Service Stream Ltd (ASX:SSM) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth and ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue: $1.27 billion, an increase of 7.9% on prior corresponding period (pcp).

  • Underlying EBITDA: $73.6 million, up 16.4% on last year.

  • EBITDA Margin: Improved by 40 basis points to 5.8%.

  • Net Cash Position: $55.4 million, an improvement of $47.5 million since June.

  • Operating Cash Flow Before Interest and Tax (OCFBIT): $90.6 million, with a conversion rate of 126%.

  • Net Profit After Tax (NPAT): $33.1 million.

  • Adjusted Earnings Per Share: $0.061 per share.

  • Interim Dividend: $0.025 per share, a 25% increase on pcp.

  • Telecommunications Revenue: $626 million, up 5% on last year.

  • Utilities Revenue: $530 million, up 11.4% on pcp.

  • Utilities EBITDA: $22.4 million, up 38% on pcp.

  • Transport Revenue: $110.5 million, up 8.4% on pcp.

  • Work in Hand: Increased by 17% to $5.9 billion.

Release Date: February 21, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Service Stream Ltd (ASX:SSM) reported strong financial performance with a 7.9% increase in revenue to $1.27 billion for the half year.

  • The company achieved a significant 16.5% increase in underlying EBITDA to $73.6 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency.

  • Service Stream Ltd (ASX:SSM) generated strong operating cash flows, resulting in an improved net cash position of $55.4 million.

  • The utility division showed a substantial improvement in margins, with EBITDA margins increasing by 80 basis points to 4.2%.

  • The company secured $1.1 billion in new contracts, maintaining a high retention rate of 94% across existing contracts.

Negative Points

  • The telecommunications segment may experience minor seasonality, potentially affecting revenue distribution between the first and second halves.

  • Corporate costs are expected to remain elevated due to ongoing expenses related to defense tenders, which have been delayed by six months.

  • The company faces potential budgetary constraints in government transport agencies, which could impact future procurement processes.

  • Adverse weather conditions did not provide the expected boost to telecommunications revenue in the first half, potentially affecting future performance.

  • The utilities segment experienced a major shutdown maintenance program in the first half, which may not be replicated in the second half, affecting revenue consistency.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide insights on the seasonality of the Telco segment and its impact on the second half? A: Leigh Mackender, CEO, mentioned that while there is generally not much seasonality, there could be a minor impact of 1-2 basis points. The first half exceeded expectations, but the effect is relatively minor, and they wanted to provide that insight.