Core Points - Willdan Group, Inc. will release its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 6, 2025, after market close [1] - An investor conference call will be held at 5:30 p.m. EST / 2:30 p.m. PST following the results release [1] - A real-time audio webcast of the quarterly investor conference call will be available on Willdan's website [1]

Core Insights - The Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) has an annualized total return of 3.56% since its inception, outperforming the benchmark Russell 2000 Index, which has a return of -0.04% [1] - The ETF was converted from a mutual fund on September 12, 2023, and has been trading for 17 days as an ETF [1] - The ETF's portfolio consists of 427 small-cap stocks selected through a proprietary automated process, with market caps ranging from $54.5 million to $15.9 billion [6] Investment Opportunities - The ETF's valuation metrics show an average price-to-cash flow ratio of 9.93x, significantly lower than the Russell 2000's 15.07x, and a free cash flow yield of 6.57%, compared to the index's 1.98% [7] - Notable holdings in the ETF include Mueller Industries (MLI), which has nearly doubled its market cap from $5.5 billion to $10.9 billion in 22 months, and is trading at 14.6 times its 2025 earnings per share estimate of $6.75 [9] - Perimeter Solutions (PRM), the ETF's seventh-largest holding, has seen a 73% increase in its stock price in 2025, with sales growth of 26% to $234.7 million in the first half of 2025 [10][11] - Willdan Group (WLDN) has a market cap of $1.4 billion and reported a 27.5% increase in net revenues to $180.3 million in the first half of 2025, with a full-year revenue guidance of $345 million [17][19] Market Context - The ETF's recent performance is set against a backdrop where U.S. stocks experienced a decline for the first time in eight trading sessions, while gold prices reached a record high of over $4,000 [5] - The small-cap sector is gaining attention as large-cap stocks have become expensive, prompting a shift in focus towards smaller companies [4]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. has been selected by National Grid to provide energy efficiency services to small businesses in Massachusetts, marking its entry into this market and expanding its presence in the Northeast [1][2]. Company Overview - Willdan is a nationwide provider of professional, technical, and consulting services, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and municipal financial consulting [4]. - The company has a history of working with National Grid in New York for over 15 years, which has contributed to its expertise in delivering energy savings [2]. Industry Context - National Grid serves over 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts, focusing on creating a cleaner energy future and reducing greenhouse gas emissions [3]. - The new program aims to provide significant energy efficiency solutions for small businesses, enhancing their safety and comfort while lowering energy costs [2].

Core Insights - Investors have shown significant interest in Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLDN), with its shares increasing nearly 143% over the past year despite a pullback that began in August [1] Company Summary - Willdan Group, Inc. has experienced a substantial rise in its stock price, indicating strong investor confidence and interest in the company [1]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) is recognized for its technical, engineering, and consulting services, focusing on energy efficiency, infrastructure projects, and municipal support [1] - The company reported a strong performance in Q1, achieving 12% organic revenue growth, driven by new wins, steady funding, and three strategic acquisitions [1] - The demand for electricity, particularly from data centers and electrification, is expected to fuel investment in reliable power and resilient grid infrastructure, supporting solid financial results in the coming years [1] Company Overview - Willdan Group, Inc. provides a range of services including audits, program design, construction management, disaster recovery, and compliance services for various clients [1] - The company serves utilities, private industry, and public agencies, positioning itself as a key player in the consulting and technical services sector [1] Market Position - While Willdan Group shows potential as an investment, there are other AI stocks that may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [1] - The company is noted for its involvement in trends such as onshoring and the impact of tariffs from the Trump era, which could influence its market dynamics [1]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. has been awarded a $15 million contract with the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to provide energy efficiency services [1] - The contract spans two years and includes multiple programs aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for commercial clients [1] Summary by Categories Contract Details - The contract is valued at $15 million and is focused on delivering energy efficiency services [1] - It is a two-year agreement with SoCalREN [1] Programs Included - The contract encompasses the implementation of the Small Commercial Direct Install Program [1] - It also includes the Food Desert Energy Efficiency Equity Program [1] - Additionally, the Small Medium Business Energy Advisor Program is part of the contract [1]

