Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) is included among the 12 Best HVAC Stocks to Buy Now. Wedbush Sees Expanding Infrastructure and Energy Demand Driving Willdan Group’s (WLDN) Upside On January 15, Wedbush raised its price recommendation on Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) to $145 from $120. It maintained an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm pointed to a steady flow of growth opportunities as state and local governments, utilities, and commercial customers push to improve efficiency through new en ...

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions, Inc. is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on February 3, with expectations of continued growth in earnings and revenues [1][4] Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Jacobs' adjusted earnings and revenues exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.8% and 0.6%, respectively, with year-over-year increases of 27.7% in earnings and 6.6% in revenues [1][2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the upcoming quarter's earnings per share is $1.52, reflecting a 14.3% year-over-year increase from $1.33, while revenues are estimated at $3.18 billion, an 8.5% increase from $2.93 billion in the prior year [3] Growth Drivers - Jacobs' fiscal first-quarter performance is expected to show steady year-over-year growth, driven by strong demand in sectors such as water, life sciences, data centers, transportation, and energy-related infrastructure [4][9] - The Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment, which accounted for 89.5% of total revenues in fiscal 2025, is anticipated to benefit from ongoing strength in Water & Environmental, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Critical Infrastructure [6][10] - The PA Consulting segment, making up 10.5% of total revenues, is expected to contribute steadily, supported by public-sector and private-sector advisory work [9] Market Conditions - The company anticipates net revenue growth of 5.5% to 7.5% and a low to mid-15% margin, indicating typical seasonal patterns for the fiscal first quarter [5] - Demand for Critical Infrastructure is expected to remain broad-based, driven by transportation programs and energy-related investments, which continue to support revenue visibility [8] Operational Efficiency - Jacobs' bottom line is likely to have improved year-over-year due to a favorable mix, increased use of global delivery centers, and evolving commercial models that enhance profitability [11]

Core Viewpoint - Willdan Group, Inc. will release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 on February 26, 2026, after the market closes, followed by an investor conference call [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for Q4 2025 will be announced after the close of the stock market on February 26, 2026 [1]. - An investor conference call will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on the same day [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be available via an online, real-time audio webcast on Willdan's website [2]. - Listeners can also join the call by dialing 877-407-2988 or 201-389-0923 at least five minutes prior to the start time [2]. - A replay of the earnings webcast will be accessible a few hours after the call concludes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Willdan is a nationwide provider of professional, technical, and consulting services to utilities, government agencies, and private industry [3]. - The company's service offerings include electric grid solutions, energy efficiency and sustainability, energy policy planning and advisory, engineering and planning, and municipal financial consulting [3].

Company Overview - Danaher Corporation (DHR) is a Washington, D.C.-based company that designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, research, and industrial products and services, with a market cap of $162.7 billion [1]. Earnings Expectations - Analysts anticipate that DHR will report a profit of $2.14 per share on a diluted basis for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, which is unchanged from the same quarter last year [2]. - For the full fiscal year, analysts expect DHR to report an EPS of $7.71, reflecting a 3.1% increase from $7.48 in fiscal 2024, and an expected rise to $8.38 in fiscal 2026, representing an 8.7% year-over-year growth [3]. Stock Performance - DHR stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 Index, which gained 16.2% over the past 52 weeks, with DHR shares down slightly during this period. It also underperformed the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund, which returned 13.7% in the same timeframe [4]. Market Challenges - The underperformance of Danaher is attributed to a cautious outlook amid uncertainties, including challenges from China's policy and restrained spending in life sciences. Management anticipates a modest recovery in bioprocessing and diagnostics while working to mitigate the impacts of China's volume-based procurement and localize manufacturing [5]. Recent Financial Results - On October 21, 2025, DHR shares rose by 5.9% following the release of Q3 results, where the adjusted EPS of $1.89 exceeded Wall Street expectations of $1.71. The company's revenue reached $6.1 billion, surpassing forecasts of $6 billion. DHR expects full-year adjusted EPS to be in the range of $7.70 to $7.80 [6]. Analyst Ratings - The consensus opinion among analysts on DHR stock is bullish, with a "Strong Buy" rating overall. Out of 23 analysts, 18 recommend a "Strong Buy," one suggests a "Moderate Buy," and four give a "Hold." The average analyst price target for DHR is $258.24, indicating a potential upside of 9.2% from current levels [7].

Core Insights - The Wasatch Micro-Cap Fund reported a return of 9.52% in Q3 2025, underperforming the benchmark Russell Microcap® Growth Index, which returned 19.93% [1] - Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) was highlighted as a leading contributor to the fund's performance, with a one-month return of 8.76% and a remarkable 167.72% increase over the past 52 weeks [2][3] Company Performance - Willdan Group, Inc. closed at $103.77 per share on December 16, 2025, with a market capitalization of $1.53 billion [2] - The company has experienced strong earnings and raised guidance, benefiting from increased utility spending driven by rising energy demand and challenges in energy production due to California wildfires [3] Investment Sentiment - Willdan Group, Inc. was held by 30 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 25 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, the company is not considered among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with some analysts suggesting that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential [4]

Core Thesis - Danaher Corporation is viewed positively due to its strong historical performance and recent financial results, indicating potential for continued growth and shareholder returns [1][7]. Financial Performance - As of December 2nd, Danaher’s share price was $226.59, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 46.12 and 26.18 respectively [1]. - The company achieved 3% core revenue growth, slight margin expansion, and 10% adjusted EPS growth in its latest quarter [3]. - Performance was driven by Biotechnology with 6.5% organic growth and 40 basis points margin expansion, and Diagnostics with 3.5% growth and 150 basis points margin improvement [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Danaher resumed share buybacks, deploying $2 billion in the quarter, reflecting management's confidence in the stock [4]. - The company has a strong focus on cash conversion, with free cash flow exceeding 100% of net income for 33 consecutive years [5]. Market Position and Trends - Danaher has been a long-term wealth creator, delivering a 21% annualized return over 43 years [2]. - The company benefits from secular trends, particularly aging populations in developed markets, which support long-term demand for its diagnostic and life science solutions [5]. Operational Resilience - Margins have expanded from 22% to 31% over the last decade, although they remain below pandemic peaks due to channel destocking [6]. - The balance sheet is solid, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2x, allowing for strategic acquisitions while maintaining disciplined leverage [6]. Overall Assessment - Danaher combines high-quality operations, strong cash generation, and disciplined capital allocation, positioning it as a resilient compounder with both defensive qualities and upside potential for long-term investors [7].

