Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry is currently facing challenges due to a prolonged contraction in the manufacturing sector, but increased infrastructure investment and demand from the mining sector are expected to provide support for growth [1][4][5]. Industry Overview - The industry includes companies that manufacture and sell construction, mining, and utility equipment, supporting various sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and infrastructure projects [3]. Current Trends - The manufacturing index has been in contraction for 26 consecutive months until December 2024, with a recent reading of 49.1% in September, indicating ongoing weakness in customer spending due to tariffs [4]. - The energy transition trend is expected to drive demand for mining equipment, supported by U.S. government infrastructure investments in critical sectors [5]. - Companies are focusing on pricing strategies and cost-cutting measures to sustain margins amid input cost inflation [6]. Digital Transformation - Industry participants are investing in digital initiatives such as AI and robotics to enhance productivity and efficiency, which is crucial for meeting the demand for autonomous machinery [7]. Market Performance - The Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry has outperformed the broader market, growing 33.7% over the past year compared to a 0.3% decline in the sector [11]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 15.82X, lower than the S&P 500's 18.51X and the Industrial Products sector's 24.36X [14]. Company Highlights - **Terex Corporation (TEX)**: Recently sold its Terex Tower and Rough Terrain Cranes businesses to reduce cyclicality and enhance growth. The company is expected to benefit from its focus on environmental solutions, which now account for approximately 30% of its global revenues [18]. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Terex's 2025 earnings has increased by 0.2% over the past 60 days [19]. - **Hyster-Yale, Inc. (HY)**: Despite challenges in the lift truck market, the company has maintained steady sales quoting activity, indicating resilient demand. Hyster-Yale is focused on cost reduction and productivity improvements to enhance profitability [24]. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hyster-Yale's 2025 earnings has remained unchanged over the past 60 days [22].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry is positioned to benefit from increased infrastructure investment in the U.S. and strong demand from the mining sector driven by the energy transition trend [1][5] - The industry includes companies that manufacture and sell construction, mining, and utility equipment, supporting various sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and industrial applications [3] Current Trends - The U.S. manufacturing sector showed resilience in early 2025, with a manufacturing index reading of 50.9% in January and 50.3% in February, indicating expansion, although it dipped to 49% in March due to tariff concerns [4] - Industrial production increased at an annual rate of 5.5% in Q1 2025, despite a 0.3% decline in March [4] - The energy transition trend is expected to drive demand for mining equipment as the shift from fossil fuels to zero emissions requires more commodities [5] Financial Performance - The Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry has underperformed compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite, declining 12.8% over the past year, while the S&P 500 rose 8.2% [10] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.11, lower than the S&P 500's 12.88 and the Industrial Products sector's 19.30 [11] Company Highlights - **Komatsu**: Reported a 6.2% increase in fiscal 2024 consolidated net sales, driven by higher demand for mining equipment, and targets business growth above industry levels with a return on equity (ROE) target of over 10% [18][19] - **Hitachi Construction Machinery**: Achieved a fiscal 2025 revenue target of 300 billion JPY from the Americas, focusing on value-chain businesses and digital technologies [22][23] - **Caterpillar**: Holds a substantial backlog of $30 billion, with long-term demand supported by increased infrastructure spending and a shift toward clean energy, despite a 19.6% decline in shares over the past six months [26][27]