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 ...

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Willdan Group, Inc. ("Willdan†) (Nasdaq: WLDN), today announced that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter 2025 after the close of the stock market on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Following the release, Willdan will host its investor conference call at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT. An online, real-time audio webcast of the quarterly investor conference call will be available on Willdan's website at: Willdan Group Q4 2025 Investor Conference Call. Alt ...

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 Viewpoint - Jacobs Solutions Inc. is experiencing a challenging period with its stock performance lagging behind the broader market despite its significant market capitalization and recent project wins [2][3][4]. Company Overview - Jacobs Solutions Inc. is based in Texas and provides a range of professional services, including consulting, technical, scientific, and project delivery solutions, with a market cap of $16.1 billion [1]. - The company operates across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, cities and places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation, and water [1]. Stock Performance - Jacobs shares have decreased by 18.8% from their 52-week high of $168.44, reached on October 24, and have fallen 8.1% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which surged by 4.8% during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, Jacobs stock has increased by 2.3% and by 1.2% over the past 52 weeks, which is significantly lower than the S&P 500's year-to-date gains of 17.3% and 13.4% over the last year [4]. Recent Developments - On November 26, Jacobs stock rose by 1.7% after the company, through its joint venture with Arcadis, was appointed as Project Independent Certifier for Queensland's Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project, which involves significant upgrades to the rail infrastructure [5]. - The joint venture aims to enhance safety, capacity, and passenger access between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, highlighting Jacobs' capability in delivering complex infrastructure projects [6]. Competitive Landscape - Jacobs faces competition from TopBuild Corp., which has shown resilience with a year-to-date return of 42.6% and a 21.2% increase over the past year, outperforming Jacobs [6]. Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a moderately bullish outlook on Jacobs, with a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from 16 analysts and a mean price target of $158.21, indicating a potential upside of 15.7% from current price levels [7].

Core Insights - Access Investment Management LLC increased its stake in John Wiley & Sons by purchasing 66,660 shares for an estimated $2.69 million, reflecting confidence in the company's direction [2][9][10] - Post-transaction, Access Investment Management holds a total of 155,940 shares valued at $6.31 million, which constitutes 1.7% of its reported U.S. equity assets under management (AUM) [1][3] Financial Performance - John Wiley & Sons reported trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue of $1.67 billion and a net income of $97.30 million, with a dividend yield of 3.7% [4][10] - As of November 3, 2025, the share price was $37.47, which is down 24.0% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 41.4 percentage points [3][4] Company Overview - John Wiley & Sons is a global research and education publisher with a diversified portfolio that includes journals, books, and digital learning solutions, serving academic, professional, and corporate customers [5][6] - The company generates revenue through subscriptions, licensing of journals, direct sales of content, and online program management services [8][10] Strategic Direction - The company is focusing on its core business model, which relies on peer-reviewed journals and recurring contracts, while also exploring new revenue streams through AI licensing agreements [10][11] - John Wiley & Sons is undergoing a restructuring process to streamline operations and build a steadier foundation for growth, emphasizing disciplined execution for future success [10][11]

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]

Group 1: Industry Overview - The war in Ukraine has intensified Russia's control over uranium enrichment, while China is advancing its nuclear ambitions, leading to a divided global landscape [1] - Trade wars and disrupted supply chains are creating rival camps among nations [1] Group 2: Centrus Energy Developments - Centrus Energy is initiating a multi-billion-dollar expansion in Piketon, Ohio, aimed at restoring U.S. industrial-scale uranium enrichment, signaling a move towards energy independence [2] - The Piketon facility is the only domestic site in the U.S. capable of industrial-scale uranium enrichment, highlighting its strategic importance [4] - Centrus has secured $1.2 billion through convertible notes and over $2 billion in global contingent utility commitments, indicating strong financial backing for its expansion [4] Group 3: Financial Performance - Uranium prices have increased from approximately $63.50 per pound in early 2025 to over $80, reflecting strong market demand [3] - Centrus Energy's stock (LEU) has seen a remarkable increase of 438% over the past 52 weeks and 420% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the broader sector [6] - LEU shares are trading at 62.83 times forward adjusted earnings and 12.32 times sales, both metrics exceeding industry averages and historical multiples [6]

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]