Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) is experiencing significant margin expansion, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 52.4% year over year to $59.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin rising 360 basis points to 21.6% during the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [1][9] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's gross profit increased by 30.6% year over year, with gross margin expanding by 290 basis points, supported by improved project delivery efficiencies and scale benefits [3] - Willdan's adjusted EBITDA margin expansion is attributed to disciplined execution and a favorable product mix, particularly in its Energy segment, which constitutes approximately 85% of revenues [2][9] Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Willdan's strategic acquisitions, such as APG, are enhancing its margin profile by increasing its presence in power engineering and data center infrastructure, which are areas with strong long-term demand [4] - The company operates in a competitive landscape, facing significant competition from firms like AECOM and Tetra Tech, but its focused expertise in energy-centric and utility programs allows it to target niche markets effectively [5][7] Group 3: Stock Performance and Valuation - WLDN's stock has surged by 68.6% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Business - Services industry and the broader S&P 500 Index [8] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.61, indicating a premium compared to industry peers [11] Group 4: Earnings Estimates - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 imply year-over-year growth of 70% and 9.6%, respectively, with current estimates remaining unchanged over the past 60 days [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough personal research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of any affiliated organization [4].

Core Insights - The presentation outlines the top 10 stock picks for 2026, emphasizing strong performance in previous years and the potential for continued growth in the current market environment [10][99]. Market Overview - The financial markets experienced significant volatility in 2025, with technology stocks rising by 25% and communication services by 22%, while consumer staples finished in the red [13][12]. - The S&P 500 saw a decline of nearly 20% at one point, with the top stocks for 2025 down more than 20% before rebounding to finish up close to 45% [14][23]. - Gold reached historic highs during this period, driven by global economic uncertainties and increased central bank purchases [15]. AI and Technology Sector - The AI sector played a crucial role in market dynamics, with the "Mag 7" stocks trading at a forward P/E of 31x compared to the S&P 493 at 22x, indicating a significant premium for AI-driven companies [16][17]. - Hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have increased their capital expenditures on AI infrastructure, raising concerns about the return on investment for these projects [18]. Stock Performance and Recommendations - Micron Technology (MU) is highlighted as a top pick with a market cap of $355 billion, showing a 254% increase over the past year and strong growth metrics [40][41]. - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has a market cap of $363 billion and a one-year return of 70%, with improved valuation metrics [52][53]. - Ciena Corporation (CIEN) has a market cap of $34 billion and a one-year return of 166%, with strong analyst revisions indicating positive sentiment [58][59]. - Celestica (CLS) and Coherent (COHR) are also noted for their strong growth and profitability metrics, with significant year-over-year returns [65][69]. Financial Sector Insights - Allstate Corporation (ALL) has a market cap of $53 billion and is focusing on AI underwriting, showing strong EPS growth of 99% year-over-year compared to the financial sector's 14% [72][76]. - Incyte Corporation (INCY) is recognized for its positive earnings and diverse pipeline in biotechnology, with a market cap of $19 billion [81][84]. Mining and Industrial Sector - Barrick Mining Corporation (B) has a market cap of $16 billion and is diversifying into copper, with a forward EPS growth rate of 46% [86][90]. - Willdan Group (WLDN) has a market cap of $1.57 billion and shows strong growth metrics, with a 61% EPS diluted growth rate [91][94]. - ATI has a market cap of $16 billion and is noted for its profitability improvements and strong analyst revisions [95][98].

Core Insights - The presentation outlines the top 10 stock picks for 2026, emphasizing strong performance in previous years and the potential for continued growth in the current market environment [10][99]. Market Overview - The financial markets experienced significant volatility in 2025, with technology stocks rising by 25% and communication services by 22%, while consumer staples finished in the red [13][12]. - A notable correction occurred from February to April 2025, where top stocks were down more than 20% at one point but rebounded to finish up close to 45% for the year [14][23]. - Gold reached historic highs during this period, indicating a safe haven for investors amid market corrections [15]. AI and Technology Sector - The AI frenzy significantly influenced market dynamics, with the "Mag 7" stocks trading at a forward P/E of 31x compared to the S&P 493 at 22x, indicating a premium for AI-driven companies [16][17]. - Hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have increased their capital expenditures on AI infrastructure, raising concerns about the return on investment [18]. - The market saw a sharp decline in late January 2025 due to fears of overvaluation in AI stocks, leading to significant drops in major indices [22][29]. Stock Performance - The top 10 stocks for 2025 achieved a 45.68% return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which was up 17.6% [37]. - Historical performance shows that holding the top stocks from 2023 to 2025 would have yielded a 187% return compared to the S&P 500's 85% [39]. Top Stock Picks for 2026 - **Micron Technology (MU)**: Market cap of $355 billion, ranked 1 in the IT sector, with a one-year return of 254% and strong growth metrics [40][41]. - **Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)**: Market cap of $363 billion, ranked 17 in IT, with a one-year return of 70% and improving valuation metrics [52][53]. - **Ciena Corporation (CIEN)**: Market cap of $34 billion, ranked 3 in IT, with a one-year return of 166% and strong analyst revisions [58][59]. - **Celestica (CLS)**: Market cap of $34 billion, ranked 5 in IT, with a one-year return of 191% and strong growth indicators [65][66]. - **Coherent (COHR)**: Market cap of $33 billion, ranked 8 in IT, with strong growth metrics and a history of consistent earnings beats [69][70]. - **Allstate Corporation (ALL)**: Market cap of $53 billion, ranked 15 in financials, with strong EPS growth and undervalued compared to the sector [72][75]. - **Incyte Corporation (INCY)**: Market cap of $19 billion, ranked 19 in healthcare, with a one-year return of 42% and strong growth potential [81][84]. - **Barrick Mining Corporation (B)**: Market cap of $X billion, ranked 4 in materials, with a one-year return of 186% and strong cash flow [86][90]. - **Willdan Group (WLDN)**: Market cap of $1.57 billion, ranked 5 in industrials, with a one-year return of 190% and strong growth metrics [91][94]. - **ATI (ATI)**: Market cap of $16 billion, ranked 4 in industrials, with a one-year return of 114% and improving profitability [95][98]. Growth Metrics - The average forward revenue growth rate for the top 10 stocks is 20%, with an average EPS growth rate of 73%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 6% revenue growth and 10% EPS growth [100].

