Momentum investing is essentially the opposite of the tried-and-tested Wall Street adage -- "buy low and sell high." Investors following this investing style typically avoid betting on cheap stocks and waiting long for them to recover. They believe instead that one could make far more money in lesser time by "buying high and selling higher."Everyone likes betting on fast-moving trending stocks, but it isn't easy to determine the right entry point. These stocks often lose momentum when their future growth po ...

Core Viewpoint - Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) is trading at a premium compared to the Zacks Building Products – Heavy Construction industry, reflecting market confidence in its financial performance and growth potential [1][5][21]. Valuation Comparison - PRIM's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 22.8X, higher than the industry's 21.58X, the broader Construction sector's 19.85X, and the S&P 500 multiple of 22.59X [1][5]. - In contrast, PRIM is trading at a discount compared to peers like EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME), Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR), and MasTec, Inc. (MTZ), which have forward P/E multiples of 24.27, 32.18, and 25.07 respectively [4]. Stock Performance - PRIM shares have gained 56.3% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 23.3%, the broader construction sector's 8.5%, and the S&P 500's 9.8% [5][21]. - The stock reached a new 52-week high of $120.22 on August 29, 2025, indicating strong upward momentum [5]. Growth Drivers - The company is benefiting from rising demand for renewable energy projects, with renewables revenues projected to reach $2.5 billion in 2025, up from earlier estimates of $2.2-$2.3 billion [6][11]. - Primoris is preparing bids for over $2.5 billion in natural gas generation projects and monitoring $20-$30 billion in solar opportunities through 2028, supported by favorable legislation [12]. - Data center and communications infrastructure expansion is also a significant growth driver, with $1.7 billion in opportunities under evaluation [13]. Backlog and Revenue Visibility - Primoris reported a backlog of $11.5 billion at the end of Q2 2025, reflecting a $100 million sequential increase, primarily driven by power delivery activities [15][16]. - The backlog provides strong visibility into future revenue streams and is expected to accelerate bookings through 2026 [16]. Financial Position - The company's net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved to 0.5X by the end of Q2 2025, with long-term debt reduced to $525 million from $660.2 million at the end of 2024 [17]. - Operating cash flow reached $78 million in Q2 2025, contributing to a year-to-date cash generation of nearly $145 million, an improvement of $157 million from the previous year [18]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts have revised PRIM's earnings per share (EPS) estimates upward for 2025 and 2026 to $4.67 and $5.23 respectively, indicating year-over-year growth of 20.7% and 12.1% [19][20]. - Despite the premium valuation, analysts project further upside for the stock, supported by solid fundamentals and growth prospects [21][22].

Key Takeaways Primoris projects nearly $2.5B in 2025 renewables revenues, above its prior $2.2-$2.3B outlook.Utility-scale solar, EPC work and battery storage drive bookings and renewables project momentum.Energy segment margin fell to 10.8% from 12.6% but is expected to improve in the year's second half.Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) is on pace to deliver nearly $2.5 billion in renewables revenues in 2025, above its earlier outlook of $2.2-$2.3 billion. This upside has been fueled by strong demand in ...

Industry Overview - The industrials sector has performed well despite overall market turbulence, with the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) rising nearly 17% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500 [1] - Factors contributing to the sector's strength include federal government initiatives for reshoring manufacturing, increased infrastructure spending, and defense-related growth [2] Company Highlights - Primoris Services Corp. (NASDAQ: PRIM) reported a strong second-quarter earnings performance, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.68, exceeding expectations by 58 cents, and a year-over-year revenue increase of 21% [4][5] - Primoris has a significant backlog of $11.5 billion, positioning it well to benefit from the growing demand in data center infrastructure, particularly in cloud and AI sectors [5] - AZZ Inc. (NYSE: AZZ) has successfully realigned its business through strategic divestments and acquisitions, including the purchase of Canton Galvanizing, which enhances its capacity and customer base [8][9] - Dycom Industries Inc. (NYSE: DY) reported an EPS of $3.33, surpassing expectations, with a revenue increase of nearly 15% year-over-year, indicating strong growth potential in the telecommunications and utility infrastructure sectors [11][12] Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Primoris Services has a moderate buy rating from analysts, with a 12-month stock price forecast averaging $101.67, indicating a potential downside of 14.35% from the current price of $118.70 [4][6] - AZZ Inc. has a moderate buy rating as well, with a 12-month stock price forecast averaging $112.29, suggesting a slight downside of 0.68% from the current price of $113.06 [8][10] - Dycom Industries has a buy rating with a 12-month stock price forecast averaging $289.43, indicating a potential upside of 14.65% from the current price of $252.44 [11][13]

