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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)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$311.00
▼(-11.84% Downside)
Sterling Construction's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are key strengths, supported by strategic corporate events. However, the stock's high valuation and moderate technical indicators slightly temper the overall score.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The company's strong revenue growth, particularly in E-Infrastructure and Transportation segments, indicates robust demand and effective market penetration, supporting long-term expansion.
Strategic Acquisitions
The acquisition of CEC Facilities Group expands Sterling's capabilities and market reach, potentially driving revenue growth and competitive positioning in high-value sectors.
Financial Guidance Increase
Increased financial guidance reflects management's confidence in sustained growth and operational efficiency, bolstering investor confidence and strategic planning.
Negative Factors
Decline in Building Solutions
A decline in the Building Solutions segment due to market conditions could indicate challenges in diversifying revenue streams and maintaining growth across all business areas.
Free Cash Flow Decline
A decline in free cash flow growth may impact the company's ability to invest in new projects and acquisitions, potentially limiting future growth opportunities.
Transportation Backlog Decline
A decrease in the Transportation backlog could signal potential future revenue challenges, affecting the company's ability to sustain growth in this key segment.

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

Sterling Construction Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSterling Construction (STRL) is a leading provider of infrastructure solutions, specializing in heavy civil construction, including roadways, bridges, and utilities. With a focus on both public and private sector projects, the company operates across various sectors such as transportation, water, and energy. Sterling Construction is committed to delivering high-quality services through innovative engineering and construction practices, enhancing the infrastructure landscape in the regions it serves.
How the Company Makes MoneySterling Construction generates revenue primarily through contracts awarded for construction projects. The company engages in bidding for public sector projects, which typically include infrastructure improvements funded by government entities, as well as private sector contracts that may involve commercial developments or other construction needs. Key revenue streams come from project execution, which includes managing labor, materials, and equipment needed to complete construction tasks. Additionally, the company may enter joint ventures or partnerships with other firms to leverage resources and expertise, further enhancing its ability to win contracts and deliver projects efficiently. Factors contributing to earnings include the company's reputation for quality work, strong relationships with government agencies, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments.

Sterling Construction Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Operating Income by Segment
Operating Income by Segment
Chart Insights
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Sterling Construction Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 04, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 10, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call for Sterling Infrastructure demonstrated strong financial performance, with significant growth in revenue, EPS, and EBITDA, especially in the E-Infrastructure and Transportation segments. The company also raised its financial guidance for the year. However, challenges remain in the Building Solutions segment due to market conditions. Overall, the highlights significantly outweigh the lowlights.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Sterling Infrastructure reported a 21% revenue growth for the quarter, driven by a 29% increase in E-Infrastructure Solutions and 24% growth in the Transportation segment.
Significant EPS and EBITDA Increase
Adjusted earnings per share grew by 41% to $2.69, and adjusted EBITDA increased by 35% to $126 million.
Gross Profit Margin Expansion
The gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points from the prior year to 23.3%.
E-Infrastructure Backlog Growth
The E-Infrastructure Solutions backlog grew by 44% to $1.2 billion.
Transportation Solutions Profit Growth
Adjusted operating profit for the Transportation segment grew by 78%, benefiting from a mix shift towards higher-margin services.
Strong Cash and Balance Sheet Position
Sterling concluded the quarter with $699.4 million in cash against $298.2 million in debt, resulting in a cash net of debt balance of $401.2 million.
Increased Financial Guidance
The company raised its revenue guidance to $2.1 billion to $2.15 billion and adjusted EPS guidance to $9.21 to $9.47.
Negative Updates
Building Solutions Revenue Decline
The Building Solutions segment saw a 1% revenue decline and a 28% drop in adjusted operating income, primarily due to affordability challenges in the housing market.
Decline in Transportation Backlog
Transportation Solutions backlog declined sequentially by 17%, reflecting strong revenue burn and seasonally slower awards.
Company Guidance
During the Sterling Infrastructure second quarter earnings call for 2025, guidance included several key metrics highlighting the company's robust financial performance and optimistic outlook. Revenue for the quarter increased by 21%, driven by a 29% rise in the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment and a 24% growth in the Transportation segment. The company reported a 41% increase in adjusted earnings per share, reaching $2.69, and a 35% rise in adjusted EBITDA, totaling $126 million. The gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%, with operating cash flow at a strong $85 million. Sterling's backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $2 billion, marking a 24% year-over-year increase. The guidance for full-year 2025 projects revenue between $2.1 billion and $2.15 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $438 million and $453 million, representing a 6% increase from previous guidance. Additionally, the book-to-burn ratios for the second quarter were 0.77x for backlog and 1.03x for combined backlog.

