outlook, we're cautiously optimistic.
Speaker #7: You are starting to see the benefit of crystallization in earnings of the pipeline. We still continue to see a relatively strong pipeline for this business.
Speaker #7: But to manage expectations, it takes anywhere between 6 to 12 months for earnings to come through. We remain very positive about the business. We think there's a strong market.
Speaker #7: The business has a very strong market position. But the outlook, we're cautiously
Speaker #7: optimistic. Okay.
Devin Dodge: Okay. And then maybe just one last one. On Scientific Games, we saw that there was a credit rating downgrade this month. I'm just for you, just how do you think about the balance between the need to reduce leverage and pursuing growth in that business?
Speaker #5: And then maybe just one last one. On Scientific Games, we saw that there was a credit rating downgrade this month. I'm just— for you, just how do you think about the balance between the need to reduce leverage and pursuing growth in that business?
Jaspreet Dehl: Look, if you can grow EBITDA, like, that good reduces your overall leverage levels. And, you know, our thesis when we bought this business was twofold. We thought, you know, as Adrian said, the business has an incredible market position. They've got a good team that could go after contracts, win these great contracts, and we saw the ability to really grow this business, both in the US and globally, both in kind of the instant gaming, but more importantly, on the digital side. So that continued growth and focus on the growth and increasing EBITDA should naturally kind of delever the business.
Speaker #6: Look, if you can grow EBITDA, that reduces your overall leverage levels. And our thesis when we bought this business was twofold. We thought, as Adrian said, the business has an incredible market position.
Speaker #6: They've got a good team that could go after contracts, win these great contracts, and we saw the ability to really grow this business both in the US and globally, both in kind of the instant gaming, but more importantly on the digital side.
Speaker #6: So that continued growth and focus on the growth and increasing EBITDA should naturally kind of de-lever the business. And then, in addition to that, as we move forward with free cash flow and as we start thinking about eventual monetization and what that path looks like, we can decide where we use free cash flow, whether it's to pay down debt or other purposes.
Jaspreet Dehl: And then in addition to that, you know, as we move forward with free cash flow and as we start thinking about eventual monetization and what that path looks like, we can decide where we use free cash flow, whether it's to pay down debt or other purposes. But growth is a really important lever to, you know, hit our original underwriting and the investment pieces on this business, so we are focused on that. And maybe the other thing I'd say is that this is a fairly stable business, you know, contracted revenues. It generates stable level of free cash flow, and is more than equipped to service the debt that's in place. So we don't have any issues around that, and in the fullness of time, the business will naturally de-lever.
Speaker #6: But growth is a really important lever to hit our original underwriting and the investment pieces on this business, so we are focused on that.
Speaker #6: And maybe the other thing I’d say is that this is a fairly stable business—contracted revenues, it generates a stable level of free cash flow.
Speaker #6: And is more than equipped to service the debt that's in place. So we don't have any issues around that. And in the fullness of time, the business will naturally de-lever.
Speaker #5: Okay. Great comments. I'll turn it over. Thank you.
Devin Dodge: Okay, great comments. I'll turn it over. Thank you.
Speaker #8: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Gary Ho with Jardance Capital.
Operator: Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Gary Hou with Desjardins Capital Markets.
Speaker #8: Markets. Thanks.
Gary Hou: Thanks. Good morning. Maybe just going back to Clarios for a sec here. I recall there was an insurance contract arranged. Just wondering if you can remind me how that works. If the check payment is a bit delayed, is it by a certain time that Clarios would get a payment? Just curious if you can provide a bit more detail on that.
Speaker #9: Good morning. Maybe just going back to the Claros for a sec here. I recall there was an insurance contract arranged—just wondering if you can remind me how that works.
Speaker #9: If you if the check payment is a bit delayed, is it by a certain time that Claros would get a payment? Just curious if you can provide a bit more detail on that.
Speaker #9: If you if the check payment is a bit delayed, is it by a certain time that Claros would get a payment? Just curious if you can provide a bit more detail on
Jaspreet Dehl: Sure, Gary, it's Jaspreet. So, like I said, you know, we feel really good that we qualify under the regulations, and we will receive the 45X credits. We got third party advisors involved with the, to verify and support our claim. So we do believe, in due course, we will get paid through kind of the normal channels. When we filed the return, just given some of the overall changes that were taking place in the government, we had insured a substantial amount of the credit. And look, if we don't end up getting paid through the IRS, then, you know, we'll have to go through the insurance claim channel. But at this point, we feel really good that we will get paid out.
Speaker #6: Sure. Gary, it's Jaspreet. So, like I said, we feel really good that we qualify under the regulations and we will receive the 45X credits.
Speaker #6: We got third-party advisors involved to verify and support our claim. So we do believe in due course, we will get paid through kind of the normal channels.
Speaker #6: When we filed the return, just given some of the overall changes that were taking place in the government, we had insured a substantial amount of the credit.
Speaker #6: And look, if we don't end up getting paid through the IRS, then we'll have to go through the insurance claim channel. But at this point, we feel really good that we will.
