In 2017, the United States infrastructure sector experienced significant growth, driven by various factors, including government initiatives, technological advancements, and increased investor interest. This article provides a comprehensive review of the key infrastructure stocks in the U.S. during that year, highlighting their performance, growth prospects, and the underlying trends that influenced their market dynamics.
Government Initiatives Fueling Growth
The U.S. government's focus on infrastructure investment played a pivotal role in driving the growth of infrastructure stocks in 2017. President Donald Trump's administration proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan, which aimed to revitalize the nation's aging infrastructure and create jobs. This initiative generated optimism among investors, leading to increased investment in infrastructure-related stocks.
Key Infrastructure Stocks in 2017
Several infrastructure stocks outperformed the market in 2017. Here are some of the notable companies:
AECOM (ACM): As a leading global infrastructure firm, AECOM experienced significant growth in 2017. The company's strong presence in the transportation, water, and facilities management sectors contributed to its impressive performance.
KBR (KBR): KBR, a leading engineering, construction, and services company, benefited from increased government spending on infrastructure projects. The company's expertise in energy and infrastructure services helped it achieve strong growth in 2017.
Fluor Corporation (FLR): Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, procurement, and construction firm, experienced robust growth in 2017. The company's diversified portfolio of projects across various sectors, including oil and gas, power, and infrastructure, contributed to its strong performance.
CH2M Hill (CHMI): Acquired by Jacobs Engineering Group in 2017, CH2M Hill's performance in the water and transportation sectors contributed to the overall growth of Jacobs. The merger created one of the world's leading engineering and construction companies.
Bentley Systems (BENT): Bentley Systems, a provider of software solutions for infrastructure, experienced strong growth in 2017. The company's innovative products and solutions for design, construction, and operations of infrastructure projects helped drive its market performance.
Technological Advancements Boosting Growth
Technological advancements also played a crucial role in driving growth within the U.S. infrastructure sector in 2017. Companies that leveraged new technologies, such as drones, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, were able to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of infrastructure projects.
Case Studies
One notable example of technological innovation in infrastructure was the use of drones for bridge inspections. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) reported that drones helped reduce inspection time by up to 80% and increased the accuracy of data collection.
Another example was the use of 3D printing for constructing concrete structures. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers successfully printed a bridge in Louisiana using this technology, showcasing the potential of 3D printing in infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
In 2017, the U.S. infrastructure sector experienced significant growth, driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and increased investor interest. The performance of key infrastructure stocks during that year reflected the overall growth trends in the industry. As the government continues to prioritize infrastructure investment and technological advancements continue to shape the sector, the outlook for infrastructure stocks remains positive.