We came across a bullish thesis on Willdan Group, Inc. on X.com by @MoneyShow. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on WLDN. Willdan Group, Inc.'s share was trading at $117.10 as of February 25th. WLDN’s trailing and forward P/E were 38.96 and 22.52 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. "People Didn't Like" Paychex (PAYX)'s Quarter everything possible/Shutterstock.com Willdan Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides professional, technical, and consulting services primari ...

At 6:22 a.m. ET on Friday, premarket trading is seeing notable activity in several stocks, with early price movements signaling potential opportunities before the opening bell.For active traders, premarket trading offers a head start in spotting potential breakouts, reversals, or sharp price swings. These early moves often indicate where momentum may carry into the regular session, making premarket analysis a key part of the trading day.In the Green - Premarket GainersThe following stocks are trading highe ...

APi (APG) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.44 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.4 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.34 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +10.00%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $0.39 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.41, delivering a surprise of +5.13%.Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed ...

UL Solutions Inc. (ULS) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.53 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.46 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.49 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +15.22%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $0.47 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.56, delivering a surprise of +19.15%.Over the last four quarters, the compa ...

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure is undergoing a strategic transformation focusing on high-margin, technology-driven sectors, which has led to its inclusion in the latest list of new buys by top mutual funds and the elite IBD 50 list [1] - The stock has experienced a breakout, with its relative strength line reaching a 52-week high, indicating strong demand for Sterling Infrastructure shares [1] Company Performance - Sterling Infrastructure is based in The Woodlands, Texas, and is capitalizing on the data center boom, projecting a growth rate of 79% [1] - The company has earned membership in the 95-plus composite rating club, reflecting its strong performance metrics [1] Market Context - Despite a dip in the stock market, growth stocks, including those in the IBD 50, have outperformed, with the IBD 50 index jumping 2% [1] - The overall market reaction to better-than-expected jobs data has been muted, but specific sectors, particularly those related to technology and data centers, continue to show resilience [1]

Core Insights - Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLDN) is recognized as one of the 12 best HVAC stocks to buy currently [1] - Wedbush has raised its price target for Willdan from $120 to $145, maintaining an Outperform rating, citing growth opportunities driven by government and utility efficiency initiatives [2] - The company completed the acquisition of Compass Municipal Advisors, which is expected to enhance its municipal advisory and public finance services [3] Company Overview - Willdan Group, Inc. provides professional, technical, and consulting services to utilities, government entities, and private-sector customers, organized into two main segments: Energy and Engineering and Consulting [4] Market Trends - The demand for infrastructure and energy improvements is increasing, which aligns with Willdan's strengths and growth potential [2][7]

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].

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 - U.S. stock markets are poised to end 2025 positively, with major indexes showing significant gains: Dow up 13.6%, S&P 500 up 16.5%, and Nasdaq Composite up 20.9%, all within 3% of record highs [1] Stock Performance - Several stocks have demonstrated strong price performance, particularly those on a recent bull run, including Strattec Security Corp. (STRT), Astronics Corp. (ATRO), Willdan Group Inc. (WLDN), Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD), and Northrim BanCorp Inc. (NRIM) [2][6] Screening Criteria - Stocks must show a percentage change in price greater than zero over the last four weeks, and over 10% in the last twelve weeks to indicate sustained momentum [4] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker rating of 1 are preferred, indicating strong future performance expectations [5] - Stocks must be trading at a minimum price of $5 and within 85% of their 52-week high to ensure they are near their peak performance [6] Individual Stock Highlights - Strattec Security Corp. (STRT) has seen a 17.1% increase in stock price over the past four weeks, with a current earnings growth rate expectation of -2.6% for the year ending June 2026 [7][8] - Astronics Corp. (ATRO) has surged 15.4% in the same period, with an expected earnings growth rate of 35% for the next year [9][10] - Willdan Group Inc. (WLDN) has appreciated 14.5% recently, with an expected earnings growth rate of 9.6% for the next year [10][11] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD) has advanced 13.9% in the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth of -0.2% for next year [12][14] - Northrim BanCorp Inc. (NRIM) has rallied 11.7%, with an expected earnings growth of 4% for the next year [14][16]