Jaspreet Dehl: But there is kind of the backup of the insurance, if we don't receive payment from the IRS. But we have to kind of wait to see what they come back with before we do anything on the claim.
Speaker #6: But there is kind of the backup of the insurance if we don't receive payment from the IFRS. But we have to kind of wait to see what they come back with before we do anything on the claim.
Speaker #6: But there is kind of the backup of the insurance if we don't receive payment from the IFRS. But we have to kind of wait to see what they come back with before we do anything on the—
Speaker #9: Okay, got it. And then my second question—maybe moving on to a discussion on the monetization environment and outlook. So, outside of the evergreen fund, can you talk about some of the mature assets, like PRK and also Latrobe? I think public market multiples are pretty healthy today.
Gary Hou: Okay, got it. And then, my second question, maybe move on, moving on to discussion on, monetization environment and outlook. So outside the Evergreen fund, maybe can you talk about some of the mature assets like BRK, also Latrobe? I think public market multiples are pretty healthy today. Just wondering, if you can comment on the IPO environment as well.
Speaker #9: Just wondering if you can comment on the IPO environment as well.
Speaker #7: Yeah, I didn't share. I'll take that one. So the look, the environment is strong generally around the world, and capital is available for monetizations or realizations.
Anuj Ranjan: ... Yeah, it's, I need to share. I'll take that one. So the, look, the environment is strong generally around the world, and capital is available, for monetizations, or realizations. For us, we review our portfolio on a regular basis, and we try to prioritize on businesses where we've completed our value creation plans, and we can realize, the full and right value for the business, after de-risking it. And so you hit on, two that are definitely in that, in that category. BRK, I'd say in Brazil, the IPO markets kind of, open up every so often. They seem to be opening up again right now. Interest rates feel like they have peaked.
Speaker #7: For us, we review our portfolio on a regular basis, and we try to prioritize businesses where we've completed our value creation plans and can realize the full and right value for the business after de-risking it.
Speaker #7: And so, you hit on two that are definitely in that category. BRK, I'd say in Brazil, the IPO markets kind of open up every so often.
Speaker #7: They seem to be opening up again right now. Interest rates feel like— And the BRK business has been performing exceptionally well. Double-digit growth, and actually winning even some new concession very recently.
Anuj Ranjan: And, the BRK business has been performing exceptionally well, double-digit growth and, actually, winning even some new con-- a new concession very recently. So, it feels like the right time, for a listing of BRK, and it's something that we're, you know, very strongly evaluating and continuing to, make progress on. Separately, on Latrobe, again, an amazing business that has done extremely well in our ownership. We really pivoted the business from more of a non-bank model to a fixed income asset manager, which gets, more of a premium in terms of valuations. We, as you would know, there was, a regulatory notice that was dealt with and resolved. The business has, had inflows come back very strongly.
Speaker #7: So it feels like the right time for a listing of BRK, and it's something that we're very strongly evaluating and continuing to make progress on.
Speaker #7: Separately, on Latrobe, again, an amazing business that has done extremely well in our ownership. We really pivoted the business from more of a non-bank model to a fixed income asset manager, which gets more of a premium in terms of valuations.
Speaker #7: We, as you know, there was a regulatory notice that was dealt with and resolved. The business has had inflows come back very strongly. So we're sort of re-engaging now with parties that could lead to some sort of return of capital.
Anuj Ranjan: So we're sort of reengaging now with parties that could lead to some sort of return of capital in the future. And I'd say all options are on the table.
Speaker #7: In the future, and I'd say all options are on the table.
Speaker #9: Okay, Anush, thanks for those comments. Appreciate it. And then maybe kind of sneak one more in—just on the buyback. Jaspreet, I think you mentioned you're $235 million into your $250 million NCIB program.
Gary Hou: Okay. Anuj, thanks for those comments. Appreciate it. And then maybe can sneak one more in. Just on the buyback, Jaspreet, I think you mentioned you're $235 million into your $250 million NCIB program. Stock still trades below your $50-$54 NAV. How should we think about your commitment to renew this buyback this year?
Speaker #9: Stock still trades below your $54 NAV. How should we think about your commitment to renew this buyback this year?
Jaspreet Dehl: So look, the stock's done incredibly well this year, as Anuj mentioned in his opening comments, and we're happy about that, but it still continues to trade, you know, below our view of intrinsic value. You know, we're committed to completing our $250 million buyback program. And, you know, we did renew the NCIB in August, and we've got quite a bit of capacity under the NCIB. So beyond the $250 million program, you know, we'll continue to be opportunistic as we always are. And, you know, where we see opportunities to buy back at material discounts to intrinsic value, we'll continue to be active. You know, we're also balancing our capital allocation priorities between buybacks and continuing to pay down corporate lines and invest in kind of further growth of the business.
Speaker #6: So look, the stock's done incredibly well this year, as Anush mentioned in his opening comments, and we're happy about that. But it still continues to trade below our view of intrinsic value.
