Core Insights - KBR has been awarded a contract for Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services by AMUFERT for the development of a fertilizer plant in Soyo, Angola, as part of a transformative $2 billion project [1][2] - The facility will produce 2,300 metric tons per day (MTPD) of ammonia and 4,000 MTPD of urea, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and economic growth in Angola [2] - KBR's involvement includes overseeing engineering, procurement, and construction phases, in addition to previously announced technology licensing and engineering design work [2][3] Company Overview - KBR is a global leader in ammonia technology, having licensed, engineered, or constructed over 260 grassroots ammonia plants since 1943 [3] - The company employs approximately 38,000 people and operates in over 29 countries, providing technology and engineering solutions to clients worldwide [4]

Business Strategy and Growth - KBR's operating model has shifted towards agile, technology-driven, solutions-oriented delivery, aiming for attractive returns and consistent growth with favorable cash conversion[25]. - Key strategic focus areas include National Security and Defense, Sustainable Energy and Industrial Technologies, and advanced digital solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning[26][27]. - KBR's acquisition strategy focuses on moving upmarket, expanding capabilities, and broadening customer sets across strategic growth vectors[27]. - The company plans to report new segment information starting in the first fiscal quarter of 2025 following a realignment of business segments[35]. - The company acquired LinQuest Corporation in fiscal 2024, enhancing capabilities in advanced technology solutions for defense and space missions[32]. Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives - KBR has achieved carbon neutrality annually since 2019 and has established a net-zero carbon ambition, positioning itself as an industry sustainability leader[29]. - The company has a portfolio of over 85 innovative, sustainable, proprietary process technologies aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener future[29]. - The Sustainable Technology Solutions segment includes over 85 proprietary technologies aimed at reducing emissions and accelerating energy transition[33]. - The company launched its Sustainable Aviation Fuel technology (PureSAF) in 2023 to enhance decarbonization efforts in the aviation sector[58]. - The company has developed proprietary technologies for converting natural gas to ammonia and for transforming waste plastics into commercial raw materials[58]. Financial Performance and Revenue - Government Solutions segment generated $4,382 million in revenue, accounting for 57% of consolidated revenues for the year ended January 3, 2025[40]. - U.K. government contracts contributed $674 million, representing 9% of consolidated revenues for the same period[40]. - Backlog of unfulfilled orders was estimated at $17,264 million as of January 3, 2025, with approximately 40% expected to be recognized as revenue in fiscal year 2025[49]. - The company recorded a net loss of $3 million for fiscal 2024, a net loss of $6 million for fiscal 2023, and a net gain of $4 million for fiscal 2022 in other non-operating income (expense) on consolidated statements of operations[292]. Operational Excellence and Capabilities - The company emphasizes operational expertise in areas such as C5ISR, cyber analytics, and military aviation support, catering primarily to U.S. and allied government agencies[26]. - KBR's competitive advantages include a distinctive team ethos, technical excellence, and strong customer relationships, which are essential for delivering mission-focused solutions[29]. - The company leverages advanced digital capabilities to improve operations, reliability, and environmental impact, including the use of virtual and augmented reality for training[29]. - Joint ventures include Aspire Defence Limited and Affinity, enhancing service delivery and risk diversification[41][43]. - The company operates under various contract types, including fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts, impacting revenue recognition and risk management[53][56]. Workforce and Talent Management - The company employs approximately 38,000 people across over 29 countries, with an additional 10,000 employees in unconsolidated joint ventures[65]. - In fiscal 2024, the company hired over 8,600 employees to support strategic growth targets[84]. - The employee participation rate in the People’s Perspective survey increased by 10% in fiscal 2024, with a significant majority reporting that KBR is a great place to work[81]. - The company’s Talent Calibration conversations covered over 5,000 employees, leading to individual career plans and enhanced succession planning[79]. - The company’s Global Leadership Development Program is expanding to develop future executive leaders through strategic thinking and executive skills training[78]. - The company has implemented a comprehensive Talent Acquisition strategy, resulting in improved process consistency and enhanced hiring capabilities[83]. Financial Position and Risk Management - Strong liquidity position allows for growth opportunities despite market fluctuations and procurement challenges[37][57]. - As of January 3, 2025, the company had $345 million of borrowings under the Revolver and $1,999 million outstanding under the term loan portions of the Senior Credit Facility[293]. - The company entered into additional interest rate swap agreements during fiscal 2024, with a notional amount of $400 million at a fixed rate of 0.89% and $350 million at a fixed rate of 3.43%[294]. - The fair value of the interest rate swaps at January 3, 2025, was a $37 million net asset, with $19 million included in other current assets and $18 million in other assets[294]. - The company had fixed rate debt aggregating $1,543 million and variable rate debt aggregating $1,051 million as of January 3, 2025[295]. - The weighted average interest rate for fiscal 2024 was 5.52%[295]. - If interest rates increase by 50 basis points, pre-tax interest expense would increase by approximately $5 million in the next twelve months[295]. Safety and Health Performance - The total recordable incident rate for health and safety performance was 0.050, indicating industry-leading safety performance[72].

