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Amentum Holdings, Inc.: Q3 FY2026 earnings call

What management said about Q3 FY2026, from the documents filed with the SEC on 10 August 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 2 raised, 1 lowered, 1 kept. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Revenue declined 2 percent year-over-year: Revenues were $3,490 million, down 2 percent from $3,561 million in the prior year quarter, driven by 3 percent impact from contract transitions to unconsolidated joint ventures and fiscal 2025 divestitures, partially offset by new contract ramps in digital infrastructure and space. Source
  • Operating income surged 67 percent: Operating income reached $172 million, up 67 percent from $103 million in the prior year quarter, driven by strong operational performance and decreased intangible amortization expense. Source
  • Net income and diluted EPS improved: Net income attributable to common shareholders was $66 million compared to $10 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS of $0.27 versus $0.04, supported by higher operating income and lower interest expense. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 60 basis points: Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 8.3 percent from 7.7 percent in the prior year quarter, up 60 basis points, driven by margin expansion initiatives, favorable mix shift, and strong operational performance. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA grew 6 percent year-over-year: Adjusted EBITDA reached $290 million, up 6 percent from $274 million in the prior year quarter, demonstrating continued operational leverage despite revenue decline. Source
  • Total backlog grew 8 percent to $48.2 billion: Total backlog increased to $48.2 billion from $44.6 billion in the prior year, up $3.6 billion or 8 percent, driven by $17.7 billion in net bookings with 1.3x last-twelve-month book-to-bill. Source
  • Global nuclear energy bookings exceed $400 million: Amentum booked over $400 million in global nuclear energy contracts for initial engineering, development, and design of advanced nuclear technologies, supporting long-term growth in next-generation nuclear markets. Source
  • Net leverage improved to 3.0 times: Net leverage decreased to 3.0x from 3.2x in the prior quarter, with gross debt of $3,875 million and cash of $459 million, reflecting progress toward target leverage profile. Source
  • Revenue guidance narrowed and lowered: Full-year revenue guidance was reduced to $13,800-$13,950 million from $13,950-$14,300 million, reflecting near-term dynamics impacting contract timing despite strong year-to-date operational execution. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to $1.115-1.14 billion: Full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance was increased to $1,115-$1,140 million from $1,100-$1,140 million, with midpoint raised reflecting margin expansion execution and operational performance. Source
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance raised to $2.40-2.50: Full-year Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance was increased to $2.40-$2.50 from $2.25-$2.45, with midpoint raised to $2.45 reflecting operational leverage and lower interest expense. Source

“We delivered solid third quarter results with strong operating performance, profitability, and free cash flow.”

John Heller, Chief Executive Officer

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Revenues Sourcefiscal year 2026$13,800 - $13,950 millionLowered from $13,950 - $14,300 million
Adjusted EBITDA Sourcefiscal year 2026$1,115 - $1,140 millionRaised from $1,100 - $1,140 million
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Sourcefiscal year 2026$2.40 - $2.50Raised from $2.25 - $2.45
Free Cash Flow Sourcefiscal year 2026$525 - $575 millionKept

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance lowered: Full-year 2026 revenue guidance was reduced to $13,800-$13,950 million from $13,950-$14,300 million due to near-term contract timing dynamics. Source
  • Guidance raised: Full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance was raised to $1,115-$1,140 million from $1,100-$1,140 million reflecting continued operational execution. Source
  • Guidance raised: Full-year 2026 Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance was raised to $2.40-$2.50 from $2.25-$2.45 due to operational performance and lower interest expense. Source
  • New: Amentum booked over $400 million in global nuclear energy contracts for engineering, development, and design of advanced nuclear technologies. Source

Third Quarter Operating Results

  • Revenue declined 2 percent year-over-year: Revenues were $3,490 million, down 2 percent from $3,561 million in the prior year quarter, driven by 3 percent impact from contract transitions to unconsolidated joint ventures and fiscal 2025 divestitures, partially offset by new contract ramps in digital infrastructure and space. Source
  • Operating income surged 67 percent: Operating income reached $172 million, up 67 percent from $103 million in the prior year quarter, driven by strong operational performance and decreased intangible amortization expense. Source
  • Net income and diluted EPS improved: Net income attributable to common shareholders was $66 million compared to $10 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS of $0.27 versus $0.04, supported by higher operating income and lower interest expense. Source

Segment Performance and Growth

  • Digital Solutions revenue grew 3 percent: Digital Solutions revenues increased to $1,457 million from $1,421 million, driven by ramp-up of new contract awards in critical digital infrastructure and space systems, partially offset by fiscal 2025 Rapid Solutions divestiture. Source
  • Global Engineering Solutions revenue fell 5 percent: Global Engineering Solutions revenues declined to $2,033 million from $2,140 million due to contract transitions to unconsolidated joint ventures, divestitures, and legacy program ramp-downs, partially offset by new contract awards. Source
  • Digital Solutions EBITDA grew 2 percent: Digital Solutions Adjusted EBITDA increased to $116 million from $114 million, driven by increased revenue volume partially offset by the Rapid Solutions divestiture impact. Source
  • Global Engineering Solutions EBITDA grew 9 percent: Global Engineering Solutions Adjusted EBITDA increased to $174 million from $160 million, driven by margin expansion initiatives, favorable contract mix, and strong program performance. Source

“Although near-term dynamics have impacted our revenue outlook, our strong year-to-date results allow us to increase guidance for both Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS.”

