Fluor Corporation
Q4 2020 Earnings Call Transcript

Published: 26 Feb 2021

[Operator:]

Good morning, and welcome to Fluor's Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2020 Earnings Conference Call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow management’s presentation. A replay of today's conference call will be available at approximately 10

[Jason Landkamer:]

Thank you. Good morning, and welcome to Fluor's 2020 fourth quarter conference call. With us today are David Constable, Fluor's Chief Executive Officer; and Joe Brennan, Fluor's Chief Financial Officer. We released our earnings announcement earlier this morning, and we are streaming a slide presentation on our website, which we will reference while making prepared remarks. Before getting started, I'd like to refer you to our safe harbor note regarding forward-looking statements, which is summarized on Slide 1. During today's presentation, we'll be making forward-looking statements, which reflect our current analysis of existing trends and information. There is an inherent risk that actual results and experience could differ materially. You can find a discussion of our risk factors, which could potentially contribute to such differences, in our Form 10-K filed earlier today. During this call, we may discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these amounts to the comparable GAAP measures are reflected in our earnings release and posted in the Investor Relations section of our website at investor.fluor.com. I'll now turn the call over to David Constable, Fluor's Chief Executive Officer. David?

[David Constable:]

Thank you, Jason, and good morning, everyone. Let's turn to slide 2, get started. My first 2 official months back at Fluor have been extremely busy. The immediate priority was to reset and communicate our longer-term strategy and the corresponding organizational structure. As you know, we announced the new Fluor management team in January. Our collective focus is on the end markets where we have the right technical expertise to add value for our clients, while earning a suitable return for our shareholders. The recent changes that have been implemented align our business around the strategic priorities identified for Fluor in the near term. As a reminder, our strategic priorities are to

[Joe Brennan:]

Yes. Thanks, David, and good morning, everyone. The main topic I'll discuss today are

[Operator:]

Thank you. We'll start out with Steven Fisher with UBS.

[Steven Fisher:]

You mentioned the life sciences plant by the end of Q1. Can you just maybe give us a sense of what are the other big milestones or things we should be looking for that you want to achieve in the next couple of months up to the next earnings call, which would really kind of round out your first 100-plus days, give or take?

[David Constable:]

Good morning, Steven. Thanks for the question. Yes, we are very encouraged by the ATLS award in Europe, a big biotech facility, world-scale facility that we're just finalizing now, like I said. So, that was -- and I said it's very encouraging because it does confirm our move up the value chain and working with our customers on front-end conceptual work and then into front-end design and then moving into EPCM services. So, that's very encouraging. Now, as far as 100 days goes, I think we've set ourselves up well. We've been working really hard on the new strategy, which you heard about in January, putting new structure together and getting that communicated externally but also internally. So, we're working hard on communicating the strategy and getting everyone lined up for going to market across the three business segments. So, I think the focus area right now will be engaging with customers, engaging with customers and making sure that our strategic priorities are matching up, which I can give you encouragement on that front as well. We've had good discussions across the segments with customers and what we're rolling out. So, I think, a key focus area right now is part of the 100-day plan, in addition to those achievements I just mentioned, will be a real focus on cost optimization. And we've got that kicked off to optimize costs and make sure Fluor's fit for purpose going forward. So, that's a big exercise. I've had some experience with that in my previous life. And we're leading on that, specifically to basically simplify the organization and drive some of the complexity out as much as we can and go after overhead where we feel we can be more effective and efficient. So, to me, that's going to round out the 100 days -- the official 100 days, if you will, at the end of March. We're expecting -- I am the executive sponsor for that cost-optimization program. Joe is on the Steering Committee along with Mark Fields, who runs product execution. So, I'd say those are the critical areas right now that we're focused on, Steven.

[Steven Fisher:]

That's very helpful. And then, you mentioned completing some front-end work scopes that are going to lead to those bookings you have planned for the second half of the year. Can you just talk about some of the incoming front-end scopes and the pace of that, which have been set up for further backlog growth? And do you think the awards in the second half of the year will be strong enough to have a book-to-bill over one?

