Back to top

Image: Bigstock

KBR Secures $199M Contract, Boosts DoD Digital Capabilities

Read MoreHide Full Article

KBR, Inc. (KBR - Free Report) has secured a significant contract worth an estimated $199 million to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) digital infrastructure. Awarded under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center's (DoDIAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle, this five-year project focuses on advancing the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific Program Executive Office Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital) Technical Director's Office.

The contract highlights KBR's critical role in transforming the DoD's zero-trust capability — a modern security measure crucial for safeguarding military data and operations. KBR's team will spearhead research, analysis, and testing to identify and integrate advanced technologies, with a strong emphasis on future-generation wireless technology, trusted AI, integrated sensing, and quantum science. These efforts aim to protect the nation's networks, enhance information dominance, and support the development of autonomous information systems.

KBR’s involvement in this project not only reinforces its expertise in delivering cutting-edge solutions but also underscores its commitment to supporting the DoD's mission. Stuart Bradie, KBR's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the contract, emphasizing its significance in KBR’s digital transformation strategy and its ability to deliver state-of-the-art technology to the DoD.

As KBR addresses critical technology areas and integrates new systems into existing military frameworks, this contract strengthens the company’s standing as a key player in defense technology and positions it for continued growth in the sector. The contract will be executed in Charleston, South Carolina, and San Diego, California, further solidifying KBR's footprint in vital defense hubs.

Focus on Bolstering Technology Offerings in Defense Agencies

KBR's emphasis on a resilient business model and efficiency-enhancing initiatives has fueled its recent success in securing new projects. The growing global focus on national security, energy security, energy transition, and climate change has provided a significant boost. With over five decades of extensive design engineering experience across various industries, KBR is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.

Meanwhile, on Jul 16, 2024, KBR announced that it intends to acquire LinQuest Corporation. KBR's acquisition of LinQuest represents a strategic move to significantly bolster its capabilities and market position, particularly in the high-tech defense and intelligence sectors. LinQuest's expertise in engineering, data analytics, and digital integration aligns perfectly with KBR's strategic focus on advancing its technology offerings and enhancing mission-critical capabilities.

By integrating LinQuest's specialized knowledge, especially in supporting key U.S. defense agencies like the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force, KBR is poised to deepen its involvement in high-priority national security initiatives, thereby driving revenue growth and unlocking substantial synergy opportunities.

Share Price Performance

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of this company have gained 19.6% so far this year compared with the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry’s 28.7% growth. Although shares of the company have underperformed the industry this year, the ongoing contract wins are likely to boost its prospects in the forthcoming quarters.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Currently, KBR sports a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Zacks Construction sector:

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM - Free Report) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). HWM has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.9%, on average. Shares of the company have gained 76.7% year to date (YTD). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWM’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 12.6% and 39.1%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL - Free Report) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1. Sterling Infrastructure has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 17.4%, on average. Shares of the company have gained 26.6% YTD.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STRL’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 9.7% and 26.6%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Quanta Services Inc. (PWR - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). PWR has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.6%, on average. Shares of the company have gained 23.6% YTD.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PWR’s 2024 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 14.2% and 18.3%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Published in