Jacobs Solutions outperformed analyst expectations with a 25% year-over-year surge in adjusted earnings per share to $1.62, surpassing the $1.53 forecast. Despite a slight revenue miss ($3.03B vs. $3.07B projected), the company expanded margins significantly, with adjusted EBITDA rising 13% to $314 million. Shares jumped 4% pre-market to $141.09, buoyed by a record $22.7 billion backlog—a 14% annual increase—driven by demand in data centers, life sciences, and water management. A strategic partnership with NVIDIA to develop AI factory digital twins further bolstered investor confidence.
Aggressive Capital Returns and Upgraded Guidance
The engineering firm announced a $653 million stock buyback program and a 10% dividend hike, reflecting strong cash flow. Management raised its 2025 adjusted EPS forecast to $6.00–$6.10 and signaled above-trend revenue growth for 2026. Its consulting arm saw 15% revenue growth, supported by UK public sector projects. With net debt at the low end of its target range (1.0–1.5x), Jacobs maintains robust financial flexibility amid accelerating demand.