[David Constable:]

Thanks again. If you look at the prospects, as we said on Strategy Day and here in the prepared remarks, we've got obviously a COVID hangover into 2021. But certainly, everything we see here at the company and talking to our customers, our clients, but also just in the markets and the GDP comments and the bounce, if you will, in the second half really looks strong. I've seen estimates as far as 6 -- as high as 6.8% this year, based on the second half -- 6.8% growth in the U.S. alone in the second half. So, we're encouraged by that. But again, it's -- the timing is somewhat uncertain. As you've heard in the past, our projects have -- our prospects have moved to the right, obviously, in 2020. And so, we're expecting a pickup in the second half. Specifically, we're working on a variety of projects. Even in the first half, we see potential with upstream, international upstream project that's close to award in the first half. In Mission Solutions, work with the DOE is also getting close to fruition. Obviously, the biotech facility I've already mentioned. We have a chemicals project in the UK that is shaping nicely for Energy Solutions. Quite a bit of mining work in the second half, I must say, when you asked about that front-end work. A lot of front-end work in mining right now, leading to EPCM work, all reimbursable work in the second half, and that cuts across the U.S., Asia, Africa and a couple of jobs in Africa actually. And then, more second half work in data centers, specifically in data centers and another chemical project in the UK. So, it's kind of across the board across all three segments, but definitely focused on the second half more than the first half.

[Joe Brennan:]

David, if I may just add, Steve, to your question around book to burn, we would expect to be closer to flat, meaning that we would be pushing that 1.0 book to burn by the end of the year. That obviously is contingent upon some of this overhang that we continue to see from COVID and when the capital markets will kind of jump back in, and we'll start seeing the release of some of the projects that David just outlined. But, in our modeling, we're looking to be close to that 1.0 book to burn ratio by end of '21.

[Operator:]

And next, we'll move to Jamie Cook with Credit Suisse.

[Jamie Cook:]

I guess two questions. One, in the 2021 guide I think for Energy Solutions, you implied margins of 2.5% to 3%, which I think when we were -- had the call following the third quarter conference call, you implied margins potentially in ES could run rate 5%. So, I just want to make sure I'm understanding that correctly. And if so, what's driving the lower margin trajectory versus what we thought a couple of months ago? And then, my second question, back to the $3 to $3.50 in earnings power you guys talked about last month, in particular, given the base of earnings that we're talking about in 2021, I was hoping you could help us better understand the bridge on how you think we should get there in terms of how much is coming from cost takeouts versus a potential sell-down in NuScale versus what you assume in sort of market growth? Like, any color you could help us sort of bridge that accelerated earnings growth, in particular, off of the space? Thanks.

[Joe Brennan:]

Jamie, thanks. I'll jump in on the first question relative to the margins in Energy Solutions. We still are maintaining our 4 to 6 guidance in the outward years, driving to that $3 to $3.50. What's occurring in '21 is, we're seeing some drag relative to COVID and starts and stops, being able to get folks on site to really drive that volume and get the progress, and specifically on a couple of very large projects as we see them today. And those volume impacts are having an overall impact to how our overhead is impacting the volume itself, meaning we got to get the machine cranked up as we get back into fabrication in the middle of the year. On our largest Energy Solutions project, we'll start to see those revenues jump and the margins increase as well. So, if you look at the trajectory of that 2.5% to 3.5% for Energy Solutions in '21, you would see a significantly lower number in quarter one and quarter two, and really ramping up closer to that 3.5% towards the end of the year. And as we start booking new and more profitable work under the new bidding guidelines, we would expect that to then be a more linear approach back to that 4% to 6% range as we progress out into '22.

[Jamie Cook:]

Okay, Joe. Joe, just for clarification on that, there's no -- understanding there's COVID and when project starts or whatever, but there's no degradation in the core profitability of the projects relative to where we were in third quarter for ES, just to be clear.

[David Constable:]

No, not at all.

[Joe Brennan:]

That's an absolute true statement from the standpoint that we've had -- listen, there are some small areas that we're still negotiating with clients, and we've taken some conservative positions, if you will, relative to total bid impacts. But they have not been significant relative to the impact to our overall margin percent as they relate to those projects. Now, there's going to be a long discussion to get to conclusion on some of these items, but we do not see it having an impact as we cross over the middle of the year, the capital markets return, and we can start adding some more profitable backlog into the pipeline at this point in time.

