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    JACOBS SOLUTIONS (J)

    J Q3 2025: EPS +25% to $1.62; Record $23B backlog

    Reported on Aug 5, 2025 (Before Market Open)
    Pre-Earnings Price$139.92Last close (Aug 4, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$136.91Open (Aug 5, 2025)
    Price Change
    $-3.01(-2.15%)
    • Robust Financial Performance: The company delivered a strong Q3 with adjusted EPS rising 25% to $1.62 and adjusted EBITDA up more than 13% year over year, reflecting solid revenue expansion and margin improvement.
    • Record Backlog Growth: Backlog increased 14% to nearly $23 billion, signaling a strong pipeline and durable demand across its diversified end markets, which positions the company well for sustained future growth.
    • Innovative Market Expansion: The firm is expanding its scope in high-growth segments such as data centers, water, and life sciences along with transformative digital twin and AI engagements (e.g., the new NVIDIA partnership), evidencing strong opportunities to capture further market share.
    • Environmental Sector Headwinds: There is uncertainty in the environmental segment due to a slowdown earlier in the year, attributed to prior government actions which could dampen future growth if regulatory conditions or federal infrastructure spending remain subdued.
    • Unquantified Policy Impacts: The benefits from bonus depreciation changes are uncertain and not yet quantified, which may pose a risk to cash tax improvements and overall margin enhancements in future quarters.
    • PA Consulting Integration Uncertainty: Ongoing discussions around the valuation and integration of PA Consulting suggest that there remains an element of uncertainty regarding its future contribution, potentially affecting near-term profitability if synergies do not materialize as expected.
    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Adjusted Net Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    Expected to grow mid- to high single digits year-over-year

    Approximately 5.5% year over year

    lowered

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin

    FY 2025

    13.8% to 14%

    Approximately 13.9%

    no change

    Adjusted EPS

    FY 2025

    $5.85 to $6.20

    $6.00 to $6.10

    no change

    Reported Free Cash Flow Conversion

    FY 2025

    Expected to be more than 100%

    Expected to be more than 100%

    no change

    Net Revenue Growth

    Q3 2025

    Expected to grow 5% to 7% year-on-year

    no current guidance [N/A]

    no current guidance

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin

    Q3 2025

    Approach 14% adjusted EBITDA margin

    no current guidance [N/A]

    no current guidance

    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Financial Performance and Margin Trends

    In Q1 and Q2, financial performance was characterized by revenue and EBITDA growth with margin improvements driven by disciplined cost management and operational efficiencies.

    In Q3, the company reported record revenue growth, improved EBITDA margins (14.1% in Q3 and 13.9% full‐year guidance), and strong cost management initiatives.

    Consistent strong performance, with an improvement in margins and profitability metrics, reinforcing a stable, upward trend.

    Backlog Growth and Revenue Pipeline

    Q1 and Q2 discussions highlighted strong backlog growth with near record levels (e.g. 19% and 20% growth) and a robust revenue pipeline driven by diverse sectors such as water, infrastructure, and advanced facilities.

    Q3 showcased a record backlog of $22.7 billion with 14% growth and a robust pipeline across multiple sectors including data centers and critical infrastructure.

    Sustained positive momentum, with consistently high backlog growth and expanding pipeline across key sectors.

    Global Geographic Diversification and International Growth

    In Q1 and Q2, the company emphasized growth in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, India, and Australia, with strong pipeline visibility and investments in critical infrastructure and energy transition projects.

    Q3 highlighted improvements in Europe and the Middle East (transportation and cities & places) and significant wins in Australia, reinforcing international diversification.

    Continued international expansion, with slight shifts toward stronger wins in select regions such as Australia and enhanced performance in Europe and the Middle East.

    Innovative Market Expansion

    Q1 and Q2 emphasized growth in water and life sciences along with moderate mentions of data centers and digital initiatives; early signs of focus on innovative solutions were noted, though less detail on digital twin/AI.

    Q3 placed a stronger emphasis on digital twin and AI (e.g. partnering with NVIDIA for AI factory simulations), while continuing strong performance in water, data centers, and life sciences.

    Increased focus on advanced digital solutions, with an emerging emphasis on digital twin and AI-driven projects, built on consistent growth in water, data centers, and life sciences.

    PA Consulting Integration and Revenue Challenges

    Q1 noted revenue ramp challenges in the UK due to slow government procurement, whereas Q2 showed strong revenue performance with increased backlog and better integration in key regions.