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions, Inc. is set to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on November 20, with adjusted earnings expected to show a year-over-year increase of 21.9% to $1.67 per share, while revenues are projected to rise 6% to $3.14 billion [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, Jacobs' adjusted earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.9%, but revenues fell short by 1.1%, with year-over-year declines of 17.3% in earnings and 28.4% in revenues [1][2]. - The average earnings surprise over the last four quarters has been 2.3% [2]. Segment Performance - The Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment, which accounts for 89.7% of total revenues, is expected to benefit from strong demand in Water & Environmental, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Critical Infrastructure [5]. - Water services are highlighted as a resilient part of Jacobs' portfolio, with ongoing modernization and regulatory compliance driving demand [5]. - Life Sciences & Advanced Manufacturing is anticipated to gain from investments in biopharma capacity and data-center development, supported by partnerships with companies like NVIDIA [6]. - Critical Infrastructure demand is broad-based, with significant projects such as the DFW Airport digital transformation and Australia's Marinus Link electricity interconnector enhancing revenue visibility [7]. Consulting Contributions - PA Consulting is expected to positively impact the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by increased private-sector demand and improved public-sector spending in the U.K. [8]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues in the Infrastructure & Advanced Facilities segment is $2.82 billion, an increase from $2.7 billion in the previous quarter, while PA Consulting revenues are estimated at $326 million, down from $333 million [9]. Profitability Outlook - Jacobs' bottom line is projected to improve year-over-year due to a favorable mix, enhanced use of global delivery centers, and evolving commercial models that support margin expansion [10]. - The company anticipates a full-year adjusted EBITDA margin near 13.9%, with expectations for higher profitability in the final quarter as operational efficiencies and gross-margin initiatives take effect [11]. Earnings Prediction - The Zacks model indicates that Jacobs does not conclusively predict an earnings beat this time, with an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [13][14].

Core Insights - Conestoga Capital Advisors reported strong equity market performance in Q3 2025, with the Conestoga Micro-Cap Composite returning 11.7% net-of-fees, while the Russell Microcap Growth Index returned 19.9% [1] Company Overview - Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) specializes in professional, technical, and consulting services in the Energy and Engineering and Consulting segments [2][3] - As of October 17, 2025, Willdan Group, Inc. had a market capitalization of $1.399 billion and its stock closed at $95.40 per share [2] Performance Metrics - Willdan Group, Inc. experienced a one-month return of -8.00%, but its shares increased by 114.22% over the last 52 weeks [2] - The company benefited from strong execution in energy efficiency services, supported by federal and state infrastructure funding, leading to robust project wins and improved margins [3] Market Sentiment - Investor optimism around sustainability-linked infrastructure spending contributed positively to Willdan Group, Inc.'s visibility and growth prospects [3] - Despite its potential, Willdan Group, Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 25 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, up from 22 in the previous quarter [4] Comparative Analysis - While acknowledging Willdan Group, Inc.'s potential, the company believes certain AI stocks present greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is recognized as one of the best diversified stocks to buy, highlighting its significant upside potential according to hedge funds [1] - The company is currently under investigation by Rosen Law Firm for potential breaches of fiduciary duty by its directors and officers, prompting shareholders to consider legal options [2] - Danaher has authorized a new share repurchase program allowing the buyback of up to 35 million shares of common stock with no expiration date, supplementing existing repurchase authorizations [3] - Management may execute share purchases through various methods based on market conditions, and the board has amended bylaws regarding shareholder proposals and director nominations [4] - Operating in the Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Diagnostics segments, Danaher designs, manufactures, and markets a range of professional, medical, research, and industrial products and services in the U.S. [5]

Core Insights - Investors are focusing on cash-rich stocks with strong returns as attractive opportunities amid economic uncertainties, rather than solely on Federal Reserve policy shifts [1][9] Group 1: Importance of Cash Flow - Cash is essential for business vitality, providing the flexibility to make investment decisions and shielding companies from market turmoil [2] - Positive cash flow indicates an increase in liquid assets, enabling companies to meet obligations, reinvest, and return wealth to shareholders, while negative cash flow suggests declining liquidity [5] - Companies must not only have positive cash flow but also increasing cash flow to ensure future growth and reduce dependency on external financing [6] Group 2: Screening for Investment Opportunities - A screening process was established to identify stocks with increasing cash flow, focusing on those whose latest cash flow is at least equal to the 5-year average [7] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) have a history of outperformance, and brokers' positive ratings further support investment decisions [8] Group 3: Qualified Stocks - Materion Corporation (MTRN) specializes in high-performance engineered materials, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 8.2% [10][11] - Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) provides consulting services to enhance cost and energy efficiencies, with a current-year earnings estimate up by 27.7% [11][12] - Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (BBW) is a leading retailer of stuffed animals, with a fiscal 2026 earnings estimate revised upward by 3.9% [12][13] - NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc. (NCSM) focuses on engineered products for oil and gas operators, with a current-year earnings estimate improving by 62% [14]