[Jamie Cook:]

Okay. Thanks. And then, just to help us the bridge to the $3 to $3.50 versus where we are today?

[David Constable:]

So, on $3 to $3.50, Jamie, we're still -- as I said in the prepared remarks, we're still at that level. We're comfortable with our modeling on that type of projection. And as Joe said, the blended margin corridor at group level is 4% to 6%. We've got obviously more front-end higher-margin work in that mix that will drive to that higher level of the range that we're projecting. So, I think that's how you should think about it and in revenues to get there, that type of growth to get to.

[Jamie Cook:]

But, is there implied revenue number or implied benefit from some of the cost savings? I mean, like just the bridge -- I understand 4% to 6%, but I'm assuming some of the cost takeout should be incremental just -- or is it too early in the game to do that?

[David Constable:]

One of your questions earlier was about NuScale. NuScale, any upside on that is not modeled into this at all. The $100 million is, obviously. But, the additional $100 million of savings we're going after that I spoke about that Joe and I are working on. So that is in that mix, obviously. And so, yes, that's how we get there.

[Operator:]

And next, I move to Andy Kaplowitz with Citi.

[Andy Kaplowitz:]

David, so, in your initial conversations with customers, could you talk about their acceptance of sort of the strategy to reduce risk, focusing on cost-reimbursable projects? Are the projects that you mentioned you can win later in '21 and more in energy in '22, can you tell if this satisfies to your risk parameters where you could actually record that 4% to 6% margin on this new work, but more cost reimbursable or lower risk?

[David Constable:]

Yes. Thanks for the question, Andy. All those prospects I ran through with Steven a little earlier, those were all reimbursable projects I mentioned. And we’ve won GMAX, but again, that's GMAX in ATLS data centers where we closed the books very late in the game, and the risk is very low. So, we're comfortable with that type of contracts where it's a reimbursable contract up to a maximum, and we share in the under-run. So, talking to customers, it's been very encouraging. I think, the first thing is, they're relieved and grateful that we're staying in the EPC business, and being a leader in engineering construction for them around the -- for all our customers around the world. We've got really good feedback from that standpoint. And they also agree that for us to stay in that -- in the game, it's got a balance and fair terms. So, those discussions have been going well in all the different business segments. And so, again, as you know, we'll chase -- go after infrastructure work when we're comfortable. And we've got a track record on those road and bridge -- regional road and bridge projects, and then be very selective, very, very selective with the stringent pursuit criteria in, for example, Energy Solutions, where we know the customer, and we negotiate risks that are appropriate. But, having been on the other side of the fence as a customer and having to take multiple FIDs on multibillion-dollar projects in the oil-gas downstream and petrochemicals marketplace, I may have heart-to-heart discussions because I've been in their shoes. And what you -- we're talking about driving to -- after you get safety and quality and fit for purpose blind out in your scope, the next thing you look at when you take FID and get your internal rate returns as high as possible is this project cost and project schedule. So, talking to customers about driving to the lowest project life cycle cost gets their attention, obviously. And the way to do that is to share risk appropriately and not put massive amounts of coverage on the contractor side of the fence and pay more for your project than you really need to. So, we're having really good discussions, Andy.

[Andy Kaplowitz:]

That's helpful, David. And so, Joe, you mentioned that you're working on a $100 million cost-out program. I know it's through 2024 now, and it's on top of the last one. But, what if anything that's baked into your guidance for 2021? I imagine a small amount? And can you accelerate it at all, or maybe just give us an update on what you're doing here in '21?

