Q2 2026 AtkinsRéalis Group Inc Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Operator: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the AtkinsRéalis Q2 2026 conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one and one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one and one again. Please be advised today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Denis Jasmin. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the AtkinsRéalis second quarter 2026 conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.

Speaker #1: After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star, 1, and 1 on your telephone.

Speaker #1: You will then have your hand raised. To withdraw your question, please press star 1, and then 1 again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded.

Speaker #1: I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker. You will hear an automated message advising you today. Denis Jasmin, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Sarah. Bonjour tout le monde. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. For those dialing in, we invite you to view the slide presentation that we have posted in the Investors section of our website, which we will refer to during this call.

Denis Jasmin: Thank you, Sarah. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. For those dialing in, we invite you to view the slide presentation that we have posted in the investors section of our website, which we will refer to during this call. Today's call is also webcast. With me today are Ian Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Bell, Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, I would like to ask everyone to limit themselves to one or two questions to ensure that all analysts have an opportunity to participate. You are welcome to return to the queue for any follow-up questions. I would like to draw your attention to slide two. Comments made on today's call may contain forward-looking information. This information, by its nature, is subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and as such, actual results may differ materially from the views expressed today.

Speaker #2: Today's call is also webcast. With me today are Ian Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Bell, Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, I would like to ask everyone to limit themselves to one or two questions to ensure that all analysts have an opportunity to participate.

Speaker #2: You are welcome to return to the queue for any follow-up questions. I would like to draw your attention to slide 2, "Comments made on today's call may contain forward-looking information." This information, by its nature, is subject to assumptions risk and uncertainties, and as such, actual results may deformatively from the information on these assumptions, risk, and uncertainties, please consult the company's relevant filing on CEDAR+.

Denis Jasmin: For further information on these assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, please consult the company's relevant filing on SEDAR+. These documents are also available on our website. Also, during the call, we may refer to certain non-IFRS financial measures. Reconciliation of these amounts to the corresponding IFRS financial measures are reflected in our earnings release and MD&A, which can be found on SEDAR+ and our website. Now I'll pass the call over to Ian Edwards. Ian?

Speaker #2: These documents are also available on our website. Also, during the call, we may refer to certain non-IFRS financial measures. Reconciliations of these amounts to the corresponding IFRS financial measures are reflected in our earnings release and MD&A, which can be found on SEDAR+ and our website.

Speaker #2: And now, I'll pass the call over to Ian Edwards. Ian?

Speaker #3: Thank you, Denis. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I'm going to begin today's call by providing an overview of our performance for the second quarter, before I pass it to Jeff to provide more detail on our financial results.

Ian Edwards: Thank you, Denis. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I'm going to begin today's call by providing an overview of our performance for the Q2 before I pass it to Jeff to provide more detail on our financial results. We'll open it up for questions. We executed another strong quarter driven by significant nuclear growth and consistent demand for our end-to-end Engineering Services capabilities. Total revenue grew 10% year-over-year or 8% on an organic basis. We also grew adjusted EBITDA by 14% to a quarterly record high of CAD 293 million, which translated into a 20% increase in adjusted EPS year-over-year. We ended the quarter with a total backlog of CAD 20.2 billion, including a new record high in our Engineering Services of CAD 13.4 billion.

Speaker #3: We'll then open it up for questions. We executed another strong quarter. Driven by significant nuclear growth and consistent demand for our end-to-end engineering services capabilities.

Speaker #3: Total revenue grew 10% year over year, or 8% on an organic basis. We also grew adjusted EBITDA by 14%, to a quarterly record high of $293 million.

Speaker #3: This translated into a 20% increase in adjusted EPS year over year. We ended the quarter with a total backlog of $20.2 billion, including a new record high in our Engineering Services of $13.4 billion.

Speaker #3: It's momentum continuing to build for our nuclear capabilities. As particularly pleasing to see the evidenced by the Canadian government's recently launched Nuclear Energy Strategy, which reinforces CANDO as a world-class Canadian energy technology, applicable both at home and around the world.

Ian Edwards: It's particularly pleasing to see the momentum continuing to build for our nuclear capabilities, as evidenced by the Canadian government's recently launched nuclear energy strategy, which reinforces CANDU as a world-class Canadian energy technology, applicable both at home and around the world. In Q2, we began the formal licensing process to bring CANDU to the US market, another important step in expanding its role internationally, following our success in Romania. We'll share more on our growing confidence in our nuclear outlook shortly. Strong demand and efficient operations across the group led to a second consecutive quarter of positive operating cash flow, which we utilized to support our value-focused capital allocation priorities. In the quarter, we repurchased a significant number of shares and continued to advance our land and expand strategy through three announced acquisitions. In Australia, we entered into agreement to acquire WGA and Chorus Solutions.

Speaker #3: In the second quarter, we began the formal licensing process to bring CANDO to the US market. Another important step in expanding its role internationally.

Speaker #3: Following our success in Romania. We'll share more on our growing confidence in our nuclear outlook shortly. Strong demand and efficient operations across the group led to a second consecutive quarter of positive operating cash flow.

Ian Edwards: Strong demand and efficient operations across the group led to a second consecutive quarter of positive operating cash flow, which we utilized to support our value-focused capital allocation priorities. In the quarter, we repurchased a significant number of shares and continued to advance our land and expand strategy through three announced acquisitions. In Australia, we entered into agreement to acquire WGA and Chorus Solutions.

Speaker #3: We repurchased a significant number of shares and continued to advance our land and expand strategy through three announced acquisitions. In Australia, we entered into agreements to acquire WGA and CORUS Solutions.

Speaker #3: These additions strengthen our local presence and technical capabilities in high-growth opportunities across defense, transportation, water, and power and renewables. Additionally, in Ireland, we recently closed our acquisition of Tobin, which will expand our presence in the region and solidify our market-leading position in engineering and project management across the infrastructure and transportation markets.

Ian Edwards: These additions strengthen our local presence and technical capabilities in high growth opportunities across defense, transportation, water, and power and renewables. Additionally, in Ireland, we recently closed our acquisition of TOBIN, which will expand our presence in the region and solidify our market-leading position in engineering and project management across the infrastructure and transportation markets. We are also continuing to invest internally to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence across our business. AI is enhancing how we design, deliver, and manage projects, improving safety, quality, and productivity and predictability, while enabling our teams to develop more innovative solutions for our clients. Across our global operations, we're embedding AI into engineering workflows and corporate functions while making AI training a core component of learning and development for our 41,000 employees.

Speaker #3: We are also continuing to invest internally to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence across our business. AI is enhancing how we design, deliver, and manage projects, improving safety, quality, and productivity and predictability.

Speaker #3: While enabling our teams to develop more innovative solutions for our clients. Across our global operations, we're embedding AI into engineering workflows and corporate functions while making AI training a core component of learning and development for our 41,000 employees.

Speaker #3: This is strengthening our competitive position, increasing the value we deliver to clients, and supporting our continued focus on operational excellence and margin improvement. As part of our focus on maximizing the value of our AI investment, we recently welcomed Amy Bunzel and William Wu, two of our board of directors, both bring extensive experience scaling technology-driven businesses and deploying AI-enabled solutions in industries closely aligned with our core markets.

Ian Edwards: This is strengthening our competitive position, increasing the value we deliver to clients, and supporting our continued focus on operational excellence and margin improvement. As part of our focus on maximizing the value of our AI investment, we recently welcomed Amy Bunszel and Lilian Wu to our board of directors. Both bring extensive experience scaling technology-driven businesses and deploying AI-enabled solution in industries closely aligned with our core markets. Their expertise will help guide AtkinsRéalis as we continue to integrate advanced technologies across our operations and service offerings. Year two of our delivering excellence in driving growth strategy is performing as planned, and we continue to showcase our value creation opportunities for all stakeholders. Turning to slide four, Q2 revenue in our Engineering Services regions business increased 5% year over year. On an organic revenue basis, Engineering Services regions grew 2% year over year.

Speaker #3: Their expertise will help guide AtkinsRéalis as we continue to integrate advanced technologies across our operations and service offerings. Year two, of our delivering excellence and driving growth strategy, is performing as planned and we continue to showcase our value creation opportunities for all stakeholders.

Ian Edwards: Their expertise will help guide AtkinsRéalis as we continue to integrate advanced technologies across our operations and service offerings. Year two of our delivering excellence in driving growth strategy is performing as planned, and we continue to showcase our value creation opportunities for all stakeholders. Turning to slide four, Q2 revenue in our Engineering Services regions business increased 5% year over year. On an organic revenue basis, Engineering Services regions grew 2% year over year.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 4, second quarter revenue in our engineering services regions business increased 5% year over year. On an organic revenue basis, engineering services regions grew 2% year over year, excluding EMEA which continues to be affected by project reprioritizations and the conflict in the Middle East.

Ian Edwards: Excluding EMEA, which continues to be affected by project reprioritizations and the conflict in the Middle East, we would have delivered 5% organic revenue growth. Segment adjusted EBITDA over net revenues margin was 16%, a 70 basis points improvement. Margins grew year over year as we continue to see the benefits of our operational improvement initiatives. We achieved a record high backlog of CAD 13.4 billion as of 30 June 2026, mainly driven by growth in UK & I, US LA, and EMEA business. Beginning on slide five, we provide an overview of each of our four regions and their performance this quarter. In Canada, revenue in Q2 increased 13% organically year over year, while segment adjusted EBITDA grew to CAD 43 million with an 18% margin, a roughly 300 basis points improvement year over year.

Speaker #3: We would have delivered 5% organic revenue growth. Segment adjusted EBITDA over net revenues margin was 16%, a 70 basis point improvement. Margins grew year over year as we continue to see the benefits of our operational improvement initiatives.

Speaker #3: We achieved a record high backlog of 1,304.4 billion dollars as of June 30, 2026, mainly driven by growth in UK&I, USLA, and EMEA business.

Speaker #3: Beginning on slide 5, we provide an overview of each of our four regions and their performance this quarter. In Canada, revenue in the second quarter increased 13% organically year over year.

Speaker #3: While segment adjusted EBITDA grew to 43 million dollars with an 18% margin. A roughly 300 basis points improvement year over year. Performance comes on the heels of strong margin growth during the first quarter highlighting our initiatives in cost optimization enhanced bid discipline and more efficient project delivery.

Ian Edwards: Performance comes on the heels of strong margin growth during Q1, highlighting our initiatives in cost optimization, enhanced bid discipline, and more efficient project delivery. Backlog fell 5% year-over-year and now stands at CAD 7.6 billion, mainly due to revenue delivery in the quarter. Across Canada, we're seeing persistent demand for our unique end-to-end capabilities across our end markets, but specifically in power and renewables and transportation. We are currently providing professional services on two major transportation projects, TramCité, a major public transit infrastructure project in Quebec City, and Alto, the high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto. These are examples of how our global capabilities in systems integration, engineering, and major project delivery support government initiatives in building complex transit infrastructure. Clients continue to view us as critical partners in supporting new infrastructure projects, and we are strategically positioned to capture this demand.

