Willdan Group, Inc. WLDN has completed the acquisition of Alpha Inspections Inc. (Alpha) in a stock purchase, finalized on Jan. 31. This move aligns with Willdan’s goal to grow its presence in key regions and enhance capabilities.

This acquisition allows Willdan to strengthen its presence across Florida. Alpha provides building administration, inspection, plan review and building official services in Florida. The company generated around $5 million in revenues in 2024.

WLDN Drives Expansion Through Acquisition

Willdan continues to grow and strengthen its market position through strategic acquisitions, expanding capabilities and broadening service offerings. On Oct. 25, 2024, the company acquired Enica Engineering, a provider of energy, operations and building automation solutions. Enica’s client base includes major pharmaceutical companies and top education research institutions.

This acquisition is aligned with Willdan’s strategy to enhance its commercial energy consulting business. Enica is expected to contribute to higher margins, earnings and earnings per share (EPS) by 2025. This acquisition also offers potential synergies within Willdan’s Energy segment and opportunities for growth.

WLDN Stock’s Price Performance

Shares of this provider of professional, technical and consulting services have gained 79.3% in the past year, outperforming the Zacks Business-Services industry’s 9.1% growth. The ongoing contract wins, thanks to the growth in electricity demand at data centers from artificial intelligence and other related macro trends, are expected to drive the company’s performance in the upcoming period.

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The company has been immensely benefiting from consistent contract wins, which have been aiding its growth prospects. On Jan. 7, 2025, it secured an $11 million energy and infrastructure modernization project with the City of South Lake Tahoe, CA. The two-year project focuses on reducing carbon emissions and improving the city’s long-term infrastructure.

WLDN’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Willdan currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Business Services sector.

Sezzle, Inc. SEZL presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

SEZL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 193.2%, on average. The stock has soared 517.9% in the past year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SEZL’s 2025 sales and EPS indicates growth of 33.2% and 28%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.

SPS Commerce, Inc. SPSC currently has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). SPSC delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.7%, on average. The stock has gained 0.5% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SPSC’s 2025 sales and EPS indicates growth of 17.9% and 14.6%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Cintas Corporation CTAS currently has a Zacks Rank of 2. CTAS delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.7%, on average. The stock has inched up 29.9% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CTAS’ fiscal 2025 sales and EPS indicates growth of 7.3% and 13.6%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

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