Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock market experienced declines on September 3, 2025, due to rising tariff concerns, increased long-term Treasury yields, and inflation fears, leading to investor uncertainty and sell-offs [1] Group 1: Investment Recommendations - In the current market environment, it is suggested that investors consider low-leverage stocks as safer investment options to mitigate risks during market turmoil [2][6] - Recommended stocks include NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), Sterling Infrastructure (STRL), Northern Trust Corp. (NTRS), Dorman Products (DORM), and Natwest Group (NWG), all of which exhibit low leverage [2][10] Group 2: Understanding Leverage - Leverage refers to the practice of companies borrowing capital to operate and expand, typically through debt financing, which can pose risks if not managed properly [4][5] - A low debt-to-equity ratio is emphasized as a key indicator of financial stability, with a lower ratio indicating improved solvency and reduced financial risk [7][9] Group 3: Company Performance Highlights - NVIDIA Corp. reported a 56% year-over-year revenue increase to $46.7 billion in Q2 2025, with a 61% surge in earnings per share (EPS) [14][15] - Sterling Infrastructure completed an acquisition that positions it for sustained growth, with a projected earnings improvement of 45.9% for 2025 [16][17] - Northern Trust secured a contract with the State of New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, which is expected to enhance its recurring revenues and market presence [18][19] - Dorman Products achieved a 7.6% increase in net sales to $541 million in Q2 2025, with a 23% rise in adjusted EPS [20] - Natwest Group joined a debt financing syndicate for a significant infrastructure project, projecting a 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 [21][22]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) has successfully acquired CEC Facilities Group, LLC, a specialized electrical and mechanical contractor, enhancing its service portfolio in mission-critical contracting [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Impact - The acquisition of CEC Facilities is expected to expand Sterling's E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, allowing for more comprehensive end-to-end solutions for clients [2] - CEC Facilities is projected to generate revenues between $130 million and $138 million, with an adjusted EPS contribution of 22 to 24 cents, and an adjusted EBITDA contribution of approximately $17 to $18 million [3] Group 2: E-Infrastructure Growth - The E-Infrastructure Solutions segment is driving growth into 2025, fueled by increased demand for data centers and e-commerce distribution facilities [4] - The backlog for the E-Infrastructure segment increased by 44% year over year to $1.2 billion, contributing to a total backlog of $2 billion, which is up 24% [5] Group 3: Strategic Focus - Sterling's management is focused on long-term growth through both organic and inorganic opportunities, with plans for further small- to mid-sized acquisitions that align with strategic goals [6] - The company has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges in the residential housing market, maintaining a diversified portfolio and focusing on high-margin markets [7][8] Group 4: Stock Performance - Sterling's shares have increased by 43.6% over the past three months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's 8% rise [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. has completed the acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, significantly enhancing its E-Infrastructure capabilities and positioning the company for future growth and innovation in the industry [1][2]. Company Overview - Sterling operates through various subsidiaries across three segments: E-Infrastructure, Transportation, and Building Solutions, primarily in the Southern, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountain regions, and the Pacific Islands [3]. - The E-Infrastructure Solutions segment focuses on large-scale site development and mission-critical electrical services for data centers, semiconductor fabrication, and power generation [3]. Financial Contributions from CEC - CEC is expected to contribute approximately $130 to $138 million in adjusted revenue for the remainder of calendar year 2025, with an estimated adjusted EBITDA of $17 to $18 million [5]. - The adjusted diluted earnings per share from CEC are projected to be around $0.22 to $0.24 [5]. CEO Remarks - The CEO of Sterling expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting it as a milestone in the company's growth strategy and emphasizing the potential for delivering faster and more efficient project solutions [2].

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing demand for infrastructure solutions in the U.S., particularly for mission-critical projects, and compares two companies, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) and Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM), in this context [2][4]. Company Analysis: Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) - Sterling is diversifying its revenue by focusing on public infrastructure, especially mission-critical data centers and manufacturing [3]. - As of June 30, 2025, Sterling's E-Infrastructure Solutions backlog increased by 44% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, with revenues in this segment growing by 24.2% to $528.7 million, contributing 51% to total revenues [6]. - The total backlog for Sterling reached $2.01 billion, with a backlog margin of 17.8%, up from $1.69 billion at the end of 2024 [6]. - Sterling's acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, expected to close by Q3 2025, is anticipated to enhance its capabilities in mission-critical services [7][8]. - The company is strategically shifting towards large mission-critical projects due to weaknesses in the housing market, focusing on disciplined bidding and efficient execution [5]. Company Analysis: Primoris Services Corporation (PRIM) - Primoris specializes in constructing utility-scale power generation resources and is expanding its market exposure in data center infrastructure [9]. - As of June 30, 2025, Primoris' total backlog increased by 10% year-over-year to $11.49 billion, with $1.7 billion in data center work under evaluation for 2025 contracts [10][11]. - Primoris plans to submit bids for over $2.5 billion in natural gas generation projects and has solar projects worth $20-$30 billion planned through 2028 [11]. - Currently, only 10% of Primoris' revenues are tied to data center projects, indicating potential for revenue diversification [12]. Stock Performance & Valuation - In the past three months, Primoris' share price performance has outperformed Sterling's within the broader construction sector [13]. - Over the last five years, Sterling has traded at a premium valuation compared to Primoris on a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio basis [14]. - Primoris offers a more attractive valuation with steady multi-year growth prospects, while Sterling shows slower growth with a premium valuation [15]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STRL's 2025 EPS indicates a year-over-year growth of 45.9%, with a 9.4% increase projected for 2026 [18]. - For PRIM, the 2025 and 2026 earnings estimates imply year-over-year improvements of 20.7% and 12.1%, respectively [20]. Investment Consideration - Sterling's focus on mission-critical projects and strong backlog growth supports long-term visibility, but its premium valuation suggests optimism is already priced in [21]. - Primoris, with a larger backlog and aggressive expansion into high-growth markets, presents a more compelling buy opportunity due to its discounted valuation and stronger relative share performance [22].

