Brickworks has benefited from local infrastructure spending in recent times as the Australia and New Zealand building cycle remains strong, and the company has solid fundamentals, with half-year figures for the 6-months to January 31, 2018 including a 4% rise in NPAT to $115.6 million, a revenue lift of 7% and an interim dividend rise of 5.9% to 18c per share. Brickworks also boasts unique diversification in its asset base, with a significant shareholding in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd ( ASX: SOL ) seen as positive for many investors. With housing commencements in Australia at elevated levels the short to medium-term future looks bright for Brickworks, with residential building in Victoria particularly strong and conditions in Queensland and New South Wales reliable as usual.