Speaker #3: Backlog fell 5% year over year and now stands at 7.6 billion dollars mainly due to revenue delivery in the quarter. Across Canada, we're seeing persistent demand for our unique end-to-end capabilities across our end markets but specifically in power and renewables and transportation.

Speaker #3: We are currently providing professional services on two major transportation projects, Tram City a major public transit infrastructure project in Quebec City and ALTO the high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto.

Ian Edwards: We are currently providing professional services on two major transportation projects, TramCité, a major public transit infrastructure project in Quebec City, and Alto, the high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto. These are examples of how our global capabilities in systems integration, engineering, and major project delivery support government initiatives in building complex transit infrastructure. Clients continue to view us as critical partners in supporting new infrastructure projects, and we are strategically positioned to capture this demand.

Speaker #3: These are examples of how our global capabilities in systems integration, engineering, and major project delivery support government initiatives in building complex transit infrastructure. Clients continue to view us as critical partners in supporting new infrastructure projects and we are strategically positioned to capture this demand.

Speaker #3: From a macro perspective, our expertise in defense is setting up opportunities for us to take on work under the Canadian government's $35 billion spending forecast aimed at bolstering the country's defense positioning in the Arctic and northern regions.

Ian Edwards: From a macro perspective, our expertise in defense is setting up opportunities for us to take on work under the Canadian government's CAD 35 billion spending forecast, aimed at bolstering the country's defense positioning in the Arctic and northern regions. Our longstanding presence in the market and strong relationships with government entities continue to be a competitive advantage for AtkinsRéalis. In the UK and Ireland, Q2 revenue grew 8% and organically grew 6% year-over-year, driven primarily by sustained growth in water and transportation markets. Segment adjusted EBITDA grew to CAD 102 million in the quarter, representing an 18% EBITDA margin. Our concentrated presence in this growing region continues to bear fruit and drives strong operating performance. Backlog grew 8% year-on-year to a new record high of CAD 2.1 billion, driven mainly by wins in the transportation, power and renewables, defense, and buildings and places markets.

Speaker #3: Our longstanding presence in the market, strong relationships, with government entities continue to be a competitive advantage for AtkinsRéalis. In the UK and Ireland, second quarter revenue grew 8% and organically grew 6% year over year driven primarily by sustained growth in water and transportation markets.

Speaker #3: Segment adjusted EBITDA grew to 102 million dollars in the quarter representing an 18% EBITDA margin. Our concentrated presence in this growing region continues to bear fruit and drives strong operating performance.

Ian Edwards: Segment adjusted EBITDA grew to CAD 102 million in the quarter, representing an 18% EBITDA margin. Our concentrated presence in this growing region continues to bear fruit and drives strong operating performance. Backlog grew 8% year-on-year to a new record high of CAD 2.1 billion, driven mainly by wins in the transportation, power and renewables, defense, and buildings and places markets.

Speaker #3: Backlog grew 8% year on year to a new record high of 2.1 billion dollars driven mainly by wins in the transportation, power renewables, defense, and buildings and places markets.

Speaker #3: We recently announced that AtkinsRéalis has been named as a supplier on a major UK government framework to support the design, delivery, and optimization of major infrastructure and building programs.

Ian Edwards: We recently announced that AtkinsRéalis has been named as a supplier on a major UK government framework to support the design, delivery, and optimization of major infrastructure and building programs. We anticipate this work will occur over the next four years, focused on the defense and nuclear sectors. This selection reflects our ability to deliver complex programs and our depth of experience across multiple sectors, underlying our position as a true end-to-end engineering services provider. Lastly, in Ireland, our acquisition of TOBIN, which has approximately 200 professionals, is a major milestone, expanding our regional business to more than 700 employees and reinforcing our position in one of Europe's fastest-growing infrastructure markets. In the US & Latin America region, Q2 revenue was CAD 529 million, up 3% year-over-year, but down 2% organically.

Speaker #3: We anticipate this work will occur over the next four years focused on the defense and nuclear sectors. This selection reflects our ability to deliver complex programs and our depth of experience across multiple sectors underlying our position as a true end-to-end engineering services provider.

Speaker #3: Lastly, in Ireland, our acquisition of Tobin which has approximately 200 professionals is a major milestone expanding our regional business to more than 700 employees and reinforcing our position in one of Europe's fastest growing infrastructure markets.

Speaker #3: In the USLA region, second quarter revenue was 529 million dollars up 3% year over year but down 2% organically. Underlying performance in the quarter reflected sustained strength in transportation, offset by client delays and awarding and executing longer-term framework agreements and reduced levels of emergency response work.

Ian Edwards: Underlying performance in the quarter reflected sustained strength in transportation, offset by client delays in awarding and executing longer-term framework agreements and reduced levels of emergency response work. Backlog increased 12% year-over-year to a new record high of CAD 2 billion, showing continued momentum and healthy client demand across our end markets. The timelines from procurement award to actual work order releases are improving, although timelines remain longer in prior periods. However, continued backlog growth gives us confidence in achieving our revenue growth outlook despite these challenges. Transportation continues to be a particular source of strength in the region, especially in highways, power and renewables, rail, and transit. Beyond these growth vectors, we're seeing opportunities continue to develop across buildings and places, industrial, water, Minerals & Metals. Our focus on growing in these markets is working as our pipeline continues to build.

Speaker #3: Backlog increased 12% year over year to a new record high of 2 billion dollars showing continued momentum and healthy client demand across our end markets.

Speaker #3: The timelines from procurement award to actual work order releases are improving although timelines remain longer in prior periods. However, continued backlog growth gives us confidence in achieving our revenue growth outlook despite these challenges.

Ian Edwards: However, continued backlog growth gives us confidence in achieving our revenue growth outlook despite these challenges. Transportation continues to be a particular source of strength in the region, especially in highways, power and renewables, rail, and transit. Beyond these growth vectors, we're seeing opportunities continue to develop across buildings and places, industrial, water, Minerals & Metals. Our focus on growing in these markets is working as our pipeline continues to build.

Speaker #3: Transportation continues to be a particular source of strength in the region especially in highways, power renewables, rail and transit. Beyond these growth factors we're seeing opportunity to continue to develop across buildings and places industrial, water, minerals, and metals.

Speaker #3: Our focus on growing in these markets is working, as our pipeline continues to build. Segment adjusted EBITDA was $60 million, representing an operating margin of 14.5%, compared with 13.7% in the prior year.

Ian Edwards: Segment adjusted EBITDA was CAD 60 million, representing an operating margin of 14.5% compared with 13.7% in prior year. On a year-over-year basis, margins continue to be impacted by reduced emergency response work, which was strong in Q2 2025. I'd also like to welcome Byron Bright, our new President in the US, who brings significant experience in engineering and construction management industry in the US. I'd like to also thank Steve Morriss, who'll be retiring at the end of the year. The USLA business has grown and strengthened significantly over the last five years under his leadership. In EMEA, revenue was CAD 287 million in the quarter, down 7% year-over-year, 12% on an organic basis, primarily reflecting lower revenue on major buildings and places projects in the Middle East, with the conflict in the region being a contributing factor.

Speaker #3: On a year over year basis margins continue to be impacted by reduced emergency response work which was strong in the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #3: I'd also like to welcome Byron Bright, our new president in the US, who brings significant experience in the engineering and construction management industry in the US.

Speaker #3: I'd like to also thank Steve Morris, who will be retiring at the end of the year. The USLA business has grown and strengthened significantly over the last five years under his leadership.

Speaker #3: In a mere revenue was 287 million dollars in the quarter down 7% year over year 12% on an organic basis primarily reflecting lower revenue on major buildings and places projects in the Middle East with the conflict in the region being a contributing factor.

Speaker #3: This was partially offset by higher revenue in Asia and Australia. Segment adjusted EBITDA was 26 million dollars representing a 14% margin on net revenue compared with 16% in the prior period.

Ian Edwards: This was partially offset by higher revenue in Asia and Australia. Segment adjusted EBITDA was CAD 26 million, representing a 14% margin on net revenue, compared with 16% in the prior period. The decline was primarily driven by a less favorable business mix in the Middle East, including the reprioritization of certain higher margin building and places projects. Despite the recent revenue decline in the Middle East, the market is showing some signs of resilience, as demonstrated by EMEA's backlog growth of 27% in the quarter to a new record high. This included key wins for projects in mainly the transportation end market. In Asia, we continue to see higher volume in the transportation market, particularly in Hong Kong, where the Northern Metropolis development and related projects such as the Northern Link are expected to support demand into 2027.

Speaker #3: The decline was primarily driven by a less favorable business mix in the Middle East including the reprioritization of certain higher margin building and places projects despite the recent revenue decline in the Middle East the market is showing some signs of resilience as demonstrated by Amir's backlog growth of 27% in the quarter to a new record high.

Speaker #3: This included key wins for projects in mainly the transportation and market. In Asia, we continue to see higher volume in the transportation market particularly in Hong Kong where the northern metropolis development and related projects such as the Northern Link are expected to support demand into 2027.

Speaker #3: In Australia, market activity is picking up in power as evidenced by a hydro project in Queensland that recently received government funding and approval. Our global expertise in transportation and infrastructure work is leading to opportunities in other markets such as highway redevelopment work.

Ian Edwards: In Australia, market activity is picking up in power, as evidenced by a hydro project in Queensland that recently received government funding and approval. Our global expertise in transportation and infrastructure work is leading to opportunities in other markets, such as highway redevelopment work. Additionally, the recently announced WGA and Corus acquisitions, which we expect to close this quarter, will further strengthen our platform and enhance our ability to capture opportunities across multiple sectors. I'd like to now move to slide nine and discuss our Q2 results for our Nuclear business. The business continues to demonstrate exceptional growth, achieving an organic revenue increase of 18% compared to Q2 2025. Growth this quarter was mainly driven by higher volumes from life extension projects in our CANDU business. Operating margins continue to be strong and within our 2026 outlook target range.

Speaker #3: Additionally, the recently announced WGA and CORUS acquisitions which we expect to close this quarter will further strengthen our platform and enhance our ability to capture opportunities across multiple sectors.

Speaker #3: I'd like to now move to slide nine and discuss our second quarter results for our nuclear business. The business continues to demonstrate exceptional growth achieving an organic revenue increase of 18% compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #3: Growth this quarter was mainly driven by higher volumes from life extension projects in our CANDU business. Operating margins continue to be strong and within our 2026 outlook target range.

Speaker #3: Backlog total $4.2 billion, down 25% from June 30, '25, primarily reflecting continued progress on ongoing projects, particularly the OPG Pickering Life Extension project.

Ian Edwards: Backlog totaled CAD 4.2 billion, down 25% from 30 June 2025, primarily reflecting continued progress on the ongoing projects, particularly the OPG Pickering Life Extension Project. We see this reduction in backlog as only being one of timing, with four additional phases of projects under contract are expected to be realized over the next few quarters. On slide 10, we highlight some achievements across Nuclear CANDU and services portfolios. In our CANDU business, we're making strong progress on the Ontario and Cernavoda life extension projects. In the US, we are focused on expanding our operational footprint to position CANDU as a proven large-scale nuclear solution that enhances US energy security using natural uranium. In June, we formally launched the licensing process for CANDU technology, supporting our ambition to provide the US with reliable, affordable, safe, large scale nuclear power.

