Financial Highlights
For the second quarter ended March 29, 2024, Jacobs reported revenue of $4.27 billion, up 5% year-over-year. The company's net income for the quarter was $162.9 million, or $1.29 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, excluding the impact of amortization of acquired intangibles and transaction/restructuring costs, the company's earnings per share (EPS) was $1.91, a 7% decrease compared to the prior year period. However, when adjusting for the prior year's discrete tax benefit, the current quarter's adjusted EPS represents an approximately 10% year-over-year increase.
For the first six months of fiscal 2024, Jacobs reported revenue of $8.43 billion, up 7% year-over-year. Net income for the first half of the year was $333.7 million, or $2.65 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, excluding the impact of amortization of acquired intangibles and transaction/restructuring costs, the company's EPS was $5.31, a 10% increase compared to the prior year period.
The company's annual revenue for fiscal 2023 was $16.35 billion, with net income of $665.8 million and operating cash flow of $974.8 million. Free cash flow for the year was $837.3 million.
Segment Performance
Jacobs' business is organized into two main lines of business (LOBs): Critical Mission Solutions (CMS) and People & Places Solutions (P&PS), as well as its Divergent Solutions (DVS) business unit and its majority investment in PA Consulting.
Critical Mission Solutions (CMS)
reported revenue of $1.23 billion in the second quarter, up 3.2% year-over-year. Adjusted operating profit for the segment increased 10.3% year-over-year, with margin expansion of approximately 50 basis points. The CMS team is executing well, and the company continues to see several positive trends for long-term growth as the business prepares for the merger with Amentum.People & Places Solutions (P&PS)
reported revenue of $2.52 billion in the second quarter, up 7.5% year-over-year. Adjusted operating profit for the segment increased 15.3% year-over-year, with a record adjusted operating margin of 15.3%, up approximately 130 basis points. The segment benefited from stronger performance in its Advanced Facilities, Federal & Environmental, and Energy & Power operations.Divergent Solutions (DVS)
reported revenue of $224.0 million in the second quarter, a decrease of 7.1% year-over-year. Adjusted operating profit for the segment decreased 23.7% year-over-year, primarily due to a one-time $15 million pre-tax non-cash charge associated with an inventory write-down. Excluding this charge, the segment's adjusted operating profit would have increased approximately 13% year-over-year.PA Consulting
reported revenue of $294.0 million in the second quarter, a decrease of 2.3% year-over-year. Adjusted operating profit for the segment decreased 8.3% year-over-year, due mainly to impacts from changes in revenue as well as timing of certain personnel-related expenses incurred in connection with the company's cost management programs. PA Consulting continued to deliver an industry-leading adjusted operating margin of 20.5%.Geographic Breakdown
Jacobs' revenue is diversified across various geographic regions. In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the United States accounted for 67.5% of total revenue, Europe 22.4%, Canada 1.4%, Asia 0.8%, India 0.9%, Australia and New Zealand 3.9%, and Middle East and Africa 3.1%.
For the first six months of fiscal 2024, the geographic revenue breakdown was similar, with the United States contributing 67.3%, Europe 22.3%, Canada 1.5%, Asia 0.8%, India 0.9%, Australia and New Zealand 4.0%, and Middle East and Africa 3.2%.
Liquidity
Jacobs ended the second quarter of fiscal 2024 with $1.03 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $2.11 billion of available borrowing capacity under its $2.25 billion revolving credit facility. The company's net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was approximately 1.3x, indicating a strong balance sheet.
During the second quarter, Jacobs repurchased $95 million of its common stock, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The company has $679 million remaining under its current share repurchase authorization.
Jacobs also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share, an 11.5% year-over-year increase, payable on June 21, 2024.
Outlook
Jacobs has raised its fiscal year 2024 guidance. The company now expects adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $1.54 billion to $1.585 billion, representing a 9% growth at the midpoint compared to the prior year. Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $7.80 to $8.10, a 10% increase at the midpoint compared to the prior year.
This guidance incorporates the company's strong second quarter performance, with adjusted EPS of $1.91, and an expected adjusted effective tax rate of 26% to 27% for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Business Overview
Jacobs is a leading global professional services firm that provides a full spectrum of services, including consulting, technical, scientific, and project delivery, to government and private sector clients. The company operates through two main lines of business:
Critical Mission Solutions (CMS)
Jacobs' CMS line of business provides a full spectrum of solutions for clients to address evolving challenges like information and cyber warfare, digital transformation and modernization, national security and defense, space exploration, digital asset management, and the green energy transition.People & Places Solutions (P&PS)
Jacobs' P&PS line of business provides end-to-end solutions for clients' most complex challenges related to climate change, energy transition, connected mobility, integrated water management, pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing.In addition, the company's Divergent Solutions (DVS) business unit serves as the core foundation for developing and delivering innovative, next-generation cloud, cyber, data, and digital technologies. Jacobs also holds a majority investment in PA Consulting, a leading innovation and transformation consulting firm.
Jacobs has a diversified client base, serving over 3,700 clients globally, with a focus on long-term relationships. The company's revenue is well-balanced across various end markets, including government, energy, water, transportation, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.
Risks and Challenges
Jacobs faces several risks and challenges, including:
1. Macroeconomic conditions: The company's performance is influenced by global economic trends, including inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and the potential for a recession.
2. Geopolitical uncertainties: Conflicts, trade tensions, and policy changes in various regions where Jacobs operates can impact its business.
3. Competitive landscape: Jacobs competes with a range of professional services firms, both large and small, which could pressure margins and market share.
4. Talent management: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled professionals is crucial for the company's success.
5. Regulatory and compliance risks: Jacobs must navigate a complex regulatory environment, particularly in government contracting and environmental services.
6. Integration and execution risks: The successful integration of acquisitions, such as PA Consulting, and the execution of the planned separation of the CMS and DVS businesses are critical.
Conclusion
Jacobs has delivered a solid performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, demonstrating the strength of its diversified business model and strategic focus. The company's strong backlog, robust pipeline, and operational excellence position it well to capitalize on growth opportunities across its key end markets. With the raised guidance and continued focus on optimizing its portfolio and cost structure, Jacobs appears poised to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders.