Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) is positioned as a strong candidate for investors due to its consistent performance in beating earnings estimates, particularly in the heavy construction industry [1]. Earnings Performance - The company has a notable history of exceeding earnings expectations, with an average surprise of 63.97% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, GLDD achieved earnings of $0.26 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.17 per share, resulting in a surprise of 52.94% [3]. - For the previous quarter, the company was expected to earn $0.08 per share but delivered $0.14 per share, leading to a surprise of 75.00% [3]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Earnings estimates for GLDD have been trending upward, influenced by its history of earnings surprises [6]. - The stock currently has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP of +5.38%, indicating that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [9]. - This positive Earnings ESP, combined with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggests a potential for another earnings beat in the upcoming report [9]. Importance of Earnings ESP - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting the latest analyst revisions which may provide more accurate predictions [8]. - It is crucial for investors to check a company's Earnings ESP prior to quarterly releases to enhance the likelihood of successful investment decisions [10].

Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) shares experienced a significant increase of 12.7% to $15.44, driven by strong trading volume and positive investor sentiment due to government spending on coastal protection and dredging services [1][2]. Company Performance - GLDD is projected to report quarterly earnings of $0.22 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 24.1%, while revenues are expected to reach $219.45 million, an increase of 8.2% from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate for GLDD has been revised 5.7% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that may lead to further price appreciation [4]. Market Context - GLDD's recent stock performance contrasts with its 3.2% gain over the past four weeks, highlighting a notable shift in investor confidence [1]. - The company is part of the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, which includes Orion Marine Group (ORN), whose stock also saw a 4.6% increase [5]. Industry Insights - The positive outlook for GLDD is supported by increasing backlog trends and a $50 million share buyback program, which are expected to enhance investor confidence [2]. - In comparison, Orion Marine's EPS estimate remains unchanged at $0.05, representing a significant decline of 68.8% from the previous year [6].

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks are highlighted with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks for investors to consider, specifically The Allstate Corporation, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, and Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. [1][2][3] Company Summaries The Allstate Corporation (ALL) - Carries a Zacks Rank 1 - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 23.7% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 0.45 compared to the industry average of 1.78 - Possesses a Growth Score of A [1] Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - Carries a Zacks Rank 1 - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.01 compared to the industry average of 3.07 - Possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (ALRM) - Carries a Zacks Rank 1 - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - PEG ratio of 1.51 compared to the industry average of 2.44 - Possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Group 1: RenaissanceRe (RNR) - RenaissanceRe provides property-catastrophe reinsurance globally on an excess of loss basis [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.9% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the US [2] - The company also holds a Zacks Rank 1 and a Growth Score of A [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [2] Group 3: Phibro Animal Health (PAHC) - Phibro Animal Health is a leading global diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company [3] - The company carries a Zacks Rank 1 and has a Growth Score of B [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 9.1% over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy rankings for investors to consider as of December 31st Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and coastline renourishment [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has seen a 6.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.08, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Ciena (CIEN) - Ciena is a leading provider of optical networking equipment, software, and services [2] - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has experienced an 18.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Ciena has a PEG ratio of 1.11 compared to the industry average of 5.12, and it holds a Growth Score of A [2] Group 3: Insulet (PODD) - Insulet is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of the Omnipod Insulin Management System [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a 6.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Insulet has a PEG ratio of 2.02, which is lower than the industry average of 2.43, and it also possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Industry Overview - The U.S. marine construction and dredging market is benefiting from ongoing infrastructure spending, coastal protection needs, and port expansion activities [1] - Recent monetary easing may support infrastructure activity by lowering financing costs, which can enhance project execution and revenue visibility through 2026 [2] Company Analysis: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - GLDD reported a 12.8% year-over-year increase in contract revenues for the first nine months of 2025, totaling $631.8 million, driven by stronger activity levels and improved project performance [3][8] - The company has a strong backlog of $935 million, with a significant portion related to capital and coastal protection work, and an additional $194 million in low bids pending [4] - GLDD's profitability has improved due to higher-margin projects, efficient execution, and disciplined cost control, alongside a modernized fleet [3][6] - Despite challenges such as a normalized bid market and regulatory issues, GLDD is well-positioned for 2026 with strong liquidity and a diversified project mix [5][6] Company Analysis: Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (ORN) - ORN operates in marine and concrete services, benefiting from balanced exposure to public and private investments, which provides demand stability [7] - The company reported a revenue increase of approximately 7% year-over-year to $619 million, supported by steady activity across its key segments [9] - ORN increased its bonding capacity by $400 million in October 2025, enhancing its ability to pursue larger and more complex projects [11] - Challenges for ORN include earnings pressure from project timing variability and softer profitability in select concrete projects [10] Comparative Analysis - GLDD shows stronger near-term operating momentum with a higher-quality backlog and improving profitability, while ORN has a solid pipeline but faces more variability in margins and project timing [19] - GLDD is trading at a discount compared to ORN on a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio basis [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GLDD's 2026 EPS indicates a slight decline of 0.2%, while ORN's estimate implies a significant year-over-year improvement of 44.7% [16][18]