Core Insights - U.S. stock indices rose over 1.5% on August 22, 2025, following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's indication of a potential interest rate cut next month, leading to increased trader optimism and a notable rise in Wall Street [1][10] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to consider low-leverage stocks such as NatWest Group, Sterling Infrastructure, Luxfer Holdings, Evercore, and Hillman Solutions Corp. as safer investment options due to their lower risk profile [2][10] - The focus on low-leverage stocks is based on the understanding that companies with excessive debt financing may face significant losses during economic downturns [5][6] Low-Leverage Stocks - Leverage refers to the practice of borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing, which can pose risks if returns do not exceed interest costs [4][5] - A lower debt-to-equity ratio indicates improved solvency and reduced financial risk for a company, making it a crucial metric for investors [7][9] Company Highlights - **NatWest Group (NWG)**: Announced a £140 million lending for essential upgrades to the UK's Haweswater Aqueduct, with a projected 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.9% [15][16] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Reported a 21% year-over-year revenue increase and a 40.8% surge in earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a projected 45.9% earnings improvement for 2025 [17][18] - **Luxfer Holdings (LXFR)**: Achieved a 5.8% increase in adjusted net sales and a 25% rise in adjusted earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 8% [19][20] - **Evercore (EVR)**: Reported a 20.7% increase in adjusted revenues and a 30.4% rise in earnings for Q2 2025, with a projected 15.9% sales improvement for 2025 [20][21] - **Hillman Solutions (HLMN)**: Experienced a 6.2% sales increase and a 6.3% growth in adjusted earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a projected 6.6% sales improvement for 2025 [22][23]

Core Insights - The article compares Babcock International Group PLC (BCKIY) and Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] - Both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and an improving earnings outlook [3] Valuation Metrics - BCKIY has a forward P/E ratio of 18.29, while STRL has a higher forward P/E of 31.24 [5] - The PEG ratio for BCKIY is 1.33, suggesting a more favorable valuation relative to its expected earnings growth compared to STRL's PEG ratio of 2.08 [5] - BCKIY's P/B ratio is 8.7, compared to STRL's P/B ratio of 9.28, indicating that BCKIY is relatively undervalued based on book value [6] Value Grades - Based on the valuation metrics, BCKIY holds a Value grade of B, while STRL has a Value grade of D, suggesting that BCKIY is the superior value option at this time [6][7]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is facing challenges due to weakness in the U.S. housing market, leading to a 7.6% year-over-year decline in its Building Solutions segment revenues to $199.3 million in the first half of 2025 [1][9] - The decline in the residential market is being offset by strong growth in the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, which saw a 24.2% year-over-year increase in revenues to $528.7 million, contributing 51% to total revenues [2][9] - STRL's backlog in the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment increased by 44% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, driven by mission-critical projects such as data centers and manufacturing [2][9] Company Developments - STRL has agreed to acquire CEC Facilities Group, LLC, a specialty electrical and mechanical contractor, expected to close by Q3 2025, which will enhance STRL's capabilities in mission-critical services [3][4] - The acquisition is anticipated to create synergies that will help mitigate the impact of the housing market's softness and improve STRL's prospects [4] Competitive Landscape - STRL faces competition from firms like EMCOR Group and MasTec Inc. in the public infrastructure sector [5] - EMCOR reported Remaining Performance Obligations (RPOs) of $11.91 billion, reflecting 22% organic growth and 32.4% growth including acquisitions [6] - MasTec's backlog reached $16.45 billion, marking a 23.3% year-over-year increase, driven by demand in AI, cloud computing, and data storage [7] Stock Performance and Valuation - STRL's stock has surged 62.5% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry and the S&P 500 index [8] - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.27, indicating a premium valuation compared to industry peers [10] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have trended upward, with projected growth rates of 45.9% and 9.4% year-over-year, respectively [12]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings exceeding estimates by 19% and revenues by 10.7% [1] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 41% year-over-year to $2.69, while revenues rose by 21% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company experienced significant growth in E-Infrastructure Solutions and Transportation Solutions, which compensated for a decline in the Building Solutions segment [2] - Gross margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23%, achieving a new high due to a shift towards higher-margin services [2] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 35% compared to the prior year [2] Stock Performance - STRL shares gained 51.4% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's 11.3% and the S&P 500's 8.8% [5] - The stock has shown a consistent upward trend since the