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Sterling Construction (STRL)
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Sterling Construction (STRL) AI Stock Analysis

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STRL

Sterling Construction

(NASDAQ:STRL)

Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$310.00
▲(4.52% Upside)
Sterling Construction's overall stock score is driven by its strong financial performance and positive earnings call insights, which highlight robust growth and strategic acquisitions. The technical analysis indicates a strong uptrend, though caution is advised due to overbought technical indicators. Valuation is relatively high, reflecting the company's growth prospects.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Shares of Sterling Infrastructure are trading up 11% after the company reported strong second-quarter results and raised fiscal 2025 guidance.
Revenue Growth
Data center revenue growth accelerated significantly to more than 100%, up from 60% in the prior quarter.
Strategic Acquisitions
The CEC Facilities acquisition is expected to close soon and will support Sterling’s geographic expansion plans into the Texas market.
Negative Factors
Dependency on Key Markets
Over 80% of revenue and backlog comes from mission-critical end-markets, with the vast majority coming from semiconductor work.
Market Concentration
Sterling previously indicated that it has won 80% of the data center site development work in its core geographies for one of its large hyperscaler customers.
Market Volatility
While shares of Sterling were down yesterday, likely due to this news, it is viewed as a positive opportunity.

Sterling Construction (STRL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Sterling Construction Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSterling Construction Company, Inc. (STRL) is a leading infrastructure services company based in the United States. The company specializes in heavy civil construction, primarily focusing on the construction and maintenance of transportation and water infrastructure. Sterling serves a diverse range of sectors including highways, roads, bridges, airfields, ports, and light rail. The company's core services encompass a wide array of construction services tailored to meet the needs of public and private sector clients.
How the Company Makes MoneySterling Construction generates revenue through its construction contracts, primarily in the transportation and water infrastructure sectors. The company bids on and secures contracts from government agencies and private clients for large-scale civil engineering projects. Key revenue streams include project management, construction, and maintenance services for infrastructure projects. Sterling's earnings are also influenced by its strategic partnerships with other construction firms and suppliers, allowing it to undertake and complete complex projects efficiently. The company's financial performance is further impacted by factors such as government infrastructure spending, economic conditions, and the competitive landscape in the construction industry.

Sterling Construction Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 04, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 9.14%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 10, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call showed a strong performance by Sterling Infrastructure with significant revenue growth, improved earnings and margins, and a robust backlog. The acquisition of CEC Facilities Group and strong cash position further bolster the company's prospects. However, challenges in the Building Solutions segment and a sequential decline in Transportation backlog present some concerns. Overall, the positive aspects significantly outweigh the lowlights, indicating a strong position and future for the company.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Sterling Infrastructure reported a 21% revenue growth, with E-Infrastructure Solutions and Transportation segments growing by 29% and 24% respectively.
Increased Earnings and Margins
Adjusted earnings per share grew by 41% to $2.69. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 35% to $126 million, and gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%.
Record Backlog
Total backlog increased by 24% year-over-year to $2 billion, with E-Infrastructure Solutions backlog rising by 44%.
Positive Guidance Revision
Sterling increased its revenue guidance to $2.1 billion to $2.15 billion, with expected net income of $243 million to $252 million and adjusted EPS of $9.21 to $9.47, representing an 8% increase at the midpoint.
Strategic Acquisition
Sterling announced the acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, which will add electrical and mechanical services, enhancing their E-Infrastructure solutions portfolio.
Strong Cash Position
Operating cash flow for the quarter was $85 million, and the company ended with $699.4 million in cash and a net cash position of $401.2 million.
Negative Updates
Building Solutions Challenges
Segment revenue declined by 1%, with adjusted operating income down by 28%. The overall housing market softness led to an 11% decline in legacy residential business revenue.
Sequential Decline in Transportation Backlog
While the Transportation Solutions backlog increased 5% year-over-year, it declined 17% sequentially due to strong revenue burn and seasonally slower awards.
Company Guidance
During Sterling Infrastructure's second quarter earnings call, the company provided robust financial guidance for 2025. They increased their revenue projections to between $2.1 billion and $2.15 billion, with net income expected to range from $243 million to $252 million. Additionally, they forecast diluted EPS between $7.87 and $8.13, and adjusted diluted EPS from $9.21 to $9.47, indicating an 8% increase at the midpoint compared to previous guidance. EBITDA is projected to be between $406 million and $421 million, while adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to range from $438 million to $453 million, marking a 6% increase at the midpoint. The company emphasized that these projections do not account for contributions from the pending acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, which is expected to enhance their service offerings and geographic reach. Sterling's strong performance was highlighted by a 21% revenue growth this quarter, driven by significant gains in their E-Infrastructure Solutions and Transportation segments, alongside a 41% increase in adjusted earnings per share to $2.69 and a 35% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $126 million. Their backlog grew by 24% year-over-year to $2 billion, with the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment alone seeing a 44% increase to $1.2 billion. The company remains optimistic about sustained growth in high-margin segments and continues to focus on strategic acquisitions to bolster their capabilities and market position.

