Core Points - Santee Cooper's Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Brookfield Asset Management to explore the feasibility of completing two partially built AP1000 nuclear units [1] - The deal includes a cash payment of $2.7 billion to Santee Cooper upon reaching Final Investment Decision (FID) and a targeted 25% ownership share for Santee Cooper once the units commence commercial operation [2][3] - The completion of the units is expected to generate over 2,000 megawatts of reliable, carbon-free electricity, contributing to South Carolina's energy portfolio and economic growth [3][5] Financial and Economic Implications - The cash payment is aimed at significantly reducing the debt burden on Santee Cooper's customers, while the future electric capacity from the units will incur no additional capital costs [3] - The project is anticipated to create thousands of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of permanent operational jobs, enhancing grid reliability and attracting new industries to South Carolina [5] Project Timeline and Oversight - The MOU establishes a feasibility period of 18 to 24 months leading to the FID, with Brookfield required to meet specific milestones and provide monthly progress reports [3][7] - A Feasibility Committee, consisting of members from both Santee Cooper and Brookfield, will oversee the diligence process and evaluate the project's feasibility [7] Community and Workforce Development - Brookfield is tasked with developing an economic development plan that emphasizes the use of South Carolina companies and labor, partnerships with educational institutions, and workforce development initiatives [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $3.6 billion, reflecting a 2% growth year-over-year [6][27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $274 million, marking a 7% year-over-year growth with a margin increase of 30 basis points to 7.7% [6][27] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $100 million, contributing to a year-to-date total of $255 million [6][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital Solutions generated revenues of $1.4 billion, representing a 12% growth driven by new contract awards [28] - Global Engineering Solutions reported revenues of $2.1 billion, impacted by the ramp down of certain historical programs but offset by new contract growth [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured $3.4 billion in net bookings for the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0 [13][39] - The total backlog reached $45 billion, representing 3.2 times the annual revenue [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its core business through divestitures, having completed two significant divestitures during the quarter [6][7] - The company aims to achieve at least $30 million in net run rate cost synergies by the end of the fiscal year [7] - The strategic focus includes expanding offerings in defense, space, and nuclear sectors, aligning with government spending trends [9][12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational performance and the ability to meet fiscal year 2025 financial objectives [33] - The company anticipates strong demand in the nuclear sector, with a projected market growth that could double in size within the next decade [23][79] - Management highlighted the positive impact of recent government budget initiatives on future growth opportunities [9][12] Other Important Information - The company reduced its net leverage ratio to 3.5 times, ahead of expectations, and aims for less than three times by the end of fiscal year 2026 [31][32] - The company is positioned to benefit from significant investments in national security and infrastructure modernization [9][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on JV adjusted quarterly book to bill and Space Force pipeline - The imputed JV book to bill for the quarter was 1.8, with strong performance in business development [38][39] - The Space Force contract is expected to enhance the company's position in commercial space integration [40][41] Question: Expectations for budget flush opportunities and federal contracting - Management noted that the government is operating efficiently, with RFPs and awards proceeding as planned [62][63] Question: Insights on the Golden Dome opportunity - The Golden Dome initiative emphasizes rapid deployment of defensive capabilities, with significant funding already allocated [66][68] Question: Nuclear exposure and growth potential - The company has over $2 billion in nuclear-related business, with a strong pipeline of projects expected to grow significantly [74][80] Question: Total backlog and pipeline picture - The funded backlog is impacted by timing but does not raise concerns about the company's ability to perform mission-critical work [88][90]