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WSP Chief Executive Officer Alexandre the Huuux said that the uncertainty of the policy arising from the administration of President Donald Trump affects the market and will probably keep the merger and acquisition activity calmly during the first half of the year.
“At one end, with this new administration, I think the investment community had hope for more deregulation and, therefore, foster more an environment for fusion and acquisition,” Heauxa said on Thursday’s earnings call. “The Flip side is that when you create an unstable environment, people usually pause. So I feel you have two competing forces right now in the market.”
Alexander the happy
Despite the relative inactivity at this time, this does not mean that more M&S are not on the horizon of the giant of the Montreal building, according to Heaux. During the WSP three -year strategic cycle, he made 15 acquisitions and added about 20,000 people to his count. More recently the firm bought Hailey, Idaho -based power engineers In August 2024 for $ 1.78 billion.
“I think if we can get more stability in the market, I think the market is willing to many activities in the coming years and we want WSP to participate actively in this,” said Heaux.
He also said that despite the lack of clarity at this time, the company is “very good around the markets where we operate at this time, both in the United States and in Canada.”
“The high level, I think there is bilateral support on both sides of the hallway, by the Democrats and Republicans, around the infrastructure,” said Heauxe. “I feel that there is some commitment to the infrastructure and that I think it will continue to be strong by 2025.”
Microsoft Partnership for Sharpen Tech Focus
WSP announced a multiannual collaboration with Microsoft as the firm began in a new strategic cycle focused on technology.
Their Action Plan 2025-2027The company aims to promote greater innovation and to invest significantly in digital, said Heauxe. According to the firm, collaboration with Microsoft will help you achieve these goals and represents a potential combined financial commitment and an investment of more than a billion dollars.
“We reaffirm this intention with a new seven -year collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate the digitalization of the architecture, engineering and construction industry,” said Heaux. “Combining our deep experience in engineering and scientific with digital technologies and Microsoft with Microsoft, we can promote value, focus innovation and obtain exceptional results.”
As part of the agreement, WSP is designating Microsoft as a favorite partner for digital services and AIIncluding a global expansion of the Copilot Ai Chatbot, according to a February 13 announcement. In the meantime, Microsoft will continue to look for WSP for engineering and science consulting.
Benefits, income, backward
WSP reported income Of the Canadian $ 4.66 billion ($ 3.23 billion) in the fourth quarter, 25% more than the $ 3.72 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year, they recorded revenue of $ 16.17 billion, 12% more than 2023.
The profits from the firm grew up to $ 166.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a jump almost 28% of the same period last year. The profits were at $ 681.4 million for 2024, approximately 24% compared to the previous year.
The decline was at $ 15.6 billion, and increased by almost 11% compared to $ 14.1 billion from CA 2023.
The heureux attributed the results to the strategic acquisitions, diversification and strategic planning of the firm. WSP still has wide opportunities to take market share and its deep understanding of the natural and constructed environment provides a strategic advantage, he said.
“The world around us is changing rapidly,” said Heaux. “Megatrends such as energy transition, urbanization and digital revolution are remodeling our planet and increasing the demand for our experience.”