Core Insights - KBR, Inc. delivered a strong fourth-quarter 2024 performance, exceeding expectations in both revenues and earnings, with year-over-year growth in both metrics [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached 91 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents by 9.6% and growing 32% year over year [4]. - Total revenues amounted to $2.12 billion, exceeding the consensus mark of $1.96 billion by 8.1% and rising 22.7% year over year [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased 21.3% year over year to $228 million, although the adjusted EBITDA margin contracted by 20 basis points to 10.7% [5]. Segment Performance - Government Solutions segment revenues grew 20.3% year over year to $1.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $150 million and margins of 9.4% [6][7]. - Sustainable Technology Solutions segment revenues rose 30.3% year over year to $524 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing to $108 million [7][8]. Backlog and Future Outlook - As of January 3, 2025, KBR's total backlog was $21.2 billion, with Government Solutions contributing $13.55 billion and Sustainable Technology Solutions contributing $3.71 billion [8]. - KBR expects total revenues for 2025 to be between $8.7 billion and $9.1 billion, indicating 12-18% growth, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $950 million and $990 million [15]. Liquidity and Shareholder Returns - As of January 3, 2025, KBR's cash and cash equivalents were $350 million, up from $304 million at the end of 2023 [12]. - In 2024, KBR returned $297 million to shareholders, including $218 million in share repurchases and $79 million in dividends [12]. - The board approved a 10% dividend increase to 16.5 cents per share quarterly, payable April 15, 2025 [13].

Financial Performance - KBR delivered $2.1 billion in revenue for Q4 2024, representing a 23% increase year-over-year, and a total of $7.7 billion for the full year, which is an 11% increase [10][36] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $228 million, with a full-year total of $870 million, achieving an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.2%, up approximately 50 basis points year-over-year [11][38] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.91, a 32% increase compared to the previous year, while full-year adjusted EPS was $3.34, up 15% [36][39] Business Segment Performance - Government Solutions segment revenues increased by 20% in Q4 to $1.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $150 million and margins at 9.4% [41] - Sustainable Tech Solutions saw a 30% revenue increase in Q4, reaching $108 million in adjusted EBITDA with margins at 20.6% [45] - For the full year, Sustainable Tech revenues were $1.9 billion, up 17%, with adjusted EBITDA of $398 million and a margin of 21.3% [47] Market Performance - The company ended the year with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times and over $21 billion in backlog and options [19] - International markets, particularly in defense and infrastructure, are expected to contribute significantly to growth, with increased spending anticipated from governments [76][80] Company Strategy and Industry Position - KBR is focused on advancing its growth strategy through acquisitions, such as LinQuest, and enhancing operational efficiency [12][27] - The company is well-positioned in the LNG market, anticipating a significant gap in supply through 2030, which is expected to drive demand for its services [70][72] - KBR's business model emphasizes resilience and growth, with over 60% of adjusted EBITDA generated from non-US government customers [30][62] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the 2025 outlook, projecting double-digit growth across all metrics, supported by disciplined strategic execution [13][62] - The company anticipates significant contributions from the HomeSafe program, estimating revenues between $300 million to $500 million for 2025, compared to less than $50 million in 2024 [58][66] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced view across its portfolio amid uncertainties in government spending and contract awards [110][112] Other Important Information - KBR plans to return nearly $300 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, with a 10% increase in the regular dividend effective March 2025 [51][52] - The company has a disciplined approach to acquisitions, focusing on bolt-on opportunities that align strategically and culturally [52][130] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue outlook for 2025 and HomeSafe contribution - Management indicated that the revenue guidance for 2025 includes approximately $400 million from LinQuest and $300 million to $500 million from HomeSafe, with both performing well [66][68] Question: Growth drivers for 2025 and international contributions - Management noted that international markets, particularly in defense and sustainable technology, are expected to drive growth, with increased spending from governments [74][76] Question: Risks to government solutions guidance - Management acknowledged potential risks from a slowdown in awards but emphasized a balanced growth expectation across the portfolio [110][112] Question: Equity income performance and Plaquemines project - Management explained that lower equity income in Q4 was due to accounting adjustments and scope increases on projects, which are expected to contribute positively in the future [116][118] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchase strategy - Management confirmed a bias towards share buybacks in the current environment, with plans to leverage down from 2.6 times to around 2.1-2.2 times by year-end [130][131]

