Conduent(CNDT) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 adjusted revenue was $800 million, and full-year revenue was$3.176 billion, down 4.3% from $3.32 billion in 2023 [11][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was$32 million, with a margin of 4%, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $124 million, with a margin of 3.9$137 million, but down 20% for the full year compared to 2023 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial segment adjusted revenue for 2024 was $1.606 billion, down 3.7$984 million, with adjusted EBITDA down 35% and a margin of 21.3% [19][22] - Transportation segment adjusted revenues grew by 5% year-over-year to $586 million, but adjusted EBITDA was breakeven [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a strong finish in new business sales and improved client retention, with net ARR activity at$92 million [16] - The government segment faced challenges due to the termination of a large healthcare contract and lower SNAP volumes, impacting revenue [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio rationalization, divesting underperforming assets to streamline operations and improve margins [8][36] - There is an emphasis on leveraging AI for operational efficiency and enhancing service offerings, particularly in fraud detection and document automation [58][45] - The company anticipates stable macroeconomic conditions and expects adjusted revenues in 2025 to be between $3.1 billion and$3.25 billion [29][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about 2025, expecting a recovery in adjusted EBITDA margins and a return to growth after a challenging 2024 [28][49] - The company is preparing for a stronger first half of 2025, with expectations of improved sales pipelines across all segments [76][77] - Management highlighted the importance of operational excellence and cybersecurity as top priorities moving forward [42][43] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with approximately $377 million in cash and a largely undrawn$550 million revolving credit facility [25] - Capital expenditures for the year were 2.2% of revenue, with plans to optimize spending further [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on AI-enabled technology in public health - Management highlighted several AI applications, including fraud detection in payments and document automation in healthcare [56][58] Question: Strategy to grow wallet share with existing clients - The company is implementing a client partner program to better address client needs and increase product offerings [60][64] Question: Margin improvement drivers - Margin improvements are primarily driven by cost reductions and operational efficiencies [70][71] Question: Capital allocation plans for FY 2025 - Management indicated a balanced approach to capital allocation, with a focus on debt reduction and potential share repurchases [72][100] Question: Expectations for new business signings and market targeting - The company expects a better ACV sales year in 2025, with strong pipelines across all segments [74][76] Question: Government segment project delays - Management clarified that anticipated declines in the government segment are due to previously identified factors, not administrative changes [82][84] Question: Ongoing portfolio rationalization - The company is actively looking at divestitures to streamline operations and improve focus [93][95] Question: Pricing environment and growth assumptions - Management noted a focus on maintaining pricing while enhancing service quality and relationships with clients [103][107]