Core Insights - Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) is focusing on large-scale infrastructure opportunities, particularly in data centers, as a significant growth avenue [1][2] - The company is actively pursuing over $1.7 billion in data center projects, leveraging its expertise in mission-critical infrastructure [2][10] - PRIM's revenue for Q2 2025 reached $1.89 billion, a 20.9% increase year-over-year, driven by growth in the Energy and Utilities segments [3][10] - The company's backlog improved to $11.5 billion, indicating strong future activity and confidence in addressing evolving infrastructure needs [3][4] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q2 2025 were $1.89 billion, up 20.9% year-over-year, primarily due to strong performance in Energy and Utilities [3][10] - The backlog at the end of Q2 2025 was $11.5 billion, supporting ongoing and future projects [3][10] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased by 4.2% and 2.3%, respectively, indicating expected growth of 20.7% and 12.1% year-over-year [14] Market Position and Valuation - PRIM's shares have increased by 66.3% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry's growth of 29.7% [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.72X, slightly above the industry's 22.18X [12] - PRIM currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting positive market sentiment [15] Industry Trends - Rising demand for data centers is creating opportunities across the infrastructure sector, benefiting companies like EMCOR Group and MasTec [6] - EMCOR reported a 55.2% year-over-year revenue growth in its U.S. Electrical Construction segment, driven by data center construction [7] - MasTec experienced a 42% year-over-year increase in Communications revenues, supported by data center-related projects [8]

Market Overview - The market received a boost from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech, indicating potential rate cuts as early as September, leading to a 1.5% rally in the S&P 500 [1][10] - Powell's acknowledgment of persistent inflation, coupled with a focus on job growth, reassured investors about the Fed's readiness to intervene if economic momentum slows [1][10] - By the end of the week, traders raised their bets on a September rate cut, with odds exceeding 90% [1] Investor Sentiment - Investors interpreted Powell's remarks as a sign that tariff-related inflation is viewed as temporary, not a long-term concern, which has fueled optimism in equities [2][10] - With falling treasury yields and a returning risk appetite, equities are expected to continue gaining in the upcoming weeks [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Pediatrix Medical Group (MD), Enova International (ENVA), Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) [3][10] Stock Analysis Strategy - Investors should assess stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be prioritized for potential returns [5] - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are ideal candidates for investment [6] Earnings Estimates - Positive estimate revisions for upcoming earnings are crucial; upward revisions typically lead to additional price gains [7] - Screening parameters include relative price changes over various time frames and positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] Zacks Rank and Stock Performance - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500, are considered for investment [9] - Specific stocks highlighted include: - **Pediatrix Medical Group (MD)**: Market cap of $1.5 billion, 51.8% share price increase over the past year, and a 9.3% upward revision in earnings estimates [11][12] - **Enova International (ENVA)**: Market cap of $2.9 billion, 37.4% share price increase, and a 32.4% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [13][14] - **Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM)**: Market cap not specified, 107.7% share price increase, and a 20.7% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [15] - **SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW)**: Market cap of $4.8 billion, 60.4% share price increase, and a 28.1% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [16] - **Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)**: Market cap of $69 billion, 66% share price increase, and a 62.2% growth estimate for 2025 earnings [17][18]