    Q3 reported solid revenue growth (15% increase), improved backlog (16% growth), and continued integration yielding synergies across public and private sectors.

    Improving integration and revenue performance, overcoming earlier procurement delays with strengthening backlog and positive momentum in both the U.S. and U.K. markets.

    Environmental Sector Dynamics and Regulatory Impacts

    Q1 reflected positive outlooks for water and environmental growth driven by urbanization and aging infrastructure, while Q2 emphasized strong underlying demand along with proactive regulatory measures (e.g., addressing PFAS).

    Q3 mentioned a near-term slowdown in environmental projects due to regulatory changes and U.S. government actions, though long-term growth targets remain intact.

    Mixed sentiment – Previously positive growth expectations are now tempered by near-term regulatory challenges, with a recovery anticipated in upcoming quarters.

    Currency Volatility and FX Headwinds

    Q1 provided a cautious view on FX with potential adverse effects if the dollar strengthens, and Q2 noted that FX headwinds reduced revenue growth by about 80 basis points, though potential for tailwinds was mentioned for Q3 if rates remain stable.

    Q3 referenced FX tailwinds contributing to positive performance, with a generally improved FX environment noted.

    Shifting from headwinds to tailwinds, indicating an improved FX environment compared to earlier periods.

    Procurement Cycle Delays and Project Execution Concerns

    Q1 mentioned slower revenue ramp for PA Consulting due to UK government procurement delays, and Q2 discussed slightly extended procurement cycles driven by rising costs and supply chain challenges, although project execution was largely on track.

    No discussion of procurement cycle delays or project execution concerns was noted in Q3.

    Topic no longer mentioned in Q3, suggesting that earlier procurement concerns may have been resolved or have become less material.

    Legal Reserve Impact and Restructuring Costs

    Q1 guidance mentioned steady restructuring costs ($75M–$95M) while Q2 detailed a meaningful legal reserve impact from a joint venture project in water/environment, affecting revenue and profit but partly absorbed through noncontrolling interest.

    Q3 did not mention any legal reserve impact and noted a significant reduction in one-time restructuring costs compared to prior fiscal year levels.

    Stabilization – The legal reserve impact is no longer mentioned and restructuring costs are decreasing, indicating a return to a normalized cost profile and reduced risk.

    1. Data Center Scope
      Q: What work expands in data centers?
      A: Management explained that opportunities now extend beyond traditional design into power, water, and full project delivery—exemplified by a transformative NVIDIA reference design that’s driving record inquiry levels.

    2. Backlog Composition
      Q: What drives your backlog growth?
      A: They noted that the backlog is a mix—advanced facilities and water projects bring longer burn profiles, while other segments like transportation and defense feature multi‐year engagements, offering steady revenue visibility.

    3. Restructuring Costs
      Q: What are your one-time split costs?
      A: Management guided to $75–$95M in restructuring expenses for FY25—a dramatic reduction from last year, with expectations these costs will decline further in FY26.

    4. FY26 Growth Drivers
      Q: What supports FY26 growth?
      A: Confidence is grounded in strong performance in life sciences, data centers, and water, supported by a robust, expanding backlog that promises future revenue and margin gains.

    5. Government Policy Impact
      Q: How does new legislation affect you?
      A: The recent bill offers a firm backstop for DoD, transportation, and FAA spending, despite minor state and local challenges, resulting in a net positive impact for the business.

    6. PA Consulting Margins
      Q: How sustainable are PA Consulting margins?
      A: Improved through disciplined cost management and enhanced utilization, margins are on track to continue their upward trend as organic investments boost overall efficiency.

    7. Bonus Depreciation Impact
      Q: What about bonus depreciation?
      A: Although there’s no impact this quarter, management expects bonus depreciation to yield significant tax and cash benefits starting in FY26.

    8. IIJ Funding Flow
      Q: How is the funding allocation evolving?
      A: So far, just over a third of the allocated bill funds have been spent, with a steady, balanced flow expected over the next 12–24 months.

    9. Water vs. Environmental Trends
      Q: How do these sectors compare?
      A: The water segment is performing strongly—growing above 8–10%—while the environmental segment, after a brief slowdown from earlier regulatory actions, is beginning to rebound.

    10. PA Consulting Investment Update
      Q: Any update on the PA Consulting deal?
      A: Ongoing discussions remain positive, with both sides carefully evaluating historical performance and future synergies to unlock additional combined value.

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