Granite Construction Incorporated (GVA) stock’s performance has been impressive in the past year, with a 41.4% rise compared with the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry’s 16.8% growth. Meanwhile, the Zacks Construction sector declined 3.4%, while the overall market, represented by the Zacks S&P 500 composite, has risen 9.3%.This Watsonville, CA-based infrastructure contractor expects strong opportunities across both public and private markets to support its growth in the upcoming period. ...

Core Insights - Advanced Industrial Services (AIS), a subsidiary of Cemtrex Inc., has secured a $1.84 million contract from the City of Lancaster for upgrades at its Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP) [1][2] - The project involves replacing mechanical and electrical systems, rehabilitating clarifier structures, and modernizing control systems for four primary clarifiers, with completion expected within one year during the City's 2025–2026 fiscal year [2] - AIS is expanding its presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, establishing itself as a trusted partner for infrastructure modernization, particularly in wastewater treatment [3] Industry Context - The U.S. faces significant challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, with the EPA estimating $630 billion in necessary upgrades over the next 20 years, a 73% increase since 2012 [4] - Increased federal and state funding is driving municipalities to accelerate investments in infrastructure, positioning experienced contractors like AIS to lead in this renewal effort [4] Company Overview - Cemtrex, Inc. operates in the Security and Industrial sectors, with AIS providing services such as rigging, millwrighting, process piping, and equipment installation to manufacturers nationwide [5]

Core Viewpoint - Dycom Industries, Inc. has shown strong stock performance, significantly outperforming its industry and the broader market over the past three months, with a stock price increase of 38.9% compared to the industry's 11.5% growth [1][5]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Dycom reported adjusted earnings and contract revenues that exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 10.2% driven by strong contributions from AT&T and other customers [2]. - The company's backlog at the end of the fiscal first quarter reached $8.127 billion, up from $7.760 billion at the end of fiscal 2025 and $6.364 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with $4.685 billion projected to be completed in the next 12 months [11]. Growth Drivers - Dycom is experiencing growth in fiber-to-the-home projects and maintenance contracts, benefiting from customers increasing or reconfirming fiber deployment targets [10]. - The company is expanding its work with hyperscalers by connecting fiber networks and data centers, which opens new markets and enhances its digital infrastructure services [12]. - The service and maintenance segment is a steady source of recurring revenues, with significant new contracts secured during the quarter [14]. Market Position and Valuation - Dycom's stock is currently trading at a premium relative to its industry and historical metrics, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio above the five-year average [17]. - The company's P/E ratio is higher than some industry peers, such as MasTec, EMCOR, and Fluor, which trade at 23.28X, 19X, and 15.67X, respectively [19]. Challenges - Ongoing tariffs and trade tensions pose risks for equipment costs and project margins, with expected increases in costs for offshore-sourced equipment components [20]. - Despite these challenges, Dycom's focus on fiber-to-the-home and hyperscaler initiatives supports long-term growth visibility [21].

随着AI技术的飞速发展，数据作为「数据、算法、算力」三大要素之一，正成为推动 AI 进步的关键动力。 2025 年全球数据总量预计将突破 175 ZB，数据类型和内容也在发生巨变，图片、音频、视频等无结构、多 模态、碎片化数据激增，传统数据库系统面临前所未有的挑战。AI 时代的数据基础设施，究竟该如何重 构？ 在人工智能时代，数据如何从 「支撑系统」走向 「智能引擎」？为何数据公司的本质是一家 AI 公司？作 为国内的数据库的领跑者，OceanBase 如何以原生分布式 + 一体化架构应对这一范式跃迁？国产数据库出海 的关键突破口是什么？ 本期的「科技早知道」，我们邀请到 OceanBase CTO 杨传辉，深入探讨 AI 时代的数据革命与机会窗口。 科技早知道 AI 崛起后，底层的数据发生了哪些变化？对数据库行业又带来了什么新的挑战？ 杨传辉 AI 时代对数据的需求其实是对传统需求的延展。过去我们处理的主要是结构化数据，比如将一张图片中的 有价值信息通过人工方式提取出来，打上标签存成表格。但在 AI 时代，除了这些打标后的数据，还有大量 半结构化和无结构化的数据需要处理。这给数据底座带来了三个方面的重大变化 ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Mining - Silver industry is experiencing promising prospects due to rising silver prices and a projected demand of around 1.15 billion ounces, primarily driven by industrial use [1][4] - The industry comprises companies engaged in the exploration, development, and production of silver, with only 20% of silver coming from mining activities where silver is the primary revenue source [3] Demand and Supply Dynamics - Total silver demand is expected to dip slightly by 1% to 1.148 billion ounces in 2025, with industrial use projected at approximately 677.4 million ounces, accounting for about 59% of total demand [4] - The solar energy industry is a significant driver of silver demand, particularly in photovoltaic applications, alongside rising usage in 5G infrastructure and electric vehicles [4] - Global silver supply is projected to rise by 2% in 2025 to 1.031 billion ounces, but this will still result in a deficit of 117.6 million ounces, marking the fifth consecutive year of supply shortfall [5] Price Trends - Silver prices increased by approximately 22% in 2024 and 14.9% year-to-date, supported by economic uncertainties and solid demand amid tight supply expectations [5] - The industry's current valuation based on the forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio is 12.05X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 24.69X, indicating potential for growth [13] Company Performance - Avino Silver Mines produced 678,458 silver equivalent ounces in Q1 2025, an 8% year-over-year increase, and is on track to achieve a production range of 2.5 - 2.8 million silver equivalent ounces in 2025 [17] - Fresnillo produced 107 million silver-equivalent ounces in 2024 and expects a decline in total production for 2025, focusing on profit margins and optimizing its mining operations [23] - Endeavour Silver recently acquired Compañia Minera Kolpa S.A. for $145 million, which is expected to enhance its production profile by approximately 5 million silver equivalent ounces [25] Market Outlook - The Zacks Industry Rank for the Mining-Silver industry is 15, placing it in the top 6% of 245 Zacks industries, indicating bright prospects in the near term [8] - The industry has outperformed the Basic Materials sector but has lagged behind the Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year, with a collective loss of 7.6% compared to the sector's 9.9% decline [10]

