Bentley Systems Inc
NASDAQ:BSY
Bentley Systems Inc
In the mid-1980s, amidst a burgeoning digital revolution, Bentley Systems Inc. was established by four pioneering brothers who foresaw a transformation in engineering software. This visionary company quickly made its mark in the realms of design, construction, and infrastructure management, focusing on developing software solutions that enhance the workflows of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Their flagship product, MicroStation, became a cornerstone for the company, enabling detailed 2D and 3D designs across various industries. Over the years, Bentley has expanded its suite of offerings to cover a wide array of applications, including building information modeling (BIM) and infrastructure digital twins. By continually evolving its software to integrate cutting-edge technology, such as cloud services and IoT functionalities, Bentley Systems has secured a global footprint, helping to propel forward the infrastructure development of both nascent and advanced economies.
Bentley Systems primarily generates revenue through a subscription-based model, licensing its software platform to businesses around the world. This approach provides a steady income stream and fosters ongoing customer relationships, as users rely on the continual updates and support that Bentley provides. Additionally, the company capitalizes on consulting and training services, ensuring that their clients can maximize the tools' effectiveness, thereby embedding Bentley into the operational fabric of the projects they manage. Through strategic acquisitions and alliances, Bentley has maintained a competitive edge, broadening its capabilities and market reach. By targeting sectors such as transportation, utilities, and facilities management, the company aligns itself with long-term global infrastructure needs, ensuring its relevance and growth in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
In the mid-1980s, amidst a burgeoning digital revolution, Bentley Systems Inc. was established by four pioneering brothers who foresaw a transformation in engineering software. This visionary company quickly made its mark in the realms of design, construction, and infrastructure management, focusing on developing software solutions that enhance the workflows of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Their flagship product, MicroStation, became a cornerstone for the company, enabling detailed 2D and 3D designs across various industries. Over the years, Bentley has expanded its suite of offerings to cover a wide array of applications, including building information modeling (BIM) and infrastructure digital twins. By continually evolving its software to integrate cutting-edge technology, such as cloud services and IoT functionalities, Bentley Systems has secured a global footprint, helping to propel forward the infrastructure development of both nascent and advanced economies.
Bentley Systems primarily generates revenue through a subscription-based model, licensing its software platform to businesses around the world. This approach provides a steady income stream and fosters ongoing customer relationships, as users rely on the continual updates and support that Bentley provides. Additionally, the company capitalizes on consulting and training services, ensuring that their clients can maximize the tools' effectiveness, thereby embedding Bentley into the operational fabric of the projects they manage. Through strategic acquisitions and alliances, Bentley has maintained a competitive edge, broadening its capabilities and market reach. By targeting sectors such as transportation, utilities, and facilities management, the company aligns itself with long-term global infrastructure needs, ensuring its relevance and growth in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
Revenue Growth: Q3 revenue reached $376 million, up 12% year-over-year and in line with expectations.
ARR Performance: Annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew 10.5% year-over-year, with Q3 being the expected low point; stronger ARR growth is expected in Q4 due to renewals and potential acquisitions.
Margin Expansion: Adjusted operating income less stock-based compensation margin improved by 100 basis points in Q3 to 27.7%, with over 100 basis points of further improvement expected in Q4.
AI & Product Innovation: Bentley is investing heavily in AI, announcing new AI-enabled applications and infrastructure cloud capabilities, and emphasizing customer co-innovation and data stewardship.
Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow for Q3 was $111 million, with full-year guidance of $430–470 million reaffirmed.
Market Demand: Core markets remain robust globally, with the exception of China, and the company continues to benefit from structural demand for infrastructure and grid investments.
Predictable Business: Management reiterated business predictability and confidence in delivering full-year targets.