In this article, we will be taking a look at the 13 Best Manufacturing Stocks to Buy Right Now. Amphenol Corporation is one of them. Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) tops our list for being one of the best manufacturing stocks. It is a global leader in electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, serving industries from aerospace and automotive to data centers and telecommunications. The company reported a strong Q2 2025, with sales up 57% to $5.65 billion, including 41% organic growth. GAAP dilute ...

IES Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:IESC) is one of the stocks in focus in Jim Cramer’s latest lightning round. A caller asked for Cramer’s thoughts on the stock during the lightning round, and he commented: “I know that electrical contractor, that again, is going higher because it is data center. Do you see the pattern, everybody?” Photo by Yiorgos Ntrahas on Unsplash IES Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:IESC) provides electrical, mechanical, and technology solutions, including communications infrastructure, residentia ...

Core Viewpoint - Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE:ETN) is recognized as a trending AI stock, with analysts highlighting significant growth potential driven by AI data centers and an anticipated increase in order backlog [1][2]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - BNP Paribas Exane analyst Andrew Buscaglia has reiterated an Outperform rating for Eaton with a price target of $413.00 [1]. - The company has underperformed year-to-date, with a gain of approximately 9% compared to the S&P 500's 12% increase, but analysts expect valuation to reflect order growth potential in the coming quarters [2]. Group 2: Market Opportunities and Growth Projections - Analysts view Oracle's backlog as a leading indicator of demand for Eaton, suggesting a sustained opportunity through 2030 as AI data centers are established [2]. - Eaton's data center revenue is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% through 2030, with a strengthened Bull Case of 35% and a less likely Bear Case of around 11% [2]. Group 3: Valuation Metrics - Eaton currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26x, which is a slight premium compared to peers at 24.5x, with expectations for the multiple to increase as AI workload data center orders accelerate [2].

Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is a large-cap stock with a market capitalization of $48 billion, specializing in maintenance, repair, and operating products and services [1][2] - The company has a diversified product portfolio, strong brand equity, and financial resilience, which contribute to its competitive advantage in the industrial distribution industry [2] - GWW's extensive distribution network and advanced logistics capabilities support timely delivery, while its technological advancements in e-commerce drive growth [2] Financial Performance - GWW's stock has declined 18.2% from its 52-week high of $1,227.66, reached on November 11, 2024, and has underperformed the Dow Jones Industrials Average by declining 7.2% over the past three months [3][4] - Year-to-date, GWW shares have dipped 4.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrials Average has gained 7.7% [4] - In Q2, GWW reported an adjusted EPS of $9.97, which fell short of Wall Street expectations of $10, although its revenue of $4.6 billion exceeded forecasts of $4.5 billion [5] Market Position - GWW has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since mid-June, indicating a bearish trend [4] - Competitor Core & Main, Inc. (CNM) has shown resilience with a 4.4% decline year-to-date and 21.9% gains over the past 52 weeks, surpassing GWW's performance [6]

Group 1 - TimesSquare Capital Management's "U.S. Focus Growth Strategy" reported a gross return of 11.79% and a net return of 11.56% in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index which returned 18.20% [1] - The second quarter saw double-digit returns in equities, with growth indexes outperforming value counterparts, while global risk factors like Beta, Momentum, and Residual Volatility were rewarded [1] - In U.S. small and mid-cap growth indexes, better returns were observed in stocks with high valuations, negative earnings, or low returns on equity [1] Group 2 - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) reported a one-month return of 7.54% and an impressive 87.69% increase in value over the last 52 weeks, closing at $119.09 per share with a market capitalization of $145.399 billion on September 10, 2025 [2] - Amphenol's sales in Q2 2025 increased by 57% in U.S. dollars and 56% in local currencies, reaching $5.650 billion, driven by strong performance across all end markets, particularly data centers [4] - The company experienced a 51% increase in stock price, attributed to higher-than-anticipated revenues and earnings [3]

