Industry Overview - AI-powered data centers are experiencing significant growth, driven by a bullish demand scenario for managing and storing cloud computing data [1] - Global data center capital expenditure (capex) is projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2030, with McKinsey estimating a requirement of $5.2 trillion to $6.7 trillion in capex to support AI data center development [2] Company Analysis MasTec Inc. (MTZ) - MasTec is positioned as a leading provider of infrastructure services, benefiting from the AI data center boom and the expansion of the energy industry [6][7] - The company operates in four segments: Communications, Power Delivery, Pipeline Infrastructure, and Clean Energy, all of which are growing alongside infrastructure spending trends [8][10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for MasTec are 9.2% and 29.9%, respectively, for the current year [10] EMCOR Group Inc. (EME) - EMCOR is a key player in providing critical infrastructure for AI-powered data centers, focusing on electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems [11] - The company is gaining traction in the data center construction market, which is enhancing its remaining performance obligations (RPOs) and future revenue visibility [12][13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for EMCOR are 5.4% and 8.6%, respectively, for the current year [14] AECOM (ACM) - AECOM benefits from strong demand across various markets, supported by government-funded infrastructure programs and opportunities in the Middle East [15] - The company is investing in AI and technology-enabled engineering solutions, leading to significant project wins in water infrastructure and transportation [16][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for AECOM are 4.8% and 13.5%, respectively, for the current year [18] Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J) - Jacobs Solutions has a record backlog of $26.3 billion and is benefiting from rising demand for digital and advisory services [19] - The company’s performance is supported by long-term public funding and private-sector investments, allowing it to capitalize on multi-cycle growth themes [20][21] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Jacobs are 9.4% and 16.5%, respectively, for the current year [21] Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL) - Sterling Infrastructure specializes in constructing complex data centers and is a major provider of high-density, AI-powered data centers [22][23] - The company operates in E-Infrastructure, Building, and Transportation Solutions, focusing on advanced site development for data centers and e-commerce distribution [22][24] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Sterling are 18.8% and 17.2%, respectively, for the current year [25]

Citi Research Global Technology, Communications, Real Estate, Energy, and Industrials February 23, 2026 Data Center GAINs (Gen AI Names) Multi-Asset Strong Absorption Supports Solid 2026 and LT Data Center Demand | Equities | | | | | ABS | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Michael Rollins, CFAAC +1 212 816-3116 | Heath TerryAC +1 212 723-4624 | Caitlyn Walsh caitlyn.walsh@citi.com | | | | | michael.rollins@citi.com | heath.terry@citi.com | | | | | | Siraj Ahmed AC | AC Scott Gruber | Andrew KaplowitzA ...

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) is set to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on February 26, 2026, after market close [1] Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Willdan achieved record performance with contract revenue increasing by 15% year over year to $182 million and net revenue rising by 26% year over year to $95 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.5% [2] - Gross profit grew by 30% year over year to $67.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA surged by 53% year over year to $23.1 million, achieving a margin of 24% of net revenue [2] - Adjusted EPS increased by 65.8% year over year to $1.21, surpassing the consensus estimate by 49.4% [2][3] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth-quarter EPS remains unchanged at 79 cents, indicating a 5.3% growth from the year-ago reported EPS of 75 cents [4] - The consensus revenue estimate for the fourth quarter is $87.5 million, suggesting a 39.3% year-over-year decline [4] - For 2026, revenues are expected to increase by 4.8% year over year, with EPS projected to grow by 9.6% [5] Market Position and Performance - WLDN has consistently surpassed earnings estimates in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 58.1% [3] - The stock has rallied 19.4% over the past three months, outperforming key peers and the broader Zacks Business - Services industry [19][20] Key Growth Drivers - The strength of Willdan's Energy segment, which constitutes approximately 85% of total revenue, is expected to support Q4 results despite anticipated revenue decline [9] - Recent contract wins in energy and infrastructure, along with the APG acquisition, are anticipated to contribute positively to revenues [10] - Utility programs and government work continue to provide recurring revenue visibility, supporting steady demand [11] Profitability Outlook - Management has guided for full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $77-$78 million and net revenues of $360-$365 million, indicating continued margin discipline [13] - Operating leverage from revenue growth and effective cost control are expected to drive margin expansion [14] - However, integration costs from acquisitions and ongoing investments may temper margin expansion [15] Valuation and Investment Stance - WLDN stock is currently trading at a premium valuation compared to its industry [23] - The near-term outlook appears balanced, with recent share price increases suggesting that much of the optimism is already priced in, leading to a Hold stance for now [24]

Core Insights - AECOM is recognized as one of the 10 Best Consensus Buy-Rated Stocks to Invest in, with analysts increasing price targets following strong fiscal Q1 performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - AECOM reported Q1 revenue of $3.83 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $3.53 billion, and demonstrated growth in net service revenue of 2% on a constant currency basis and 5% when adjusted for fewer working days [3]. - The company’s backlog increased by 9%, supported by a 1.5 book-to-burn ratio and several large project wins, indicating strong future revenue potential [3]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Truist analyst Jamie Cook raised the price target on AECOM to $132 from $126 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing fiscal Q1 EPS that surpassed management expectations [1]. - BofA analyst Michael Feniger also raised his price target to $118 from $117, maintaining a Buy rating, and noted AECOM's positioning to benefit from infrastructure tailwinds and margin expansion [2]. Strategic Initiatives - Management highlighted ongoing investments in Advisory, Program Management, and technology initiatives, including AI, aimed at expanding the addressable market and reinforcing long-term growth targets [3].