Sterling Construction Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sterling Construction has demonstrated strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth, robust profitability metrics, and healthy cash flow generation. The company maintains effective cost management, a solid balance sheet with moderate leverage, and efficient cash conversion from earnings.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Sterling Construction has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a steady increase over the years, culminating in a notable TTM revenue of $2.11 billion. The company maintains a healthy gross profit margin of approximately 20.9% and a net profit margin of 12.6% in the TTM, indicating effective cost management and profitability. Moreover, EBIT and EBITDA margins of 13.2% and 20.8% respectively in the TTM highlight robust operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Sterling's balance sheet exhibits a solid equity position, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45 and a substantial equity ratio of 39.6% in the TTM, signifying a stable capital structure with moderate leverage. Return on equity stands strong at 33.0%, reflecting efficient utilization of shareholders' funds to generate profits. The company's increasing asset base further strengthens its financial footing.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
The company's cash flow statement reveals significant free cash flow generation with a growth rate of 9.6% from the previous year, underpinning financial flexibility. With an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.00 in the TTM, Sterling demonstrates effective cash conversion from earnings, ensuring liquidity to support operations and investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.14B2.12B1.97B1.77B1.41B1.23B
Gross Profit474.46M426.12M337.64M274.57M192.07M179.93M
EBITDA476.15M451.94M277.34M211.43M142.32M126.43M
Net Income285.00M257.46M138.66M106.46M62.65M42.31M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.16B2.02B1.78B1.44B1.23B952.69M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments699.37M664.20M471.56M181.54M60.95M66.19M
Total Debt343.14M369.27M398.88M491.16M471.50M385.23M
Total Liabilities1.25B1.19B1.15B963.82M874.55M683.97M
Stockholders Equity881.75M808.08M618.91M474.60M358.77M267.27M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow435.95M416.15M414.20M158.21M112.28M86.42M
Operating Cash Flow496.85M497.10M478.58M219.12M158.93M119.28M
Investing Cash Flow-206.94M-185.85M-87.75M-89.75M-223.45M-30.49M
Financing Cash Flow-130.52M-118.62M-104.53M-32.79M80.57M-70.33M

Sterling Construction Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price296.58
Price Trends
50DMA
228.23
Positive
100DMA
186.60
Positive
200DMA
174.52
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
14.41
Negative
RSI
78.50
Negative
STOCH
81.90
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For STRL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 296.58 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 254.48, above the 50-day MA of 228.23, and above the 200-day MA of 174.52, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 14.41 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 78.50 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 81.90 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for STRL.

Sterling Construction Risk Analysis

Sterling Construction disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Sterling Construction reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Sterling Construction Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$5.86B24.6617.01%0.28%12.45%42.45%
78
Outperform
$0.0032.2536.72%4.84%77.84%
76
Outperform
$7.74B34.3519.76%12.77%1.55%
76
Outperform
$6.65B26.7036.85%17.83%34.73%
73
Outperform
$4.13B41.5412.75%0.56%11.42%247.33%
68
Neutral
$5.44B83.369.21%31.49%-0.13%
65
Neutral
€4.18B7.4316.47%6.59%3.58%-77.67%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STRL
Sterling Construction
271.74
163.83
151.82%
DY
Dycom
267.76
83.51
45.32%
GVA
Granite Construction
94.50
25.95
37.86%
IESC
IES Holdings
335.06
168.80
101.53%
PRIM
Primoris Services
108.59
56.16
107.11%
ROAD
Construction Partners
97.00
38.70
66.38%