Financial Performance - SCEE achieved record revenue of $801.5 million in FY25, a 45.2% increase compared to $551.9 million in FY24[11, 13, 80] - Record EBITDA reached $54.8 million, up 36.6% from $40.1 million in the previous year[11, 13, 80] - The company reported record EBIT of $45.9 million, a 40.4% increase from $32.7 million in FY24[11, 13, 80] - Record NPAT was $31.7 million, up 44.5% from $21.9 million in the prior year[11, 13, 80] Order Book and Sector Diversification - The order book stood at $685 million, a 4.9% decrease from $720 million in the previous year[11, 80] - Infrastructure sector contributed 63.8% of total revenue, amounting to $511.6 million, more than doubling from $233.7 million in FY24[11, 13] - Commercial sector revenue was $152.5 million, compared to $171.1 million in FY24[13] - Resources sector revenue was $137.4 million, compared to $147.0 million in FY24[13] Acquisitions and Strategy - SCEE's strategy involves diversifying into adjacent disciplines and servicing infrastructure, commercial, and resources sectors[6, 8] - The acquisition of Force Fire was completed on April 1, 2025, contributing to the final quarter results[11, 36, 80] - The company is exploring multiple further acquisition targets to enhance geographic diversification and capabilities[8, 45, 74, 81] Future Outlook - FY26 EBITDA guidance is projected to be in the range of $65 million to $68 million, representing an 18-24% growth on FY25 EBITDA[29, 81]

Summary of NRW Holdings Conference Call on Acquisition of Freedom Company and Industry - **Company**: NRW Holdings (NWH) - **Acquisition Target**: Freedom, an Australian multi-service electrical, mechanical, HVAC infrastructure technology, and maintenance service provider Core Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: NRW Holdings announced the acquisition of Freedom, which will serve as a strategic fourth pillar called EMIT, enhancing NRW's service offerings and capabilities [2][4] 2. **Freedom's Business Overview**: Freedom operates across four divisions: electrical, mechanical, infrastructure, and technology, employing 2,500 staff and generating $840 million in revenue with normalized EBIT of $38.6 million in FY 2025 [3][4] 3. **Transaction Structure**: NRW will acquire 100% of Freedom for a maximum consideration of up to $200 million, with $122 million payable on completion and an earn-out component based on Freedom's EBIT performance [5][7][9] 4. **Financial Projections**: Freedom is expected to deliver EBIT of approximately $40 million in FY 2026, with 75% of this revenue already secured [17][18] 5. **Strategic Rationale**: The acquisition is seen as transformational, providing NRW with expanded service offerings and access to new markets, particularly in energy transition and digital innovation [11][12] 6. **Workforce Integration**: The acquisition will increase NRW's workforce to approximately 11,500, enhancing its operational capacity [20] 7. **Market Position**: Freedom has a strong reputation, with 70% of its revenue generated from long-term client relationships, indicating reliability and client satisfaction [18] 8. **Pipeline and Growth Opportunities**: NRW has a robust pipeline of $3.5 billion in potential projects, with $1 billion of work already in hand, indicating strong future revenue potential [21][23] 9. **Funding and Financial Strategy**: The acquisition will be funded through available undrawn debt facilities and cash generated by the business, with an initial increase in gearing expected [9][10] 10. **Future Margin Expectations**: NRW targets a 6% EBIT margin for Freedom in the long term, aligning with industry peers [30] Additional Important Content 1. **Sector Diversification**: Freedom's operations span various sectors, including government, healthcare, and infrastructure, providing NRW with diversified revenue streams [14][76] 2. **Due Diligence Process**: A thorough due diligence process was conducted, ensuring confidence in Freedom's ability to meet financial projections [37] 3. **Synergies and Growth Strategy**: The acquisition is not focused on cost synergies but rather on leveraging existing relationships and capabilities to drive revenue growth [28][49] 4. **Client Base Composition**: The client base is predominantly government (66%) versus private (34%), indicating a stable revenue source [77] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding NRW Holdings' acquisition of Freedom, highlighting the strategic importance and expected financial impact of the transaction.

Summary of Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) - **Industry**: Skilled Trades Education - **Market Position**: Leader in skilled trades education with a focus on automotive, healthcare, and skilled trades programs [2][3] Key Points and Arguments Growth and Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Revenue increased by 15% and starts were up 22% in the second quarter [6] - **Profitability**: Profitability is growing due to operational leverage; additional students in classrooms lead to increased margins [4] - **Debt Management**: Company finished the quarter with approximately $13 million in debt and plans to be debt-free by year-end [5] - **Liquidity**: Holds a $60 million credit facility with a $20 million accordion feature for potential acquisitions [5] Operational Strategy - **Blended Learning Model**: Transitioned to a blended learning model called Lincoln 10, incorporating AI to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency [6] - **New Facilities**: Recently opened new campuses in Nashville and Levittown, with plans for a Houston campus [7][8] - **Program Expansion**: New programs in HVAC and electrical trades are being introduced, with a focus on meeting market demand [8][9] Market Dynamics - **Skilled Trades Demand**: There is a significant skills gap in the market, with high demand for skilled tradespeople in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction [30][32] - **Student Demographics**: Average student age is 25, with a mix of working adults and high school graduates [26] - **Job Security**: The company emphasizes that skilled trades jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI, making them a stable career choice [18] Competitive Landscape - **Market Positioning**: Competes with community colleges and other trade schools, emphasizing superior hands-on training and customer service [33][20] - **Marketing Strategy**: Shifted to a digital marketing strategy, with 90% of marketing efforts focused on online platforms [59] Future Outlook - **Growth Projections**: Forecasting 13% growth in starts for the full year, with expectations for continued organic growth and potential acquisitions [42][44] - **Expansion Plans**: Plans to open additional campuses in high-demand areas, particularly in the South and West [24][25] Additional Important Insights - **Regulatory Environment**: The company operates in a highly regulated industry, with a focus on maintaining compliance with federal funding regulations [39] - **Student Financial Aid**: A significant portion of revenue comes from Pell Grants and Title IV loans, with a focus on serving underserved populations [48][49] - **Acquisition Strategy**: The company is open to acquisitions but is disciplined in its approach, focusing on programs that align with its core offerings [17][69] Conclusion - **Overall Position**: Lincoln Educational Services is well-positioned for growth in the skilled trades education sector, with a strong financial foundation, effective operational strategies, and a clear understanding of market demands and competitive dynamics [44][45]

