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Sterling Construction (STRL)
NASDAQ:STRL

Sterling Construction (STRL) AI Stock Analysis

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Sterling Construction

(NASDAQ:STRL)

76Outperform
Sterling Construction receives a strong overall score driven by its robust financial performance and positive earnings call. The company's solid balance sheet and profitability metrics highlight its resilience and growth potential. While technical analysis suggests short-term momentum, caution is warranted due to overbought signals. Valuation is reasonable, supporting the stock's attractiveness despite the lack of a dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Shares of Sterling Infrastructure are trading up 5% after reporting strong first-quarter results with beats on revenue, EBITDA, and EPS as well as strong backlog growth of 17%.
Growth Opportunities
Sterling is well positioned to capitalize on mega trends over the next decade such as data centers, semiconductor onshoring, and domestic infrastructure spending.
Market Position
Sterling’s industry-leading data center site development business is surging and still in the early innings.
Negative Factors
Market Risks
The main risk to shares would be a slowdown in the data center and AI market in the U.S.
Revenue Performance
Fourth-quarter revenue of $498.8 million was below our estimate of $534.3 million.

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

Sterling Construction Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSterling Construction Company, Inc. (STRL) is a leading infrastructure services provider specializing in the construction and reconstruction of transportation and water infrastructure projects. The company operates primarily in the United States, focusing on building highways, roads, bridges, airfields, and water containment and treatment systems. Sterling Construction offers a broad range of services to both public and private sector clients, leveraging its expertise to deliver complex and large-scale infrastructure projects.
How the Company Makes MoneySterling Construction generates revenue through its construction contracts, primarily within the transportation and water infrastructure sectors. The company's key revenue streams include project fees earned from constructing highways, bridges, roads, and related infrastructure. Additionally, it engages in site development and civil construction for both public entities and private clients. Sterling Construction often enters into long-term contracts with government agencies, municipalities, and commercial developers, which provide a stable income stream. The company also seeks to maximize profitability through efficient project management and cost control, while strategically expanding its operations to capitalize on growing infrastructure demands across the U.S.

Sterling Construction Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sterling Construction demonstrates a robust financial profile with consistent revenue growth, strong profitability metrics, a solid balance sheet, and healthy cash flow generation. Its stable margins and prudent leverage position it well for future growth, while its cash flow strength provides resilience against industry cyclicality.
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.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
2.12B1.97B1.77B1.58B1.43B
Gross Profit
426.12M337.64M274.57M214.76M191.37M
EBIT
264.62M205.79M159.87M107.29M94.89M
EBITDA
451.94M277.34M211.43M144.76M126.43M
Net Income Common Stockholders
257.46M138.66M106.46M62.65M42.31M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
664.20M471.56M181.54M81.84M66.19M
Total Assets
2.02B1.78B1.44B1.23B952.69M
Total Debt
369.27M398.88M491.16M481.49M385.23M
Net Debt
-294.92M-72.68M309.62M399.65M319.04M
Total Liabilities
1.19B1.15B963.82M870.77M683.97M
Stockholders Equity
808.08M618.91M474.60M358.77M267.27M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
416.15M414.20M158.21M104.94M86.42M
Operating Cash Flow
497.10M478.58M219.12M151.59M119.28M
Investing Cash Flow
-185.85M-87.75M-89.75M-223.45M-30.49M
Financing Cash Flow
-118.62M-104.53M-32.79M87.91M-68.34M

Sterling Construction Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price179.65
Price Trends
50DMA
130.99
Positive
100DMA
145.39
Positive
200DMA
145.48
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
11.77
Negative
RSI
78.18
Negative
STOCH
92.79
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 179.65 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 147.82, above the 50-day MA of 130.99, and above the 200-day MA of 145.48, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 11.77 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 78.18 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 92.79 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 (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$5.10B85.498.41%22.91%-1.39%
78
Outperform
$3.51B17.7815.30%0.42%12.45%42.45%
76
Outperform
$5.23B20.0936.67%4.84%77.84%
75
Outperform
$4.73B20.6837.73%21.53%66.65%
GVGVA
72
Outperform
$3.59B36.4812.75%0.63%11.42%247.33%
DYDY
70
Outperform
$5.29B23.2320.35%12.61%7.43%
64
Neutral
$4.25B11.695.23%249.83%4.04%-9.46%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STRL
Sterling Construction
179.65
53.97
42.94%
DY
Dycom
183.33
35.12
23.70%
GVA
Granite Construction
81.17
20.26
33.26%
IESC
IES Holdings
241.63
66.79
38.20%
PRIM
Primoris Services
66.71
19.13
40.21%
ROAD
Construction Partners
89.93
37.21
70.58%

