BlackLynx

Nov 21, 2022

PR Newswire Robust Q4 Cash Flow From Operations Generation With Over 100% Cash Conversion PA Consulting-led Team Selected by UK Ministry of Defence to Deliver Software Defined Defense Solutions Robust Backlog and Pipeline Driven by Global Climate Response, Infrastructure, Supply Chain Modernization and National Security DALLAS, Nov. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE: J) today announced its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. AD Net earnings of $225 million and EPS from continuing operations of $1.75 Adjusted EPS1 from continuing operations of $1.80, up 14% year-over-year and 18% in constant currency Adjusted EBITDA1 of $350 million, up 13% year-over-year and up 17% in constant currency Cash flow from operations of $278 million and free cash flow1 of $230 million, driven by strong DSO performance Backlog1 increased $1.2 billion to $27.9 billion, up 5% year-over-year and 8% in constant currency Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights: Revenue growth of 5.9% and net revenue up 10% year-over-year in constant currency Net earnings from continuing operations of $644 million, up 38%, and FY22 EPS of $4.98 up 60% Adjusted EPS of $6.93, up 10% year-over-year; $7.12 on a constant currency basis up 13% Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year growth of 10% to $1.4 billion and up 12% in constant currency Cash flow from operations of $475 million and free cash flow of $347 million, includes previously announced Legacy CH2M Matter settlement outflow of $475 million2 during Q3, $55 million tax repayment and $63 million of other items. Jacobs' Chair and CEO Steve Demetriou commented, "We finished fiscal 2022 with strong top and bottom line performance positioning the company for continued growth in fiscal 2023. Within Jacobs and PA Consulting, our scientists, engineers and thought leaders address many of the world's most complex challenges, like partnering with NASA to launch humans into deep space, driving energy transition solutions across the globe, and delivering software defined solutions to protect the next-generation digitally enabled UK soldier. Our focus on strong values and a brand promise to continue 'Challenging today. Reinventing tomorrow' is the intangible competitive differentiator that truly makes Jacobs a company like no other." Jacobs' President and CFO Kevin Berryman added, "We achieved strong revenue growth and operating margin expansion during the fourth quarter, and full fiscal year 2022, driven by our determination on delivering higher value, higher margin solutions with a disciplined focus on operational excellence. We are excited about the results and building momentum of our infrastructure and advanced facilities People & Places Solutions business. Our fourth quarter cash flow was robust and full year cash flow was in-line with our expectations. Looking into fiscal 2023 and beyond, we are aligned to multiple large, growing and well-funded priorities including global infrastructure modernization, climate response, investments in critical supply chains and national security." AD Financial Outlook3 Given the volatility of FX rates we are providing our outlook under two FX scenarios 1) an outlook based on constant currency which provides greater insight of underlying business performance, and 2) an outlook based on recent FX rates. Based on fiscal 2022 average FX rates, the Company's outlook for fiscal 2023 adj. EBITDA is $1,465M to $1,545M, and adj. EPS of $7.60 to $7.90, up 10% and 12% respectively at the midpoints. Based on FX rates in early November, the Company's outlook for fiscal 2023 adj. EBITDA is $1,400M to $1,480M and adjusted EPS of $7.20 to $7.50, both up 6% at the midpoints. On a net revenue basis the difference between these two scenarios is approximately $430 million. Our constant currency fiscal 2023 outlook is based off of our estimate of year-over-year FX impact to operating profit. The constant currency impact excludes the impact of year-over-year FX translation on other income from items such as pension costs, unrealized exchange gains and losses and income taxes. 1See Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Operating Metrics, and GAAP Reconciliations, beginning on page 13, for additional detail. 2On April 12, 2022, the Company paid cash of AUD640 million, or approximately $475 million using mid-April 2022 exchange rates, which represents the final pre-tax settlement of Legacy CH2M Matter. 3Reconciliation of fiscal 2023 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS, based on either FX rate scenario, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable efforts because the Company cannot predict with sufficient certainty all the components required to provide such reconciliation, including with respect to the costs and charges relating to transaction expenses, restructuring and integration to be incurred in fiscal 2023. Fourth Quarter Review $225 million ($1.75 per share) $45 million ($0.34 per share) Adjustments for Restructuring, transaction costs and other (recoveries) charges on an after-tax basis ($(14.9) million and $4.3 million for the fiscal 2022 and 2021 periods, respectively, before income taxes). $(42) million ($(0.33) per diluted share) $49 million ($0.37 per