Speaker #3: We see this reduction in backlog as only being a matter of timing before additional phases of projects under contract are expected to be realized over the next few quarters.

Speaker #3: On slide ten, we highlight some achievements across nuclear CANDU and services portfolios. In our CANDU business we're making strong progress on the Ontario and Sernovoda life extension projects.

Ian Edwards: On slide 10, we highlight some achievements across Nuclear CANDU and services portfolios. In our CANDU business, we're making strong progress on the Ontario and Cernavoda life extension projects. In the US, we are focused on expanding our operational footprint to position CANDU as a proven large-scale nuclear solution that enhances US energy security using natural uranium. In June, we formally launched the licensing process for CANDU technology, supporting our ambition to provide the US with reliable, affordable, safe, large scale nuclear power.

Speaker #3: In the US, we are focused on expanding our operational footprint to position CANDU as a proven large scale nuclear solution that enhances US energy security using natural uranium.

Speaker #3: In June, we formally launched the licensing process for CANDU technology, supporting our ambition to provide the U.S. with reliable, affordable, safe, large-scale nuclear power.

Speaker #3: In Services in the UK, we signed a new five-year framework agreement to remain the civil design works partner for Sizewell C, building on our longstanding involvement in the project and leveraging the experience gained from our work at Hinkley Point C.

Ian Edwards: In services in the UK, we signed a new five-year framework agreement to remain the civil design works partner for Sizewell C, building on our long-standing involvement in the project and leveraging the experience gained from our work at Hinkley Point C. In the US, we signed a 20-year agreement for Engineering Services with First American Nuclear, where we will serve as the exclusive engineering, procurement, and construction management provider for their small modular reactor projects across North America. Through it all, we continue to invest in the development of our new CANDU MONARK gigawatt reactor alongside key clients. Turning to slide 11, you can see our pictorial reminder of these near-term CANDU revenue opportunities within our nuclear business. We have now been working hard to bolster our backlog with high-quality wins, which reinforces the bright future we have ahead.

Speaker #3: In the US, we signed a 20 year agreement for an engineering services with first American nuclear where we will serve as the exclusive engineering procurement and construction management provider for their small modular reactor projects across North America.

Speaker #3: Through it all, we continue to invest in the development of our new CANDU monarch gigawatt reactor alongside key clients. Turning to slide eleven, you can see our pictorial reminder of these near term CANDU revenue opportunities within our nuclear business.

Ian Edwards: Through it all, we continue to invest in the development of our new CANDU MONARK gigawatt reactor alongside key clients. Turning to slide 11, you can see our pictorial reminder of these near-term CANDU revenue opportunities within our nuclear business. We have now been working hard to bolster our backlog with high-quality wins, which reinforces the bright future we have ahead.

Speaker #3: We have now been working hard to bolster our backlog with high quality wins which reinforces the bright future we have ahead. Additionally, Canada's recently published national energy strategy highlights the focus on expanding nuclear power as a core pillar of the energy security and decarbonization importantly the strategy reinforces Canada's homegrown nuclear technology and supply chain directly supporting our core CANDU business.

Ian Edwards: Additionally, Canada's recently published National Electricity Strategy highlights the focus on expanding nuclear power as a core pillar of the energy security and decarbonization. Importantly, the strategy reinforces Canada's homegrown nuclear technology and supply chain, directly supporting our core CANDU business. We anticipate this increased investment will drive a larger, more visible pipeline of domestic nuclear projects, and we are well-positioned to capture that opportunity. Outside of Canada, I continue to meet with global ministers and leaders to discuss the importance of energy security for the future. The common thread is strong momentum behind nuclear as a clean and secure energy solution. These conversations, coupled with the recent announcement by our home government, makes us even more excited about the long-term growth trajectory of our nuclear business. With that, now turning it over to Jeff to discuss our financial results.

Speaker #3: We anticipate this increased investment will drive a larger more visible pipeline of domestic nuclear projects and we are well positioned to capture that opportunity.

Speaker #3: Outside of Canada, I continue to meet with global ministers and leaders to discuss the importance of energy security for the future. The common thread is strong momentum behind nuclear as a clean and secure energy solution.

Ian Edwards: Outside of Canada, I continue to meet with global ministers and leaders to discuss the importance of energy security for the future. The common thread is strong momentum behind nuclear as a clean and secure energy solution. These conversations, coupled with the recent announcement by our home government, makes us even more excited about the long-term growth trajectory of our nuclear business. With that, now turning it over to Jeff to discuss our financial results.

Speaker #3: These conversations coupled with the recent announcement by our home government makes us even more excited about the long term growth trajectory of our nuclear business.

Speaker #3: With that, I will now turn it over to Jeff to discuss our financial results.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Ian, and good morning, everyone. As Ian said, Q2 was a strong quarter, delivering year-over-year increases in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted diluted EPS.

Jeff Bell: Thank you, Ian, and good morning, everyone. As Ian said, Q2 was a strong quarter, delivering year-over-year increases in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted diluted EPS. We also have a strong balance sheet with significant financial flexibility and a solid backlog. Turning to slide 13, total revenues in the quarter increased 10% year-over-year to CAD 3 billion, driven by both Engineering Services and nuclear. Total segment adjusted EBIT also increased by 10%, driven by an increase of 12% in Engineering Services and 21% in nuclear. Total corporate SG&A expenses totaled CAD 28 million in the quarter, a 24% improvement compared to the Q2 of last year, mainly due to certain revised estimates on long-term employee incentives. Net financial expenses for the quarter totaled CAD 31 million.

Speaker #1: We also have a strong balance sheet with significant financial flexibility and a solid backlog. Turning to slide 13, total revenues in the quarter increased 10% year over year to 3 billion dollars driven by both engineering services and nuclear.

Speaker #1: Total segment adjusted EBIT also increased by 10% driven by an increase of 12% in engineering services and 21% in nuclear total corporate SG&A expenses totaled 28 million dollars in the quarter a 24% improvement compared to the second quarter of last year mainly due to certain revised estimates on long term employee incentives.

Speaker #1: Net financial expenses for the quarter totaled 31 million dollars this amount included a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately 17 million dollars for redeeming earlier than the maturity date two higher interest bearing debenture series that were coming due in June this year and in March 2029.

Jeff Bell: This amount included a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately CAD 17 million for redeeming earlier than the maturity date, two higher interest-bearing debenture series that were coming due in June this year and in March 2029. Excluding this one-off charge, which we adjusted out for our adjusted EPS calculation, the net financial expenses were significantly lower, mainly due to a lower level of debt and higher cash balances. As expected, the company's effective tax rate of 28.5% this quarter was similar to Q1 and closer to the company's Canadian statutory income tax rate. The IFRS diluted EPS this quarter was CAD 0.59, compared to CAD 13.32 in Q2 2025, which included a CAD 12.86 earnings per share gain on the disposal of the company's remaining interest in Highway 407.

Speaker #1: Excluding this one off charge which we adjusted out for our adjusted EPS calculation the net financial expenses were significantly lower mainly due to a lower level of debt and higher cash balances.

Speaker #1: As expected the company's effective tax rate of 28 and a half percent this quarter was similar to Q1 and closer to the company's Canadian statutory income tax rate.

Speaker #1: The IFRS diluted EPS this quarter was 59 cents compared to 13 dollars and 32 cents in Q2 2025 which included a 12 dollar and 86 cent earnings per share gain on the disposal of the company's remaining interest in highway 407.

Speaker #1: The adjusted EPS which we believe is a better reflection of the company's underlying performance increased 20% to 97 cents per diluted share compared to 81 cents in the second quarter last year.

Jeff Bell: The adjusted EPS, which we believe is a better reflection of the company's underlying performance, increased 20% to CAD 0.97 per diluted share, compared to CAD 0.81 in Q2 last year. Let's now move to Slide 14 in cash flow, capital resources, and liquidity. Net cash generated from operating activities significantly improved this quarter compared to Q2 last year, totaling CAD 84 million. This was mainly driven by a strong adjusted EBITDA delivery and a lower working capital position usage. We continue to expect to generate approximately CAD 500 million of net cash from operating activities for the full year of 2026.

Speaker #1: Let's now move to slide 14 and cash flow, capital resources, and liquidity. Net cash generated from operating activities significantly improved this quarter compared to Q2 last year, totaling $84 million.

Speaker #1: This was mainly driven by a strong adjusted EBITDA delivery and a lower working capital position usage. We continue to expect to generate approximately 500 million dollars of net cash from operating activities for the full year of 2026.

Speaker #1: As you can see on the slide we also took advantage during the quarter of a pullback in our share price and continue to deploy capital to the benefit of our shareholders repurchasing approximately 2.8 million of our shares for more than 240 million dollars.

Jeff Bell: As you can see on the slide, we also took advantage during the quarter of a pullback in our share price and continued to deploy capital to the benefit of our shareholders, repurchasing approximately 2.8 million of our shares for more than CAD 240 million at an average price of approximately CAD 87. We see significant opportunities for future value creation and believe that buying back shares will ultimately be significantly value creative to our shareholders. With our net debt ratio well below our 1 to 2 times target ratio, we would expect to continue to deploy capital going forward to both share buybacks and select bolt-on acquisitions to fill in capability and regional white space. Finally, turning to my final slide, Slide 15 in our 2026 outlook.

Speaker #1: At an average price of approximately 87 dollars. We see significant opportunities for future value creation and believe that buying back shares will ultimately be significantly value creative to our shareholders.

Speaker #1: With our net debt ratio well below our 1 to 2 times target ratio, we would expect to continue to deploy capital going forward to both share buybacks and select bolt-on acquisitions, to fill in capability and regional whitespace.

Speaker #1: And finally turning to my final slide slide 15 in our 2026 outlook with the strong nuclear revenue delivered year to date and our increased visibility into the remaining of the year we are raising our nuclear revenue outlook to approximately 2.7 billion dollars for the full year 2026 from the previous amount of approximately 2 and a half billion dollars.

Jeff Bell: With the strong Nuclear revenue delivered year to date and our increased visibility into the remaining of the year, we are raising our Nuclear revenue outlook to approximately CAD 2.7 billion for the full year 2026, from the previous amount of approximately CAD 2.5 billion. We are maintaining our 2026 Engineering Services regions organic growth outlook. Although with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having some impact on our EMEA region, we believe the growth for the Engineering Services regions overall will be more towards the 5% end of our range. All our other financial outlook metrics for the full year for 2026 remain as originally stated. With that, I'll now hand the presentation back to Ian.

Speaker #1: We are maintaining our 2026 engineering services regions organic growth outlook although as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having some impact on our EMEA region we believe the growth for the engineering services regions overall will be more towards the 5% end of our range.