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) shares have increased by 27.7% over the past three months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Business - Services industry's decline of 2.1% and the S&P 500's rise of 6.2% [1][4] Company Performance - The company is experiencing strong momentum due to rising demand for energy transition and infrastructure modernization, particularly driven by increased electricity load from data centers and electrification [2][6] - Willdan's Energy segment, which constitutes the majority of its revenues, is supported by utilities, commercial customers, and government clients facing rising load requirements and grid constraints [6][8] - Contract revenues for the first nine months of 2025 increased by 20% year over year to $508 million, while net revenues rose by 27% to $275 million, indicating strong execution across energy efficiency and consulting programs [7][8] Competitive Position - Willdan's stock has outperformed competitors such as APi Group, ABM Industries, and Bowman Consulting Group, with APi Group gaining 22.8% while the others saw declines [5] - The acquisition of Alternative Power Generation, Inc. (APG) has enhanced Willdan's capabilities in high-voltage power engineering and data center infrastructure, positioning the company to meet complex power requirements [9][10] Growth Drivers - The company has a solid pipeline of opportunities and a proven ability to convert large programs into awarded contracts, with recent wins in energy efficiency upgrades and infrastructure projects across multiple states [11][12] - Management expects sustained demand and visibility into 2026 and beyond, as utilities increasingly view energy efficiency as a power resource [8][12] Financial Outlook - Willdan's earnings estimate for 2026 remains unchanged at $4.53 per share, reflecting an expected earnings growth of 9.6% year over year on projected revenue growth of 4.8% [13] - The company is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 26.87X, which is a premium compared to peers like APi Group, ABM Industries, and Bowman Consulting Group [15][17] Strategic Positioning - The integration of APG is showing favorable early trends, with expectations of over 50% growth in 2026 and improved cross-selling effectiveness [10] - Willdan's approach to developing large awards over extended periods enhances forecasting accuracy and operational readiness, reducing execution risk [12]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. operates at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and public-sector services, focusing on helping utilities, governments, and commercial clients manage rising power needs and complex infrastructure requirements [2] Business Performance - The company has shown broad-based progress across its operating segments, with utility programs being a key contributor supported by stable multi-year contracts and growing program sizes [3] - In the first nine months of 2025, contract revenues increased by 20% year over year to $508 million, while net revenues rose by 27% to $275 million, indicating steady execution across service lines [4] Market Trends - Electric load growth is expected to rise over the next decade, driven by data centers and electrification trends, with Willdan supporting clients across the full project lifecycle [5] - The company reports a solid pipeline of opportunities actively converting into contracts, providing visibility into 2026, with utility programs and planning work aligned to long-term energy demand trends [6] Price Performance - Willdan's shares have gained 22% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Business - Services industry's 1% decline [7] - The company's utility programs and planning work are driving broad-based momentum, with a 20% growth in contract revenue and a 27% increase in net revenues in the first nine months of 2025 [9] Valuation Metrics - Willdan trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 25.26X, higher than the industry's 18.66X [11] - Competitors such as APi Group, ABM Industries, and Bowman Consulting Group have forward P/E ratios of 24.83X, 10.47X, and 20.6X, respectively [13] Earnings Outlook - Willdan's earnings estimate for 2026 remains unchanged at $4.53 per share, indicating a projected year-over-year growth of 9.6% [14]

