Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. J has won two contracts to provide radioactive waste management services to the Czech nuclear sector.

The first contract has been awarded by national utility CEZ to utilize Jacobs' SIAL geopolymer encapsulation technology for safe solidification of 250 metric tons of low and intermediate-level radioactive sludge at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. Per the contract, the company will treat the sludge and encapsulate it in 200-liter drums ready for transport to long-term storage. The work will be carried out at a specially assembled on-site unit and is expected to take five years to complete.

Per the second contract, Jacobs will offer safety assessment and technical advice framework to the Czech Republic's Radioactive Waste Repository Authority — SURAO — for the latter’s deep geological repository. The contract complements its work of supporting radioactive waste repositories in the U.K., Finland, Sweden and Belgium.

Jacobs’ Energy, Security and Technology senior vice president, Karen Wiemelt, said, "Our previous experience was key to winning these two contracts, which strengthen our position in important radioactive waste management programs in the Czech Republic. These contracts not only support the Czech government's vision for the future of the country, but also help create a more sustainable and safer world."

Solid Project Execution: A Boon

Efficient project execution has been one of the main factors driving its performance over the last few quarters. The company’s ongoing contract wins are a testimony to the fact. For the fiscal third quarter, it reported a total backlog of $25.4 billion, up 7.4% year over year. This reflects solid demand for Jacobs' consulting services.

The company’s overall 18-month qualified new business pipeline of more than $30 billion remains robust. Jacobs is benefiting from well-funded government programs and cyber, U.S. Department of Defense, mission-IT, space, nuclear as well as 5G-related projects.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Its shares have gained 41% over a year compared with the industry’s 52.8% growth. Earnings estimates for fiscal 2021 indicate a year-over-year improvement of 13.9%.

Zacks Rank

Jacobs currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Other Top-Ranked Stocks to Consider in Construction Sector

Houston, TX-based Comfort Systems USA, Inc. FIX — which is a national provider of comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation along with maintenance, repair, and replacement services — presently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Comfort Systems has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 17.4%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings per share for the current year has improved by 10 cents in the past seven days. Shares of Comfort Systems have jumped 98.4% in the past year.

Meritage Homes Corporation MTH, a leading designer and builder of single-family homes, sports a Zacks Rank #1 at present.

Meritage Homes has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 24.4%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings per share for the current year has improved 1.3% in the past 30 days. Shares of Meritage Homes have jumped 26.7% in the past year.

Watsco, Inc. WSO — the largest distributor of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment as well as related parts and supplies in North America — currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Watsco has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.3%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings per share for the current year has improved by 29 cents in the past 30 days. Shares of Watsco have jumped 31.5% in the past year.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Watsco, Inc. (WSO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Meritage Homes Corporation (MTH) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (J) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research