Core Insights - Net profit is a crucial indicator of a company's financial health, reflecting its ability to convert sales into profits [1] - A low profit margin indicates higher risks, while companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), Strattec Security Corporation (STRT), Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS), and Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) demonstrate solid net profit margins [2] - A higher net profit margin compared to peers provides a competitive edge and attracts investors and skilled employees [4] Financial Metrics - Net Profit Margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, serving as a reference for assessing operational strength and cost control [3] - A healthy net profit margin and solid EPS growth are essential for maximizing returns [7] Screening Criteria - Companies with a net margin of at least 0% indicate solid profitability [8] - Positive percentage change in EPS indicates earnings growth [8] - A Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 suggests strong performance potential [10] Selected Companies - GLDD is the largest provider of dredging services in the U.S., with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has increased by $0.10 to $1.09 per share [10][11] - STRT designs and manufactures automotive locks, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has risen by 23.3% to $5.24 per share [12][13] - NGS produces natural gas compressors, also with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B; its 2026 earnings estimate has increased by 14.1% to $2.11 per share [13][14] - SMP manufactures automotive replacement parts, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A; its 2026 earnings estimate has risen by $0.04 to $4.31 per share [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) is positioned to benefit from increased coastal and port infrastructure spending in the U.S., with a significant dredging backlog indicating strong demand for capital and coastal protection projects [2][10]. Group 1: Market Opportunities - As of September 30, 2025, GLDD's total dredging backlog is $934.5 million, with approximately 84% allocated to capital and coastal protection projects, highlighting the market's strength in these areas [2][10]. - Notable projects include the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1, the Brownsville Ship Channel project, and Woodside Louisiana LNG, with dredging expected to start in early 2026 [3]. - Despite challenges from the current government shutdown, GLDD's operations remain unaffected, with ongoing bidding and payments [3]. Group 2: Company Developments - GLDD is enhancing its revenue visibility through a multi-year fleet modernization strategy, recently adding its sixth hopper dredge, Amelia Island, which optimizes operations for shallow and narrow coastal environments [4]. - The upcoming delivery of the Acadia in early 2026 will expand GLDD's market into offshore energy and subsea infrastructure protection, providing additional long-term growth opportunities [4]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - GLDD faces competition from Orion Group Holdings, Inc. and Limbach Holdings, Inc., but maintains a strong market presence in coastal resilience, port deepening, and LNG-related dredging [6]. - Orion Group offers similar marine construction services but GLDD's newer hopper fleet provides operational advantages in specific coastal restoration projects [7]. - Limbach Holdings operates in a different market segment, resulting in limited direct competition with GLDD [8]. Group 4: Stock Performance and Valuation - GLDD shares have increased by 13.5% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry and the S&P 500 index [9][10]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12.41, indicating a discount compared to industry peers, which may be attractive for investors [12]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 have slightly decreased to $1.09, while estimates for 2026 have increased, reflecting a 29.8% year-over-year growth for 2025 [13][14].

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy ranks are highlighted for investors to consider on December 19 Company Summaries The Allstate Corporation (ALL) - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 22.7% over the last 60 days - Allstate's PEG ratio is 0.39, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.73 - The company possesses a Growth Score of B [1] Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1.01, compared to the industry average of 2.99 - The company possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (ALRM) - This company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 5.5% over the last 60 days - Alarm.com has a PEG ratio of 1.65, lower than the industry average of 2.85 - The company possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Core Insights - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) has seen a stock performance increase of 12.3% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, the broader Construction sector, and the S&P 500 Index [2][9] - The company is benefiting from solid backlog growth driven by large-scale projects, disciplined bidding, and efficient project execution, positioning it well for long-term growth despite macroeconomic challenges [3][23] Backlog and Project Opportunities - GLDD's operations focus on complex port deepening, LNG-related dredging, and coastal resilience projects, supported by increased public infrastructure spending in the US [6] - The maintenance backlog grew year-over-year by 53.9% to $147.6 million, reflecting the company's disciplined bidding approach [6][9] Fleet Modernization - The company has been investing in a multi-year fleet modernization strategy, welcoming its sixth hopper dredge, Amelia Island, in Q3 2025, enhancing its operational capabilities [10] - The construction of the Acadia, a US-flagged subsea rock installation vessel, is expected to expand GLDD's market into offshore energy and subsea infrastructure protection, with the vessel fully booked for 2026 [11] Margin Improvement - GLDD's adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 310 basis points year-over-year to 20.2% during the first nine months of 2025, driven by effective project execution and a favorable project mix [12][13] - The gross margin also increased by 380 basis points year-over-year to 23.7%, indicating structural improvements in profitability [13] Competitive Position - GLDD occupies a specialized competitive position with strong demand for coastal resilience and offshore energy services, facing competition primarily from Orion Group Holdings, EMCOR Group, and Limbach Holdings [19][20] - GLDD's modern fleet and project execution capabilities provide it with an operational advantage over competitors in certain project types [20][22] Investment Outlook - GLDD's favorable public infrastructure backdrop, disciplined execution, and high-quality backlog provide strong revenue visibility and support high fleet utilization [23] - The stock is currently trading at a discounted forward P/E ratio of 12.18, making it an attractive investment option despite some uncertainty in earnings estimates [14][24]