Summary of Fluor (NYSE:FLR) FY Conference Call - November 12, 2025 Company Overview - Fluor is a global engineering, procurement, and construction company, primarily known for its work in the oil and gas sector but has diversified into other areas such as LNG, power generation, chemicals, mining, advanced technologies, life sciences, and infrastructure projects [5][11][39]. Core Points and Arguments Business Model Evolution - Fluor has shifted its bidding strategy from a high-risk lump sum model to a focus on reimbursable contracts, with 99% of new awards being reimbursable last quarter and 80%-85% of total backlog being reimbursable [16][14]. - The company has centralized risk management to improve visibility and control over project bidding and execution [15]. Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape in the construction industry is changing, with fewer players in the diversified construction space, allowing Fluor to consider re-entering markets like power generation [17][18]. - Fluor is exploring opportunities in the power market, particularly in sophisticated projects that allow for a "smart lump sum" approach [18]. Nuclear Power Initiatives - Fluor is exiting its investment in NuScale, having invested $500 million over the years, and plans to liquidate its 111 million share stake by mid-Q1 2026 [26][29]. - The company is involved in two nuclear projects in Romania and is considering re-engagement in the U.S. nuclear market, particularly with the VC Summer project [35][37]. Mining and Metals Growth - Fluor sees significant growth potential in the mining sector, particularly in copper and rare earths, with expectations for several projects to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) by 2026 [39][42]. - The company is currently engaged in front-end engineering for over 90% of its mining prospects, indicating a strong pipeline of future work [44]. Life Sciences Sector - The life sciences business has been a major earnings driver, with a significant project for Lilly contributing to growth. Fluor anticipates more opportunities in this sector as clients seek to establish manufacturing facilities in the U.S. [50][51]. - Trade policy has been a concern, impacting clients' decisions on large investments [52]. Financial Outlook - Fluor is projecting an increase in EBITDA as legacy projects conclude, allowing for redeployment of resources to more profitable projects [57]. - The company plans to buy back $800 million in stock, partially funded by the conversion of its NuScale investment, with an expected EBITDA to cash conversion rate of 60%-70% [70][72]. Other Important Insights - The company is navigating challenges in the mining sector due to past management changes and market volatility, but sees a favorable environment for new projects [46][47]. - Fluor's diversified portfolio strategy is aimed at mitigating risks associated with traditional markets, allowing it to adapt to changing market conditions [65]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Fluor's strategic shifts, market opportunities, and financial outlook.

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest in AI technologies now [1][13] - The energy demands of AI technologies are highlighted, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities, leading to concerns about power grid strain and rising electricity prices [2][3] Investment Opportunity - A specific company is presented as a significant investment opportunity, possessing critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for supporting the anticipated surge in energy demand from AI data centers [3][6] - This company is characterized as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, benefiting from the increasing need for energy as AI technologies expand [4][5] Energy Infrastructure - The company owns vital nuclear energy infrastructure, positioning it strategically within the U.S. energy landscape, particularly in the context of the growing demand for clean and reliable power [7][8] - It is noted for its capability to execute large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewable fuels [7] Financial Position - The company is described as being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, which provides it with a strong financial foundation [8][10] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, offering investors indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9] Market Sentiment - There is a growing interest from Wall Street in this company, as it is perceived to be undervalued compared to other energy and utility firms, which are often burdened with high debt levels [8][10] - The company is trading at less than seven times earnings, indicating a potentially attractive valuation for investors looking for exposure to both AI and energy sectors [10] Future Outlook - The narrative emphasizes the importance of AI as a disruptive force in traditional industries, suggesting that companies that adapt to AI will thrive, while those that do not may struggle [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI field is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the argument for investing in AI-related opportunities [12]

