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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Jacobs Halcrow Wins Big: Consultancy Deal with CEDD in Hong Kong – What’s Next for Infrastructure Giants?

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Jacobs and AECOM Partner on Hong Kong’s San Tin Technopole Development

Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE: J) and AECOM (NYSE: ACM), through their joint venture (JV), have secured a significant consultancy agreement with the Civil Engineering and Development Department ("CEDD") of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("HKSAR") government. This agreement paves the way for the first phase of the San Tin Technopole, a major development project aimed at fostering innovation and technology within the Northern Metropolis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joint Venture: Jacobs’ subsidiary, Halcrow, and AECOM have formed a JV to provide consultancy services for the San Tin Technopole project.
  • Project Scope: The first phase of the San Tin Technopole encompasses the development of 250 hectares of land for the city, encompassing innovation and technology centers, housing, community facilities, and commercial spaces. Notably, the project will embrace low-carbon infrastructure systems and digital strategies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins, to bolster sustainability and project outcomes.
  • Phase One Focus: The JV’s role in this first phase includes design review, detailed design, tendering, construction supervision, and associated engineering infrastructure works.
  • Future Implications: The San Tin Technopole development is divided into two phases, with the initial population and business intake expected in 2031. Upon completion, it’s projected to offer approximately 54,000 new housing units, further solidifying its significance in Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

Jacobs’ Continued Momentum in Consulting Services

This latest project represents another success for Jacobs, whose strong execution and consulting expertise have fueled sustained growth across a diverse range of sectors, including infrastructure, water, environment, space, broadband, cybersecurity, and life sciences.

Recent Performance Highlights:

  • Backlog Growth: Jacobs reported a backlog of $30.6 billion at the end of its fiscal third quarter, showcasing robust demand for its services. This represents a significant uptick from the $28.9 billion reported in the comparable year-ago period.
  • Project and Program Services (P&PS) Dominance: The P&PS backlog hit $19.28 billion, up from $17.5 billion year-over-year, driven primarily by growth in the Life Sciences and Energy markets.
  • Critical Mission Solutions Expansion: The company’s Critical Mission Solutions backlog reached $8.45 billion, a slight increase from $8.1 billion in the prior year. This growth is attributed to expansion and higher funding in the UK and US nuclear remediation markets and growth in the UK defense sector.
  • Strong Share Performance: Jacobs’ stock has experienced a 9.1% gain over the past three months outperforming the Zacks Technology Services industry’s 4.6% growth.

These positive performance indicators suggest that Jacobs is well-positioned to benefit from global trends in infrastructure modernization, energy transition, national security, and a potential super-cycle in global supply-chain investments.

AECOM’s Continued Strength and Market Position

AECOM, a leading provider of professional, technical, and management solutions across diverse industries, is a key partner in this venture. AECOM’s expertise in transportation, facilities, government, environment, energy, and water services makes it a valuable contributor to the San Tin Technopole project.

Recent Financial Highlights:

  • Solid Third Quarter: AECOM reported solid third-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
  • Revenue Growth: Both revenue and earnings saw year-over-year growth, fueled by strong organic growth in net service revenues across its reportable segments.

AECOM, like Jacobs, is well-positioned within the industry, offering a range of services that address crucial challenges in infrastructure, sustainability, and technology.

The San Tin Technopole project reflects broader trends in the global landscape:

1. Smart Cities and Urbanization: The project aligns with the increasing demand for smart cities that integrate technology to improve urban living.

2. Sustainability and Net Zero Goals: Both Jacobs and AECOM are committed to sustainable infrastructure development, evident in the project’s emphasis on low-carbon systems and digital strategies.

3. Innovation and Technology Hubs: The development of technology hubs in strategic locations like the Northern Metropolis of Hong Kong underscores the global focus on innovation and technology ecosystems.

4. Infrastructure Investment: Governments around the world are making significant investments in infrastructure, creating opportunities for companies like Jacobs and AECOM to leverage their expertise.

The San Tin Technopole project serves as a prime example of this collaborative approach, combining Jacobs’ and AECOM’s expertise to deliver a sustainable and technologically advanced development.

Industry Peers and Future Prospects

While Jacobs and AECOM are leading the way in this project, other industry players are also contributing to infrastructure development and related trends:

  • KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR): KBR reported mixed results for the second quarter of 2024, with earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues lagging behind. The company is active in the sustainable technology solutions and government solutions sectors, demonstrating its commitment to key market trends.
  • Quanta Services Inc. (NYSE: PWR): Quanta Services reported mixed second-quarter 2024 results, with adjusted earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues exceeding it. The company is capitalizing on robust demand for its services, particularly in utility infrastructure modernization and renewable energy expansion.

As these companies continue to navigate dynamic market conditions, their focus on innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships will be key to their long-term success.

The San Tin Technopole project signifies a significant development for Hong Kong and the wider region. This collaboration between Jacobs and AECOM showcases the growing importance of sustainable, technology-driven infrastructure projects in shaping the future of cities and creating opportunities for growth and innovation.

Article Reference

Lisa Morgan
Lisa Morgan
Lisa Morgan covers the latest developments in technology, from groundbreaking innovations to industry trends.

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