Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to enhance investor confidence and market engagement, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, aiding investors in selecting securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks by analyzing financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential, considering projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score identifies optimal entry points for stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors who utilize multiple investing strategies [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Example: KBR Inc. - KBR, Inc. is a global engineering and construction firm with operations in over 29 countries and customers in more than 80 countries [12] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) by Zacks, KBR has a VGM Score of A and a Growth Style Score of B, indicating potential for growth with a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 15.3% for the current fiscal year [12][13] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates and a Zacks Consensus Estimate increase to $3.85 per share further support KBR's position as a strong candidate for growth investors [13]

Core Insights - Matrix Service Company reported strong revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, driven by increased activity in its Storage & Terminal Solutions and Utility & Power Infrastructure segments, achieving a revenue of $200.2 million, up 21% from $166.0 million in the same quarter of the previous year [5][9] - The company experienced a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5x for the quarter, indicating strong demand in core energy and industrial markets, with total project awards of $301.2 million [7][13] - Despite a reduction in fiscal year revenue guidance by 10% due to macroeconomic uncertainties, the company maintains a robust backlog of $1.4 billion and a project pipeline valued at $7 billion, suggesting continued growth potential [3][4][18] Financial Summary - Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $200.2 million, a 21% increase from $166.0 million in the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved to $12.9 million (6.4%) compared to $5.6 million (3.4%) in the same quarter of fiscal 2024, attributed to better performance in Utility and Power Infrastructure and Process and Industrial Facilities segments [6] - The company reported a net loss of $(3.4) million or $(0.12) per share, an improvement from a net loss of $(14.6) million or $(0.53) per share in the prior year [9] Segment Performance - The Storage and Terminal Solutions segment saw revenue increase by 77% to $96.1 million, driven by higher volumes in specialty vessel and LNG storage projects, although gross margin slightly decreased to 3.9% [10] - The Utility and Power Infrastructure segment's revenue rose 27% to $58.7 million, with gross margin improving significantly to 9.4% due to effective project execution [11] - The Process and Industrial Facilities segment experienced a revenue decline to $45.4 million, primarily due to the completion of a large renewable diesel project, but gross margin improved to 8.3% [12] Backlog and Project Awards - The total backlog increased by 7.7% to $1.4 billion as of March 31, 2025, with project awards totaling $301.2 million for the quarter [7][13] - The book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 1.5x, with significant contributions from the Storage and Terminal Solutions segment, which had a book-to-bill ratio of 2.1x [13][42] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had total liquidity of $247.1 million, consisting of $185.5 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, with no outstanding debt [16] - Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $31.2 million, reflecting strong scheduled payments from customers [14] Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance - The company updated its fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $770 million to $800 million, down from the previous guidance of $850 million to $900 million, due to external uncertainties affecting project timelines [18]