Core Insights - The event is Seeking Alpha's fourth annual top stocks event, featuring insights from Steven Cress, VP of Quantitative Strategy, on stock picks for 2026 and a recap of 2025's market performance [2][10]. Market Overview - The financial markets in 2025 experienced significant volatility, with technology stocks rising by 25% and communication services by 22%, while consumer staples finished in the red [11]. - A major correction occurred from February to April 2025, with top stocks initially down over 20% before rebounding to close the year up nearly 45% [12][20]. - Gold reached historic highs during this period, driven by global economic uncertainties and central bank purchases [13]. - The AI sector saw substantial investment, with the "Mag 7" stocks trading at a forward P/E of 31x, compared to 22x for the rest of the S&P 500 [14][15]. Economic Factors - The year was marked by trade tensions and tariff disputes, leading to significant market sell-offs, particularly in the semiconductor sector [21][22]. - Despite these challenges, corporate earnings remained strong, providing fundamental support to the market [20]. - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts in late 2025 were influenced by weakening labor data and economic conditions, which helped stabilize the market [28][29]. Quantitative Strategy - The Quant system employs a GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) strategy, focusing on five core factors: value, growth, profitability, EPS revisions, and momentum [33][34]. - The system processes data daily, allowing for timely stock recommendations based on comprehensive financial metrics [36][37]. - Over the past five years, the Quant system's Strong Buy recommendations have outperformed both Wall Street analysts and the S&P 500, with a return of 221% compared to 25% and 65%, respectively [39]. Top Stock Performance - In 2025, seven out of ten top stocks generated positive returns, with standout performers including Celestica (up 198%) and Credo (up 88%) [41]. - The overall performance of the top stocks was a 45% increase from January to the end of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 17.6% increase [42]. - Historical performance indicates that holding top stocks during market pullbacks can yield substantial returns, with an average increase of 117% over two years following a 15% market pullback [27]. 2026 Top Stock Picks - Micron Technology (MU) is highlighted as a top pick, with a market cap of $355 billion and a strong growth outlook, having increased by 254% over the past year [48][50]. - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is another key stock, with a market cap of $363 billion and a projected EPS growth rate of 45% over the next three to five years [57][60]. - Ciena Corporation (CIEN) ranks highly in the IT sector, with a one-year return of 166% and strong growth metrics [61][65].

Investment Strategy Overview - The investment approach emphasizes Richard Driehaus' "buy high and sell higher" theory, which aims to capture stocks with strong momentum for further upside potential [1] - Stocks like Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) and Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) have shown significant upward trends, with share prices increasing by 203.8% and 172.2% respectively last year [2] Driehaus Strategy Details - Driehaus prefers investing in stocks that are increasing in price rather than those in decline, focusing on momentum indicators such as the 50-day moving average [3] - The strategy incorporates a positive relative strength indicator, suggesting that stocks trading above their 50-day moving average are in an uptrend [4] Screening Parameters - The strategy utilizes specific screening parameters, including a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Score of A or B, to identify stocks with the best upside potential [6] - Key metrics include last 5-year average EPS growth rates above 2%, trailing 12-month EPS growth greater than 0, and a positive percentage change in the 50-day moving average [8] Company Insights - **Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC)**: Engaged in gold exploration and development across multiple countries, expected to benefit from rising gold prices and strong cash flows, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 17.4% on average [10] - **Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN)**: Provides professional and consulting services, leveraging AI-focused infrastructure acquisitions to enhance profits, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 58.1% on average [11]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Compass Municipal Advisors, enhancing its municipal financial consulting platform and geographic reach in the Southeastern United States [1][2] Company Developments - The acquisition of Compass Municipal Advisors is part of Willdan's strategy to combine specialized municipal advisory capabilities with broader financial and technical expertise, allowing for comprehensive, data-driven solutions for government clients [2] - Willdan has actively pursued inorganic growth, focusing on targeted acquisitions to expand capabilities and broaden its addressable market in high-growth infrastructure sectors [4] Recent Acquisitions - In 2025, Willdan completed two significant acquisitions: Alpha Inspections on March 3, which expanded its building and safety services in Florida, and APG on January 31, which enhanced its electrical engineering and construction management capabilities [5] - These acquisitions collectively contributed $25.3 million in revenues during the first nine months of 2025, reinforcing Willdan's efforts to build a diversified revenue base aligned with long-term industry trends [6] Share Price Performance - Willdan's shares have increased by 45.6% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Business Services industry's decline of 26.3% [7][8] Market Position - Supported by low leverage and an experienced management team, Willdan is well-positioned in dynamic and growing markets, with an active pipeline of strategic acquisitions anticipated in the near future [10]

Core Viewpoint - Willdan Group, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Compass Municipal Advisors, LLC, which is expected to enhance its municipal advisory services and expand its geographic reach [1] Company Summary - Willdan Group, Inc. is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol WLDN [1] - The acquisition was made through its subsidiary, Willdan Financial Services [1] - Compass Municipal Advisors, LLC is an independent municipal advisory firm based in the Southeastern U.S. [1] Transaction Details - The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed [1] - The acquisition is anticipated to strengthen Willdan's municipal advisory capabilities [1]