AI Is Rewriting Global Power Needs, Creating a Massive Opportunity for This Engineering and Construction Company

Core Insights - Fluor is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in the AI and mining sectors, with a backlog of $28.2 billion as of September 30, 2023 [6][12] - The company has a competitive edge due to its scale and technical expertise, developed over 114 years, allowing it to handle complex projects like nuclear reactors and mining in remote areas [7] - Fluor's urban solutions segment is its largest, focusing on advanced technology facilities, including AI data centers and semiconductor plants, as well as energy solutions [2][4] Financial Performance - Approximately 82% of Fluor's backlog consists of reimbursable contracts, which provide stability against cost overruns due to inflation or unexpected delays [1][12] - The company anticipates larger project awards in late 2026 and early 2027, expecting growth to accelerate after a period of muted growth due to high interest rates and trade policy uncertainty [6][13] Market Opportunities - The surge in AI is reshaping power demand, with estimates suggesting that power demand from AI data centers in the U.S. could increase by more than 30 times by 2035 [5][6] - Fluor is focusing on the construction of massive data center campuses required by hyperscalers in the U.S., leveraging its experience from successful projects in Asia and Europe [8][9] Strategic Initiatives - The company is securing front-end engineering and design (FEED) work for critical materials like copper, lithium, and rare-earth minerals, which are essential for data center construction [10][12] - Fluor is also a major investor in NuScale Power and is the lead EPC partner for its power plants, indicating a commitment to expanding its energy solutions portfolio [10]