Financial Performance - Revenue reached $3.4 billion[8], while the company experienced a consolidated segment loss of $439 million[44], impacted by a $653 million charge related to the Santos litigation[45] - Adjusted EBITDA was $161 million[44] and diluted adjusted EPS was $0.68[44] - New awards totaled $3.3 billion[9], with 99% being reimbursable[9] - Backlog reached $28.2 billion[10], with 82% being reimbursable[10] Segment Results - Urban Solutions reported a segment profit of $61 million[17], with new awards of $1.8 billion[17] and a backlog of $20.5 billion[14, 17], representing 73% of the total backlog[17] - Energy Solutions experienced a segment loss of $533 million[30], including the $653 million court ruling related to the Santos project[30], with new awards of $222 million[30] and a backlog of $5.121 billion[28] - Mission Solutions reported a segment profit of $34 million[38], with new awards of $1.3 billion[38] and a backlog of $2.6 billion[36, 38] NuScale Investment - A major monetization milestone was achieved with the conversion of the remaining 111 million shares[7] - Monetization of Class A shares is expected to begin in November and finish in the second quarter of 2026[7] Outlook - The company expects 2025 new awards to reach $13 billion[57] - The company anticipates operating cash flow between $250 to $300 million[54] - The company projects adjusted EBITDA between $510 to $540 million and adjusted EPS between $2.10 to $2.25[56]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7][8] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers, such as those powering large language models, consume energy equivalent to that of small cities, indicating a significant strain on global power grids [2][3] - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI, making it a potentially lucrative investment opportunity [3][6] Company Profile - The company is described as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, collecting fees from energy exports and benefiting from the onshoring trend due to tariffs [5][6] - It possesses critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets and is capable of executing large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors [7][8] - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, which is nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8][10] Market Position - The company has an equity stake in another prominent AI venture, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9] - It is trading at a low valuation of less than 7 times earnings, which is attractive given its involvement in both AI and energy [10][11] - The company is recognized for its real cash flows and critical infrastructure ownership, distinguishing it from other firms that may be overvalued or heavily indebted [11][12] Future Outlook - The ongoing influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI-related companies [12][13] - The combination of AI infrastructure needs, energy demands, and favorable market conditions presents a unique investment opportunity that is likely to yield significant returns in the near future [14][15]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest now [1][13] - The energy demands of AI technologies are highlighted, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities, leading to concerns about power grid capacity and rising electricity prices [2][3] Investment Opportunity - A specific company is positioned as a critical player in the AI energy sector, owning essential energy infrastructure assets that will benefit from the increasing energy demands of AI [3][7] - This company is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is described as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, profiting from the surge in electricity demand [4][5] Market Position - The company is noted for its debt-free status and significant cash reserves, which amount to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, providing a strong financial foundation [8][10] - It holds a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, offering investors indirect exposure to multiple growth engines in the AI sector [9] Industry Trends - The article discusses the broader context of AI's disruptive potential across industries, emphasizing the importance of energy infrastructure in supporting this technological revolution [11][12] - The ongoing onshoring trend driven by tariffs and the surge in U.S. LNG exports are also mentioned as factors that will benefit the company [14][7]

Company Overview - Fluor is a holding company providing engineering, procurement, construction, fabrication, modularization, and project management services across three segments: energy solutions, urban solutions, and mission solutions [1] - The energy solutions segment focuses on traditional oil and gas markets, while urban solutions serve advanced technologies, life sciences, and infrastructure industries [1] - The mission solutions segment provides technical solutions to U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Energy and Department of Defense [1] Recent Developments - On October 21, Starboard Value announced a nearly 5% stake in Fluor, aiming to unlock value from Fluor's approximately 39% holding in NuScale Power, which constitutes over 60% of Fluor's market capitalization [3] - Fluor's operational turnaround began with the appointment of David Constable as CEO in 2021, shifting focus to lower-risk reimbursable projects, increasing their backlog from 45% to 80% [5] - The company has reduced exposure to loss-making legacy projects from $1.8 billion to $558 million, significantly lowering its risk profile [5] Financial Performance - Fluor has maintained a steady backlog and achieved a 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in EBITDA from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2024, with projections of approximately 9% CAGR from fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2028 [6] - The construction market has grown to over $918 billion, positioning Fluor favorably within a duopoly alongside Bechtel [7] - Fluor's current enterprise value is $6.7 billion, valued at 8.9 times its enterprise value to calendar year 2027 estimates for consensus EBITDA [8] Investment in NuScale - Fluor's investment in NuScale, valued at approximately $4.3 billion, represents more than half of Fluor's current enterprise value [11] - If the NuScale stake is excluded, Fluor's enterprise value would drop to $3.3 billion, reflecting a depressed valuation of 4.6 times [12] - Starboard has proposed various strategies to monetize Fluor's NuScale stake, including open-market sales or a tax-free spinoff, which could significantly enhance shareholder value [13][14] Activist Investor Influence - Starboard Value has a successful track record in activist investing, with an average return of 50.55% from prior campaigns in the industrial sector [2] - The relationship between Starboard and Fluor's management, particularly with David Constable, is expected to be constructive and beneficial for shareholders [16]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers consume vast amounts of energy, comparable to that of small cities, leading to strained power grids and rising electricity prices [2][3] Company Profile - The company in focus is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is positioned as a crucial player in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy infrastructure [7][8] - It is capable of executing large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across various energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewable fuels [7] Financial Position - The company is noted for being completely debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities without high premiums [9][10] Market Trends - The company is poised to benefit from the onshoring trend driven by tariffs, as well as the surge in U.S. LNG exports under the current administration's energy policies [5][14] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, further solidifying the importance of energy infrastructure [12] Future Outlook - The potential for significant returns is highlighted, with projections suggesting a possible 100% return within 12 to 24 months for investors who act now [15][19] - The overall narrative emphasizes the importance of being part of the AI revolution and the associated energy demands, positioning this company as a critical investment opportunity in the evolving landscape [11][13]

