Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. has appointed B. Andrew Rose and David Schulz to its Board of Directors, effective July 10, 2025, enhancing the board's expertise in finance and operations [1] Group 1: Board Appointments - B. Andrew Rose has over 30 years of experience in finance, private equity, and industrial manufacturing, previously serving as President and CEO of Worthington Enterprises [2] - David Schulz brings over 25 years of leadership experience in finance and operations, currently serving as Executive Vice President and CFO at Wesco International [3] Group 2: Leadership Remarks - CEO Joe Cutillo expressed confidence in the new board members, highlighting their leadership and financial expertise as valuable for the company's growth [4] - Chairman Roger Cregg emphasized the combination of operational excellence and financial expertise that Rose and Schulz bring, which will strengthen the board's governance [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Sterling operates through subsidiaries in three segments: E-Infrastructure, Transportation, and Building Solutions, primarily in the Southern, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountain regions, and the Pacific Islands [5] - The company is committed to sustainability and improving society's quality of life through responsible operations [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street analysts' recommendations significantly influence investor decisions, but their reliability is questionable, particularly for Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) [1][5]. Group 1: Brokerage Recommendations - Sterling Infrastructure has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.00, indicating a Strong Buy based on three brokerage firms' recommendations, all of which are Strong Buy [2]. - The ABR suggests a favorable outlook for Sterling Infrastructure, but relying solely on this metric may not be advisable due to the historical ineffectiveness of brokerage recommendations in predicting stock price appreciation [5][10]. Group 2: Analyst Bias and Zacks Rank - Brokerage analysts often exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings, with a tendency to issue five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" [6][10]. - The Zacks Rank, which is based on earnings estimate revisions, is presented as a more reliable indicator of near-term stock performance compared to the ABR [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank is updated more frequently and reflects timely changes in earnings estimates, unlike the ABR, which may not always be current [13]. Group 3: Current Earnings Estimates and Recommendations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sterling Infrastructure remains unchanged at $8.61, suggesting stable analyst views on the company's earnings prospects [14]. - Due to the unchanged consensus estimate and other factors, Sterling Infrastructure currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a cautious approach despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [15].

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. is strategically focusing on high-value infrastructure projects, which is enhancing its margin profile and earnings quality [1] - The company reported a gross margin of 22% in Q1 2025, an increase of 400 basis points from the previous year [1][9] - The E-Infrastructure segment's adjusted operating margins expanded nearly 618 basis points year over year to 23.2%, driven by a focus on mission-critical projects like data centers [1][9] Company Strategy - Sterling's disciplined project selection strategy prioritizes large, complex builds, allowing it to avoid lower-margin work [2] - The shift towards aviation and rail projects in Transportation Solutions, along with reduced exposure to low-bid heavy highway work, has contributed to margin expansion [2] Future Outlook - The company expects full-year infrastructure growth supported by a multi-year backlog visibility, with the E-Infrastructure segment holding a backlog of $1.2 billion [3] - The total pipeline is nearing $2 billion when including future phase work, weighted towards higher-margin projects, indicating potential for sustained profitability [3] Industry Context - Competitors like Quanta Services, Inc. and EMCOR Group, Inc. are also focusing on high-return sectors such as data centers and transportation [5] - Quanta Services reported a 12-month backlog of $16.37 billion as of March 31, 2025, reflecting growing demand for electric grid upgrades and AI-driven infrastructure needs [6] - EMCOR Group's U.S. Electrical Construction and Facilities Services segment reported an operating margin of 12.5%, while the U.S. Mechanical Construction and Facilities Services segment posted an operating margin of 11.9% [7] Performance Metrics - Sterling's stock has gained 107.9% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's growth of 48% [8] - The company is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14X, compared to the industry's average of 21.56X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sterling's EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 41.2% and 10.1% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [13]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) shares are trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.29, which is approximately 19.5% higher than the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry average of 21.16, indicating a premium valuation compared to its five-year median [1][3]. Financial Performance - STRL stock has gained 35.8% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average increase of 8.1% and the S&P 500's rise of 5.4% [5]. - Data center-related revenues surged nearly 60% in the first quarter of 2025, contributing significantly to the E-Infrastructure performance [7][10]. - The total backlog for STRL increased by 17% year-over-year to $2.1 billion, with $1.2 billion attributed to E-Infrastructure, indicating strong future growth potential [11][12]. Market Position and Demand Drivers - The company is benefiting from stable demand in E-Infrastructure, driven by trends in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, which supports its premium valuation [9]. - The Transportation Solutions segment is also positioned for growth, with a backlog of $861 million, up 11% year-over-year, supported by ongoing federal investment under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) [14][15]. Strategic Expansion - Sterling Infrastructure is expanding its E-Infrastructure platform through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire CEC Facilities Group for $505 million, which is expected to enhance its service offerings and market presence [17][18]. - The acquisition is anticipated to create cross-selling opportunities and support the company's long-term growth strategy [18]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Outlook - Earnings estimates for STRL have been revised upward to $8.61 per share for 2025, reflecting a growth of 41.2% year-over-year, while peer companies are expected to see lower growth rates [21]. - The company's strong fundamentals and strategic focus on high-growth sectors justify investor confidence despite its high valuation [20][21].

