Seeking Alpha: Matrix Looks To Multiple Growth Opportunities And Better Margins

It's not too hard to make money investing in companies that make things, but successful investing in companies that build things has proven quite a bit more challenging. Not only is there rampant competition in engineering & construction (E&C) to keep a lid on prices, but many a contractor has run into trouble with cost overruns. All told, this is a sector where the relative few companies that earn decent (or good) returns on capital are more than offset by those who fall short - in other words, this is a sector where picking the right company/stock matters.

Maybe Matrix Service (MTRX) is one of those better picks. The company's recent ROICs haven't been super, but nor have they been terrible. What's more, management seems to have a cogent vision for not only growing the business, but doing so in a profitable way.

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Matrix Looks To Multiple Growth Opportunities And Better Margins

Investopedia: Team Inc. Making The Most Out Of Maintenance

Right now "weird" may be the best word to describe the market for large-scale engineering firms and many of their customers. While utility, infrastructure and industrial construction have slowed to a crawl, activity is quite strong in the energy sector. On the other hand, not all energy is the same and many companies are trying to figure out ways to get out of operations like refining. As one of only two specialty maintenance service companies with real national coverage, Team Inc. (Nasdaq:TISI) is nevertheless seeing some solid upside from an ongoing maintenance cycle at customer refineries. 

Another Solid Quarter  
Team Inc. has been doing well recently, and this quarter was no exception, though there is definitely some deceleration in the business. Revenue rose 19% this quarter, with 13% organic growth. Across the board, Team's profitability metrics looked solid. Reported GAAP operating income rose about 24% this quarter, with adjusted EBITDA rising 22% and adjusted net income rising 29%. Management also once again raised its financial guidance for the full year.

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http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2012/Team-Inc.-Making-The-Most-Out-Of-Maintenance-TISI-VLO-XOM-FRM-CBI0105.aspx