KBR Develops New Propane Dehydrogenation Technology K-PRO

KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR) developed a new Propane Dehydrogenation (“PDH”) technology, K-PRO. The technology, which is based on KBR's catalytic olefins technology K-COT, provides high propylene selectivity and conversion.

K-COT is the extension of KBR’s pioneering work in catalytic cracking process technology. K-PRO is an improved version of its K-COT technology, with high selectivity, low-cost, dehydrogenation features. The new technology is based on a fluidized-bed design, which delivers significant capital and operating cost advantages. Also, the technology is reliable and loaded with high on-stream factors.

Moreover, K-PRO based plants will be one-of-its-kind propylene production units, free from a steam cracker or FCC unit. The technology is likely to save approximately 20-30% CAPEX.

KBR has more than 70 years of experience in olefins technology. Its K-COT technology is highly flexible and versatile, which can improve the economic performance of steam crackers.

Expertise in Differentiated Professional Services & Technologies to Drive Growth

Notably, shares of KBR have outperformed the industry over a year owing to its diverse portfolio of services like proprietary technology and consultation, as well as engineering, construction, procurement and asset maintenance, to name a few. Apart from this, the acquisition of SGT, consolidation of acquired entities in the Aspire Defense program and robust organic growth also bode well.



Notably, its Technology segment, accounting for around 6.3% of the total revenues, has been performing pretty well of late. The upside is driven by refining and petrochemicals projects in China, India and Africa, as well as strong demand. During the third quarter of 2018, the company’s total revenues increased 23.6% year over year on 35% organic growth in the Technology segment.

Also, KBR’s total backlog level of $13.5 billion as of Sep 30, 2018 highlights its underlying strength. Of the total backlog, about $544 million is booked under the Technology segment, which increased 95.7% from the prior-year level. The company expects thriving global technology opportunities led by ammonia, refining and olefins projects to persist. Meanwhile, earnings estimates for 2018 have moved 0.7% north, reflecting analysts’ optimism surrounding the company’s earnings growth potential.

In fact, on Nov 28, the Technology segment received a contract to refurbish Southern (NYSE:SO) Petrochemical Industries Corporation’s ammonia plant in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, India. KBR will provide an ammonia converter basket and will use its ammonia technology that offers the lowest energy consumption in the industry, better suited for ammonia producers globally.

The company also received a contract on Sep 25, 2018 from Lihuayi Lijin Refining & Chemical Co., Ltd. for new olefins production business in Dongying, China. Per the deal, KBR will provide Lihuayi with its K-COT and Selective Cracking Optimum Recovery (“SCORE”) technology.

Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider

KBR currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other top-ranked stocks in the Construction sector include Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD) , Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) and EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) . While Great Lakes and Comfort Systems sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), EMCOR carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Great Lakes’ 2018 earnings are expected to increase 111.1%.

Comfort Systems has an expected earnings growth rate of 84.4% for the current quarter.

EMCOR has a projected earnings growth rate of 20% for the current year.

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