President-elect Barack Obama has been in the news over the past few weeks speaking about “the largest investment in infrastructure since the creation of the interstate highway system under Dwight D. Eisenhower,” but we’ll have to wait and see if democrats in the legislative branch actually ask “how high” when Obama says “jump.” If all goes according to plan, Obama is looking to launch a 2-year, $850 billion stimulus package with a large proportion going towards an extreme makeover of our national infrastructure. This will target roads, bridges, and other public works. In this potential tax-payer’s nightmare, some industrial companies will end up coming out on top.
Go Back to Construction and Engineering
Over the past year, construction and engineering companies such as Foster Wheeler (FWLT: 23.38, -0.40 (-1.68%)), have been getting slaughtered by the masses through project delays while the credit crisis continues to unravel. As Obama caters to both the unemployed and the hurting industrial sector, there is no doubt a stimulus like this will “re-construct” a rally in construction and engineering companies as investors prepare for the new stimulus. The industry has already started enjoying the run-up in stock prices due to speculation. While many companies like Jacob’s Engineering (JEC: 48.10, +1.42 (+3.04%)), Flour (FLR: 44.87, +0.71 (+1.61%)), and Joy Global (JOYG: 22.89, +0.90 (+4.09%)) will probably be awarded some contracts, the key is to pick one for the long-run. Caterpillar (CAT: 44.67, +1.01 (+2.31%)) is sitting in a great position to not only capitalize on a U.S.