Sterling Construction Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sterling Construction Reports Record Q2 2025 Results
Positive
Aug 4, 2025

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. reported record financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with a 21% increase in revenues and a 41% rise in adjusted diluted earnings per share. The company experienced significant growth in its E-Infrastructure and Transportation Solutions segments, despite a decline in its Building Solutions market. Sterling’s acquisition of CEC Facilities Group LLC is expected to enhance its service offerings and geographic expansion. The company raised its full-year guidance, anticipating continued growth in revenue and earnings.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Buy with a $185.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Expands Board with New Appointments
Positive
Jul 10, 2025

On July 9, 2025, Sterling Construction Company expanded its Board of Directors by appointing B. Andrew Rose and David Schulz, effective July 10, 2025. These appointments aim to leverage their extensive experience in finance and operations to enhance Sterling’s strategic value and governance as the company continues its growth trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Hold with a $125.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

M&A Transactions
Sterling Construction Announces Major Asset Acquisition Deal
Positive
Jun 18, 2025

On June 16, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. announced an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire substantially all assets of CEC Facilities Group, LLC for $505 million, comprising $450 million in cash and $55 million in common stock. This acquisition, expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, aims to enhance Sterling’s market position by integrating CEC’s services and retaining key employees, although it remains subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Buy with a $185.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Acquires CEC Facilities for $505 Million
Positive
Jun 17, 2025

On June 17, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. announced its agreement to acquire CEC Facilities Group, a leading electrical and mechanical contractor based in Texas, for $505 million. This acquisition, expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, will expand Sterling’s E-Infrastructure services into mission-critical electrical contracting, enhancing their market position and offering significant opportunities for cross-selling and growth in high-value sectors like semiconductors and data centers. The transaction is anticipated to be accretive to Sterling’s financial profile, with strong revenue and earnings contributions expected from CEC’s operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Buy with a $185.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Positive
Jun 12, 2025

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. announced the appointment of Nicholas Grindstaff as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 10, 2025, succeeding Ron Ballschmiede. Grindstaff, with over 30 years of experience in finance and leadership in the infrastructure and energy industries, previously served as CFO at Cinterra and Orbital Infrastructure Group. His extensive expertise in financial strategy and leadership is expected to support Sterling’s growth and strategic objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Buy with a $185.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Amends Credit Agreement for Growth
Positive
Jun 9, 2025

On June 5, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. amended its 2019 credit agreement, extending its maturity to June 2028 and increasing the facility size. The amended agreement, led by BMO Capital Markets, includes a $300 million term loan and a $150 million revolving credit facility, with improved financial flexibility and reduced interest margins. This strategic move positions Sterling for growth through organic means and acquisitions, as highlighted by CEO Joe Cutillo.

The most recent analyst rating on (STRL) stock is a Buy with a $185.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sterling Construction stock, see the STRL Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Sterling Construction Holds Annual Meeting, Elects Directors
Neutral
May 9, 2025

At its Annual Meeting, Sterling Construction‘s stockholders elected six directors, approved executive compensation, and ratified Grant Thornton, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025. The meeting saw participation from 26,304,405 shares out of 30,416,977 outstanding, indicating strong shareholder engagement in the company’s governance decisions.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sterling Construction Reports Strong Q1 2025 Financial Results
Positive
May 5, 2025

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with a 7% increase in revenues excluding RHB, a 27% rise in net income, and a 31% growth in adjusted EBITDA. The acquisition of Drake Concrete, LLC is expected to enhance Sterling’s presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The company’s backlog increased by 17% to $2.1 billion, driven by significant growth in E-Infrastructure Solutions. Despite challenges in the Building Solutions segment due to the housing market slowdown, Sterling raised its full-year guidance, anticipating continued revenue and earnings growth.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 05, 2025