Key Takeaways Otis Worldwide Corporation's (OTIS) expanding global footprint continues to demonstrate its strong growth trajectory. The company is steadily increasing its market share worldwide, backed by its commitment to innovation and strong service capabilities. The recent contract victory in Singapore further supports this upward trend. Recently, Otis has been chosen by Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) for the new Cross Island Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). The company will play a key ...

Key Takeaways AECOM and Arup selected for the U.K. National Highways' 495M SPaTS3 framework.The consortium will provide technical and advisory services to improve England's 4,500-mile road network.ACM stock is up 17.1% YTD, supported by infrastructure, sustainability and resilience megatrends.AECOM (ACM) has strengthened its U.K. footprint after being awarded a place on National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 (SPaTS3) framework. Partnering with Arup, the firm joins a six-supplier ...

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions Inc. has secured a significant contract with the New York State Department of Transportation to provide comprehensive design services for the lower Hudson Valley region, which includes multiple counties [1][10] - The project aims to modernize highways and bridges, enhancing vital infrastructure for commuters and positively impacting Jacobs' stock performance, with shares gaining 0.5% after hours [2][9] - Jacobs will address critical safety issues across nearly 6,000 miles of state highways and over 1,000 bridges, focusing on traffic management, congestion reduction, and smart transportation technologies [3][5] Project Details - The scope of work includes major upgrades to improve safety and connectivity, reflecting Jacobs' commitment to innovative and future-ready solutions [5][10] - Jacobs is also developing a Cyber and Engineering Academic Center in collaboration with the United States Military Academy at West Point, expected to be completed by the end of 2025 [4] Financial Performance - Jacobs' backlog reached a record high of $22.7 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025, representing a 14.3% increase year-over-year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2x [8] - The company has seen a 14% year-over-year growth in gross profit in backlog, indicating a strong standing for both the near and long term [8] Market Position - Jacobs' stock has outperformed the Zacks Technology Services industry, gaining 17.8% over the past three months compared to the industry's 13.1% growth [9][10] - The company is expected to benefit from ongoing trends in infrastructure modernization, energy transition, and national security, supported by government initiatives [9]

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions Inc. has been appointed as the program manager for a significant pediatric hospital project in Dallas, TX, which is a joint venture between Children's Health and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center [1][10] - The project is expected to enhance Jacobs' healthcare infrastructure portfolio and positively impact its stock performance, with shares gaining 1.3% recently [1][11] Project Overview - The new facility will add operating rooms and increase patient capacity by 38%, featuring Dallas' largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [2] - The construction will cover 4.5 million square feet and include almost 20 acres of green space, with amenities such as a park, walking trails, and an open plaza [3] Importance of Healthcare Infrastructure - Jacobs' role as program manager is vital for creating a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the growing healthcare needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth region [4][5] - The project exemplifies Jacobs' commitment to healthcare and life sciences infrastructure, with similar expertise applied to other significant projects globally, including a $1 billion oncology product facility for Merck in Delaware [6] Financial Performance and Growth - Jacobs' backlog increased by 14% year over year to $22.69 billion, supported by strong project wins, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2x over the trailing 12 months [8][10] - The company's stock has gained 13% year to date, reflecting its resilience amid global market uncertainties and strong trends in infrastructure modernization and energy transition [11]

Shimmick continues to expand its position in electrical and critical water infrastructure with recent project winsIRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shimmick Corporation (“Shimmick” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SHIM), a national leader in complex infrastructure solutions, has been selected as preferred bidder on four new contracts for new and existing clients, totaling approximately $156 million, with electrical work representing $47 million of this total. The projects are expected to be awarde ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry is experiencing growth due to increased government infrastructure spending, which is driving demand for construction-related products and services [1] - Key players in the industry, such as United Rentals, Inc., Masco Corporation, Construction Partners, Inc., Hillman Solutions Corp., and Quanex Building Products Corporation, are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends [1] Current Challenges - The industry faces near-term challenges from high mortgage rates, affordability concerns, and inflation-related cost pressures, including tariffs on raw materials like iron, steel, and copper [2] - Despite these challenges, proactive cost management and pricing strategies are helping to mitigate headwinds [2] Industry Description - The industry comprises manufacturers, designers, and distributors of home improvement and building products, including ceiling systems, doors, windows, flooring, and metal products [3] - Companies also provide solutions for rehabilitating aging infrastructure and rent equipment to a diverse customer base [3] Future Trends - Strong global trends in infrastructure modernization and energy transition are expected to benefit industry players [4] - Improving residential construction markets are anticipated to drive growth, with builders cautiously optimistic for 2025 due to a lack of existing inventory [4] Operational Strategies - Industry participants are implementing cost-saving initiatives, including business consolidation and supply chain improvements, to boost profitability [5] - Strategic investments in new products and acquisitions are being pursued to supplement organic growth [5] Tariff Impact - U.S. tariff policies are increasing costs and disrupting supply chains, leading to heightened inflation [6] - Overall construction input prices were reported to be 1.1% higher in June compared to the previous year [6] Market Performance - The Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Composite and the broader Zacks Construction sector over the past year, losing 8.4% [12] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 16.7X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.61X and the sector's 18.76X [15] Company Highlights - **Construction Partners**: Positioned for strong growth with a record project backlog of $2.84 billion and significant revenue growth from acquisitions [20][21] - **Quanex**: Benefiting from the acquisition of Tyman, contributing to a 67.3% year-over-year increase in consolidated sales [24][25] - **United Rentals**: Growth driven by strong demand in infrastructure projects and a stable customer sentiment, with a reaffirmed full-year guidance [27][28][29] - **Masco**: Facing a potential $400 million tariff headwind but expects to offset 50%-65% through pricing and cost reduction efforts [31][32] - **Hillman**: Aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and maintain sales growth despite macroeconomic challenges [35][36]