Speaker #6: We're committed to completing our $250 million buyback program. We did renew the NCIB in August, and we've got quite a bit of capacity under the NCIB.
Speaker #6: So, beyond the 250 program, we'll continue to be opportunistic, as we always are. And where we see opportunities to buy back at material discounts to intrinsic value, we'll continue to be active.
Speaker #6: We're also balancing our capital allocation priorities between buybacks and continuing to pay down corporate lines, and invest in further growth of the business.
Speaker #9: Okay. Great. Thanks for taking my questions over to
Gary Hou: Okay, great. Thanks for taking my questions. Over to you.
Speaker #9: you. Thank
Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Bart Jarski with RBC Capital Markets.
Speaker #8: Our next question comes from the line of Bart Jarsky with RBC Capital.
Speaker #8: Markets. Hi, good morning.
Bart Jarski: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Wanted to ask around CDK, if you could just kind of give us an update. I think you talked about some retentions and new bookings. So any additional color you can provide on just how operations are going there?
Speaker #10: Thanks for taking the questions. Wanted to ask around CDK if you could just kind of give us an update? I think you talked about some retentions and new bookings.
Speaker #10: So, any additional color you can provide on just how operations are going there?
Adrian Letts: Thank you, Bart. It's Adrian. I'll talk to that. So as you know, we're continuing to invest in modernizing the tech stack and the product proposition, and some of that cost will continue to come through as we go through 2026. The focus of the business is very much adoption and increasing the adoption of the new technology that we're rolling out, which is helping to stabilize churn. Renewal activity has been strong, including we won a large multi-site dealership extension. The focus of the team has really been on solidifying customer relationships and extending contract duration. And over half of the contracts now have a duration of three year plus.
Speaker #7: Thank you, Bart. It's Adrian. I'll talk to that. So, as you know, we're continuing to invest in modernizing the tech stack and the product proposition.
Speaker #7: And some of that cost will continue to come through as we go through 2026. The focus of the business is very much adoption and increasing the adoption of the new technology that we're rolling out, which is helping to stabilize churn.
Speaker #7: Renewal activity has been strong, including—we won a large multi-site dealership extension. And the focus of the team has really been on solidifying customer relationships and extending contract duration, and over half of the contracts now have a duration of three years plus.
Adrian Letts: The business has a very strong market position, a very strong product, and we remain very positive on the business and it, and its longer-term outlook.
Speaker #7: The business has a very strong market position, a very strong product, and we remain very positive on the business and its longer-term outlook.
Speaker #9: Okay, great, thanks. And then just following up on the attractive kind of market backdrop—so we talked about monetizations, but any thoughts you can provide in terms of deployment?
Bart Jarski: Okay, great. Thanks. Then, just following up on the attractive kind of market backdrop. So we talked about monetizations, but any thoughts you can provide in terms of deployment? You know, it was a pretty healthy year last year, I think $700 million or so. Like, how should we think about the pacing of deployment in this year, as you try and take advantage of the environment?
Speaker #9: It was a pretty healthy year last year—I think $700 million or so. How should we think about the pacing of deployment in this year?
Speaker #9: As you try and take advantage of the
Speaker #9: environment? Yeah.
Anuj Ranjan: Yeah, look, I'd say, if I look back, it's Anuj here, sorry, Bart. And, if we look back at 2025, it was quite a strong year, and we were able to make several acquisitions of the kinds of businesses that we want to own at the values at which we wanted to acquire them. And the performance, while early, is quite strong. So I'd say going into 2026, it feels like we'll continue with that momentum. And, you know, we're working, the team are working on many different opportunities, things that we consider right down the fairway, similar to what you've seen us do in the past. And, there are some exciting opportunities that I think are coming up ahead. I think it'll be a very active year.
Speaker #7: Look, I'd say, if I look back—it's Anush here, sorry, Bart—and if we look back on 2025, it was quite a strong year.
Speaker #7: And we were able to make several acquisitions. The kinds of businesses that we want to own, at the values at which we want to acquire them.
Speaker #7: And the performance, while early, is quite strong. So I'd say, going into '26, it feels like we'll continue with that momentum. And the team are working on many different opportunities.
Speaker #7: Things that we consider right down the fairway, similar to what you've seen us do in the past. And there are some exciting opportunities that I think are coming up ahead.
Speaker #7: I think it'll be a very active year.
Speaker #9: Great. Thanks, Anush. Good for
Bart Jarski: Great. Thanks, Anuj. That's it for me.
Speaker #8: Thank you. And I'm showing no further questions. So with that, I'll hand the call back over to management for any closing remarks.
Operator: Thank you. I'm showing no further questions. With that, I'll hand the call back over to management for any closing remarks.
Speaker #7: Thank you all for joining us, and we look forward to speaking with you again next quarter.
Anuj Ranjan: Thank you all for joining us, and we look forward to speaking with you again next quarter.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for participating. This does conclude today's program, and you may now disconnect.