Key Takeaways Sterling is expected to have seen support from high-margin infrastructure work and acquisitions in Q4 2025.Q4 EPS implies 82.2% year-over-year growth, while revenues are projected to rise 29.9% to $647.8 million.For 2025, Sterling's EPS is expected to increase 71.3% from the prior year's reported level.Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 25, after the closing bell.In the last reported quarter, Sterling delivered adjusted earnings per ...

Core Viewpoint - ACM Research (ACMR) has experienced significant stock price appreciation, doubling in value within a few months, yet it still appears undervalued based on its growth potential [1]. Group 1: Company Analysis - ACMR was trading in the low $30s in November while demonstrating strong growth metrics [1]. - The analysis focuses on identifying mispriced opportunities in the small and mid-cap sectors, emphasizing the importance of cash flow durability, balance sheet strength, and capital structure risks [1]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The current market sentiment towards ACMR is lagging behind its actual performance, indicating potential for substantial price discovery with modest changes in expectations [1].

Core Insights - AECOM has raised its full year earnings guidance due to a record backlog and is expected to see double-digit earnings growth in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 [1][5][6] Company Performance - AECOM reported fiscal first quarter 2026 earnings of $1.29, missing the Zacks Consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.12, marking the first miss in seven quarters [3] - Despite the earnings miss, the company's backlog increased by 9%, reaching a record level, supported by significant global projects [3][7] Strategic Developments - AECOM has been selected for major projects, including a multi-billion-dollar investment program for Scottish Water and as a Delivery Partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games [4] - The company has decided to retain its Construction Management business after reviewing strategic alternatives, citing a strong backlog and pipeline [9] Financial Guidance - AECOM raised its earnings outlook for fiscal 2026 to a range of $5.85 to $6.05, up from the previous guidance of $5.65 to $5.85, exceeding the Zacks Consensus [5][6] - Analysts have adjusted their earnings estimates upward, with the Zacks Consensus for fiscal 2026 now at $5.98, reflecting a 13.7% growth from last year's earnings of $5.26 [6] Shareholder Returns - The Board of Directors has increased the share repurchase authorization to $1 billion, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [7][13] - AECOM returned over $340 million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends in the fiscal first quarter, with a dividend yield of 1.4% [12]

Core Insights - TomTom has announced a global partnership with AECOM to enhance mobility and infrastructure planning using TomTom's traffic data [1][6] - The collaboration aims to provide AECOM with advanced traffic analytics tools to improve transportation systems for public and private sector clients [2][4] Company Overview - TomTom specializes in mapping and location technology, providing data and technology solutions to various sectors including automotive and business [7][8] - AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure, offering professional services across multiple sectors including transportation, with a reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025 [9] Partnership Details - AECOM will integrate TomTom's products such as Traffic Stats, Live Traffic, and Junction Analytics into its operations to deliver data-driven insights [2][5] - The partnership is expected to enhance safety, optimize infrastructure investments, and improve mobility through better planning and modeling [3][4] Industry Context - The collaboration addresses the challenges posed by urbanization, changing travel patterns, and the need for sustainable development in transportation [3] - TomTom's real-time traffic measures will support effective responses to network disruptions and improve overall traffic management [5]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of accessing comprehensive reports, data, and investment ideas in the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors through The Aerospace Forum, which is highlighted as a leading investment research service on Seeking Alpha [1]. Group 1: Analyst Background - Dhierin-Perkash Bechai is identified as an analyst specializing in aerospace, defense, and airline sectors, with a background in aerospace engineering, which enhances the analysis of this complex industry [2]. - The goal of The Aerospace Forum is to uncover investment opportunities within the aerospace, defense, and airline industries, indicating a focus on growth prospects [2]. Group 2: Analytical Approach - The analysis provided by the forum is data-driven, suggesting that investment ideas are informed by thorough data analysis, which is crucial for understanding industry developments [2].

Core Insights - The German luxury-car maker plans to launch over 40 new models by 2027, indicating a strong commitment to innovation and expansion in its product lineup [1] - The company is currently operating on three shifts to meet the high demand for its vehicles, reflecting robust market interest and sales performance [1]