Market Overview - Markets ended higher on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices advancing by 0.47% and 0.94%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 10.52 points [1] - Market sentiment was positively influenced by a trade accord between the United States and Vietnam, easing concerns over prolonged trade tensions [1] Economic Indicators - A recent ADP report indicated an unexpected drop in private payrolls for June, with the private sector losing 33,000 jobs, suggesting potential challenges for the U.S. economy [2] - This decline in job numbers has raised scrutiny from investors, particularly in light of the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rates [2] Investment Strategy - In the current macroeconomic environment, focusing on companies with strong financial fundamentals is crucial [3] - Relying solely on sales and earnings metrics may not yield long-term returns; a deeper analysis of a company's financial health and stability is essential for sustainable investment growth [3] Financial Analysis - A critical analysis of a company's financial background, including coverage ratios, is necessary for informed investment decisions [4] - The Interest Coverage Ratio is a key indicator used to evaluate a company's ability to pay interest on its debt, ensuring it is not over-leveraged [4][6] Interest Coverage Ratio Insights - The Interest Coverage Ratio is calculated as Earnings before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) divided by Interest Expense [5] - A ratio lower than 1.0 indicates a company may struggle to meet its interest obligations, while a higher ratio suggests a stronger financial position [9] Company Performance - Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM), Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL), Molina Healthcare, Inc. (MOH), and Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) have strong interest coverage ratios, indicating solid financial footing [10] - HBM and STRL posted over 40% EPS growth estimates, while VRT shows a growth potential of 24.9% [10] - MOH projects 8.4% sales growth and 7.9% EPS growth, despite a 19.3% stock decline over the past year [10] Stock Screening Criteria - Stocks should have an Interest Coverage Ratio greater than the industry average, a favorable Zacks Rank, and a VGM Score of A or B for better investment results [11] - Additional criteria include a minimum stock price of $5, strong historical and projected EPS growth, substantial trading volume, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [12][13] Company Highlights - Hudbay Minerals has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 50% on average, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate suggesting growth of 9.2% in sales and 41.7% in EPS [14] - Sterling Infrastructure has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.5% on average, with a projected EPS growth of 41.2% [15] - Molina Healthcare's Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates growth of 8.4% in sales and 7.9% in EPS [16] - Vertiv Holdings has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.4% on average, with projected growth of 18.8% in sales and 24.9% in EPS [17]

Market Overview - Wall Street ended the first day of July 2025 on a mixed note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained slightly [1] - The contrasting movements in the major stock indices were influenced by opposing forces, including a feud between President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the U.S. Senate's passage of Trump's tax bill aimed at stimulating economic growth [2] Investment Opportunities - Amid market uncertainty, there is a potential opportunity to invest in low-leverage stocks that are not expensive and can provide a protective shield during turbulent times [3] - Suggested low-leverage stocks include Novartis (NVS), Alamo Group (ALG), ArcelorMittal (MT), Bilibili (BILI), and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) [3][10] Low-Leverage Stocks - Low-leverage stocks are characterized by a lower debt-to-equity ratio, indicating reduced financial risk and improved solvency [7][8] - Investing in low-leverage stocks is recommended to avoid significant losses during economic downturns [6][7] Company Highlights - **Novartis (NVS)**: Recently completed the acquisition of Regulus Therapeutics, enhancing its drug portfolio. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NVS's 2025 sales suggests a 7.3% improvement from 2024, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.9% [15][16] - **Alamo Group (ALG)**: Completed the acquisition of Ring-O-Matic, expanding its product offerings. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALG's 2025 earnings indicates a 7.2% year-over-year improvement [17][18] - **ArcelorMittal (MT)**: Signed an agreement to sell operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing a focus on higher-growth areas. The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 49.8% [19] - **Bilibili (BILI)**: Reported a 24% year-over-year revenue increase and a 58% improvement in gross profit for Q1 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 sales indicates a 12.1% improvement from 2024 [20][21] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Announced the acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, enhancing its service portfolio in high-growth markets. The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% [22][23]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is experiencing growth due to a strong backlog and expanding pipeline in its E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, with a backlog of $1.2 billion as of March 31, 2025, representing a 27% year-over-year increase [1][9] - The company has reached the high end of its $750 million target for future-phase opportunities, bringing total visibility close to $2 billion [1] - The demand for data-center construction, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), accounts for over 65% of the E-Infrastructure backlog, with revenues from these projects increasing approximately 60% year-over-year [2][9] Company Performance - Sterling expects mid-to-high teens revenue growth for the E-Infrastructure segment in 2025, with operating margins projected in the mid-20% range [4][9] - The company acknowledges potential shifts in customer timelines and funding schedules, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high conversion rates from identified opportunities into booked backlog [3] Industry Trends - Other companies like Comfort Systems USA (FIX) and EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME) are also expanding their presence in digital infrastructure, benefiting from long-term trends in AI-driven construction [5] - Comfort Systems reported a record first-quarter 2025 with earnings up more than 75% and revenues rising 19% year-over-year, with a backlog of $6.9 billion [6] - EMCOR's Remaining Performance Obligations reached $11.75 billion, indicating a 28.1% year-over-year growth, supported by strong public infrastructure spending in the U.S. [7] Stock Performance and Valuation - Sterling's stock has surged 102.4% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, which rose 35.6% [8] - The company is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.61X, compared to the industry's average of 21.01X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sterling's EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 41.2% for 2025 and 10.1% for 2026 [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying and sustaining trends in short-term investing, highlighting that sound fundamentals and positive earnings estimates are crucial for maintaining momentum in stock prices [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) has shown a significant price increase of 95.5% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [3]. - The stock has also increased by 14.6% in the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [4]. - STRL is currently trading at 91.1% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout [4]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - STRL holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [5]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [6]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The article suggests that investors can utilize the "Recent Price Strength" screen to identify stocks like STRL that are on an uptrend with strong fundamentals [2]. - It also mentions that there are over 45 Zacks Premium Screens available for investors to find potential winning stock picks based on their investing style [7].

Company Performance - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) closed at $222.54, reflecting a -3.55% change from the previous day, which is less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.11% [1] - Prior to the latest trading session, STRL shares had increased by 21.69%, outperforming the Construction sector's gain of 3.97% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.17% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings release is expected to show an EPS of $2.26, representing a 35.33% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is anticipated to be $555.13 million, indicating a 4.75% decline compared to the year-ago quarter [2] Annual Forecast - Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $8.61 per share and revenue of $2.09 billion for the year, reflecting changes of +41.15% and -1.22% respectively compared to the previous year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates may indicate shifting near-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism about the company's profitability [3] Analyst Ratings - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently ranks Sterling Infrastructure at 2 (Buy) [5] - The consensus EPS projection has remained stable over the past 30 days, indicating consistent analyst sentiment [5] Valuation Metrics - Sterling Infrastructure has a Forward P/E ratio of 26.81, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 20.46 [6] - The company also has a PEG ratio of 1.79, slightly above the Engineering - R and D Services industry average PEG ratio of 1.76 [7] Industry Context - The Engineering - R and D Services industry is part of the Construction sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 97, placing it in the top 40% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ: STRL) is facing challenges with a double-digit revenue decline, particularly in the transportation segment, as it moves into 2025 [1] Company Performance - The transportation segment is expected to continue experiencing revenue growth pressure in the near term [1]