Key Takeaways Sterling's E-Infrastructure backlog up 44% YoY to $1.2B, driving revenue growth in mission-critical projects.Primoris' backlog rose 10% YoY to $11.49B, with $1.7B in data center work under evaluation for 2025 contracts.PRIM trades at discount to STRL, offers steady multi-year growth from data centers, renewables and utilities.Firms like Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) and Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) are currently gaining on the growing demand for infrastructure solutions in the U ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy faced significant volatility with mixed signals, as major indexes like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones increased by 0.28% and 1.60%, while the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.62% [1] - The Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested the possibility of an interest rate cut as early as September during the Jackson Hole symposium [1] Labor Market Concerns - A slowing labor market is a primary concern for the Federal Reserve, with recent data showing a downward revision of job growth in May and June, and only 73,000 jobs added in July [2] - Despite strong Q2 GDP numbers, labor market and manufacturing data indicate a potential economic slowdown, presenting a dilemma for the Fed between supporting the job market and combating inflation [2] Zacks Research Performance - WisdomTree, Inc. shares increased by 28% since being upgraded to Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) on June 23, outperforming the S&P 500's 8.7% gain [4] - Hafnia Limited shares rose by 14.1% after a Zacks Rank 2 upgrade on June 25, also surpassing the S&P 500's 6.4% increase [5] - A hypothetical portfolio of Zacks Rank 1 stocks returned +20.65% in 2023, compared to +24.83% for the S&P 500 index [6] Focus List and Model Portfolios - The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +10.91% in 2025 (through July 31) compared to +8.59% for the S&P 500 index [12] - The Top 10 portfolio has delivered a cumulative return of +2,220.4% since 2012, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index's +517.8% return [24] Sector-Specific Performance - Johnson & Johnson and The Hershey Company, part of the Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio, returned 17.2% and 16.8% respectively over the past 12 weeks, driven by investor interest in quality dividend stocks amid market volatility [19] - Mettler-Toledo International Inc. and PepsiCo, part of the Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio, saw returns of 18.6% and 15.7% over the past 12 weeks [15]

Core Insights - Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) is experiencing strong demand in power delivery, gas operations, and communication projects, with a notable increase in power-related projects across various market segments [1][2] - The company's Utilities segment reported a year-over-year revenue growth of 13.4% to $1.26 billion in the first half of 2025, with a total backlog increasing by 15.1% to $6.03 billion as of June 30 [1][8] - PRIM is evaluating approximately $1.7 billion in data center-related work, expected to enhance revenue visibility and market exposure by the end of 2025 [2][8] - The company is focusing on operational efficiency, resulting in a gross margin expansion of 60 basis points to 11.4% and an increase in adjusted earnings per share from $1.52 to $2.66 year-over-year [3][8] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward to $4.67 and $5.23 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 20.7% and 12.1%, respectively [4][8] Competitive Landscape - PRIM faces competition from firms like EMCOR Group and Quanta Services in the public infrastructure sector, particularly in power and communications [6][7] - While these competitors often secure larger projects, PRIM focuses on specialized contracts and selective bidding, allowing it to maintain profitability and execution advantages in its niche areas [7] Stock Performance - PRIM's stock has surged 73.7% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector, and the S&P 500 index [9] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.21, indicating a premium valuation compared to industry peers, reflecting strong market potential [11]

Core Insights - Primoris Services Corporation's share price has increased by 22.8% since the release of its Q2 2025 earnings, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector, and the S&P 500 index [1][7]. Financial Performance - The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.68 per share and revenues of $1.89 billion for Q2 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 58.5% and 12.3% respectively. Year-over-year, earnings rose by 162.5% and revenues by 20.9% [2]. - Total backlog increased by 10% to $11.49 billion as of June 30, 2025, compared to $10.45 billion a year ago [2]. Guidance and Market Opportunities - Primoris Services raised its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $4.90 to $5.10, up from $4.20-$4.40, and adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $490 million and $510 million, up from $440-$460 million [3]. - The company is evaluating approximately $1.7 billion in data center projects, expecting to secure contracts by the end of 2025, which will enhance revenue visibility and market exposure [5]. Market Trends and Competitive Position - The demand for data center infrastructure is strong, and Primoris Services is actively seeking opportunities to expand its market presence in this area [4]. - Primoris Services competes with larger peers like EMCOR, MasTec, and Quanta Services by focusing on niche strengths in utility, pipeline, and specialty contracting, leveraging strong regional relationships and mid-market flexibility [12]. Debt Management and Financial Health - The company reduced its long-term debt to $525 million from $660.2 million at the end of 2024, demonstrating a balanced capital allocation approach [10]. - As of June 30, 2025, Primoris Services had $390.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, with sufficient liquidity to meet short-term obligations of $78.1 million [11]. Earnings Estimates and Valuation - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward to $4.67 and $5.23 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 20.7% and 12.1% respectively [14]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 22.28, indicating a premium valuation compared to industry peers, which reflects strong market potential [16]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts show optimism for Primoris Services, with 90% of recommendations indicating a "Strong Buy" rating, suggesting confidence in the company's long-term positioning and growth prospects [18].