Core Insights - Vicon Industries, a subsidiary of Cemtrex Inc., has secured significant orders valued at approximately $0.8 million from correctional facilities in the UK, reinforcing its position in a highly regulated surveillance market [1][3][4] Company Overview - Cemtrex, Inc. operates in the Security and Industrial sectors, with Vicon Industries leading its Security segment by providing advanced video management software, high-performance security cameras, and integrated surveillance solutions [5] Market Position - The recent orders highlight Vicon's ability to meet stringent standards and rigorous procurement processes in the UK correctional market, showcasing its engineering capabilities and commitment to long-term customer partnerships [3][4] - Vicon's technology is recognized for its reliable performance and seamless integration, which are critical in protecting secure facilities [3][4] Product Deployment - The orders include advanced surveillance hardware and software tailored for multiple prisons and an immigration center, featuring outdoor dome and bullet cameras, Valerus enterprise video management licenses, and high-performance recording servers [2] - Deployment of these systems is scheduled to begin this quarter, with full delivery expected before the end of the fiscal year [4] Future Opportunities - The client has indicated potential for future orders related to ongoing infrastructure upgrades, suggesting a positive outlook for Vicon's continued engagement in the UK market [4]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry is facing challenges from a weak real estate market and inflation-driven consumer uncertainty, with high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory suppressing demand [1][6] - Tariff-related cost inflation is expected to compress margins, particularly due to elevated input prices for iron, steel, and copper [1][4] Government Infrastructure Spending - Increased government infrastructure spending is providing support to companies in the industry, despite potential challenges from macroeconomic uncertainties and rising raw material costs [2][7] - The U.S. administration's focus on infrastructure modernization and climate-resilient initiatives is expected to benefit industry players [8] Trends Impacting the Industry - Tariff policies are reshaping the industry by increasing costs and disrupting supply chains, contributing to broader inflationary pressures [4] - The National Association of Home Builders estimates that tariffs have added approximately $10,900 to the cost of constructing a new home [4] - Construction input costs surged at a 9.7% annualized pace in the first quarter of 2025, driven by tariff-related pressures [4] Company Performance and Strategies - Companies like Quanex Building Products Corporation, Frontdoor, Gibraltar Industries, and Aspen Aerogels are leveraging operational excellence, geographic and product diversification, and strategic acquisitions to navigate challenges [2][9] - Quanex reported a 67.3% year-over-year increase in consolidated sales due to the acquisition of Tyman, contributing $175.7 million in revenue [22][23] - Frontdoor has seen a 15% year-over-year increase in its DTC member base, driven by effective digital marketing and brand relaunch strategies [26][27] - Gibraltar is benefiting from government investments and operational improvements, with an upward revision of 2025 earnings estimates indicating 15.8% year-over-year growth [30][31] - Aspen Aerogels achieved 90% revenue growth and $90 million in adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong demand in its PyroThin Thermal Barriers business [34][35] Industry Performance Metrics - The Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 139, placing it in the bottom 43% of over 250 Zacks industries [10][12] - The industry has underperformed the Zacks S&P 500 Composite and the broader Zacks Construction sector, losing 11.1% over the past year compared to the sector's 5.4% decrease [14] - The industry's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is 15.27X, lower than the S&P 500's 20.81X and the sector's 17.33X [17]

Core Viewpoint - Jacobs Solutions Inc. has secured a significant multi-year contract with the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing its role in providing global architecture and engineering services, particularly in environmental restoration and infrastructure resilience [1][3]. Contract Details - The contract is structured as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity, Multiple Award Task Order Contract, with a five-year base period and an option for an additional five years, having an estimated ceiling of $1.5 billion [2][4]. Company Background - Jacobs has over 20 years of experience delivering critical infrastructure and engineering services to the U.S. Air Force, highlighting its commitment to national security and resilience across various critical systems [3]. Service Scope - Under the contract, Jacobs will provide comprehensive environmental services, including planning, investigation, assessment, design, and field inspection for the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies [4]. Growth and Demand - Jacobs has seen increased demand for its consulting services across various sectors, including infrastructure, water, environment, and cybersecurity, supported by a strong backlog of $21.8 billion, which is an 18.9% increase year-over-year [5][6]. Market Performance - Despite a year-to-date stock decline of 12.8%, Jacobs is expected to benefit from trends in infrastructure modernization, energy transition, and national security [8].