Speaker #1: All our other financial outlook metrics for the full year for 2026 remain as originally stated. With that I'll now hand the presentation back to Ian.

Speaker #2: Yep thanks Jeff. Following a quarter of record adjusted EBITDA and engineering services backlog were clearly excited for the future. This is especially true for our nuclear program.

Ian Edwards: Yep. Thanks, Jeff. Following a quarter of record adjusted EBITDA and Engineering Services backlog, we're clearly excited for the future. This is especially true for our Nuclear program. Canada recently reaffirmed Nuclear as a cornerstone of its long-term energy strategy, recognizing the importance of the homegrown CANDU technology in supporting the country's future energy security and economic growth. At the same time, we're taking important steps to expand CANDU internationally. In the US, we've formally begun the licensing process to position this proven technology as a reliable, large-scale solution to meet the country's growing demand for safe, secure, and affordable electricity. Together with our ongoing life extension projects and our expanding service businesses, these developments further strengthen our confidence in the long-term growth opportunities for our Nuclear business across the globe. Beyond Nuclear, we see attractive opportunities developing across our Engineering Services business.

Speaker #2: Canada recently reaffirmed nuclear as a cornerstone of its long term energy strategy recognizing the importance of the homegrown can do technology in supporting the country's future energy security and economic growth.

Speaker #2: At the same time we're taking important steps to expand can do internationally. In the US we've formally begun the licensing process to position this proven technology as a reliable large scale solution to meet the country's growing demand for safe secure and affordable electricity.

Ian Edwards: In the US, we've formally begun the licensing process to position this proven technology as a reliable, large-scale solution to meet the country's growing demand for safe, secure, and affordable electricity. Together with our ongoing life extension projects and our expanding service businesses, these developments further strengthen our confidence in the long-term growth opportunities for our Nuclear business across the globe. Beyond Nuclear, we see attractive opportunities developing across our Engineering Services business.

Speaker #2: Together with our ongoing life extension projects and our expanding service businesses this these developments further strengthen our confidence in the long term growth opportunities for our nuclear business across the globe.

Speaker #2: Beyond nuclear we see attractive opportunities developing across our engineering services business demand remains strong across many of the infrastructure transportation power defense and water markets we serve.

Ian Edwards: Demand remains strong across many of the infrastructure, transportation, power, defense, and water markets we serve. This demand, combined with our integrated capabilities, value-focused capital allocation strategy, and continued investment in technology, operational excellence positions us well to capture that growth. Our recent acquisitions are another example of that strategy in action. They strengthen our local presence and client relationships, deepen our technical capabilities, and expand our ability to serve clients in attractive, high-growth markets while creating additional opportunities to leverage the breadth of AtkinsRéalis across our global platform. As we look ahead, we remain focused on executing our delivering excellence and driving growth strategy. Our record engineering backlog, diversified portfolio, and strong balance sheet provide confidence in our ability to continue delivering sustainable, profitable growth over the long term. Finally, I'd like to thank our more than 41,000 colleagues around the world.

Speaker #2: This demand, combined with our integrated capabilities, value-focused capital allocation strategy, and continued investment in technology and operational excellence, positions us well to capture that growth.

Speaker #2: Our recent acquisitions are another example of that strategy in action. They strengthen our local presence and client relationships, deepen our technical capabilities, and expand our ability to serve clients in attractive, high-growth markets, while creating additional opportunities to leverage the breadth of AtkinsRéalis.

Speaker #2: Across our global platform. As we look ahead we remain focused on executing our delivering excellence and driving growth strategy. Our record engineering backlog diversified portfolio and strong balance sheet provide confidence in our ability to continue delivering sustainable profitable growth over the long term.

Ian Edwards: As we look ahead, we remain focused on executing our delivering excellence and driving growth strategy. Our record engineering backlog, diversified portfolio, and strong balance sheet provide confidence in our ability to continue delivering sustainable, profitable growth over the long term. Finally, I'd like to thank our more than 41,000 colleagues around the world.

Speaker #2: And finally, I'd like to thank our more than 41,000 colleagues around the world. Their commitment to our clients and dedication to delivering complex projects safely and successfully is what makes our performance possible.

Ian Edwards: Their commitment to our clients and dedication to delivering complex projects safely and successfully is what makes our performance possible. With that, let's open it up for questions.

Speaker #2: With that let's open it up for questions.

Speaker #3: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question you will need to press star 1 and 1 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Operator: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, you will need to press *1 and 1 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press *1 and 1 again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Thank you. We will now begin with our first question from Tomo Sano from J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: And to withdraw your question please press star 1 and 1 again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Thank you. We will now begin with our first question from Tomosano from JP Morgan.

Speaker #3: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi good morning everyone. Congrats on a quarter.

Tomo Sano: Hi. Good morning, everyone. Congrats on a quarter.

Speaker #5: Good morning.

Ian Edwards: Good morning.

Tomo Sano: On US CANDU, now that you've formally commenced the NRC license process, could you share two to three key milestones over the next 12 to 18 months that we can track, and the single biggest critical path items for the extent you can disclose? Thank you.

Speaker #4: On US can do now that you've formally commenced the analysis license process could you share two to three key milestone over the next 12 to 18 months that we can track and in the single biggest critical path items for the expense you can disclose.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah I mean the licensing process itself is is under the the NRC's new licensing program called part 53 which is a new initiative for new technologies in the US to try and get them through an accelerated approval process.

Ian Edwards: The licensing process itself is under the NRC's new licensing program called Part 53, which is a new initiative for new technologies in the US to try and get them through an accelerated approval process. That accelerated process aims to give licensing within 18 months. It's a defined period, which is really good news. The pre-approval process, which is mainly consultation, was actually quite an important milestone before we formally made the application, because clearly, we didn't want to do this if there's any sort of red flags on the approval of the technology itself. Because the regulator, NRC, and our own regulator in Canada are pretty close in how they approach this, we've got a high degree of confidence there's no major red flags and the approval process should go relatively smoothly through the 18 months.

Speaker #2: That accelerated process get aims to to give licensing within 18 months. So it's a defined period which is which is really good news. The pre approval process which is mainly consultation was actually quite an important milestone before we formally made the application because clearly we we didn't want to do this if it's if it's not if there's any sort of red flags on the approval of the of the technology itself.

Speaker #2: But because the regulator NRC and and our own regulator in Canada are pretty close and and how they they they approach this we've got a high degree of confidence there's no major red flags and the the the approval process should go relatively smoothly through through the 18 months.

Speaker #2: So specific milestones along that journey are pretty incremental and progressive. So you know I won't call out anything there I think because we've we've kind of passed the the major one in terms of getting that formal licensing in.

Ian Edwards: Specific milestones along that journey are pretty incremental and progressive. I won't call out anything there, I think because we're kind of past the major one in terms of getting that formal licensing in. What I would say, in addition to that, is that we are now engaged pretty strongly with hyperscalers across the United States, and we're starting to engage with utilities and states that have put nuclear power into their energy policies. The opportunity and the scale of demand is incredible. The desperate need that hyperscalers have for electrical energy is the constraint to deploying AI. The data centers that are being built right now are struggling for electrical energy to the point that they're producing electrical energy with diesel generators in some cases, and you will see deals being done behind the meter with gas-fired power plants.

Speaker #2: But what I would say in addition to that is that we are now engaged pretty strongly with hyperscalers across the United States and we're starting to engage with utilities and states that have put nuclear power into their energy policies.

Speaker #2: And the opportunity and the scale of demand is incredible. The the the the desperate need that hyperscalers have for electrical energy is the constraint to deploy an AI.

Ian Edwards: The opportunity and the scale of demand is incredible. The desperate need that hyperscalers have for electrical energy is the constraint to deploying AI. The data centers that are being built right now are struggling for electrical energy to the point that they're producing electrical energy with diesel generators in some cases, and you will see deals being done behind the meter with gas-fired power plants.

Speaker #2: The the data centers that have been built right now are struggling for electrical energy to the point that they're producing electrical energy with diesel generators in some cases and you will see deals being done behind the meter with gas fired power power plants.

Speaker #2: Our ambition is to do this through nuclear powered data centers. And there is a strong interest in doing that. And and with the work that we're doing with Nvidia to create an engineering solution to actually put that on the table as a solution using our EC6 reactor which is a tried and test reactor which we've built in a good time scale and proven out that technology and its efficiency is becoming a very attractive proposition across hyperscalers in in the US.

Ian Edwards: Our ambition is to do this through nuclear-powered data centers, there is a strong interest in doing that. With the work that we're doing with NVIDIA to create an engineering solution to actually put that on the table as a solution, using our EC6 reactor, which is a tried and tested reactor which we've built in a good timescale and proven out that technology and its efficiency, is becoming a very attractive proposition across hyperscalers in the US. From a utility and a commercial power perspective, it's also a tried and tested product that is beginning to attract attention. Clearly, the issue in deploying the amount of electrical energy that US needs is demand and capacity to meet that demand. I don't see any barriers as a CANDU Canadian business because the demand will outstrip the capacity of the industry by a long way.

Speaker #2: Now, from a utility and a commercial power perspective, it's also a tried-and-tested product that is beginning to attract attention. Clearly, the issue in deploying the amount of electrical energy that the US needs is demand and the capacity to meet that demand.

Ian Edwards: From a utility and a commercial power perspective, it's also a tried and tested product that is beginning to attract attention. Clearly, the issue in deploying the amount of electrical energy that US needs is demand and capacity to meet that demand. I don't see any barriers as a CANDU Canadian business because the demand will outstrip the capacity of the industry by a long way.

Speaker #2: So I don't I don't see any barriers as a as a can do Canadian business because the demand will outstrip the capacity of the industry by a long way.

Speaker #2: So it's pretty exciting time for us.

Ian Edwards: It's a pretty exciting time for us.

Speaker #4: Thank you for sharing in. I appreciate it. That's all.

Tomo Sano: Thank you for sharing, Ian. I appreciate it. That's all.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Next question today is from Chris Murray from ATB Callmark Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question today is from Chris Murray from ATB Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Yeah thanks Joel. Good morning. I guess a couple things about the Canadian market. You did allude to the fact that you know there's a fairly large group of potential defense projects that are out there.

Chris Murray: Yeah. Thanks, folks. Good morning. I guess a couple things about the Canadian market. You did allude to the fact that there's a fairly large group of potential defense projects that are out there. Can you maybe walk through where it is you think that you see some opportunities, and perhaps if there's any magnitude or scale that you could attach to them, that would be helpful.

Speaker #1: Can you maybe walk through where it is you think that you see some opportunities and perhaps you know any if there's any magnitude or scale that you could attach to them that would be helpful.

Speaker #2: In defense particularly Chris yeah.

Ian Edwards: In defense, particularly, Chris, yeah.

Speaker #1: Yeah you talk about that 35 billion dollars of a perhaps available market.

Chris Murray: Yeah. You talked about that CAD 35 billion of perhaps-

Ian Edwards: Yeah

Chris Murray: available market.