John Heller, Chief Executive Officer

Margin Expansion and Profitability

  • Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 60 basis points: Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 8.3 percent from 7.7 percent in the prior year quarter, up 60 basis points, driven by margin expansion initiatives, favorable mix shift, and strong operational performance. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA grew 6 percent year-over-year: Adjusted EBITDA reached $290 million, up 6 percent from $274 million in the prior year quarter, demonstrating continued operational leverage despite revenue decline. Source

Backlog and Business Development

  • Total backlog grew 8 percent to $48.2 billion: Total backlog increased to $48.2 billion from $44.6 billion in the prior year, up $3.6 billion or 8 percent, driven by $17.7 billion in net bookings with 1.3x last-twelve-month book-to-bill. Source
  • Global nuclear energy bookings exceed $400 million: Amentum booked over $400 million in global nuclear energy contracts for initial engineering, development, and design of advanced nuclear technologies, supporting long-term growth in next-generation nuclear markets. Source
  • Critical digital infrastructure awards total $250 million: Amentum was awarded approximately $250 million in contracts supporting communication networks, cloud and data center infrastructure, and technology modernization across commercial and government markets. Source
  • Defense awards exceeded $1 billion in Q3: Amentum was awarded over $1 billion in classified U.S. and international defense contracts for engineering, logistics, and modernization solutions supporting global defense readiness and mission sustainment. Source
  • Major NASA contracts resolved and booked: Amentum secured approximately $1.5 billion in combined NASA awards following protest resolutions: COSMOS contract for $500 million over nine years and CMOE II contract for $974 million over 10 years. Source

“We've made significant progress executing our strategy and our leading business development indicators remain robust including recently announced key wins and partnerships in global nuclear energy.”

John Heller, Chief Executive Officer

Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Structure

  • Operating cash flow of $146 million generated: Operating cash flow reached $146 million, driven by strong cash earnings, disciplined working capital management, and reflection of one additional pay cycle compared to prior year quarter. Source
  • Cash position strengthened to $459 million: Cash and cash equivalents increased to $459 million at quarter end from $437 million at fiscal year start, demonstrating improved liquidity position despite continued debt reduction. Source
  • Net leverage improved to 3.0 times: Net leverage decreased to 3.0x from 3.2x in the prior quarter, with gross debt of $3,875 million and cash of $459 million, reflecting progress toward target leverage profile. Source
  • Voluntary debt reduction of $125 million: Amentum made a $125 million voluntary principal payment on Term Loan B during the quarter as part of its path to achieving its target leverage profile. Source
  • Credit facility enhanced in prior quarter: In April 2026, Amentum completed a capital structure amendment including new $1.4 billion Term Loan A, increased revolving facility to $1.0 billion, and repriced debt to lower weighted average cost.

Updated Full-Year 2026 Guidance

  • Revenue guidance narrowed and lowered: Full-year revenue guidance was reduced to $13,800-$13,950 million from $13,950-$14,300 million, reflecting near-term dynamics impacting contract timing despite strong year-to-date operational execution. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to $1.115-1.14 billion: Full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance was increased to $1,115-$1,140 million from $1,100-$1,140 million, with midpoint raised reflecting margin expansion execution and operational performance. Source
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance raised to $2.40-2.50: Full-year Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance was increased to $2.40-$2.50 from $2.25-$2.45, with midpoint raised to $2.45 reflecting operational leverage and lower interest expense. Source

Strategy Execution and Market Position

  • Strong business development momentum continues: Management reported robust business development indicators and significant progress executing its strategic plan, supported by recently announced key wins and partnerships in global nuclear energy markets. Source
  • Multiple strategic markets in investment cycle: Amentum targets significant growth opportunities across national security, nuclear energy, space, and critical digital infrastructure markets, with most in early stages of substantial investment cycles.
  • Focus on execution and shareholder value: Management emphasized commitment to delivering differentiated solutions to customers through execution excellence while driving long-term value for shareholders. Source

Coming up, per management

  • Conference call scheduled for August 11, 2026: Amentum will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss third quarter results, with a webcast replay available on the investor relations website. Source

In management's words

“We remain focused on delivering differentiated solutions to our customers and driving long-term value for our shareholders.”

John Heller, Chief Executive Officer

Earlier plans management reported on

  • On track: Management reported continued progress on margin expansion initiatives driving 60 basis point improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margin to 8.3 percent in Q3. Source
  • On track: Amentum made a $125 million voluntary principal payment on Term Loan B in Q3 as part of its path to target leverage profile, with net leverage improving to 3.0x. Source

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point carries a quote that is checked word for word against the filing; a point whose quote is not found is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.