diluted share) Other adjustments include: (a) add-back of amortization of intangible assets of $51.7 million and $46.5 million in the 2022 and 2021 periods, respectively, (b) the removal of $67.5 million in fair value gains and (losses) related to our investment in Worley stock (net of Worley stock dividend) and certain foreign currency revaluations relating to ECR sale in the 2021 period, (c) the exclusion of impacts on the Company's effective tax rates associated with revised estimates on U.S. taxation of certain foreign earnings and certain tax return filing adjustments, (d) the removal of $(1.7) million in additional income tax expense attributable to tax rate increases in the UK during in 2021, (e) applicable redeemable noncontrolling interests impacts for the above adjustment items and (f) income tax expense adjustments for the above pre-tax adjustment items. $49 million ($0.38 per diluted share) $114 million ($0.86 per diluted share) Adjusted Net Earnings from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EPS from Continuing Operations $231 million ($1.80 per diluted share) $207 million ($1.58 per diluted share) (note: earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding) AD AD The Company's U.S. GAAP effective tax rate for continuing operations is 14% for the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 and fiscal fourth quarter 2022 adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations reflects a 20% adjusted effective tax rate. Fiscal 2022 Review $644 million ($4.98 per share) $467 million ($3.12 per share) Adjustments for after-tax Restructuring, transaction costs and other charges ($185.4 million and $392.9 million for the fiscal 2022 and 2021 periods, respectively, before income taxes), comprised mainly of (i) a pre-tax $91.3 million charge related to the final settlement related to the Legacy CH2M Matter, net of previously recorded reserves and approximately $27 million in third party recoveries was recorded as receivables reducing SG&A, (ii) $78.3 for the Company's real estate impairment in the fiscal 2022 period and (iii) PA Consulting one time deal related charges, including $261 million in pre-tax compensation costs associated with the transaction and $(57.3) million, or $(0.44) per share, in EPS numerator adjustments relating to PA preference shares redemption value, which does not affect net earnings in the fiscal 2021 period. $118 million ($0.91 per diluted share) $304 million ($2.76 per diluted share) Other adjustments include: (a) add-back of amortization of intangible assets of $198.6 million and $149.8 million in the 2022 and 2021 periods, respectively, (b) the removal of $34.7 million in fair value gains and (losses) related to our investment in Worley stock (net of Worley stock dividend) and certain foreign currency revaluations relating to ECR sale in the 2021 period, (c) the removal of the fair value gains and (losses) for the Company's investment in C3.ai, Inc. ("C3") of $49.6 million in the 2021 period, (d) the removal of $29.1 million in additional income tax expense attributable to tax rate increases in the UK during in 2021, (e) applicable noncontrolling interests impacts for the above adjustment items and (f) associated income tax expense adjustments for the above pre-tax adjustment items. $135 million ($1.04 per diluted share) $54 million ($0.41 per diluted share) Adjusted Net Earnings from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EPS from Continuing Operations $897 million ($6.93 per diluted share) $826 million ($6.29 per diluted share) (note: earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding) AD AD The Company's U.S. GAAP effective tax rate for continuing operations is 18% for the fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2022 adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations reflects a 21% adjusted effective tax rate. Jacobs is hosting a conference call at 10:00 A.M. ET on Monday November 21, 2022, which will be webcast live at www.jacobs.com . About Jacobs At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With approximately $15 billion in annual revenue and a talent force of approximately 60,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sectors. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations as to our future growth, prospects, financial outlook and business strategy for future fiscal years, including our expectations for our fiscal 2023 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS, under different FX rate scenarios, as well as our expectations for the foreign currency translation impact on net revenue. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based on management's current estimates and expectations, and/or currently available competitive, financial, and economic data, forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements as actual results may differ materially. We caution the reader that there are a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is contained, projected or implied by our forward-looking statements. Such factors include our ability to execute on our three-year corporate strategy, including our ability to invest in the tools needed to implement our strategy, competition from existing and future competitors in our target markets, our ability to achieve the cost-savings and synergies contemplated by our recent acquisitions within the expected time frames or to achieve them fully and to successfully integrate acquired businesses while retaining key personnel, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any resulting economic downturn on our results, prospects and opportunities, measures or restrictions imposed by governments and health officials in response to the pandemic, the timing of the award of projects and funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, financial market risks that may affect the Company's funding obligations under defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, as well as general economic conditions, including inflation and the actions taken by monetary authorities in response to inflation, changes in interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in capital markets, the possibility of a recession, and geopolitical events and conflicts among others. The impact of such matters includes, but is not limited to, the possible reduction in demand for certain of our product solutions and services and the delay or abandonment of ongoing or anticipated projects due to the financial condition of our clients and suppliers or to governmental budget constraints or changes to governmental budgetary priorities; the inability of our clients to meet their payment obligations in a timely manner or at all; potential issues and risks related to a significant portion of our employees working remotely; illness, travel restrictions and other workforce disruptions that have and could continue to negatively affect our supply chain and our ability to timely and satisfactorily complete our clients' projects; difficulties associated with retaining and hiring additional employees; and the inability of governments in certain of the countries in which we operate to effectively mitigate the financial or other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their economies and workforces and our operations therein. The foregoing factors and potential future developments are inherently uncertain, unpredictable and, in many cases, beyond our control. For a description of these and additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022, and in particular the discussions contained therein under Item 1 - Business; Item 1A - Risk Factors; Item 3 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law. AD Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Operating Metrics: In this press release, the Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are net revenue, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations, adjusted EPS from continuing operations, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA outlook, adjusted EPS outlook, expected foreign currency translation to impact on fiscal year 2023 revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS, free cash flow, and adjusted effective tax rate. Net revenue is calculated excluding pass through revenue of the Company's People & Places Solutions segment from the Company's revenue from continuing operations. Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations and adjusted EPS from continuing operations are calculated by (i) excluding recoveries, costs and other charges associated with restructuring activities implemented in connection with the acquisitions of CH2M, John Wood Group nuclear business, Buffalo Group, BlackLynx, StreetLight, the strategic investment in PA Consulting, the sale of the ECR business and other related cost reduction initiatives, which included involuntary terminations, costs associated with co-locating offices of acquired companies, separating physical locations of ECR and continuing operations, professional services and personnel costs, amounts relating to certain commitments and contingencies relating to discontinued operations of the CH2M business, including the final settlement charges relating to the Legacy CH2M Matter, net of previously recorded reserves; (ii) excluding the costs and other charges associated with our Focus 2023 transformation initiatives, which included costs and charges associated with the re-scaling and repurposing of physical office space, employee separations, contractual termination fees and related expenses (the amounts referred in (i) and (ii) are collectively referred to as the "Restructuring, transaction costs and other (recoveries)" or "Restructuring, transaction costs and other charges"); (iii) excluding transaction costs and other charges incurred in connection with the acquisitions of Buffalo Group, BlackLynx and StreetLight and the strategic investment in PA Consulting, including advisor fees, change in control payments, and the impact of the quarterly adjustment to the estimated future payout of contingent consideration to the sellers in connection with certain acquisitions; certain consideration amounts for PA Consulting that were required to be treated as post-completion compensation expense given retention related requirements applicable to the distribution of such funds to PA Consulting employees, and impacts resulting from the non-cash purchase accounting adjustment related to the investment in PA Consulting to reflect a change in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the