Speaker #2: Yeah I'm I'm actually fresh from the the Farnborough show in in the UK which is an aviation and defense air show defense show which was heavily attended by by Canadian customers and the government.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. I'm actually fresh from the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, which is an aviation and defense show, which was heavily attended by Canadian customers and the government. In the UK, we have almost all of our defense capability, and currently, of our revenues as a whole, defense makes up 6%. That's all that capability right now is primarily in the UK. What we do is all the physical infrastructure that supports assets, whether they're planes, ships, submarines. We model the design and project manage the delivery of those assets. Every time there's a new asset, the maintenance facilities, the dockyard, and the facilities where they're stored have to change to suit that asset, because the assets are obviously often nuclear-powered or they're complex assets of different requirements.

Speaker #2: So in the UK we we we have almost all of our defense capability and currently of our revenues as a whole defense makes up 6%.

Speaker #2: So but that's all all that capability right now is primarily in the UK. What what we do is all the physical infrastructure that supports assets whether they're planes ships submarines we model the the design and project manage the delivery of those assets.

Speaker #2: And every time there's a new asset that the the maintenance facilities the dockyard and the the the the the facilities where they're stored have to change to suit that asset because the assets are obviously often nuclear powered or they're they're complex assets of different requirements.

Speaker #2: In addition to that in the UK we're we're heavily involved in intelligence work and and cyber security which which is obviously high highly classified.

Ian Edwards: In addition to that, in the UK, we're heavily involved in intelligence work and cybersecurity, which is obviously highly classified. What we see in Canada is exactly that, and positioning ourselves to do exactly that. We're talking about bases in the north, new barracks, new build-out for radar systems, new shipyards across the country for submarines, and the deployment of new ships, and we're also, obviously, for the new fighter fleet of aircraft. The routes to procurement are twofold. They sometimes come through the OEM, which in the case of submarines would be TKMS, or they're often procured directly from the federal government. As that evolves and those things become clear, we'll position ourselves with relevant construction companies to obviously win that work. We see that as, obviously, a growth engine for the company because we see exactly those opportunities in Australia as well, exactly the same.

Speaker #2: What we see in Canada is exactly that and positioning ourselves to do exactly that. What what is I mean we're talking about you know bases in the in the north you know new barracks new build out for radar systems new shipyards across the country for submarines and and new deployment of new ships.

Speaker #2: And we're also obviously for the the new fighter fleet of of aircraft. So the the routes to procurement are twofold. They sometimes crew come through the OEM which in the case of submarines would be TQMS or they they're often procured directly from the federal government.

Ian Edwards: They sometimes come through the OEM, which in the case of submarines would be TKMS, or they're often procured directly from the federal government. As that evolves and those things become clear, we'll position ourselves with relevant construction companies to obviously win that work. We see that as, obviously, a growth engine for the company because we see exactly those opportunities in Australia as well, exactly the same.

Speaker #2: So as as that evolves and those things become clear we'll position ourselves with relevant construction companies to obviously win that work. And and we see that as a obviously a growth engine for the company because we see exactly those opportunities in Australia as well.

Speaker #2: Exactly the same. And the strategy is exactly the same. In Australia. And that's why we bought those three companies. One of which is a is a defense company.

Ian Edwards: The strategy is exactly the same in Australia, and that's why we bought those three companies, one of which is a defense company.

Speaker #1: Okay that that's helpful. Thank you. And then just as my follow up just one quick question. I mean can you talk a little bit about the the margin improvement opportunities or what you're thinking about in the US market you know we're we're certainly seeing it maybe a little bit of improvement but still trailing both the UK and Canada.

Chris Murray: Okay. That's helpful. Thank you. Just as my follow-up, just one quick question. Can you talk a little bit about the margin improvement opportunities or what you're thinking about in the US market? We've certainly seen it, maybe a little bit of improvement, but still trailing both the UK and Canada. Just what's left to do to maybe get that margin back up to the corporate average and more towards the longer-term targets?

Speaker #1: Just you know what's left to do to maybe get that margin back up to the corporate average and and more towards the longer term targets.

Speaker #2: Jeff why don't you take that.

Ian Edwards: Jeff, why don't you take that?

Speaker #4: Yeah no happy to. And there's there's two or three levers there Chris that we've been we've been working on and continue to work on.

Jeff Bell: Yeah, no, happy to. There are two or three levers there, Chris, that we've been working on and continue to work on. One is around continued productivity and utilization improvements. We see opportunities to continue to drive that forward. That can have a material impact. I think the second thing, it ties into our land and expand strategy and desire to continue to deploy capital in the US, there is a fixed element of overhead within Engineering Services businesses. The US is the one business of our main markets where, proportionally, compared to a lot of our peers, we're significantly smaller. Continuing to grow that business will also help create leverage through the income statement and help our margins.

Speaker #4: One is around you know continued productivity and utilization improvements. And we see opportunities to continue to drive that forward. And that has a you know that can have a a material impact.

Speaker #4: I think the second thing and it ties into our land and expand strategy and desire to continue to deploy capital in the US you know there is a a fixed element of overhead you know within engineering services businesses.

Speaker #4: And the US is you know is the one business of our of our main markets where you know proportionally compared to a lot of our peers we're significantly smaller so continuing to grow that business will you know also help create leverage you know through the through the income statement and and help our margins.

Speaker #4: And I think the sort of the third area is we're continuing to see good opportunities to leverage you know our global technology center you know as a way of continuing to also drive improved margins and you know that continues to improve year by year.

Jeff Bell: I think the third area is we're continuing to see good opportunities to leverage our Global Technology Center, as a way of continuing to also drive improved margins and that continues to improve year by year. We do see a real path to ultimately getting that business into our overall margin target level.

Speaker #4: You know so we do see you know a real path to ultimately you know getting that business into our overall margin target level.

Speaker #1: Okay I'll leave it there. Thanks.

Chris Murray: Okay, I'll leave it there. Thanks.

Speaker #2: Thanks.

Ian Edwards: Thanks.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Well now take the next question. This is from Sabat Khan from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We'll now take the next question. This is from Sabahat Khan from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

[Analyst] (RBC Capital Markets): Hi, this is Bhavin on for Sabat.

Speaker #5: Hi, this is Bob, in for Sabat.

Speaker #2: Okay hi.

Ian Edwards: Okay, hi.

Speaker #5: Hi my question was more towards the engineering business and how it's evolving in Europe and the Middle East. If you can just give us a little bit more color on on those markets.

[Analyst] (RBC Capital Markets): Hi, my question was more towards the engineering business and how it's evolving in Europe and the Middle East. If you can just give us a little bit more color on those markets.

Speaker #2: Yeah and in particular the Middle East. I mean obviously there's a couple of things. That that are happening there. I mean last year there was a fairly significant reprioritization in in the KSA in Saudi Arabia.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. In particular, the Middle East. Obviously, there's a couple of things that are happening there. Last year, there was a fairly significant reprioritization in the KSA, in Saudi Arabia, by government projects. Obviously, a couple of projects that we were on, such as NEOM, were kind of significantly reduced in volume. That's kind of affecting our business this year. We also, whilst we're prioritizing in the Middle East the safety of our people, we're actually being able to execute. From a combination of working at home and kind of working on the jobs, we are able to execute. That's not having a significant impact now. Clearly, there's been some impact. I think the story going forward is we are definitely seeing in the United Arab Emirates, a diversifying market ahead where there are a lot more transport jobs.

Speaker #2: By government projects and and and obviously a couple of projects that we were on such as NEOM were were kind of significantly reduced in in in volume.

Speaker #2: So so that's kind of affecting our our our business this year. We we also whilst we're prioritizing in the Middle East the safety of our people we're actually being able to execute.

Speaker #2: So from from a combination of working at home and kind of working on the jobs we are able to execute. So that that's not having a real a significant impact now.

Speaker #2: Clearly that there's been some impact. I think the story going forward is we are definitely seeing in the United Arab Emirates a a diversifying market ahead where there are a lot more transport jobs.

Speaker #2: So traditionally our business in the Middle East recently has been a buildings and places business but actually historically going back a few years we had a lot of transport work.

Ian Edwards: Traditionally, our business in the Middle East recently has been a buildings and places business. Actually, historically, going back a few years, we had a lot of transport work. See more opportunities in transport, which is making us optimistic. However, we can't really say what the impact of this crisis is going to be in the short term. Whether we see a reduction in pipeline from private sector work, we'll have to monitor that and see. Right now, our backlog is up. That gives us reason for cautious optimism. We've got to observe it, got to look after our people. Long-term, KSA is a great place to do business. The Emirates is a great place to do business. Really long-term, we're pretty committed to the market still.

Speaker #2: So see more opportunities in transport which is which is making us optimistic. However we really you know we can't really say what the impact of this crisis is going to be in the short term.

Speaker #2: So you know whether we we see a you know a reduction in pipeline from private sector work we'll we'll have to monitor that and see.

Speaker #2: I mean right now our backlog is up. So you know that gives us you know reason for for sort of cautious optimism. It's a it's a really you know we've got to observe it.

Speaker #2: We've got to look after our people. But long term you know KSA is a is a great place to do business. The Emirates is is a great place to do business.

Speaker #2: So really long term we're we're pretty committed to the market still.

Speaker #5: That's it from my end. Thank you. I'll turn it back.

[Analyst] (RBC Capital Markets): That's it from my end. Thank you. I'll turn it back.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Next question today is from Devin Dodge from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question today is from Devin Dodge from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Yeah thanks good morning guys. Ian just wondering if you're still expecting an update from the Canadian regulator related to Monarch and Q3 and can you talk about what that update will cover and if it will be communicated publicly.

Devin Dodge: Yeah, thanks. Good morning, guys. Ian, just wondering if you're still expecting an update from the Canadian regulator related to MONARK in Q3. Can you talk about what that update will cover, and if it will be communicated publicly?

Speaker #2: So we're working very hard with the regulator. You know it's it's a it's it's an iterative process. I mean obviously we've we've done the formal application some time ago.

Ian Edwards: We're working very hard with the regulator. It's an iterative process. I mean, obviously, we've done the formal application some time ago. We're working through the kind of components of the new regulations. If you remember, the MONARK is really based on a tried and tested reactor from Darlington. We're uprating that, but it's not a first of a kind. I think that's really important both to customers and to the regulator that there's four reactors that have been in place for 40 years that have performed very well and have just been relicensed. Those are kind of key things that give us confidence. We have to work through several submissions of calculations, submissions of proof of safety cases. We're doing that. We've got about 350 people or so working on this, engineers and suppliers and partners in this process.

Speaker #2: We're we're working through the the the the kind of components of the new regulations. If you remember the Monarch is really based on a tried and tested reactor from Darlington.

Speaker #2: We're we're uprating that but it's it's not a first of a kind. It's a and I think that's really important. Both to customers and to the the regulator that you know there's for 40 years.

Speaker #2: That have performed very well and have just been relicensed. So those are kind of key things that give us confidence. We we have to work through several you know submissions of of calculation submissions of proof of safety cases.

