URS Corporation (NYSE: URS) provides engineering, construction and technical services to public agencies and private sector companies around the world. The firm offers a full range of program management; planning, design and engineering; systems engineering and technical assistance; construction and construction management; operations and maintenance; and decommissioning and closure services. Most clients are involved with infrastructure, power, heavy industry and federal programs. URS employs about 50,000, in over 30 countries. Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) and KBR (NYSE: KBR) are major competitors.

The company pleased investors earlier in the month, when it reported Q2 EPS of 72 cents and revenues of $2.53 billion. Analysts had been looking for 60 cents and $2.45 billion. In discussing the solid quarter, the CEO pointed to the firm's success in building capabilities across such growth areas as power and government work. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $2.36-$2.48 ($2.42) and FY08 revenues to $9.8 billion ($9.75B consensus). Morgan Joseph subsequently reiterated its "buy" rating on the shares and boosted its price target to $54.

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Select Heavy Construction companies and L-1 Identity Solutions (ID) top today's massive list of initiations.

• UBS initiated coverage on Fluor (FLR) and URS Corporation (URS) with Neutral ratings, and Jacobs Engineering Group (JEC) with a Buy rating; they expect energy and infrastructure-related spending to drive backlog growth in 2007.
  
• Lazard initiated L-1 Identity Solutions (ID) with a Buy rating and $20 target, as they feel L-1 is the clear industry leader in identification technology.

OTHER INITIATIONS:

• Morgan Keegan initiated Urban Outfitters (URBN) with an Outperform rating, expecting a "short squeeze" in the shares. Under Armor (UARM) was initiated with a Hold rating at Citigroup, citing valuation.
• Citigroup also initiated VF Corp (VFC) with a Buy rating and $90 target; they believe VF Corp will benefit from its shift to a portfolio of brands selling through multiple distribution channels.
• Elsewhere, Pali Capital initiated Charter Communications (CHTR) with a Buy rating and $4.50 target, expecting growth to accelerate and operational benefits from their "triple play" offering and reduced interest expense through re-financing.

Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).