Company Performance - KBR Inc. reported quarterly earnings of $0.91 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.83 per share, and up from $0.69 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 9.64% [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.12 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.04%, compared to $1.73 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - KBR has surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters and has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters [2] Stock Performance and Outlook - KBR shares have declined approximately 15.2% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 2.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.86 on revenues of $2.03 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.83 on revenues of $8.61 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for KBR is mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - KBR operates within the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, which is currently ranked in the bottom 35% of over 250 Zacks industries [8] - The performance of KBR's stock may be influenced by the overall outlook for the industry, as research indicates that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [8]

Financial Performance - Revenues for Q4 2024 were $2.1 billion, up 23% year-over-year, with a 15% organic growth[4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $228 million, an increase of 21%, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.7%[6] - Net income attributable to KBR for Q4 2024 was $76 million, up 262% compared to the prior year[5] - Full fiscal year 2024 revenues reached $7.7 billion, an 11% increase, with Adjusted EBITDA of $870 million, up 16%[3] - Total revenues for the three months ended January 3, 2025, were $2.122 billion, compared to $1.730 billion for the same period in 2023, marking a year-over-year increase of approximately 23%[24] - Net income attributable to KBR for the year ended January 3, 2025, was $375 million, a significant recovery from a net loss of $265 million in the previous year[24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended January 3, 2025, was $870 million, up from $747 million in the prior year, representing a growth of approximately 16%[24] - The company reported a diluted EPS of $2.79 for the year ended January 3, 2025, compared to a diluted loss per share of $1.96 in the previous year[24] - Net income for the year ended January 3, 2025, was $381 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $261 million for the year ended December 29, 2023[28] - Adjusted EPS for the year ended January 3, 2025, was $3.34, compared to $2.91 for the year ended December 29, 2023, indicating improved earnings performance[36] Shareholder Returns - The company returned $297 million to shareholders in fiscal year 2024 through share repurchases and dividends[13] - A 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.165 per share was approved, payable on April 15, 2025[14] Guidance and Projections - KBR's fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance is projected to be between $8.7 billion and $9.1 billion, representing a growth of 12% to 18% with a midpoint increase of 15%[17] - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2025 is expected to range from $950 million to $990 million, indicating a growth of 9% to 14% with a midpoint increase of 11%[17] - Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be between $3.71 and $3.95, reflecting an increase of 11% to 18% with a midpoint growth of 15%[17] - Operating cash flows are anticipated to be between $500 million and $550 million, showing growth of 8% to 19% with a midpoint increase of 14%[17] Backlog and Bookings - Bookings and options for Q4 2024 totaled $2.0 billion, maintaining a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x[6] - KBR's backlog and options as of the fiscal year end totaled $21.2 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1x on a trailing-twelve-month basis[4] Acquisitions and Strategic Moves - KBR acquired LinQuest, enhancing its capabilities in advanced engineering and data analytics for national security[2] - The company executed a realignment of its segments to enhance customer service and reduce costs, effective for fiscal 2025[15] Cash Flow and Assets - KBR's total assets increased to $6.663 billion as of January 3, 2025, compared to $5.565 billion as of December 29, 2023, reflecting a growth of approximately 19.7%[26] - Total cash flows provided by operating activities increased to $462 million for the year ended January 3, 2025, compared to $331 million for the previous year[28] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period increased to $350 million from $304 million at the beginning of the period[28] Liabilities and Debt - KBR's total liabilities increased to $5.196 billion as of January 3, 2025, up from $4.171 billion as of December 29, 2023, indicating a growth of approximately 24.5%[26] - The company reported a total of $574 million in borrowings on short-term and long-term debt for the year ended January 3, 2025, compared to no borrowings in the previous year[28] - Interest expense increased to $144 million for the year ended January 3, 2025, from $115 million for the previous year, indicating higher borrowing costs[32] Operating Performance - Operating income for the Global Solutions segment was $453 million for the year ended January 3, 2025, compared to $285 million for the previous year, showing strong growth[34] - Operating cash flows for the three months ended January 3, 2025, were $40 million, down from $83 million for the same period in 2023[39] - Adjusted operating cash flows for the year ended January 3, 2025, were $462 million, slightly down from $463 million in 2023[39] - Operating cash conversion for the three months ended January 3, 2025, was 33%, significantly lower than 88% in the same period of 2023[39] - Adjusted operating cash conversion for the year ended January 3, 2025, was 103%, down from 117% in 2023[39] - Operating cash flow per adjusted share for the three months ended January 3, 2025, was $0.30, compared to $0.61 in the same period of 2023[39] - Adjusted operating cash flow per adjusted share for the year ended January 3, 2025, was $3.45, up from $3.40 in 2023[39] Legal Settlements - The legacy legal settlement after tax was $132 million in 2023, which did not recur in 2025[39]