Speaker #2: We're doing that. We we've got about 350 people or so working on this. Engineers and suppliers and and partners. In this process. The the key milestone which is towards the end of Q3 is to get the first formal read of the acceptance of the the safety case the base safety case of the of the product.

Ian Edwards: The key milestone, which is towards the end of Q3, is to get the first formal read of the acceptance of the safety case, the base safety case of the product. We are working hard to achieve that. I see that as a very key milestone for technology selection from Ontario for the two power utilities in Ontario. Without that, it would be unreasonable for us to force this to a decision. We are confident we're going to get there. Given we get there, we're pushing very hard to say, What else do you need?

Speaker #2: We we are working hard to achieve that. I see that as a very key milestone for technology selection from Ontario. For the the two power utilities in Ontario.

Speaker #2: And without that you know it it would be unreasonable for us to force this to a decision. But we are confident we're going to get there.

Speaker #2: And you know given we get there then we're we're pushing very hard to say what else do you need. Let let's let's select this technology and then we can you know make sure that the investment that is needed for the long term deployment of the the can do Monarch in Canada can be made by us.

Ian Edwards: Let's select this technology. We can make sure that the investment that is needed for the long-term deployment of the CANDU MONARK in Canada can be made by us, but also by our supply chain and the universities and workers unions, so that the whole industry can build its capacity from what is about 100,000 people today to what we believe is going to be 300,000 in Ontario to actually fuel that economic development, fuel the jobs needs. There's a lot of compelling reasons why this needs to get done. It really starts with us, and we're working hard to deliver that.

Speaker #2: But also by our supply chain and the universities and and workers unions and so that the whole industry can build its capacity from what is about 100,000 people today to what we believe is going to be 300,000 in Ontario.

Speaker #2: To actually, you know, fuel that economic development, fuel the jobs needs, so there’s a lot of compelling reasons why this needs to get done.

Speaker #2: But it really starts with us and we're working hard to deliver that.

Speaker #1: Okay good color. Thanks for that. Just just my follow up. Are you I think you mentioned last quarter one of the last couple of quarters you know you've been pushing for technology selection potentially by the end of 2026.

Devin Dodge: Okay. Good color. Thanks for that. Just my follow-up. I think maybe you mentioned last quarter, or a couple of quarters, you've been pushing for technology selection, potentially by the end of 2026. We've seen some dates put forth by the client that would suggest technology selection maybe not until 2027 or even early 2028. Just wondering how we should be thinking about how do we reconcile that gap?

Speaker #1: You know we've seen some dates put forth by the client that would suggest technology selection you know maybe not until 2027 or even early 2028.

Speaker #1: Just wondering how we should be thinking how do we reconcile that that gap.

Speaker #2: Yeah yeah yeah. No fully fully aware of that. And it's one of the customers. That you're referring to which which did a an investor presentation around it.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. No, fully aware of that. It's one of the customers that you're referring to, which did an investor presentation around it. I'm fully aware of that. We have had very detailed discussions around that. Frankly, it's on us as AtkinsRéalis to make sure that that utility has got the information they need as a company which is not a public utility, it's a privately owned utility. It's on us to make sure they've got the information so they can make the decision. The decision is really important for Canada, Ontario, in terms of economic growth. I think that's highly understood by all the stakeholders. We have to satisfy their needs in order that they can make that decision. The regulatory environment is one of them, and obviously costs is the other one.

Speaker #2: I'm fully aware of that. And and we we have had very detailed discussions around that. Frankly it's on it's on us as AtkinsRéalis to make sure that that utility has got the information they need as a you know as a as a company which is not a public utility.

Speaker #2: It's a it's a privately owned utility. It's on us to make sure they've got the information so they can make the decision. The decision is really important for Canada Ontario in terms of economic growth.

Speaker #2: And and I think that's highly understood by all the stakeholders. But we have to satisfy their needs in order that they can make that decision.

Speaker #2: And the regulatory environment is one of them, and obviously, cost is the other one. So we're working very closely with them to get into a position where I believe that's possible earlier than what they discussed.

Ian Edwards: We're working very closely with them to get into a position where I believe that's possible earlier than what they discussed. I understand why they said it, and I understand why that perspective could be there. I believe it's going to be sooner than that. Well, let me put it this way. I am pushing to get it sooner than that.

Speaker #2: But I understand why they said it. And I I understand why their perspective could be there. But but but I believe it's going to be sooner than that.

Speaker #2: Well let me put it this way. I am pushing to get it sooner than that.

Speaker #1: Okay fair enough. Okay appreciate it. Thanks Ian. I'll I'll turn it over.

Devin Dodge: Okay. Fair enough. Okay. Appreciate it. Thanks, Ian. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Next question is from Christoph Friesen from CIBC. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question is from Krista Friesen from CIBC. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi thanks for taking my question. Maybe just on the M&A front. You've obviously been active there but but previously you've messaged that by the end of this year you might consider looking at maybe a little bit larger acquisitions.

Krista Friesen: Hi. Thanks for taking my question.

Ian Edwards: Hi.

Krista Friesen: Previously you've messaged that by the end of this year, you might consider looking at maybe a little bit larger acquisitions. Is that something you're still contemplating? Given the current environment, do you still feel comfortable with pursuing something a bit bigger? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Is that something you're still contemplating, and given the current environment, do you still feel comfortable with pursuing something a bit bigger? Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I mean so so so I I I I strategy for say medium and and long term benefit of the business is to continue to do the land and expand took in type acquisitions.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. Our strategy for, say, medium and long-term benefit of the business is to continue to do the land and expand tuck-in type acquisitions. They're helping to expand our footprint in high-growth regions and markets, kind of adding to what we already do or building a platform as we have done in Australia. This is really important for the US as well. Whilst there's been a couple of headwinds in the US, particularly no disaster work this year. That's a good thing because there was no disasters. From a revenue perspective, that's hit us. There's been some states that have had issues, should I say, in releasing work. We're seeing, obviously, with the backlog increase, that coming up. The US is still a primary target for us to build out our transportation, water, municipality businesses into more states. That's a land and expand strategy.

Speaker #2: There they're helping to expand our our footprint in high growth regions and markets. Kind of adding to what we already do or or building a platform as we have done in Australia.

Speaker #2: This is really important for the US as well. Because whilst there's been a couple of headwinds in the US I mean particularly no disaster work this this year.

Speaker #2: I mean that's a good thing because there was no disasters. But from a revenue perspective that that's that's hit us. And there's been some states that have that have had issues should I say in in releasing work.

Speaker #2: But we're seeing obviously with the backlog increase that coming up. The US is still a primary target for us to build out you know our transportation water municipality businesses into more states.

Speaker #2: So that that's a land and expand strategy. Moving forward and in into the future we we still believe that a a larger acquisition particularly in the the the United States would give us a a larger footprint a a business with more scale which obviously will give us more synergies.

Ian Edwards: Moving forward and into the future, we still believe that a larger acquisition, particularly in the United States, would give us a larger footprint, a business with more scale, which obviously will give us more synergies, not just from a revenue growth perspective, but synergies from a cost perspective across the country. It gives us a bit more brand presence across the country as we build out from our current position of number 16 into the single digits, which is our ambition and desire. Obviously, we have to be mindful of the valuation of the industry and where that's gone to. Clearly, we would expect to see that in values of acquisitions as well as values of the industry. We're not going to, if you like, invest in something that it's not going to be accretive to the medium and long term of the business.

Speaker #2: From a not just from a a revenue growth perspective but synergies from a a cost perspective across the country. And it gives us a bit more brand presence across the country as we build out you know from our current position of number 16 into the single digits which is our our ambition and desire.

Speaker #2: I mean obviously we we have to be mindful of the the the the the valuation of the industry and and where that's gone to.

Speaker #2: And and clearly we we we would we would expect to see that in in values of acquisitions as well as values of the industry.

Speaker #2: So you know we're not going to we're not going to sort of if you like invest in something that it's not going to be accretive to the to the medium and long term of the business.

Speaker #2: But but that's that that's where we're at right now. So you may see something you won't see this year of any scale. You may see it towards the end of next year.

Ian Edwards: That's where we're at right now. You may see something you won't see this year of any scale. You may see it towards the end of next year. We're on land and expand until then.

Speaker #2: But we're we're on land and expand until then.

Speaker #4: Thanks. I appreciate the color there. And then just a follow up on the on the previous question on nuclear. How are you feeling about about the supply chain that that you're establishing for the monarch and and any changes or or issues as you think about the the cost relative to what you've messaged previously.

Krista Friesen: Thanks. Appreciate the color there. Just a follow-up on the previous question on nuclear. How are you feeling about the supply chain that you're establishing for the Monarch and any changes or issues as you think about the cost relative to what you've messaged previously? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I mean to to my view in the nuclear industry and and I have a good vantage point of the nuclear industry as a board member of the World Nuclear Association.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. To my view, in the nuclear industry, and I have a good vantage point of the nuclear industry as a board member of the World Nuclear Association, I can see what's happening across the globe. My own view is that the capacity of businesses like AtkinsRéalis to deploy nuclear will be the constraint to growth. The demand is going to be there. There's no doubt that the world is moving to nuclear power. There's no doubt the hyperscalers need nuclear power to generate their AI data factories and centers. Capacity is everything. We are lucky as AtkinsRéalis because we've been on a 10-year build program to rebuild reactors. We've built a supply chain of 100,000 people, and we've built a nuclear-specific capability of 7,000 professionals. That's going to have to double, treble significantly.

Speaker #2: So I can see what's happening across the globe. My own view is that the capacity of businesses like AtkinsRéalis to deploy nuclear will be the constraint to growth.

Speaker #2: That the demand is going to be there. That that there's no doubt that the world is moving to nuclear power. There's no doubt the hyperscalers need nuclear power to to generate their AI data factories and centers.

Speaker #2: So capacity is everything. We are looking at AtkinsRéalis because we've been on a 10-year build program to rebuild reactors. So we've built a supply chain of 100,000 people, and we've built a nuclear-specific capability of 7,000 professionals.

Speaker #2: That that's going to have to double trouble significantly. And we we have got plans in place for how investments need to be made in Canada in order to do that.

Ian Edwards: We have got plans in place for how investments need to be made in Canada in order to do that, not necessarily always from Canadian companies, but we are working with large organizations internationally, so that when those supply chains need to increase, they will invest in Canada to increase those manufacturing capabilities. We're also working with universities across Canada and now internationally to increase nuclear professional output from the universities. We're into retraining. We've had to retrain 3,000 to 4,000 of our engineers from our general business of 41,000 professionals into the nuclear business. That's another point of advantage for AtkinsRéalis. We're not just a nuclear company. We're a global engineering company with 41,000 professionals. We've got scale is what I'm trying to say. Obviously, we've got to bring supply chain along with us.

Speaker #2: Not necessarily always from Canadian companies but we are working with large organizations internationally to so that when those supply chains need to increase they will invest in Canada to increase those manufacturing capabilities.