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions reported mixed quarterly results, with adjusted earnings exceeding expectations but revenue falling short of Wall Street predictions [1][3] - The company's shares declined by 6% following the earnings report [1] Financial Performance - Jacobs earned $1.43 per share in its fiscal second quarter, surpassing expectations by $0.05 [3] - Revenue for the quarter was $2.91 billion, approximately $90 million below consensus estimates [3] Business Segments and Demand - The company is experiencing strong demand in life sciences, transportation, and energy programs [4] - Earnings were negatively impacted by a mark-to-market loss on the investment in Amentum, which acquired Jacobs' government business in 2024 [4] - Jacobs plans to exit its retained stake in Amentum on May 30, distributing remaining shares to current investors [4] Capital Management - Jacobs repurchased $351 million worth of shares during the quarter [5] - The company retired over $300 million in debt and refinanced another $700 million at a lower interest rate [5] Future Outlook - Jacobs' backlog of future business reached $22.2 billion at the end of the quarter, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase [6] - The company billed approximately $1.10 for every $1 it invoiced to customers, indicating positive future growth prospects [6] - With a 10% decline in stock price year-to-date, this may present a favorable opportunity for investors [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $4 billion, with consolidated new awards of $5.8 billion, leading to a book to burn ratio of 1.5 [7][8] - Total backlog increased to $28.7 billion, with 79% being reimbursable [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $155 million, compared to $88 million a year ago, and adjusted EPS was $0.73 compared to $0.47 in the previous year [21][22] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban Solutions segment reported a profit of $70 million, with new awards of $5.3 billion, up from $4.9 billion a year ago [8][9] - Energy Solutions segment profit decreased to $47 million from $68 million a year ago, with new awards totaling $315 million [14][15] - Mission Solutions reported a profit of $5 million, down from $22 million a year ago, impacted by a reserve of $28 million related to a long-standing claim [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant new awards in Urban Solutions were driven by life sciences and infrastructure projects [8] - The infrastructure segment secured a $682 million construction contract for highway widening in Texas [13] - The company is tracking opportunities in pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and green steel production [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a "fix and build" strategy to a "grow and execute" strategy for 2025 to 2028, focusing on generating cash and earnings [5][6] - There is an emphasis on maintaining strong client relationships and pursuing bolt-on acquisitions to enhance technical capabilities [6] - The company aims to leverage its financial foundation for capital allocation opportunities, including share repurchases and reinvestment [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are looking for clarity in the market before making final investment decisions, particularly in energy and copper projects [19] - Despite some clients being sensitive to costs, many projects are proceeding as planned, especially in the ATLS and mission solutions areas [19][36] - The company maintains confidence in its backlog and the ability to convert projects into revenue, despite potential delays [60][65] Other Important Information - The company plans to repurchase up to $600 million in shares for 2025, with $150 million expected in Q2 [26] - Cash and marketable securities at the end of Q1 were $2.5 billion, a decrease of over $400 million from year-end [23] - Operating cash flow for Q1 was an outflow of $286 million, compared to an outflow of $111 million a year ago [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client sentiment changes since the last call - Management indicated that while some clients are more price-sensitive, many projects, especially in urban solutions, are moving forward as planned [36][37] Question: EBITDA guidance and revenue growth - Management acknowledged that the strong Q1 EBITDA performance may not be indicative of the full year, but they remain confident in achieving their guidance [44][46] Question: Impact of project delays on second-half performance - Management does not expect significant underutilization despite some project delays, as the quality of the backlog remains strong [58][60] Question: Cash collection potential from joint ventures - Management expects cash collection from joint ventures to be lower than the previous year, with more confidence in Canadian projects compared to those in Mexico [95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $4 billion, with consolidated new awards of $5.8 billion, leading to a book to burn ratio of 1.5 [7][8] - Total backlog increased to $28.7 billion, with 79% being reimbursable [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $155 million, compared to $88 million a year ago, and adjusted EPS was $0.73 compared to $0.47 in the previous year [22][23] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban Solutions reported a profit of $70 million, with new awards of $5.3 billion, up from $4.9 billion a year ago [8][9] - Energy Solutions segment profit decreased to $47 million from $68 million a year ago, with new awards totaling $315 million [15][16] - Mission Solutions reported a profit of $5 million, down from $22 million a year ago, impacted by a $28 million reserve related to a long-standing claim [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant new awards in Urban Solutions were driven by life sciences and infrastructure projects [8] - The company is seeing strong demand in pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor sectors [12][13] - Infrastructure projects include a $682 million construction contract for highway widening in Texas [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a "fix and build" strategy to a "grow and execute" strategy for 2025 to 2028, focusing on generating cash and earnings [5][6] - There is an emphasis on maintaining strong client relationships and pursuing bolt-on acquisitions to enhance technical capabilities [6][7] - The company aims to leverage its financial foundation for capital allocation opportunities, including share repurchases and reinvestment [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are looking for clarity in the market before making final investment decisions, particularly in energy and copper projects [20][36] - Despite some clients being sensitive to costs, many projects are proceeding as planned, especially in the ATLS and mission solutions areas [20][36] - The company maintains a positive outlook for new awards, expecting a book to burn ratio above one and revenue growth of approximately 15% [29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.6 million shares for $142 million in Q1, with plans for up to $600 million in repurchases for 2025 [27] - The effective tax rate for Q1 was approximately 20%, expected to rise to around 30% for the full year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client sentiment changes since the last call - Management indicated that projects in urban solutions are moving forward, while energy and copper projects require more certainty [36][37] Question: EBITDA guidance and revenue growth - Management acknowledged that the first quarter's EBITDA was strong but emphasized the need for continued revenue growth to meet annual guidance [44][46] Question: Impact of project delays on second half performance - Management expressed confidence in the quality of the backlog and the ability to convert projects, despite some delays [55][56] Question: Clarification on Urban Solutions segment benefits - The $84 million benefit recognized was not included in segment profit results and was related to equity income [67][69] Question: Cash collection potential from joint ventures - Management expects cash collection from joint ventures to be lower than the previous year, with a focus on recouping profits from Canada [92]