Core Insights - KBR, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, with significant revenue and earnings growth, as well as margin expansion [2][4][7] - The company has issued guidance for fiscal year 2025, projecting revenue growth of 12% to 18% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 9% to 14% [20] Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights - Revenues for the fourth quarter reached $2.1 billion, a 23% increase from the previous year, driven by growth across all Government Solutions business units and contributions from the LinQuest acquisition [4][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $228 million, up 21%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.7% [6][7] - Net income attributable to KBR for the fourth quarter was $76 million, a 262% increase compared to the prior year [5][7] - For the full fiscal year 2024, revenues totaled $7.7 billion, an 11% increase, and adjusted EBITDA was $870 million, up 16% [7][8] Segment Performance - Government Solutions segment revenues were $1.6 billion for the fourth quarter, up 20%, with adjusted EBITDA of $150 million [10][11] - Sustainable Technology Solutions segment revenues reached $524 million, a 30% increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $108 million [12][13] Cash Flow and Capital Deployment - Operating cash flows for the fiscal year were $462 million, with a cash conversion rate of 103% [15][40] - The company returned $297 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the fiscal year [15][18] Backlog and Bookings - As of the fiscal year end, backlog and options totaled $21.2 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x for the quarter [8][12] - Bookings for the fourth quarter were $2.0 billion, maintaining a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x [7][8] Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance - KBR projects revenues between $8.7 billion and $9.1 billion for fiscal year 2025, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $950 million and $990 million [20][21] - The company anticipates adjusted EPS to range from $3.71 to $3.95, reflecting an increase of 11% to 18% [20]

Core Points - KBR, Inc. has elected Lt. General Wendy M. Masiello as Lead Independent Director, effective from the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders in May 2025 [1] - Lt. General Masiello has been on KBR's Board since August 2017 and has served in various capacities, including Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee [2][3] - KBR's Chair, General Lester L. Lyles, emphasized the Board's confidence in Masiello's leadership and operational experience [3] Company Overview - KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions globally, employing approximately 38,000 people and serving customers in over 80 countries [6] - The company focuses on providing technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services [6] Lt. General Wendy M. Masiello's Background - Masiello is a retired three-star General of the U.S. Air Force with extensive experience in defense contracting, managing a $1.4 billion budget and overseeing 20,000 contractors [4] - She has held significant roles in shaping Air Force contracting policy and led a $65 billion Service Acquisition portfolio [4] - Masiello has received numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal [4] Additional Roles and Contributions - Masiello serves on the boards of several organizations, including StandardAero and EURPAC Service, Inc., and is involved in various committees [5] - She advises the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force on acquisition innovation and research [5]

Company Participation in Investor Conferences - KBR will participate in the TD Cowen 46th Annual Aerospace and Defense Conference on February 12, 2025, with Mark Sopp and Jamie DuBray involved in a fireside chat [1] - Jamie DuBray will also participate in investor meetings at Citi's 2025 Global Industrial Tech and Mobility Conference on February 19, 2025 [2] Company Overview - KBR provides science, technology, and engineering solutions globally, employing approximately 37,000 people across 30 countries [3] - The company focuses on delivering technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results [3]

Core Points - KBR has been awarded a contract by Weardale Lithium Limited to develop a lithium brine extraction demonstration facility in Eastgate, County Durham, UK [1][2] - The facility aims to scale up to a commercial production target of 10,000 tons per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate [2][4] - The project utilizes KBR's PureLi® technology in conjunction with Geolith SAS' Li-Capt® Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which has already produced battery-grade lithium carbonate at pilot scale [3][4] Company and Industry Insights - KBR's collaboration with Weardale Lithium is part of a broader commitment to sustainable solutions addressing the increasing demand for lithium, crucial for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage [4] - The project is expected to contribute over £1 billion to the North East England economy and is recognized in the UK Government's Critical Minerals Strategy, highlighting its importance in the transition to a net-zero economy [4] - Geolith SAS' DLE Li-Capt technology is noted for its selective lithium extraction with low carbon and water usage, emphasizing sustainability in lithium extraction methods [4] - KBR has over seven decades of experience in evaporation and crystallization technologies, focusing on the recovery and purification of critical minerals while adhering to environmental regulations [4][5]