Speaker #2: We're also working with universities across Canada and now internationally to increase nuclear professional output from the universities. And we're into retraining I mean we've had to retrain you know 3 to 4,000 of our engineers from our general business of 41,000 professionals into the nuclear business.

Speaker #2: And that that's another point of advantage for AtkinsRéalis. We're not just a nuclear company. We're a global engineering company with 41,000 professionals. So we we've got scale.

Speaker #2: Is what I'm trying to say. And obviously we've got to bring supply chain along with us. And obviously supply chain are not going to invest until they've got certainty.

Ian Edwards: Obviously, supply chain are not going to invest until they've got certainty. That's why it's so important to get these decisions in place so the industry can invest. I see Canada having an advantage here, and I see AtkinsRéalis as having an advantage.

Speaker #2: And that's why it's so important to get these decisions in place so the industry can invest. But but I see Canada having an advantage here.

Speaker #2: And I see AtkinsRéalis as having a an advantage.

Speaker #4: Thank you. I really appreciate the comments. I'll jump back in the queue.

Krista Friesen: Thank you. Really appreciate the comments. I'll jump back in the queue.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question today is from Michael Tupone from TD Cowan. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question today is from Michael Tupholme from TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Thank you. Good morning. Ian, you talked about earlier a little bit about the US Latin America organic growth performance and you did call out in your release lower emergency response work and also talked about timelines between award and work execution sort of being a bit of a factor.

Michael Tupholme: Thank you. Good morning. Ian, you talked about earlier a little bit about the United States & Latin America organic growth performance. You did call out in your release lower emergency response work. Also talked about timelines between award and work execution sort of being a bit of a factor. I guess I'm just trying to understand how you think about this USLA business from an organic growth perspective in the H2.

Speaker #5: I guess I'm just trying to understand how you think about this USLA business from an organic growth perspective in the second half. You did mention that backlog is is looking better as well.

Ian Edwards: Yeah.

Michael Tupholme: You did mention that backlog is looking better as well. How do we see that progressing?

Speaker #5: So how do we see that progressing?

Speaker #2: Yeah. I mean that that thanks for the question. I mean backlog is up 12%. So you know that that's a good sign. Pipeline development through the end of this year and into next year is actually looking strong.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. Thanks for the question. Backlog is up 12%, so that's a good sign. Pipeline development through the end of this year and into next year is actually looking strong. It's not a very clear picture across the US. I don't think there's a common thread. I think obviously funding is important, and some states have good funding and are deploying as usual. Some states, it's almost like a lack of confidence, not a lack of funds, and whether they start larger programs, they're going to get funding all the way through to the end of those programs. Clearly, the IIJA and how that is reconstituted into another funding model is important, that looks like it's going to be replaced by another funding model.

Speaker #2: And it's it's it's not a very clear picture across the US. That I don't think there's a common thread. I I think obviously funding is important.

Speaker #2: And some states have good funding and are deploying as usual. Some states—it's almost like a lack of confidence, not a lack of funds, in whether if they start larger programs, they're going to get funding all the way through to the end of those programs.

Speaker #2: Clearly you know the IHAA and how that is reconstituted into another funding model is important. But but it that looks like it's going to be replaced by by by another funding model.

Ian Edwards: Particularly for our business, where year on year we've taken a lot of disaster relief work, as I said, there's been no disasters, there's no disaster relief work, which is a good thing. I think when we think about all those things together and we think about our size currently in the US, we have a long way to go. We got 6,500 people. Our peers are 20 to 30,000. I think for AtkinsRéalis, it's a good growth market and it's a market that we're going to see a lot of potential from an Engineering Services perspective. Very committed to the market. I think we're seeing an end to some of this lack of confidence, I would call it. I think we're seeing some projects now flowing, even from the states that have kind of held back a bit.

Speaker #2: So it's a bit of a you know and and particularly for our business where year on year we we've taken a lot of disaster relief work.

Speaker #2: And as I said there's been no disasters. So there's no disaster relief work which is which is a good thing. But but but I think when we think about all those things together and and we think about our size currently in the US we have a long way to go.

Speaker #2: I mean you know we got 6 and a half thousand people. You know our peers are 20 to 30,000. And and I think for AtkinsRéalis it's a good growth market.

Speaker #2: And and it's a market that we're going to see a lot of potential from an engineering services perspective. So very committed. To the market.

Speaker #2: I think we're seeing a you know an end to some of this lack of confidence I would call it. And and I think we're seeing some projects now flowing even from the the states that have that have kind of held back a bit.

Speaker #2: And the 12% backlog I think is a good is a good sign. And Jeff I don't know if you'd add anything to that.

Ian Edwards: The 12% backlog, I think is a good sign. Jeff, I don't know if you'd add anything to that.

Jeff Bell: No, I think that absolutely covered it all.

Speaker #3: No. I think I think that absolutely covered it all.

Speaker #2: Yeah. Okay. Thanks.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. Okay. Thanks.

Speaker #5: Okay. Maybe just one quick follow on here. Sort of two parts to it. I guess one I don't know if you're prepared to to add on to what you just said.

Michael Tupholme: Okay. Maybe just one quick follow on here, sort of two parts to it, I guess. One, I don't know if you're prepared to add on to what you just said, but just to set expectations, should we be looking for organic growth to turn back positive, in Q3 or Q4 for USLA? Just further to that, I think you mentioned earlier that for the full year looking to be closer to the 5%, lower end of your organic growth range for the full ESR segment for the year. Is that more a function of how USLA is performing, or is that more on the EMEA side? Just to understand there.

Speaker #5: But just to to set expectations should we be looking for organic growth to to turn back positive in Q3 or Q4 for USLA? And then just further to that I think mentioned earlier that for the full year looking to be closer to the 5% lower end of your organic growth range for the for the full ESR segment for the year.

Speaker #5: Is that more a function of how USLA is performing or is that more on the AMEA side? Just to understand there.

Speaker #3: Yeah. One it's Jeff my little one on I I take those two. So I think on the on the first question yes we you know we would expect in referencing Ian's point about you know the for instance the 12% backlog growth you know we would expect to see you know the US in in positive growth territory in the second half of the year.

Jeff Bell: Yeah. It's Jeff, why don't I take those two? I think on the first question, yes, we would expect, in referencing Ian's point about the, for instance, the 12% backlog growth, we would expect to see the US in positive growth territory in the second half of the year. Maybe a bit more weighted as it sometimes is historically to Q4 than Q3, but we definitely see, or would expect at this point, positive growth in the second half of the year. I think when we look at the sort of full year, yes, the USLA plays into that. I think, we would absolutely highlight the EMEA region and the Middle East. The business, as Ian has said, is doing a fantastic job of keeping people safe and delivering work despite the conflict that's going on.

Speaker #3: Maybe a bit more weighted as sometimes is historically to Q4 than Q3. But we definitely see or would expect at this point you know positive growth in the second half of the year.

Speaker #3: I think when we look at the sort of full year yes you know the USLA plays into that. But I think you know we would absolutely highlight you know the AMEA region you know and the Middle East.

Speaker #3: You know the the the business as Ian has said is doing a fantastic job of keeping people safe and and delivering work you know despite the conflict that's going on.

Speaker #3: But there's no question you know that had that is having some impact. You know and I think realistically that probably continues to have some impact you know into the second half year.

Jeff Bell: There's no question, that is having some impact, and I think realistically, that probably continues to have some impact into H2. We'll have to see how things play out. That's the driver of being towards that 5% end of our range, I think.

Speaker #3: We'll have to, you know, see how things play out. But that's, you know, that's the driver of being towards that, you know, 5% end of our range, I think.

Speaker #5: That's helpful. Thank you.

Michael Tupholme: That's helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And the next question today is from Maxim Sitchev from NBCCM. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. The next question today is from Maxim Sytchev from National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Morning.

Ian Edwards: Morning.

Speaker #4: Hi. Good morning, gentlemen. Most questions have been asked but maybe one for Jeff if I may. Around working capital trends I mean obviously your telegraphing 500 million in OCF in 2027.

Maxim Sytchev: Hi. Good morning, gentlemen. Most questions have been asked, but maybe one for Jeff, if I may, around working capital trends. Obviously you're telegraphing CAD 500 million in OCF in 2027, given the fact that right now you cycle through sort of all the LSTK noise, how should we think on a prospective basis around the intensity of that line item on a prospective basis? I realize you don't want to give guidance on 2027.

Speaker #4: But given the fact that right now you you cycle through sort of all the LSDK noise how should we think on a perspective basis around the intensity of of that line item on a perspective basis?

Speaker #4: And like I realize like you don't want to give guidance on 2027 but anything maybe you can you can help us frame that would be helpful.

Jeff Bell: Yeah

Maxim Sytchev: anything maybe you can help us frame that would be helpful. Thanks.

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Speaker #3: Yeah. No I think so. I mean I think what I would say Max is that we're obviously trending well here in 2026. Certainly gives us a lot of confidence in you know year on year improvement in our cash flow here this year and and you know the the guidance that we've put out there.

Jeff Bell: Yeah. No, I think so. I think what I would say, Maxim, is that we're obviously trending well here in 2026. Certainly gives us a lot of confidence in year on year improvement in our cash flows here this year and the guidance that we've put out there. I think as we move out into 2027, I think we will, as we've signaled and commented on before, see clearly less of a drag or very little drag from the LSTK projects with Eglinton now being in operation, settling out the final accounts there. It's great. That leaves us very little into 2027. I think we continue to work hard at our working capital initiatives, such that, as we get out into 2027, very much focused on our investor day guidance of 80% to 90% cash flow conversion to net income.

Speaker #3: I think as we you know move out into 2027 you know I think we you know we will as we've signaled and commented on before you know see you know clearly less of a drag you know or very little drag from the LSDK projects.

Speaker #3: You know with Eglinton now being you know in operation settling out the final accounts there it's great. You know that that leaves us you know very little into 2027.

Speaker #3: And I think we you know we continue to work hard at our working capital initiatives such that you know as we get out into you know 2027 very much focused on our you know investor day guidance of 80 to 90% cash flow conversion to net income.

Speaker #3: So you know we see ourselves very much on a trajectory for that Max.

Jeff Bell: We see ourselves very much on a trajectory for that, Maxim.

Maxim Sytchev: Okay, there's nothing in the nuclear division that will kind of require you pre-funding things, right?

Speaker #4: nuclears division that will kind of require you pre-funding things right?

Speaker #3: No. We work very hard in that part of the business. You know to make sure that for instance you know there's advances or you know or other you know cash flow elements that you know by and large ensure that you know we're not working off our balance sheet for customers that you know that you know we're working off theirs.

Jeff Bell: No. We work very hard in that part of the business to make sure that, for instance, there's advances or other cash flow elements that by and large ensure that we're not working off our balance sheet for customers, that we're working off theirs. Now, that does move around a bit for sure. Some quarters we get higher advances in or years where we get more advances in and then we're working that off over subsequent periods, which can, in the short to medium term, move around our working capital and our cash flow delivery. I don't see anything systemic.