[Joe Brennan:]

Yes. No. Thanks for the question. So, as David had outlined, we are -- we've been pushing with an external advisor. And the methodology, I think, I laid out during Strategy Day is we're working across the entire organization through corporate G&A into the business lines. We've conducted nominally 100 separate interviews. What we're calling this is somewhat of a diagnostic phase or the diagnostic phase, which is a six to seven-week period. We plan on taking our findings for the implementation phase of this to David within the next three to four weeks, and we will then begin to -- we will begin to kind of ramp up that process to get the optimization that we're looking for. I would suggest that there's very little of that in '21 due to the fact that we were able to identify $140 million of that over the last 18 months. So, what we're now looking more closely at is aligning the strategy with the footprint of the Company and how the two really need to marry up and how the new users and the suppliers within the company can get aligned and how that all comes back to a much lower footprint and a more optimized model. So, that's a long-winded way of saying, we're probably going to see very little of that in '21, but you will start to see that really start to kick in, in the first half of '22.

[Operator:]

And next, I'll move to Jerry Revich with Goldman Sachs.

[Jerry Revich:]

I'm wondering if -- can you talk about the revenue contribution of your green energy or carbon capture product today and the bookings cadence that you expect over the course of '21? Just can you just give us a rough sense for the size of the business where it stands now? And based on what you're looking at for '21, what could it look like over the course of '22 and '23?

[David Constable:]

Yes. That's a great topic for Fluor, right? We are well-positioned for energy transition, energy transition meaning the dual energy challenge. We've got to support global energy demand, growing energy demand globally while at the same time, driving towards cleaner energy and making it sustainable and affordable, hence the term energy transition. And that is right in our wheelhouse, including with our proprietary technology and carbon capture and storage, the economy plus technology. And we're working on a variety of front-end projects right now in carbon capture and storage. So, it's early days. It's all primarily front-end work right now, not just in carbon capture, but in biofuels, renewable fuels, some early work in hydrogen as well. And so, as far as projecting when the larger programs will drop, that's further out in time, I would say. I think it's very early days, and we have to watch that play out. And hopefully, we can give you a little more color on that as these projects take shape. I will say that the early -- I think, I've mentioned this to some of you in the past, these early customers first in the door have been more on the development, if you will, the development side of things from a client perspective. But we're starting to see the big self-financed customers come in as well as they also have to pivot to a lower carbon economy. And they're obviously looking at how to decarbonize their assets, which we've got some work there as well. But I just don't have the exact figure. Those are actually EPC jobs we're working on in efficiency and decarbonization. But again, it's early days, generally speaking, on energy transition, and we'll give more color in the calls ahead.

[Jerry Revich:]

Okay. And then, can we shift gears and just talk about infrastructure with a change in focus for you folks? How are you thinking about the addressable market for infrastructure for you today versus the revenue rate that we're running at now? Obviously, you mentioned a third of the business is being run through at zero margins. What should the size of the segment look like as we get the new bids going? Is it a top line a third smaller than it is today, or do you think that there is scope to book and replace that business with good margin work?

[David Constable:]

Yes. We're, as you know, working off our zero-margin remaining projects in the legacy infrastructure portfolio, most of that being this year and next. So, that's coming along nicely. And we're keeping a close eye and -- on that and working with our clients on making sure we're -- we have asserted our rights, if you will, for COVID on force majeure and change in law on all our projects, including infrastructure. And the real focus here is on going forward is where we really want to make progress is in regional roads and bridges and transfer our successful business model here in Texas out to other states around the country. That will be the primary focus, but also Terry Towle, our Group President there in Urban Solutions, is also focused on PMC plus, where program management contracting plus potential work in -- on the project on a reimbursable basis. So, that's also something that's making headway, getting traction as well in managing these big programs. And as you know, we expect to see more spend in infrastructure going forward, certainly in the U.S., and we're primarily focused on the U.S. and Canada in infrastructure. So, that's where we're at right now. And obviously, it'll dip somewhat in revenues, based on the new strategy. But, you can expect to see that come back and drive -- with this additional type of scope we're going after, get back to historical levels in infrastructure.

[Joe Brennan:]

With a significantly higher predictable delivery…

[David Constable:]

Sorry, yes. Yes.

[Operator:]

And we’ll move on to Sean Eastman with KeyBanc Capital Markets.

[Sean Eastman:]

I just wanted to -- this advanced facilities end market is really interesting. I'd just like to try and get some perspective. I mean, could you tell us roughly how much revenue is baked in there for advanced facilities in '21 versus sort of where it's been at historical peaks? And perhaps if you could comment on the prospect pipeline in advanced facilities, how that's shaping up relative to kind of the prior peaks we've seen from Fluor in that business?

