Core Insights - The shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration has negatively impacted the renewable energy sector, while electricity demand, particularly from AI-driven data centers, has surged, creating a potential opportunity for nuclear energy stocks [1] - The Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) has shown strong performance, returning 76.3% over the past year, outperforming other nuclear energy ETFs [2] Nuclear Energy ETF Overview - NUKZ focuses on a diverse range of nuclear energy stocks, including utilities, advanced reactors, construction & services, and fuel, allowing for exposure to both innovation and stable utility investments [3] - The ETF charges an 85 basis point fee and tracks the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index [2] Key Holdings and Performance - Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) is the largest holding in NUKZ, contributing significantly to its performance with a year-to-date return of 60.8% and a 23% return on equity [3] - Quanta Services (PWR) also plays a crucial role in the ETF, returning 33% year-to-date and benefiting from infrastructure needs related to AI [4] Investment Considerations - With increasing electricity demand, NUKZ may be a strategic addition to an equities allocation for investors looking to capitalize on the nuclear energy sector [5]

The artificial intelligence revolution continues to drive demand far beyond the likes of Nvidia (NVDA), Palantir Technologies (PLTR) and Alphabet (GOOGL). AI infrastructure stocks like Quanta Services (PWR) and Emcor (EME) have also attracted big bets from Wall Street. Showing unabated demand for AI stocks, Quanta Services and Emcor joined Nvidia, Alphabet, Palantir on the latest monthly report on new buys by the best mutual funds, As Quanta trades near a buy point and Emcor remains in buy range, they also ...

Core Viewpoint - The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities is driving a significant increase in the need for electric grid upgrades and expansions, presenting a long-term investment opportunity in grid-related stocks [1][2][19]. Electric Grid Overview - The electric power grid consists of three main stages: electricity generation, high-voltage transmission, and low-voltage distribution [4]. - Regulated electric utility companies typically engage in all stages of the electric grid, while various other companies focus on specific segments such as design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation [5]. Investment Opportunities - Nvidia's $100 billion investment in OpenAI will require at least 10 gigawatts of power, highlighting the substantial electricity demand from AI data centers [3]. - New York City's average power demand is approximately 6.5 gigawatts, with peak demand reaching 10 to 11 gigawatts in summer [8]. Key Electric Grid Stocks - **GE Vernova**: - Market Cap: $162 billion, Forward P/E: 50.6, Expected EPS Growth: 66.2% next year, 10-Year Return: 354% since April 2024 [7][14]. - Revenue in H1 2025 grew 11% YoY to $17.1 billion, driven by a 19% increase in the electrification segment [12]. - Total backlog reached $129 billion, indicating strong demand for its products and services [13]. - **Quanta Services**: - Market Cap: $62.8 billion, Forward P/E: 33.4, Expected EPS Growth: 16.9% over the next five years, 10-Year Return: 1,630% [7][18]. - Revenue in H1 2025 increased 22% YoY to $13.0 billion, with the electric segment's revenue rising 24% to $10.4 billion [16]. - Notable contract win for the Boardman to Hemingway High-Voltage Electric Transmission Project, which will deliver up to 1 gigawatt of power [17].

In the current session, the stock is trading at $412.25, after a 0.77% spike. Over the past month, Quanta Services Inc. (NYSE:PWR) stock increased by 10.61%, and in the past year, by 38.56%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.Quanta Services P/E Compared to CompetitorsThe P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggre ...

Upgrades - Scotiabank upgraded OpenText (OTEX) to Outperform from Sector Perform with a price target of $50, up from $35, citing increased conviction in the company's content management business [2] - Jefferies upgraded Quanta Services (PWR) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $469, up from $398, noting that the stock's current valuation provides an attractive entry point [2] - UBS upgraded General Motors (GM) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $81, up from $56, with 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates 35% and 42% above consensus, respectively [3] - Morgan Stanley upgraded ServiceNow (NOW) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $1,250, up from $1,040, believing the company is well positioned to deliver generative AI capabilities [4] - Wells Fargo upgraded Amazon.com (AMZN) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $280, up from $245, increasing conviction that Amazon Web Services will see revenue acceleration [5] Downgrades - Morgan Stanley downgraded Adobe (ADBE) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $450, down from $520, due to concerns over decelerating Digital Media annual recurring revenue [6] - Barclays downgraded Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $26, down from $39, citing elevated noise and uncertainty from asset reshuffling [6] - Jefferies downgraded Bloom Energy (BE) to Underperform from Hold with a price target of $31, up from $24, due to limited visibility into growth post 2026 [6] - Susquehanna downgraded Knight-Swift (KNX) to Neutral from Positive with a price target of $43, down from $52, cutting estimates across the sector [6] - BofA downgraded Arvinas (ARVN) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $10, down from $16, following the announcement of a partnership search for a metastatic breast cancer drug [6]