Speaker #3: Now that does move around a bit for sure. You know some quarters we get you know higher advances in you know or years where we get more advances in and and then you know we're working that off over you know subsequent periods which can in the short to medium term you know move around our our working capital and our cash flow delivery.

Speaker #3: But I don't see anything systemic on that Max. And you know to the extent that any of that was going to impact us in 2027 we'd we'd comment you know on that you know in the first quarter next year when we set our guidance for 27.

Ian Edwards: On that max. To the extent that any of that was going to impact us in 2027, we'd comment on that in the Q1 next year when we set our guidance for 2027.

Speaker #4: Okay. Super helpful. Thank you so much.

Maxim Sytchev: Okay. Super helpful. Thank you so much.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And the next question today is from Ian Gillies from Stifel. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. The next question today is from Ian Gillies from Stifel. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Morning everyone.

Ian Gillies: Morning, everyone.

Speaker #2: Morning.

Ian Edwards: Morning. Morning.

Speaker #3: Morning.

Speaker #5: Ian you had mentioned earlier related to nuclear customers trying to get clarity on cost and working towards that. Can you maybe just talk a little bit more about where they may be at on getting clarity on costs and how that evolves over time just because it it will have a pretty material impact on how we think about potential backlog additions and the like.

Ian Gillies: Ian, you had mentioned earlier related to nuclear, customers trying to get clarity on costs and working towards that. Can you maybe just talk a little bit more about where they may be at on getting clarity on costs and how that evolves over time? Just because it will have a pretty material impact on how we think about potential backlog additions and the like.

Ian Edwards: Yeah. Obviously, I don't want to get into specific numbers. The way that kind of works in terms of the progressive accuracy of those costs is that we clearly have an estimate of, say, a Monarch or an estimate of an EC6, and then we build that estimate based on specific site conditions, and site requirements, because every site's different in terms of bringing water in, taking water out for cooling, seismic requirements because of the particular geology and things like that. We're in the process, obviously, of building those estimates for the Ontario projects, but they're to a certain level of accuracy. Over the feed or the design development phase lead into an executable project, which in the case of those Ontario projects, will be in the range of about three years. You work through various classes of estimates.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I mean I I obviously I don't want to get into specific numbers but the way that kind of works in terms of the progressive accuracy of those costs is that we clearly have a an estimate at a of a say a monarch or or an estimate of a an EC6.

Speaker #2: And then we build that estimate based on specific site conditions and site requirements because every site's different in terms of you know bringing water in taking water out for cooling.

Speaker #2: Seismic requirements because of the particular geology and things like that. So so we we're in the process obviously of building those estimates for the Ontario projects.

Speaker #2: But there, to a certain level of accuracy, and then over the FEED or the design development phase, lead into an executable project, which in the case of those Ontario projects will be in the range of about three years.

Speaker #2: Then you you work through various classes of estimates and and it's a this is a well-defined kind of definition process in the industry. You work through different classes of estimates until you get to financial close.

Ian Edwards: This is a well-defined kind of definition process in the industry. You work through different classes of estimates until you get to financial close, where you have an absolute accurate fix on the estimate. For context, I guess, without accuracy, we believe that both the CANDU EC6 and the Monarch is a very competitive product against other nuclear technologies. We believe it's a competitive product against renewables.

Speaker #2: Where you have an absolute accurate fix on on on on on the estimate. So for context I guess with without accuracy we we believe that both the can do EC6 and the monarch is a very competitive product.

Speaker #2: Against other nuclear technologies and and we believe it's a it's a it's a competitive product against renewables.

Speaker #5: Understood. That's helpful in and of itself. I'll turn the call back over just given we're getting close to time.

Ian Gillies: Understood. That's helpful in and of itself. I'll turn the call back over just given we're getting close to time.

Speaker #2: Okay. Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And we have one more question coming through. This is from Benoit Parrier from Desjardins. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We have one more question coming through. This is from Benoit Poirier from Desjardins. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Yes. Thank you very much. And and good morning gentlemen. Just to come back on nuclear obviously the the you increase the guidance for 2026 on the back of the results so far.

Benoit Poirier: Yes. Thank you very much. Good morning, gentlemen. Just to come back on Nuclear, obviously you increased the guidance for 2026 on the back of the results so far. What does it involve in terms of 2027? How should we be thinking in terms of potential additional revenue growth that we might see for Nuclear for 2027?

Speaker #6: What does it involve in terms of 2027? How should we be thinking in terms of potential additional revenue growth that we might see for Nuclear for 2027?

Speaker #3: Yeah. Maybe I'll take that Benoit's Jeff. You know you're absolutely right. Great to see the business continuing to kind of forge ahead you know and grow.

Jeff Bell: Yeah, maybe I'll take that, Benoit. It's Jeff. You're absolutely right. Great to see the business continuing to kind of forge ahead and grow. As we've said previously, we raised our 2027 guidance to CAD 2.6 to 3 billion. I think we continue to see the business growing into 2027. Obviously, by definition, therefore, we're aiming more at the top end of that, the top half of that CAD 2.6 to 3 billion range. There's still a lot of projects and there's a lot of work going on across refurbishments, new builds, even the servicing business across all of Nuclear. It's a bit early to be able to give more further guidance on that in 2027. We'll do that at the beginning of next year.

Speaker #3: As we've said previously you know we raised our 2027 guidance to 2.6 to 3 billion dollars. I think we continue to see you know the business growing into 2027.

Speaker #3: Obviously by definition therefore you know we're you know we're aiming you know more at the top end of that you know the top half of that 2.6 to 3 billion dollar range.

Speaker #3: But you know there's there's still you know there's still a lot of projects and there's a lot of work going on. You know across refurbishments new builds you know even the servicing business across all of nuclear.

Speaker #3: So it's a it's a bit early to be able to you know give you know more further guidance on that in 2027. We'll do that at the beginning of next year.

Speaker #3: But but what I would say is we would continue to see growth you know and therefore I think we're going to be you know in the certainly in the top part or the top half of that range we've already set out.

Ian Edwards: What I would say is we would continue to see growth, therefore, I think we're going to be certainly in the top part, or the top half of that range we've already set out.

Speaker #6: Okay. That's great. And just in term of M&A could you maybe provide an update on on your pipeline and share some thoughts about whether we've seen a a change in sellers expectation?

Benoit Poirier: Okay. That's great. Just in terms of M&A, could you maybe provide an update on your pipeline and share some thoughts about whether we've seen a change in sellers' expectations?

Speaker #3: So pipeline's strong.

Ian Edwards: Pipeline's strong. The US, as I've said before, is kind of fragmented market with a lot of state-scale players. It's a good market for us to work in. Our kind of methodical approach and guidelines that we're putting in place is obviously prioritizing quality over speed. We would hope to continue this land and expand strategy with tuck-ins. There's numerous targets that I'm engaged with personally that we are very interested in. There's always the kind of competition with private equity. I think we have a unique kind of value proposition to the businesses because we're not a business at scale coast to coast in the US. If we acquire a business with, say, 1,000 people in it, and it's in a state, it becomes our business in that state. Or if it's attached to a specific end market, then it becomes that business.

Speaker #2: The US is is a said before is it's kind of fragmented market with a lot of state scale players. So so it's a good market for us to to to work in.

Speaker #2: Our kind of methodical approach and and guidelines that we're putting in place is obviously prioritizing quality over speed. You know we we would hope to to continue this land and expand strategy with with took ins.

Speaker #2: There's there's numerous targets that I'm engaged with personally that we are very interested in. I mean there's always the the the kind of competition with private equity but I think we have a unique kind of value proposition to the businesses because we we we're not a business at you know at at scale coast to coast in the US.

Speaker #2: So if we acquire a business with say a thousand people in it and it's it's in a state it becomes our business in that state or or you know if it's attached to a specific end market then it becomes kind of that business.

Speaker #2: So I think our value proposition's good. I think the pipeline's good. I do think the the aspiration around multiples is is coming down. Yet yet to see that through transactions frankly.

Ian Edwards: I think our value proposition is good. I think the pipeline's good. I do think the aspiration around multiples is coming down. Yet to see that through transactions, frankly, I think there's a recognition that the industry has been rerated somewhat. Yeah, I would expect to see in the next couple of quarters, three quarters, more things happening. We're very fixed on this still.

Speaker #2: But but I think there's a recognition that the you know the industry is has has been rerated somewhat so I yeah I'm I would expect to see you know in the next couple of quarters three quarters more things happening we're we're very kind of fixed on this still.

Benoit Poirier: Okay. That's great. Maybe just a quick one to finish up. In terms of Global Technology Center, how many employees would you be having right now?

Speaker #6: Okay. That that's great. Then maybe just a quick one to finish up. In terms of global technology center how many employees would you be having right now?

Speaker #2: Yeah. It's it's doing well. Really pleased to say that we broke the 5000 barrier very recently. So we're getting good traction across our businesses.

Ian Edwards: Yeah, it's doing well. Really pleased to say that we broke the 5,000 barrier very recently. We're getting good traction across our businesses. Always been really well-utilized in the UK and the Middle East. Now we're getting better utilization in nuclear. We're getting better utilization in Canada and US. We do see this as a competitive advantage. Obviously, our technology center is at real scale, which helps from an attraction of talent and a retention of talent. We don't think of it as a back-office service. We think of it as an important capability that has a lot of differentiated technology capabilities that we leverage in our business across the world. That's grown. I think a year ago, it was about 4,000, maybe a little over 4,000. We've got good growth from it.

Speaker #2: Always been you know really well utilized in in the UK and the Middle East. But now we're getting better utilization in nuclear. We're getting better utilization in in Canada and US.

Speaker #2: So you know we do see this as a as a competitive advantage. I mean obviously our technology center is at real scale which which helps from a an attraction of talent and a retention of talent.

Speaker #2: We we we we don't you know we don't think of it as as a like a a back office service. We think of it as an important capability that has a lot of differentiated technology capabilities.

Speaker #2: That we leverage in our business across the world. But but that's grown I think a year ago it was about 4000 maybe a little over 4000.

Speaker #2: So we're we're we're we've got good growth from it. And and we're you know our our the way that we're doing this which is kind of successful is getting them involved at the very inception of bidding and then you know working through all the whole project life cycle.

Ian Edwards: The way that we're doing this, which is kind of successful, is getting them involved at the very inception of bidding, and then working through the whole project life cycle. We're very pleased with it.

Speaker #2: So we're we're we're very pleased with it.

Speaker #6: Okay. Great caller. Thank you very much for the time.

Benoit Poirier: Great call. Thank you very much for the time.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Ian Edwards: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And there are no further questions I will now hand the call back to Denis for any closing comments.

Operator: Thank you. There are no further questions. I will now hand the call back to Denis for any closing comments.

Speaker #5: Thank you very much everyone for joining us today. As usual if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you very much everyone and have a good day.

Denis Jasmin: Thank you very much, everyone, for joining us today. As usual, if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you very much, everyone, and have a good day.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.

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