Worley Posts 10% EBITA Growth, $17.1B Bookings, and $269M Share Buy-Back
Worley Limited reported solid financial results for FY2025, highlighted by disciplined capital management including a $269 million share buy-back and a strong focus on sustainability. The company outlined strategic priorities and anticipates moderate growth in FY2026 with a new growth strategy to be revealed next year.
- FY2025 revenue up 4% to $12.05 billion with 60% sustainability-related
- Underlying EBITA rose 10% to $823 million; NPATA at $475 million
- On-market share buy-back program underway, $269 million spent to date
- Board renewal with key director departures and new appointments
- FY2026 guidance expects moderate growth, earnings weighted to second half
Strong Financial Performance Amid Global Challenges
Worley Limited delivered a robust set of results for the 2025 financial year, navigating a complex global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions. The company reported a 4% increase in aggregated revenue to $12.05 billion, with underlying EBITA climbing 10% to $823 million and a healthy EBITA margin of 9.2% excluding procurement costs. Net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) stood at $475 million, underscoring the resilience of Worley’s diversified business model across energy, chemicals, and resources sectors.
Safety and sustainability remained central themes, with 60% of revenue linked to sustainability-related projects. Worley’s commitment to net-zero ambitions and decarbonisation partnerships reflects its strategic alignment with the global energy transition, supported by ongoing reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 73% since 2020.
Capital Discipline and Shareholder Returns
Capital management was a highlight, with Worley maintaining a disciplined approach. The company paid a consistent dividend of 50 cents per share for FY2025 and embarked on an on-market share buy-back program authorized for up to $500 million. To date, $269 million has been spent, signaling strong board confidence in the company’s financial position and long-term value creation potential.
Bookings reached $17.1 billion, with a backlog of $16.9 billion, including major projects such as Venture Global’s CP2 Phase 1 LNG export terminal and Rincon Mining’s lithium carbonate plant. This backlog growth of 22% provides a solid foundation for future revenue streams.
Strategic Priorities and Innovation Drive
Worley’s leadership emphasized three strategic imperatives – Strengthen, Expand, and Innovate. Strengthening core markets through disciplined contract selection and margin enhancement remains a priority. Expansion efforts focus on extending capabilities along the value chain and into adjacent growth sectors like LNG, critical minerals, and low-carbon fuels.
Innovation is being driven by digital transformation and AI integration, with the company viewing AI as a capability amplifier rather than just a cost-saving tool. The establishment of an Advanced Development Lab and a Responsible AI Council highlights Worley’s commitment to ethical and effective technology adoption.
Governance and Leadership Transitions
The AGM also marked significant board renewal, with three long-serving directors stepping down and new appointments bringing fresh expertise, particularly in refining and chemicals sectors. Chair John Grill seeks re-election with plans for an orderly succession. The company also welcomed a new CFO, Justine Travers, reinforcing leadership continuity.
Remuneration outcomes aligned closely with performance, with strong STI payouts reflecting growth in revenue, earnings, and sustainability achievements. The board has raised long-term incentive hurdles to better reflect ambitions for sustained performance, responding to shareholder feedback.
Outlook and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Worley expects moderate growth in FY2026, with earnings weighted more heavily to the second half due to repositioning efforts and one-off costs associated with cost base resets and capability realignment. The company plans to unveil a detailed growth strategy at its May 2026 Investor Day, aiming to leverage new adjacencies and enterprise-wide AI adoption to drive future expansion.
Overall, Worley presents a picture of a company balancing steady financial discipline with strategic agility, well-positioned to capitalize on evolving market demands while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and governance.
Bottom Line?
Worley’s disciplined execution and strategic renewal set the stage for its next growth chapter amid a shifting energy landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Worley’s upcoming growth strategy address emerging market adjacencies and AI integration?
- What impact will one-off repositioning costs have on FY2026 earnings and cash flow?
- How will board succession influence Worley’s governance and strategic direction?