Summary of Energy Services of America Corporation (ESOA) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Energy Services of America Corporation (ESOA) - **Ticker**: ESOA - **Industry**: General contracting and construction, HVAC electrical work - **Primary Region**: Appalachian region - **Revenue**: $352 million in the last fiscal year - **Adjusted EBITDA**: $29 million [5][6] Core Business Segments - **Natural Gas and Petroleum Transmission**: Main focus area - **Water and Natural Gas Distribution**: Significant operations - **Industrial Services**: Involves power, automotive, chemical, and steel manufacturing [3][4] Financial Performance - **Employee Count**: Approximately 1,400 employees [6] - **Backlog**: Increased to $304 million as of June, with $125 million in water services and $100 million in industrial services [7][43] - **Quarterly Dividend**: $0.03 per share [10][48] Growth Strategies - **Geographical Expansion**: Active in expanding reach, particularly in Michigan and other states based on customer demand [8][11] - **Mergers and Acquisitions**: Completed four acquisitions to enhance service offerings and geographical presence [9][12] - **Diversification**: Shifted focus from solely gas transmission to include water distribution and industrial services to mitigate risks [15][16] Customer Relationships - **Key Customers**: American Water, Toyota, Mountaineer Gas, Dow, and TC Energy [12][13] - **Importance of Relationships**: Strong customer relationships are crucial for securing contracts and expanding operations [7][11] Safety and Operational Focus - **Safety as a Core Value**: Emphasis on safety to maintain customer trust and employee well-being [36][37] - **Quality Production**: Aiming for high standards in service delivery to ensure shareholder returns [38] Market Outlook - **Future Opportunities**: Anticipation of growth in water distribution services due to aging infrastructure and increasing demand for clean water [42][43] - **Challenges**: Weather-related disruptions and customer spending delays have impacted profitability [46][47] Capital Allocation and Stock Management - **Active in Acquisitions**: Continues to seek acquisition opportunities to enhance service capabilities [47] - **Stock Repurchase Plan**: Approximately 786,000 shares remaining for repurchase [48] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: Optimistic about future growth despite recent challenges, with a focus on diversifying services and maintaining strong customer relationships [44][45]

Company Overview - Limbach specializes in revitalizing and maintaining mission-critical systems in existing facilities[6] - The company operates in six distinct vertical markets across 17 Metropolitan Statistical Areas[19] - Limbach uniquely combines engineering expertise with skilled craftsmanship to deliver fully integrated solutions[16] Financial Performance & Strategy - From FY 2019 to FY 2024, Gross Margin expanded nearly 1,480 bps to 27.8%, driving Adjusted EBITDA Margin more than 4x from 3.0% to 12.3%[32] - Total Revenue decreased by 6.2% from 2019, but ODR Revenue had a CAGR of 21.3% for the 2019 to 2024 period[35] - The company targets a gross margin of ~35-40% through a transformation to OEM[31] - 2025 Guidance projects total revenue between $650 million and $680 million, with ODR revenue comprising 70% to 80% of the mix and growing by 35% to 50%[65] - 2025 Guidance projects total gross margin between 28% to 29%, and Adjusted EBITDA between $80 million to $86 million[65] Acquisitions - Pioneer Power Inc (PPI) is expected to contribute annualized revenue of approximately $120 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $10 million beginning in 2026[55] - Consolidated Mechanical is expected to contribute annualized revenue of approximately $23 million beginning in 2025, and EBITDA of $4 million per annum[60]