Fluor Corp. (FLR) has bagged a $1.3 billion mining contract awarded by Minera Lumina Copper in Chile. Minera Lumina Copper Chile is owned by Pan Pacific Copper Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Co., Ltd.
The work involves engineering design, manufacturing and commissioning of a copper mine at 13,000 feet above the mean sea level. The mine will have an annual capacity of 3.6 million tons of fine copper and 87 kilotons of molybdenum.
The controlling office for the project will be located at Santiago, Chile. The total employment potential during the construction phase is 5000. The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2013.
Fluor stands out as one of the few engineering and construction companies having the technological expertise, logistics, procurement capabilities and project management experience needed for a large variety of projects, including large complex projects for a diverse group of industrial and government clients virtually anywhere in the world. Given its strong financial position, Fluor will have ample financial resources to pursue a niche acquisition program aimed at strengthening its considerable service breadth. The company is delivering solid results driven by its diversified business model and targeted new awards strategy.
Flour is one of the best-in-class E&C companies with a favorable contract mix, diverse service offerings, and strong relationships around the world; allowing it to sustain operating margin going forward relative to its peers without diminishing the growth potential. These firms believe project wins in the next few quarters will be fraught with intense competition, raising concern for potential margins on any new awards.
The current worldwide financial crisis will likely affect a portion of its client base, as well as subcontractors and suppliers, and could materially affect its backlog and profits. Backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations and, therefore, may not be a reliable indicator of future earnings.
The Industrial & Infrastructure segment provides design, engineering, procurement and construction services, for new construction and refurbishment, to the transportation, wind power, mining and metals, life sciences, telecommunications, manufacturing, commercial and institutional development, microelectronics and healthcare sectors. These projects often require state-of-the-art application of its clients’ processes and intellectual knowledge.
Acting through its subsidiaries, Fluor is one of the largest professional services firms, providing engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance as well as project management services on a global basis. It serves a diverse set of industries worldwide including oil and gas, chemical and petrochemicals, transportation, mining and metals, power, life sciences and manufacturing. It is also a primary service provider to the U.S. federal government.
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Flour.
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