"Consulting firm Jacobs Engineering Group (NYSE: JEC) is squarely focused on helping the world solve its infrastructure problems," says David Fessler, advisory panelist for the Oxford Club.
"Jacobs offers broad-based, bumper-to-bumper technical services. With over 54,000 employees staffing 160 offices in 20 countries, Jacobs is one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of professional and technical services.
"And it's keeping plenty busy building and upgrading infrastructure the world over. Its latest big contract win -- worth about $550 million over a three-year period -- comes from the Louisiana Department of Education for post-Katrina reconstruction.
"The work will cover the replacement of damaged or destroyed school facilities as well as the construction of temporary facilities.
"Another recent contract win involves oil-sands in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. No surprise here: Jacobs is the premiere provider of industrial maintenance services all across Canada. Moreover, one of Jacobs' fastest-growing business segments is the oil and gas industry.
"In January, the company reported first-quarter earnings that rose 61%, handily beating estimates. As if that weren't enough, it raised both earnings estimates and revenue guidance for the remainder of the year.
"The company trades at a very respectable P/E ratio of 28, too. And given the recent uncertainty in the market, shares -- as of the middle of March -- were trading at nearly 30% off their highs.
"In summary, Jacobs Engineering Group represents a great company for members who wish to add a defensive, well-diversified, technical consulting firm to their portfolio. And now couldn't be a better time to do so."
Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
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