EMCOR vs. Jacobs: Which Engineering Stock Is a Better Buy Now?

Industry Overview - The U.S. engineering and construction industry is thriving in 2025, driven by significant infrastructure spending, industrial reshoring, and digital transformation across various sectors [1] - Key players in this landscape include EMCOR Group and Jacobs Solutions, both recognized for their financial discipline and respect in the industry [1] EMCOR Group Analysis - EMCOR reported record revenues of $4.3 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 17.4% year-over-year increase, with EPS rising 28% to $6.72 [4] - The company achieved an operating margin of 9.6%, the highest in its history, due to effective project management and cost control [4] - The Electrical and Mechanical Construction segments are performing well, with the electrical segment's revenues boosted by 67.5% following the integration of Miller Electric [5] - EMCOR's Remaining Performance Obligations reached an all-time high of $11.9 billion, indicating strong project visibility and demand in sectors like data centers and healthcare [6] - The company has repurchased $430 million in shares and invested $887 million in acquisitions in 2025, maintaining financial flexibility [7] - Despite strong performance, EMCOR faces challenges in its Industrial Services segment due to project timing and energy market cycles [8] Jacobs Solutions Analysis - Jacobs reported Q3 2025 revenues of $3.03 billion, a 5.1% year-over-year increase, with adjusted EPS rising 24.6% to $1.62 [9] - The Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment led growth, with an operating margin of 12.4%, reflecting efficiency gains [11] - Jacobs' backlog reached a record $22.7 billion, up 14% year-over-year, supported by significant project wins [12] - The company aims to improve cash conversion and maintain a low leverage ratio, focusing on shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends [13] - Jacobs is experiencing near-term softness due to exposure to government contracts and margin pressures from business mix and integration costs [14] Comparative Analysis - EMCOR's EPS growth estimate for 2025 is 17.1%, while Jacobs' is 14.6%, indicating stronger near-term growth for EMCOR [16][20] - EMCOR trades at a forward P/E of 25.82X, while Jacobs trades at 23.41X, reflecting market confidence in both companies but justifying EMCOR's higher multiple due to faster growth [19][20] - Year-to-date, EMCOR shares have increased by 52.1%, outperforming Jacobs' 23.1% rise, highlighting investor confidence in EMCOR's financial results [23] Conclusion - Both EMCOR and Jacobs are well-positioned to benefit from ongoing infrastructure and digital transformation spending [25] - EMCOR is identified as the stronger investment option due to its superior growth outlook and operational excellence, while Jacobs remains a solid long-term holding [26][28]