Fleet Modernization Strategy
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Is Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Quietly Winning the Coastal Spend Boom?
ZACKS· 2025-12-26 15:11
Core Viewpoint - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) is positioned to benefit from increased coastal and port infrastructure spending in the U.S., with a significant dredging backlog indicating strong demand for capital and coastal protection projects [2][10]. Group 1: Market Opportunities - As of September 30, 2025, GLDD's total dredging backlog is $934.5 million, with approximately 84% allocated to capital and coastal protection projects, highlighting the market's strength in these areas [2][10]. - Notable projects include the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1, the Brownsville Ship Channel project, and Woodside Louisiana LNG, with dredging expected to start in early 2026 [3]. - Despite challenges from the current government shutdown, GLDD's operations remain unaffected, with ongoing bidding and payments [3]. Group 2: Company Developments - GLDD is enhancing its revenue visibility through a multi-year fleet modernization strategy, recently adding its sixth hopper dredge, Amelia Island, which optimizes operations for shallow and narrow coastal environments [4]. - The upcoming delivery of the Acadia in early 2026 will expand GLDD's market into offshore energy and subsea infrastructure protection, providing additional long-term growth opportunities [4]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - GLDD faces competition from Orion Group Holdings, Inc. and Limbach Holdings, Inc., but maintains a strong market presence in coastal resilience, port deepening, and LNG-related dredging [6]. - Orion Group offers similar marine construction services but GLDD's newer hopper fleet provides operational advantages in specific coastal restoration projects [7]. - Limbach Holdings operates in a different market segment, resulting in limited direct competition with GLDD [8]. Group 4: Stock Performance and Valuation - GLDD shares have increased by 13.5% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry and the S&P 500 index [9][10]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12.41, indicating a discount compared to industry peers, which may be attractive for investors [12]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 have slightly decreased to $1.09, while estimates for 2026 have increased, reflecting a 29.8% year-over-year growth for 2025 [13][14].