Sterling Construction Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 05, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 7.79%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects strong overall performance with significant growth in the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment and record financial metrics. The strategic acquisition of Drake Concrete and robust backlog growth further support a positive outlook. However, challenges in the Building Solutions segment and increased administrative costs present some areas of concern. Overall, the positive aspects and growth opportunities outweigh the negatives.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Growth in E-Infrastructure Solutions
E-Infrastructure Solutions segment revenue grew by 18%, with a significant 60% increase in the data center market. Adjusted operating income in this segment grew 61% with operating margins reaching 23%, a 618 basis point increase.
Record Earnings and Profit Margins
Adjusted earnings per share increased by 29% to $1.63. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 31% to $80 million. Gross profit margins expanded more than 400 basis points from the prior year to reach 22%.
Significant Backlog Growth
Backlog increased by 17% year-over-year to $2.1 billion, with a book-to-burn ratio above two times. E-Infrastructure Solutions backlog rose by 27% in the first quarter.
Positive Cash Flow and Liquidity Position
Operating cash flow generation was strong at $85 million. The company ended the quarter with $638.6 million in cash and a net cash position of $328.6 million.
Strategic Acquisition of Drake Concrete
Acquired Drake Concrete for $25 million, expected to contribute $55 million in revenue and $6.5 million in EBITDA for 2025.
Negative Updates
Decline in Building Solutions Segment
Building Solutions segment revenue declined 14% and adjusted operating income declined 18% due to affordability challenges in the housing market, severe weather, and a challenging comparison to the previous year.
Increased General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $7.3 million, influenced by one-time separation expenses and investments in personnel and systems.
Company Guidance
During Sterling Infrastructure's first quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided optimistic financial guidance for the year. They anticipate revenue between $2.05 billion and $2.15 billion, with net income projected at $222 million to $239 million. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) are expected to range from $7.15 to $7.65, while adjusted diluted EPS is forecasted between $8.40 and $8.90. The company also projects EBITDA of $381 million to $403 million and adjusted EBITDA from $410 million to $432 million. This guidance reflects the company's strong outlook based on its robust backlog, which reached $2.1 billion with a book-to-burn ratio above two times. Sterling's strategic focus includes expanding its E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, which saw a 27% increase in backlog, and maintaining growth in the Transportation Solutions segment, driven by federal funding and market demand.

Sterling Construction Corporate Events

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.

Spark’s Take on STRL Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STRL is a Outperform.

Sterling Construction demonstrates strong financial performance with robust revenue and profit growth, supported by effective cost management and a healthy balance sheet. Technical indicators suggest short-term bullish momentum, although caution is advised for the longer term. The company’s valuation appears reasonable, and recent earnings call optimism and positive corporate events further enhance the stock’s attractiveness. Minor challenges in specific segments do exist, but the overall outlook remains positive.

To see Spark’s full report on STRL stock, click here.

Business Operations and Strategy
Sterling Construction Unveils 2025 Sustainability Report
Positive
Mar 20, 2025

On March 20, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting its ongoing sustainability efforts and ESG-related activities. The report, titled ‘Building Tomorrow Today,’ emphasizes Sterling’s role in advancing infrastructure projects that create lasting positive impacts. CEO Joe Cutillo underscored the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices, which are central to its mission of protecting people, communities, and the environment.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sterling Construction Highlights Strategic Growth and Profitability
Positive
Mar 18, 2025

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. presented its business and financial performance to investors, highlighting its strategic transformation and strong growth trajectory. The company reported a revenue of $2.12 billion in 2024, with a market cap of $3.7 billion as of March 2025, and emphasized its high-profitability backlog and diverse market presence. The presentation underscored Sterling’s role in critical infrastructure projects across the U.S. and its robust financial metrics, including a revenue CAGR of 20% over eight years and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.1% in 2024.

Executive/Board Changes
Sterling Construction Appoints Interim CFO Ronald Ballschmiede
Neutral
Mar 14, 2025

On March 14, 2025, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. appointed Ronald A. Ballschmiede as interim Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer following the departure of Sharon Villaverde, who left to pursue other opportunities. The company has started a formal search for a permanent CFO. CEO Joe Cutillo expressed gratitude for Villaverde’s contributions and confidence in Ballschmiede’s ability to transition smoothly. Villaverde’s departure was not due to any disagreements with the company’s financial practices, and she will receive benefits as per her compensation program.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sterling Construction Reports Record 2024 Financial Results
Positive
Feb 25, 2025

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. reported record financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, with significant increases in revenue, net income, and EBITDA. The company achieved a 3% revenue growth in the fourth quarter and a 7% increase for the full year, alongside a notable rise in gross margins and operating cash flow. The deconsolidation of the RHB joint venture impacted year-end backlog figures, but the company maintained strong performance in its E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, with a 50% growth in operating income. Looking forward, Sterling provided optimistic guidance for 2025, expecting continued revenue and profitability growth, driven by strategic shifts toward higher-margin projects and regions.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.