We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Jacobs' PA Acquisition Deepens Shift to High-Value Advisory
Read MoreHide Full Article
Key Takeaways
J agreed to acquire the remaining stake in PA Consulting for $1.6B, with the deal set to close by Q2 FY26.
Jacobs says the deal builds a global advisory platform, boosting margins and cross-selling with AI.
Jacobs expects double-digit H2 FY25 growth at PA Consulting, supporting EPS accretion in year one.
Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J - Free Report) recently announced that it has agreed to acquire the remaining stake in PA Consulting, a leading innovation and transformation consultancy. The transaction, valued at £1.216 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
Through this strategic move, Jacobs aims to establish a global advisory powerhouse, delivering solutions that enhance capital efficiency, accelerate innovation and create sustainable long-term value for clients. The acquisition also strengthens the company’s presence in adjacent, high-value advisory, transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) domains, while improving margin structure and unlocking meaningful cross-collaboration opportunities across a complementary customer base.
Shares of Jacobs gained 2.6% during the trading session yesterday.
A Financially Accretive, Strategic Expansion for Jacobs
The partnership over the past four-plus years has established a strong foundation to enhance Jacobs’ margin profile and unlock meaningful synergies, including incremental cross-selling opportunities. In the second half of fiscal 2025, PA Consulting capitalized on robust demand, delivering double-digit growth in both revenues and operating profit. This collaboration has accelerated profitable growth and strengthened Jacobs’ leadership as it redefines the asset lifecycle — engaging clients earlier and expanding its reach across strategy, transformation and advisory services.
With the completion of this acquisition, Jacobs will broaden its exposure to fast-growing, resilient end markets such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences and critical infrastructure, including energy and transportation. The transaction will also expand the company’s presence in high-value advisory and AI/digital engagements. Together, Jacobs and PA are well-positioned to accelerate AI-driven business transformation and deliver advanced digital and artificial intelligence solutions internally and for clients.
Jacobs outlined the transaction’s margin and earnings impact, noting that full ownership of PA Consulting in fiscal 2025 would have resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.5%, compared with the reported 13.9%. The company also expects to achieve £12-£15 million in cost synergies within 24 months of closing, with the transaction anticipated to be accretive to adjusted EPS within the first year post-close.
J’s Share Price Performance
Jacobs’ stock has gained 4.9% in the last six months compared with the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry’s 14.8% growth. Despite ongoing global market uncertainties, the company is expected to benefit from sustained demand across life sciences, data centers, energy, water and transportation, supported by elevated public- and private-sector spending in the period ahead.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Major award wins in fiscal 2025 reflect sustained momentum and underscore the broad secular tailwinds supporting growth across the business. The company continued to generate robust bookings, remained disciplined in its capital return strategy and entered the second year of its strategic cycle, which is well-positioned to achieve its long-term objectives.
J’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Jacobs currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some top-ranked stocks from the Construction sector are:
Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY - Free Report) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 22.7%, on average. DY stock has jumped 38.1% in the past six months. You can seethe complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dycom’s 2026 sales indicates growth of 14.5% from the year-ago period’s levels.
Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (ROCK - Free Report) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.2%, on average. ROCK stock has declined 15.9% in the past six months.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gibraltar’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 6.8% and 11%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.
MasTec, Inc. (MTZ - Free Report) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.9%, on average. MTZ stock has gained 35.4% in the past six months.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MasTec’s 2026 sales indicates growth of 8.4% and 28.3%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
Jacobs' PA Acquisition Deepens Shift to High-Value Advisory
Key Takeaways
Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J - Free Report) recently announced that it has agreed to acquire the remaining stake in PA Consulting, a leading innovation and transformation consultancy. The transaction, valued at £1.216 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
Through this strategic move, Jacobs aims to establish a global advisory powerhouse, delivering solutions that enhance capital efficiency, accelerate innovation and create sustainable long-term value for clients. The acquisition also strengthens the company’s presence in adjacent, high-value advisory, transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) domains, while improving margin structure and unlocking meaningful cross-collaboration opportunities across a complementary customer base.
Shares of Jacobs gained 2.6% during the trading session yesterday.
A Financially Accretive, Strategic Expansion for Jacobs
The partnership over the past four-plus years has established a strong foundation to enhance Jacobs’ margin profile and unlock meaningful synergies, including incremental cross-selling opportunities. In the second half of fiscal 2025, PA Consulting capitalized on robust demand, delivering double-digit growth in both revenues and operating profit. This collaboration has accelerated profitable growth and strengthened Jacobs’ leadership as it redefines the asset lifecycle — engaging clients earlier and expanding its reach across strategy, transformation and advisory services.
With the completion of this acquisition, Jacobs will broaden its exposure to fast-growing, resilient end markets such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences and critical infrastructure, including energy and transportation. The transaction will also expand the company’s presence in high-value advisory and AI/digital engagements. Together, Jacobs and PA are well-positioned to accelerate AI-driven business transformation and deliver advanced digital and artificial intelligence solutions internally and for clients.
Jacobs outlined the transaction’s margin and earnings impact, noting that full ownership of PA Consulting in fiscal 2025 would have resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.5%, compared with the reported 13.9%. The company also expects to achieve £12-£15 million in cost synergies within 24 months of closing, with the transaction anticipated to be accretive to adjusted EPS within the first year post-close.
J’s Share Price Performance
Jacobs’ stock has gained 4.9% in the last six months compared with the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry’s 14.8% growth. Despite ongoing global market uncertainties, the company is expected to benefit from sustained demand across life sciences, data centers, energy, water and transportation, supported by elevated public- and private-sector spending in the period ahead.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Major award wins in fiscal 2025 reflect sustained momentum and underscore the broad secular tailwinds supporting growth across the business. The company continued to generate robust bookings, remained disciplined in its capital return strategy and entered the second year of its strategic cycle, which is well-positioned to achieve its long-term objectives.
J’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Jacobs currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some top-ranked stocks from the Construction sector are:
Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY - Free Report) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 22.7%, on average. DY stock has jumped 38.1% in the past six months. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dycom’s 2026 sales indicates growth of 14.5% from the year-ago period’s levels.
Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (ROCK - Free Report) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.2%, on average. ROCK stock has declined 15.9% in the past six months.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gibraltar’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 6.8% and 11%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.
MasTec, Inc. (MTZ - Free Report) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.9%, on average. MTZ stock has gained 35.4% in the past six months.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MasTec’s 2026 sales indicates growth of 8.4% and 28.3%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.