second-quarter results announcement, rising 6.6% [5] E-Infrastructure Solutions - E-Infrastructure Solutions led revenue growth with a 29% increase, doubling data center sales and achieving margins of 28% [8][9] - The backlog for E-Infrastructure reached $1.2 billion, up 44% year-over-year, indicating strong future revenue visibility [10][11] - Data center revenues more than doubled, with e-commerce distribution backlog increasing nearly 700% year-over-year [10] Transportation Solutions - The Transportation Solutions segment backlog stood at $715 million, up 5% year-over-year, with expectations for revenue growth in the low-to-mid teens for 2025 [13][14] - The company is downsizing low-bid heavy highway operations in Texas, which is expected to create a more profitable mix [14] Acquisition Strategy - Sterling is advancing its E-Infrastructure platform through the pending $505 million acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, which will enhance its service offerings [15][16] - The integration is expected to create cross-selling opportunities and expand the company's geographic footprint [16] Analyst Outlook - Earnings estimates for 2025 have been revised upward to $8.90 per share, reflecting a growth of 45.9% year-over-year [17] - STRL is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry peers, with a forward P/E ratio above its five-year average [19][21] Conclusion - The strong second-quarter results, growing backlog, and strategic acquisitions position Sterling for long-term growth [22] - Despite trading at a premium, the stock's performance and favorable growth drivers justify its valuation, making it an attractive option for investors [23]

Core Insights - Willdan Group and Sterling Infrastructure exceeded Q2 expectations, reporting record revenue and net income driven by strong performance in high-growth infrastructure sectors [1][2] - Both companies raised their full-year guidance following strong Q2 results, indicating confidence in continued growth [3] Willdan Group Summary - Willdan raised its full-year targets for net revenue to $340-$350 million, Adjusted EPS to $3.50-$3.65, and Adjusted EBITDA to $70-$73 million [4] - The company secured significant contracts, including a $30 million deal with the City of Fairfield and a $20 million contract with National Grid [4] - Willdan's stock has increased nearly +200% year to date, with a three-year growth of over +380% [9] Sterling Infrastructure Summary - Sterling raised its full-year revenue guidance to $2.10-$2.15 billion, net income to $243-$252 million, and adjusted EPS to $9.21-$9.47 [5] - The company has a backlog exceeding $2 billion, focusing on high-margin projects in states like Utah, Colorado, and Texas [5] - Sterling's stock has risen over +70% year to date, with a three-year increase of over +260% [9] Strategic Acquisitions - Both companies are expanding into data center infrastructure, capitalizing on advancements in artificial intelligence [6] - Willdan acquired Alternative Power Generation to enhance its capabilities for AI data centers and EV charging stations [7] - Sterling plans to acquire CEC Facilities Group to expand its electrical contracting services for semiconductors and data centers [8] Valuation Analysis - Both companies forecast high-double digit EPS growth, with Sterling having a P/E valuation of 34X forward earnings compared to Willdan's 40.3X [10] - Willdan's stock is closer to an optimal sales level of less than 2X, while Sterling's is at 4.3X [11] - Despite raising guidance, Willdan's top line is expected to dip at least 38% after a record year, while Sterling is projected to maintain or reach peak annual sales [11] Conclusion - Willdan Group and Sterling Infrastructure are positioned as top engineering companies for investment, with Sterling's stronger financials offering more appeal [12] - Both companies' ventures into data center infrastructure suggest long-term viability as investments [13]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is experiencing growth due to strong demand in public infrastructure, particularly in data center construction, AI infrastructure, and utility grid modernization [1] - The company is pursuing inorganic growth through strategic acquisitions, exemplified by its agreement to acquire CEC Facilities Group, LLC, which is expected to enhance its service capabilities [2] Financial Performance - The E-Infrastructure Solutions segment accounted for 51% of Sterling's total revenues, which grew by 24.2% year-over-year to $528.7 million [3] - The backlog for E-Infrastructure Solutions increased by 44% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, driven by mission-critical projects such as data centers and manufacturing [3] Market Position and Competition - The acquisition of CEC Facilities is anticipated to improve revenue visibility and profitability for Sterling, while also allowing entry into new markets [4] - STRL shares have surged by 117.6% over the past six months, outperforming competitors like Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) and AECOM (ACM), which gained 29.7% and 14.7%, respectively [5][9] Valuation Metrics - Sterling's stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32.17, indicating a premium compared to industry peers [10] - Quanta Services and AECOM have forward P/E ratios of 33.57 and 20.83, respectively [11] Earnings Estimates - Earnings estimates for STRL have been revised upward for 2025 and 2026, now projected at $8.90 and $9.74 per share, reflecting year-over-year growth of 45.9% and 9.4% [12] - Current quarter and next quarter earnings estimates are $2.72 and $2.10, respectively [13]