Core Viewpoint - EMCOR Group, Inc. and MasTec, Inc. are both prominent players in the infrastructure engineering and construction services sector, benefiting from increased demand for large-scale infrastructure projects driven by public and private investments in data centers, renewable energy, and 5G telecommunications [1][2]. Company Performance EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME) - EMCOR reported record results for 2024, with revenue increasing by 15.8% to $14.57 billion and net income rising by 59% to $1.01 billion, resulting in earnings per share (EPS) of $21.52, a 61.7% increase from 2023 [5]. - The company's Remaining Performance Obligations (RPOs) reached an all-time high of $10.1 billion, up 14.2% year over year, indicating strong revenue visibility into 2025 [3][5]. - EMCOR's operating margin for Q4 2024 was 10.3%, an increase of 190 basis points from the previous year, reflecting effective project execution and cost controls [5]. - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, averaging a 29% upside surprise over the last four quarters [6]. - EMCOR's strategic acquisition of Miller Electric for $865 million is expected to enhance its presence in high-growth sectors and contribute approximately $805 million in annual revenues [7]. - As of early 2025, EMCOR held a cash position of $1.34 billion and increased its share repurchase authorization by $500 million, demonstrating financial strength and flexibility [8]. MasTec, Inc. (MTZ) - MasTec experienced a turnaround in 2024, reporting revenues of $12.3 billion, a modest increase from $12.0 billion in 2023, and a net income of $199 million [9]. - The adjusted EPS for MasTec in 2024 was approximately $3.95, more than double the previous year's result, indicating a strong recovery in profitability [9]. - MasTec's adjusted EBITDA margins improved to 8% by Q4 2024, up 110 basis points from the previous year, supported by operational improvements and successful integration of acquisitions [11]. - The company ended 2024 with a record 18-month backlog of $14.3 billion, reflecting a 15% increase year over year, which provides strong revenue visibility and growth potential for 2025 [11]. - MasTec has also consistently exceeded earnings estimates, with an average EPS surprise of 31.6% over the last four quarters [12]. Market Performance - EMCOR shares increased by approximately 110% in 2024 but have since declined by 15.3% year to date due to broader market volatility and concerns over margin sustainability [14]. - MasTec's stock gained around 80% in 2024 but has also pulled back by about 13% year to date, influenced by macroeconomic concerns and the company's investment phase [15]. - Both companies have outperformed the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry in the current year [15]. Valuation and Growth Estimates - EMCOR's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is about 16X, in line with the industry average, while MasTec's is closer to 20X, suggesting that EMCOR may offer better value [21]. - EMCOR's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 36.4%, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.5% and MasTec's 11.2% [25]. - Analysts have become increasingly optimistic about both companies' earnings potential, with upward revisions in EPS estimates for 2025 [18]. Conclusion - EMCOR is positioned as a more attractive short-term investment due to its balanced fundamental profile, superior execution, and strong returns, while MasTec, despite its high growth potential, carries a higher risk/reward profile due to elevated stock valuation [26][27].

Group 1 - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, access to the Zacks 1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens to enhance investment confidence [1][2] - The Zacks Style Scores are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [2][3] Group 2 - Stocks are rated with an alphabetic system from A to F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities, with A being the highest score indicating a better chance of outperforming [3] - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3][4] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial strength and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by analyzing short-term price changes and earnings estimate revisions [5] Group 3 - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with the best value, growth forecast, and momentum, serving as a strong indicator alongside the Zacks Rank [6] - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to help investors build successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] Group 4 - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, while stocks with a 3 rank should also have high Style Scores for better upside potential [9][10] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial when selecting stocks, as a stock with a low rank may still have high Style Scores but a declining earnings outlook [10] Group 5 - KBR, Inc. is a global engineering, construction, and services firm with operations in over 29 countries and customers in more than 80 countries [11] - KBR holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank and has a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position [11] - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 13.09, making it attractive for value investors [12] - KBR's earnings estimate for fiscal 2025 has been revised upwards by two analysts, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.01 to $3.84 per share, and it has an average earnings surprise of 6.5% [12]

Group 1 - Zacks Premium offers various tools to help investors make informed decisions, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] - The Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, providing complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank [3][4] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating a higher likelihood of outperforming the market [4] Group 2 - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [4] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial health and future outlook, assessing projected earnings and sales [5] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, using factors like price changes and earnings estimate shifts [6] Group 3 - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores, helping investors find stocks with the best value, growth, and momentum [7] - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios [8][10] - Stocks with a 1 (Strong Buy) rank have historically outperformed the S&P 500, achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988 [9] Group 4 - KBR, Inc. is a global engineering and construction firm with operations in over 29 countries and customers in more than 80 countries [12] - KBR holds a 3 (Hold) Zacks Rank and has a VGM Score of B, indicating potential for growth [12] - The company is forecasted to achieve 15% year-over-year earnings growth, with upward revisions in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 [13]