Quanta vs. Fluor: Which Infrastructure Stock Has More Upside?

Core Insights - The energy-infrastructure sector is experiencing a significant transformation as utilities, data-center operators, and industrial customers seek to expand capacity and modernize grids [2] - Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) and Fluor Corporation (FLR) are two major U.S.-listed contractors playing pivotal roles in this transformation, focusing on power generation, transmission, and large-scale EPC services [2][3] - Each company is adopting different strategies to navigate the current market cycle, with Quanta emphasizing execution certainty and integrated solutions, while Fluor is pursuing a more asset-light approach [3] Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) - PWR is witnessing strong momentum in its core markets, particularly in electric infrastructure and renewable energy, with the Electric segment contributing 80.9% of total revenues in Q3 2025, amounting to $6.17 billion, reflecting a 17.9% year-over-year growth [5][10] - The company reported a record backlog of $39.2 billion at the end of Q3 2025, up from $33.96 billion a year ago, indicating strong demand across utility and technology-driven markets [6][10] - PWR anticipates ongoing strength in electricity needs, driven by data centers and manufacturing, which will support further investments in infrastructure [8] Fluor Corporation (FLR) - Fluor is capitalizing on healthy activity across key markets, with strong execution in Energy Solutions and progress in Mission Solutions, leading to improved performance in LNG, mining, and government services [11][12] - The company raised its full-year guidance due to stronger-than-expected performance and a total backlog of $28.2 billion, with 82% being reimbursable projects, indicating a lower-risk mix [12] - Fluor expects constructive conditions in LNG, clean energy, and government work, with a strengthening pipeline of engineering and EPC opportunities [14] Stock Performance & Valuation - Over the past six months, Quanta's share price has outperformed Fluor's and the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry [15] - Quanta is currently trading at a premium compared to Fluor based on a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio [16] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PWR's 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates year-over-year improvements of 17.8% and 16.7%, respectively, while FLR's 2025 EPS estimate shows a 7.7% decline [19][20] - PWR's EPS for 2025 is estimated at $10.57, while FLR's is projected at $2.15 [20][21] Conclusion - Both Quanta and Fluor hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), supported by different fundamental drivers, with Quanta focusing on utility infrastructure and Fluor benefiting from a stronger mix of reimbursable work [22][23]