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies upgraded Quanta Services from Hold to Buy, raising the price target to $469 from $398, due to strong long-term growth opportunities across various sectors [1][2] Group 1: Market Expansion - The brokerage emphasized the expansion in total addressable markets, including data centers, renewable energy, transmission, and pipelines [2] - Quanta's execution, strong customer relationships, and craft-labor leverage are expected to support sustainable high-teens EPS growth over the next decade [2] Group 2: Financial Projections - Jefferies projected an 18.4% compound annual EPS growth rate from 2026 to 2030, which is above the consensus estimate of 17.9% [2] - Current valuations are considered an attractive entry point following a pullback from summer highs [2]

Group 1 - Quanta Services is showing a buy signal after a significant rally, attributed to the ongoing AI boom, which has led to a 870% increase in its stock price [4] - The stock is currently trading at $403.69 with a 3.64% increase, and it has a composite rating of 96 out of 99, ranking first in its industry group [1] - The stock has formed a flat base pattern, which is considered a positive technical indicator, with an entry point at $424.94 [1] Group 2 - Nvidia, recognized as an AI giant, is approaching a new buy point amidst a stock market rally, indicating strong investor interest in AI-related stocks [2] - The defense, AI, and gold sectors are performing well, with several stocks from these industries appearing on the best stocks lists [4] - Quanta Services is part of a group of 14 new hot stocks that have been added to IBD lists, highlighting its growing prominence in the market [4]

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the investment philosophy of Thomas W. Phelps, particularly his book "100 to 1 in the Stock Market," which advocates for buying exceptional companies early, holding them with discipline, and allowing compounding to generate wealth [1][4][6]. Phelps's Investment Framework - Phelps's framework focuses on identifying companies with durable advantages, such as network effects, proprietary know-how, and advantageous cost structures [8]. - The importance of verifying a large addressable market that allows for long-term compounding without hitting a wall is highlighted [8]. - Present-tense profitability is essential; Phelps preferred companies that generate cash rather than speculative ventures [8]. - The article suggests buying companies when their narratives are still forming, favoring modest valuations over those priced for perfection [8]. - A strategy of doing less is recommended, as holding onto winning investments can lead to tax deferral and reduced errors [8]. Current Investment Candidates - The article lists 25 companies that fit Phelps's criteria, categorized by how they create competitive advantages rather than by index labels [9]. - Companies in the construction and infrastructure sector, such as EMCOR Group and Quanta Services, are noted for their execution capabilities and ability to convert backlog into cash [10][11]. - Precision manufacturers like Celestica and Fabrinet are recognized for their high returns on capital and asset-light models [12]. - In network infrastructure, Arista Networks and Super Micro Computer are highlighted for their strong positions in high-speed switching and AI hardware, respectively [13]. - Companies in the materials sector, such as Martin Marietta Materials, are noted for their pricing power and local monopolies [14]. - Engineering firms like WSP Global are recognized for their expertise and customer relationships in regulated markets [15]. - Consumer brands like e.l.f. Beauty and Academy Sports are mentioned for their market share growth and operational efficiency [16]. - Specialty finance companies like FirstCash and software firms like Agilysys are noted for their cash generation and growth potential [17]. - Internationally, utilities like Sabesp and fintechs like StoneCo are highlighted for their governance and profitability improvements [18]. - UK companies like Spectris and Halma are recognized for their consistent acquisition strategies and operational excellence [19]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the focus should be on finding real engines of growth and sizing investments appropriately to endure market volatility, allowing time to enhance value [22].

Group 1 - Core CPI remains steady, indicating stable inflation levels which could influence Federal Reserve's future rate cut projections [1][2] - Jobless claims have reached their highest level since October 2021, suggesting potential labor market weaknesses [1] - Quanta Services is part of a highly ranked Heavy-Construction industry group, benefiting from AI advancements with a Composite Rating of 97/99 [1] Group 2 - Oracle's stock surged by 36%, driven by strong AI cloud demand, indicating a positive trend in the AI sector [4] - Despite missing earnings expectations, Oracle's stock increased by 25%, reflecting a significant backlog in AI cloud services [4] - Key stock market indexes have reached record highs, with Nvidia and Oracle leading the charge in the AI rally [4]

Company Overview - Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and provides infrastructure solutions for electric and gas utilities, renewable energy, communications, and pipeline and energy industries, with a market cap of $55.6 billion [1] - PWR is recognized as a large-cap stock, indicating its significant size and influence in the engineering and construction industry, with a strong brand presence and diverse geographic reach [2] Financial Performance - PWR's stock has experienced an 8.2% decline from its 52-week high of $424.94, reached on July 25, but has gained 11.9% over the past three months, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 11% gains [3] - Year-to-date, PWR shares have risen 23.5%, and over the past 52 weeks, they have climbed 56.1%, surpassing the Nasdaq's YTD gains of 13.3% and 28.6% over the last year [4] - The stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since early May, indicating a bullish trend [4] Demand and Growth Drivers - The strong performance of PWR is attributed to sustained demand for its services, driven by increasing investments in power grid upgrades and energy infrastructure [5] Recent Earnings Report - In Q2, PWR reported an adjusted EPS of $2.48, exceeding Wall Street expectations of $2.43, with revenue of $6.8 billion, surpassing forecasts of $6.6 billion [6] - The company anticipates full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $10.28 to $10.88 and expects revenue between $27.4 billion and $27.9 billion [6]