Core Thesis - Fluor Corporation (FLR) is positioned as a compelling investment opportunity due to its strategic transition towards high-growth sectors such as clean energy, hydrogen, and AI-focused data center construction, moving away from traditional oil and gas projects [2][4]. Valuation Metrics - As of October 21st, FLR's share price was $48.79, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 1.80 and 17.64 respectively [1]. - The company is trading at a forward-looking valuation of 0.44x NTM sales and 12.9x NTM EBITDA, which is attractive compared to its peers [2]. Revenue and Profitability Growth - Analysts project a 4.1% revenue growth in FY26, driven by diversification into clean energy and technology-driven infrastructure projects [3]. - EBITDA is expected to expand by 35.3%, indicating operational leverage and higher-margin projects in new markets [3]. Strategic Positioning - FLR's early positioning in emerging energy and AI infrastructure markets, combined with its scale and expertise, makes it a uniquely undervalued opportunity within the EPC sector [4]. - The company's focus on large-scale, long-term projects provides stable revenue streams and enhances its resilience against the volatility of traditional oil and gas projects [3][4]. Investment Outlook - Investors may benefit from FLR's near-term earnings expansion and potential re-rating as the market recognizes the value of its strategic transition and long-term growth trajectory [4].

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest in AI technologies now [1][13] - The energy demands of AI technologies are highlighted, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities, leading to concerns about power grid capacity and rising electricity prices [2][3] Investment Opportunity - A specific company is presented as a significant investment opportunity, possessing critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for supporting the anticipated surge in energy demand from AI data centers [3][6] - This company is characterized as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, benefiting from the increasing need for energy as AI technologies expand [4][5] Energy Infrastructure - The company owns vital nuclear energy infrastructure, positioning it strategically within the U.S. energy landscape and aligning with the country's next-generation power strategy [7] - It is noted for its capability to execute large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewables [7][8] Financial Position - The company is described as being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, which provides a strong financial foundation [8][10] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, offering investors indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9][10] Market Trends - The article discusses the broader market trends, including the onshoring boom driven by tariffs and the surge in U.S. LNG exports, which the company is well-positioned to capitalize on [14] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is noted, ensuring continuous innovation and advancements, further solidifying the importance of investing in AI-related companies [12]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers, such as those powering large language models, consume energy equivalent to that of small cities, indicating a significant strain on global power grids [2] Company Profile - The company in focus is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is positioned as a crucial player in the energy sector, set to benefit from the rising demand for electricity driven by AI [3][6] - It owns significant nuclear energy infrastructure, making it integral to America's future power strategy [7] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding cash reserves that amount to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, providing a strong financial foundation [8] - It is trading at less than 7 times earnings, suggesting it is undervalued compared to its potential [10] Market Trends - The company is positioned to capitalize on the onshoring trend driven by tariffs, as well as the surge in U.S. LNG exports under the current administration [5][14] - There is a growing recognition on Wall Street of this company's potential, as it quietly benefits from multiple market tailwinds without the high valuations typical of other energy firms [8][9] Future Outlook - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI-related infrastructure [12] - The company is seen as a strategic investment opportunity, with potential for significant returns as the demand for AI and energy infrastructure continues to grow [15][19]