Core Insights - Investors are focusing on cash-rich stocks with strong returns as attractive opportunities amid economic uncertainties, rather than solely on Federal Reserve policy shifts [1][9] Group 1: Importance of Cash Flow - Cash is essential for business vitality, providing the flexibility to make investment decisions and shielding companies from market turmoil [2] - Positive cash flow indicates an increase in liquid assets, enabling companies to meet obligations, reinvest, and return wealth to shareholders, while negative cash flow suggests declining liquidity [5] - Companies must not only have positive cash flow but also increasing cash flow to ensure future growth and reduce dependency on external financing [6] Group 2: Screening for Investment Opportunities - A screening process was established to identify stocks with increasing cash flow, focusing on those whose latest cash flow is at least equal to the 5-year average [7] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) have a history of outperformance, and brokers' positive ratings further support investment decisions [8] Group 3: Qualified Stocks - Materion Corporation (MTRN) specializes in high-performance engineered materials, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 8.2% [10][11] - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) provides consulting services to enhance cost and energy efficiencies, with a current-year earnings estimate up by 27.7% [11][12] - Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (BBW) is a leading retailer of stuffed animals, with a fiscal 2026 earnings estimate revised upward by 3.9% [12][13] - NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc. (NCSM) focuses on engineered products for oil and gas operators, with a current-year earnings estimate improving by 62% [14]

Core Insights - The U.S. equity markets reached record highs driven by strong performances from blue-chip tech stocks, indicating the persistence of the AI boom [1] - Despite weak job growth in August, with only 22,000 jobs added, investors remained optimistic and focused on upcoming economic indicators [2] - Momentum investing strategies are highlighted as a way to capitalize on current trends, particularly in the context of recent market conditions [3][4] Market Performance - The U.S. economy added 911,000 fewer jobs than previously estimated in the first three months of 2025, yet this did not deter market enthusiasm [1] - The market rally reflects investor confidence, looking ahead to the producer price index and consumer price index reports for further insights on Federal Reserve rate cuts [2] Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investing is characterized by "buying high and selling higher," leveraging the tendency of stocks to continue in the same direction once a trend is established [3] - A screening strategy is proposed to identify stocks with strong momentum, focusing on those with significant price changes over the past year and short-term pullbacks [4][5] Screening Parameters - The screening process includes selecting the top 50 stocks based on a 52-week price change, followed by identifying the 10 worst performers over the past week [5][6] - Stocks must have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Style Score of B or better to ensure high potential for success [7][8] Selected Stocks - Willdan Group, Inc. has seen a 152.8% increase over the past year but experienced an 11.1% decline in the past week, holding a Momentum Score of B [10][11] - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. has risen 103.9% in the past year with a recent 2.6% drop, also holding a Momentum Score of B [12][13] - Acadian Asset Management Inc. has surged 99.2% over the past year but declined 7.8% recently, boasting a Momentum Score of A [13][14]

Core Insights - Investors should consider adding stocks with strong liquidity to their portfolios, as these stocks are associated with business growth and potential maximum returns [1][2] - Four top-ranked stocks identified for potential investment are Remitly Global, Inc. (RELY), Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR), Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY), and Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) [1][9] Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: Measures current assets against current liabilities; a ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is ideal [4] - Quick Ratio: Indicates ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [5] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [6] Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets; companies with a ratio higher than their industry average are considered efficient [7][8] - Growth Score: A proprietary metric added to ensure that liquid and efficient stocks also have solid growth potential [8] Company Highlights - **Remitly Global, Inc. (RELY)**: Specializes in digital financial and remittance services, with revenues of $411.9 million for Q2 2025, up 34% year over year; active customers grew 24% to over 8.5 million [12][10] - **Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR)**: Parent company of home service plan brands, reported revenues of $617 million for Q2 2025, up 14% year over year; DTC member count increased by 9% [15][14] - **Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY)**: Focuses on AI infrastructure for finance, with total revenues of $326 million for Q2 2025, a 30% increase year over year; annualized run-rate for POS and Auto segments reached $1.2 billion and $2 billion, respectively [17][18] - **Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN)**: Provides consulting services to government and private sectors, with net revenues expected between $340 million and $350 million for 2025; contract revenues jumped 23% year over year [20][21]

Group 1 - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) was identified as a 'buy' candidate in September 2023 due to its attractive growth prospects and strong performance [1] - The focus of Crude Value Insights is on cash flow generation within the oil and natural gas sector, highlighting companies with real potential for value and growth [1] Group 2 - Subscribers to the service benefit from a 50+ stock model account, detailed cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms, and live discussions about the sector [2] - A two-week free trial is available for new subscribers, promoting engagement with the oil and gas market [3]