Sterling Construction Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sterling Construction exhibits strong financial health with robust revenue growth, improving profitability margins, and a solid balance sheet. The company has effectively reduced its leverage, but attention should be given to enhancing free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Sterling Construction has demonstrated strong revenue growth, with a TTM increase of 1.5% and consistent annual growth over the past years. The company maintains healthy profitability margins, with a TTM gross profit margin of 22.19% and a net profit margin of 13.33%. EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust at 20.15% and 23.42%, respectively, indicating efficient operational management. The consistent improvement in margins and revenue growth highlights the company's strong market position and operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a solid financial position with a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39 in the TTM period, showing a significant improvement from previous years. The return on equity is impressive at 35.49%, indicating effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio stands at 40.81%, suggesting a stable capital structure. However, the company should continue to monitor its debt levels to maintain financial flexibility.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Sterling Construction's cash flow statement shows a slight decline in free cash flow growth at -4.39% in the TTM period, which could be a concern if it persists. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy at 0.62, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.88, indicating good cash generation relative to earnings. The company should focus on improving free cash flow growth to enhance its cash flow stability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.14B2.12B1.97B1.77B1.41B1.23B
Gross Profit474.46M426.12M337.64M274.57M192.07M179.93M
EBITDA500.68M451.94M277.34M211.43M142.32M126.43M
Net Income285.00M257.46M138.66M106.46M62.65M42.31M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.16B2.03B1.80B1.47B1.26B982.39M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments699.37M664.20M471.56M185.26M64.77M72.69M
Total Debt343.14M369.27M398.88M491.16M471.50M385.23M
Total Liabilities1.25B1.21B1.18B991.13M901.45M713.66M
Stockholders Equity881.75M808.08M618.91M474.60M358.77M267.27M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow434.54M416.15M414.20M158.21M112.28M86.42M
Operating Cash Flow495.44M497.10M478.58M219.12M158.93M119.28M
Investing Cash Flow-206.94M-185.85M-87.75M-89.75M-223.45M-30.49M
Financing Cash Flow-129.11M-118.62M-104.53M-32.79M80.57M-70.33M

Sterling Construction Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price352.78
Price Trends
50DMA
305.86
Positive
100DMA
261.89
Positive
200DMA
203.67
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
14.18
Positive
RSI
61.39
Neutral
STOCH
59.91
Neutral
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 352.78 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 339.39, above the 50-day MA of 305.86, and above the 200-day MA of 203.67, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 14.18 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 61.39 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 59.91 is Neutral, 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 (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$8.36B32.4520.65%12.61%10.33%
76
Outperform
$6.96B90.7310.60%39.18%1.79%
74
Outperform
$4.74B36.5315.89%0.48%7.18%77.84%
73
Outperform
$10.73B38.3636.72%3.31%76.94%
72
Outperform
$7.53B31.0817.01%0.23%15.08%55.10%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
62
Neutral
$6.97B1.78102.24%3.62%943.43%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STRL
Sterling Construction
348.57
194.48
126.21%
DY
Dycom
286.30
96.09
50.52%
FLR
Fluor
42.92
-7.49
-14.86%
GVA
Granite Construction
105.92
24.57
30.20%
PRIM
Primoris Services
137.30
76.32
125.16%
ROAD
Construction Partners
121.79
50.82
71.61%

Sterling Construction Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Completes Acquisition of CEC Facilities Group
Positive
Sep 2, 2025

On September 1, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure completed its acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, a specialty electrical and mechanical contractor based in Irving, Texas. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Sterling’s E-Infrastructure capabilities, with CEC projected to contribute $130 to $138 million in revenue and $17 to $18 million in adjusted EBITDA for the remainder of 2025. The move aligns with Sterling’s growth strategy, aiming to deliver more efficient project solutions and drive industry innovation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Sep 02, 2025