[David Constable:]

Thanks, Sean, for the question, and it's really heating up, right, in -- across ATLS. So, just not only data centers and semiconductor work in advanced technologies, but obviously, life sciences and biotech and pharmaceuticals and contract manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, so across ATLS. And the advanced facilities, like you say, are starting to gain traction. So, you saw the executive order this week. That's -- we view that as good news, going forward. It aligns with our Industry 4.0 mega trend we mentioned during Strategy Day, right? And you saw that the administration is focusing on addressing the supply chain shortage, which again is further supporting our target market. So, that trend connects the physical and digital world. And Fluor's advanced technology group is -- in Urban Solutions is well-positioned to meet that demand for data processing, semiconductors, storage and data centers, along with large capacity batteries for electric vehicles. So, we've got the capability and experience there. It's early days here in the U.S., but getting that supply chain localized in the U.S. plays right into our wheelhouse. And so, that's where we're at right now, and we expect growth. And that -- I'd say that growth is built into the projections that we've got in our strategic plan. But, I would say, based on this focus and the attention we're seeing to localize manufacturing capabilities, we could see upside in ATLS.

[Sean Eastman:]

Okay, great. That's helpful. And just looking at the 2021 guidance, $0.50 to $0.80. Obviously, a lot of growth baked into that fiscal '24 target of $3 to $3.50. Could you give us a rough idea on sort of the cadence of where we are now versus the fiscal '24 target? I mean, is that growth more front-end weighted within that time frame, more back-end weighted? A rough idea there would be really helpful for a model.

[David Constable:]

Yes. The modeling we've done for a strategic plan, obviously, because of the -- as we talked about the 2020 COVID impact and the hangover here in the first half, obviously, we're going to see flatness, if you will, across 2021. But then, things really start to pick up in '22. And by '23, we're -- we are at a much higher level revenue-wise and earnings as well. So, I’d say, by '23, you're really going to start to see things cooking at that point. That's kind of how we see it coming along. And there's -- with the accounting change in the last couple of years, the way you take up projects, now you've got to take it up on total project progress. So, obviously, that also pushes the earnings to the second half of the strategic planning period.

[Joe Brennan:]

Yes. I would just add, David, we're looking at it as we start this booking with the diversification that we have across our segments that we would expect to see that more on a linear basis. There's not going to be a cyclicality I think from year-to-year based on where we are investing in our growth strategy moving forward. So, I would expect that more to be on a linear basis and probably with less cyclicality.

[Operator:]

And we'll move on to Michael Dudas with Vertical Research Partners.

[Michael Dudas:]

David, as you target 2021, your outlook for new business and certainly in the second half away from depressed first half, I don't think is much a surprise. Of the three and of the Urban -- of your three revised lines of business, which one do you think are the ones that have the best opportunity to exceed 1 time book-to-bill, or how would you rank -- I know you want to get there flat as an organization, which ones should have the momentum going into the end of the year and could lead to even further growth above 1 times as you move into 2022?

[David Constable:]

Yes. I guess, I'd have to lean on Urban Solutions. That's probably the first choice. That's probably where I would put it, Mike. However, we've got some great opportunities in Mission Solutions and some massive opportunities if they -- hopefully, they hit. So, I think, that's probably Mission Solutions then -- sorry, Urban Solutions and then Mission Solutions and followed by Energy Solutions, which again is doing a lot of front-end work in energy transition. And so, that will probably follow up as in third place. But, we've got chemicals projects that will also help Energy Solutions here in 2021. So, I think, that's how to look at it. Energy Solutions this year is going to be a lot of -- not the massive size projects, but more of the medium-sized projects that they can bring in and so assuming, more projects hopefully in a smaller size -- smaller relative sizes, if you will. These are multi-hundred-million-dollar projects, but not all in the multibillion-dollar range.

[Michael Dudas:]

That's a good point to follow up. So, how -- in the new business model, the new Fluor, the size of projects, the length of projects, are they a little bit more -- are you focused on the medium side, or is your cost structure, your basis, allow you to book some small to medium work or book-to-burn work to achieve these targets? And how much is it -- do you still need to depend on multibillion-dollar orders that kind of make the new business model work? How should we think about that as we see some of your project announcements and your progress going forward?

