Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) left Chicago long ago, doesn’t build bridges nor use much, if any, iron. But what the Dutch-flagged giant does do well is compete for a wide variety of energy infrastructure projects across the world involving some of the most dangerous and demanding technology.

The stock is up 16 percent in the six months since we added it to the Growth Portfolio shortly before Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) revealed a sizable stake. Berkshire built its position to more than $180 million during the second quarter, while David Tepper’s Appaloosa Management revealed a new $90 million position.

CBI is poised to profit handsomely from the rush to export the newly abundant natural gas and other fuels from US shores, given its industry-leading expertise in LNG terminals. But this is a company with a global reach, and last week it unveiled a joint venture to build nuclear power plants in China. (CBI is also involved in the first US nuclear plant construction project in decades.)  Its Chinese partner is one of three nuclear power plant operators in that country, where CBI is already providing engineering, procurement and project management services on four nuclear power units under construction.

Meanwhile, Sterne, Agee & Leach posted a note at Barrons.com optimistic about CBI’s pursuit of work on two big Russian LNG projects.

Analysts are raising their sights. UBS lifted its target from $70 to $80, urging clients not to take profits despite the big runup in recent months ahead of the LNG project rush in the US. Stifel Nicolaus went from $69 to $90 today, while Jefferies initiated CBI as a Buy with a $83 price target. Our own buy below target remains at $70, now less than $2 away. But if the stock keeps motoring and reports another quarter of upbeat results on Oct. 29, we’ll consider a hike to let readers continue building positions in this winner.

Aggressive Portfolio holding Tenaris (NYSE: TS), a pipe supplier, is up 70 percent in two years and,  while it lacks CBI’s LNG catalyst, it too provides a valuable perspective on big-picture trends. Growth has been minimal this year, but the company is more hopeful about 2014 based on indications of stronger demand for its premium products, the recent groundbreaking for a new $1.5 billion seamless pipe plant in Texas and pending complaint against foreign competitors accused of unfair trade practices.

The stock has pulled back 7 percent from the recent 52-week closing high, but remains in a well-defined uptrend. We may review the price target following the quarterly results due Nov. 6 and ahead of a preliminary Commerce Department ruling on the trade claims Dec. 9. For a fuller timeline of that case, see last week’s investor presentation.