redeemable non-controlling interests, certain equity based compensation expenses associated with PA Consulting's benefit programs; and similar transaction costs and expenses (collectively referred to as "transaction costs"); (iv) adding back amortization of intangible assets; (v) the removal of fair value adjustments and dividend income related to the Company's investments in Worley and C3 stock and certain foreign currency revaluations relating to ECR sale proceeds; (vi) excluding charges resulting from the revaluation of certain deferred tax assets/liabilities in connection with tax rate increases in the United Kingdom during fiscal 2021; (vii) charges associated with the impairment of our AWE ML investment; (viii) charges to interest expense associated with one-time deal related bank fees; (ix) certain non-routine income tax adjustments for the purposes of calculating the Company's annual non-GAAP effective tax rate to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of the Company's current operating performance and comparisons to the Company's operating performance in other periods; and (x) other income tax adjustments associated with the pre-tax income adjustments above. Adjustments to derive adjusted net earnings from continuing operations and adjusted EPS from continuing operations are calculated on an after-tax basis. AD AD Free cash flow is calculated using the reported statement of cash flows, provided from operations less additions to property and equipment. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding income tax expense, depreciation expense and adjusted interest expense, and deducting interest income from adjusted net earnings from continuing operations. Adjusted interest expense excludes one-time fees related on our debt facilities that are included in our interest expense under GAAP. Cash conversion is the ratio of cash flow from operations to GAAP net earnings from continuing operations. Certain percentage changes are quantified on a constant currency basis, which provides information assuming that foreign currency exchange rates have not changed between the prior and current periods. For purposes of constant currency calculations, we use the prior period average exchange rates as applied to the current period adjusted amounts. The constant currency impact on the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 adjusted EPS from continuing operations is calculated by applying the FX rates from the prior period to operating profit and utilizing our adjusted income tax rate and fully diluted share count. The constant currency impact on the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 adjusted EBITDA results is calculated by applying the FX rates from the prior period to operating profit. We believe that the measures listed above are useful to management, investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating the Company's operating results and understanding the Company's operating trends by excluding or adding back the effects of the items described above and below, the inclusion or exclusion of which can obscure underlying trends. Additionally, management uses such measures in its own evaluation of the Company's performance, particularly when comparing performance to past periods, and believes these measures are useful for investors because they facilitate a comparison of our financial results from period to period. AD AD This press release also contains certain operating metrics which management believes are useful in evaluating the Company's performance. We regularly monitor these operating metrics to evaluate our business, identify trends affecting our business, and make strategic decisions. Revenue Backlog is the total dollar amount of revenues we expect to record in the future as a result of performing work under contracts that have been awarded to us. The Company provides non-GAAP measures to supplement U.S. GAAP measures, as they provide additional insight into the Company's financial results. However, non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation and are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, U.S. GAAP measures. In addition, other companies may define non-GAAP measures differently, which limits the ability of investors to compare non-GAAP measures of the Company to those used by our peer companies. The following tables reconcile the components and values of U.S. GAAP net earnings and EPS from continuing operations to the corresponding "adjusted" amount and revenue from continuing operations to net revenue. For the comparable periods presented below, such adjustments consist of amounts incurred in connection with the items described above. Amounts are shown in thousands, except for per-share data (note: earnings per share amounts may not add across due to rounding). Reconciliation of adjusted EPS and adjusted EBITDA outlook for fiscal 2023, under either FX rate scenario, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable efforts because the Company cannot predict with sufficient certainty all the components required to provide such reconciliation. See footnote 3 on page 3 for additional information. U.S. GAAP Reconciliation for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and 2021 Three Months Ended