[David Constable:]

Yes. Thanks, Mike. I would definitely say that we are still going to be organized and have a global footprint to execute very, very large, complex, multibillion-dollar, reimbursable projects going forward. Hopefully, if the oil price and oil demand is, as we're seeing, we will see a return to traditional oil and gas work here in upstream and downstream in the near future, based on, again, the forecasts that are currently coming out. So, we want to be ready for that. Our customers -- our clients are depending on us to be able to continue to do those large projects. However, at the same time, I must say that the clients are advising us that their track record, generally speaking, on mega projects has not been that stellar, if you will. And I think a lot of the work going forward will be in more manageable phased programs with expansions to follow. So, I think, you can expect to see the midsized projects come to fruition here, based on what I'm hearing. But, at the same time, there'll be large mega projects from time to time.

[Joe Brennan:]

David, notwithstanding what you just said, but I think, if we go back and look over time, Fluor on a total project basis, Mike, I'm not talking about revenue, you would see that 80 -- and don't quote me on these numbers. I'd have to go back and verify, but 80% of the projects that we execute are in that mid to smaller size range. And it's -- so, we've always had to focus on that. And as we go through this optimization and get to a more fit for purpose, we're just going to make ourselves more competitive in that market. We may have shifted away from it over the last three or four years in the integrated solution period. But, from my perspective, that medium-sized project, which has got a new definition in today's parlance has always been a staple of Fluor's revenue and profitability over time.

[David Constable:]

Well, just, Mike, just to give a little more color on that. Those prospects I went through with Steven earlier, I can give you the revenue, the total installed cost, the TIC on those. The largest is $1.9 billion. There's a $770 million, $600 million, $280 million, $750 million, a $500 million, $900 million. They're in that range for 2021. And again, I think, you'll see some of the mega projects coming back as the oil price forecast start to firm up. And I fully expect to see CapEx flowing in the upstream, downstream arena as that start -- that demand takes off in traditional oil and gas.

[Michael Dudas:]

And just a final quick follow-up for Joe. In the guide for 2021 earnings, so it doesn't include Stork, discontinued and no NuScale. Could you maybe give a little bit of sense of what would have been the contributions already of Stork, what NuScale would have been or relative to what we've been seeing ? And how much of the zero-margin work through the P&L in 2021 on a revenue basis, percentage profit basis is going through the 2021 ?

[Joe Brennan:]

A little trouble hearing. Let me take the last question first because I didn't hear the -- the Stork contributions are very minimal, would have been very minimal. Let's say, single million dollar digit returns. I think, your last question was in terms of the zero-margin revenue projects that are flowing through the books. Of the $1.8 billion that we've laid out, we're nominally going to push about $700 million of that through in '21 and another $700 million of that in '22. So, by the end of '22, we will have accounted for about 85% to 90% of those zero-margin projects.

[Michael Dudas:]

And NuScale was the other part of question, like what would have been in '21?

[Joe Brennan:]

NuScale in '21, nominally, the -- about the same run rate is 20, somewhere in the $80 million in expenses. You're talking about the P&L side?

[Michael Dudas:]

Right. Is that -- I'm sorry, does the guidance include NuScale in '21?

[Joe Brennan:]

Sorry. It does not. I have a little…

[Michael Dudas:]

I appreciate that. Yes, perfect. I got that. Thank you. Thanks, guys.

[David Constable:]

Thanks, Mike.

[Operator:]

And that will conclude today's question-and-answer session. At this time, I would like to turn the call back over to David Constable for any additional or closing remarks.

[David Constable:]

Thank you, operator, and thanks to all of you for participating on our call today. Again, 2020 was a challenging year for the Company and the industry. As we start to implement our strategic plan and drive reliable and profitable growth across the portfolio, we will remain focused on increasing shareholder value, while at the same time, delivering world-class projects for our clients. So, we appreciate your interest in Fluor Corporation, and thank you for your time today.

[Operator:]

And that will conclude today's call. We thank you for your participation.