Core Insights - Rio Tinto is diversifying into critical minerals like lithium and bauxite to support the energy transition [1][3] - The company operates as a vertically integrated mining entity, enhancing cost management and quality assurance [1] - Iron Ore remains the primary revenue source, with strong demand from steel production in markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia [2] Lithium and Copper Investments - Rio Tinto plans to invest up to $900 million for a 49.99% stake in the Maricunga lithium project, utilizing direct lithium extraction technology [4] - The company completed a $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium in March 2025, bolstering its position in the lithium market [4] - A 50% increase in copper production is anticipated from the Oyu Tolgoi mine in 2025, targeting 110,000–150,000 tonnes [5] Market Trends and Valuation - The global shift towards decarbonization is driving demand for lithium and copper, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure [3] - Rio Tinto's stock is currently valued at $80 per share, indicating a nearly 29% upside potential from its current price of $62 [7] - The stock is trading at 8 times its trailing earnings, below the company's average P/E ratio of 10 over the past five years [7]

Core Insights - Newmark Group, Inc. has arranged a $7.1 billion construction loan for Blue Owl Capital, Inc., Crusoe, and Primary Digital Infrastructure to fund the second phase of a $15 billion joint venture for a 1.2-gigawatt AI data center in Abilene, Texas [1][3] Group 1: Transaction Details - The loan is provided by a consortium led by J.P. Morgan and will support the construction of six new buildings, expanding the data center to a total of eight buildings upon completion [1][3] - The first phase of construction, which includes two buildings and over 200 megawatts, began in June 2024 and is expected to be energized in the first half of 2025 [3] - The second phase, consisting of six additional buildings and a total of 1.2 gigawatts, commenced in March 2025 and is anticipated to be energized by mid-2026 [3] Group 2: Company Roles and Statements - Newmark's Co-President of Global Debt & Structured Finance, Jordan Roeschlaub, emphasized the significance of this transaction in advancing sustainable digital infrastructure [3] - Brent Mayo, Head of Data Center Capital Markets at Newmark, stated that this funding solution is crucial for delivering next-generation digital infrastructure to meet AI innovation demands [3] - Newmark also acted as a strategic advisor for the first phase, securing both equity and debt financing [4] Group 3: Company Profiles - Crusoe focuses on aligning computing with climate goals, providing scalable and environmentally friendly AI infrastructure solutions [5] - Blue Owl, with $273 billion in assets under management, offers private capital solutions across various investment platforms [7] - Primary Digital Infrastructure accelerates the growth of hyperscale and AI-driven data centers, providing flexible capital solutions to data center operators [9]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately $615 million CAD in British Columbia, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province, including many multi-year projects to increase fluidity in the Vancouver corridor and build capacity along CN’s network from Prince Rupert and across Western Canada. These projects will help ensure the safe mo ...

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) are enhancing their technology partnership by upgrading PSE's trading infrastructure to Nasdaq's advanced platform, Nasdaq Eqlipse Trading, which aims to improve liquidity and resilience in the Philippine marketplace [1][5]. Group 1: Technology Partnership - The upgrade to Nasdaq Eqlipse Trading represents a significant investment by Nasdaq to modernize and strengthen its platform capabilities, allowing for enhanced functionality such as pre-trade risk management and advanced options pricing [2][4]. - PSE's decision to renew its partnership with Nasdaq is driven by the need for a reliable trading system that meets current and future requirements, emphasizing the importance of technology in PSE's strategic agenda [3][5]. Group 2: Market Impact - The Nasdaq Eqlipse platform is part of a broader initiative to develop a fully interoperable suite of solutions across trading, clearing, and data intelligence, marking a major milestone in Nasdaq's investment cycle [4]. - Nasdaq's technology is utilized by 97% of globally significant banks and half of the world's top 25 stock exchanges, indicating its critical role in enhancing market infrastructure and operational efficiency [6]. Group 3: Economic Context - The partnership aligns with the rapid economic growth of the Philippines, positioning Nasdaq to support local and global banks in navigating challenges and innovating in a digital and AI-driven environment [6]. - Nasdaq's presence in the Philippines is part of its strategy to drive modernization in the financial services industry, contributing to regulatory compliance and simplifying capital market operations [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Dividends are attractive for investors as they provide passive income and reflect a company's commitment to rewarding shareholders through consistent payout increases [1][13] Company Summaries Apple (AAPL) - Apple reported record Services revenue and record EPS of $1.65 for its March quarter, with total sales growing 5% year-over-year [3] - The company announced a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend payout and a $100 billion share repurchase program, demonstrating strong cash generation capabilities [4] - Apple generated $20.8 billion in free cash flow during the latest period, benefiting from the recent de-escalation of trade tensions in China, which positively impacted its stock price, increasing nearly 20% since the announcement [6][7] Vistra (VST) - Vistra operates a diverse power generation fleet and has seen its shares rise nearly 70% over the past year, driven by demand from AI infrastructure development [8] - The company announced a 3% increase in its quarterly dividend, maintaining a 13% five-year annualized dividend growth rate and a sustainable payout ratio of 12% of earnings [10] - Vistra reaffirmed its current year guidance, providing reassurance to investors amid a challenging earnings cycle [12]