Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) has experienced a significant stock surge of 159.1% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector, and the S&P 500 index [1][8] Company Performance - The company has gained momentum since the beginning of 2025, driven by increased infrastructure spending in the U.S. and a recent Federal Reserve rate cut [2] - STRL's E-Infrastructure Solutions segment, which contributes 51% to total revenues, reported a year-over-year revenue growth of 24.2% in the first half of 2025, with expectations of 18-20% growth for the year [5][20] Market Trends - The demand for data center projects is rising due to factors such as AI-based solutions, cloud migration, and sustainability initiatives, supported by federal and state infrastructure spending [4] - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut on September 17, 2025, is expected to further stimulate infrastructure investments [6][9] Strategic Acquisitions - STRL's acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, completed on September 2, 2025, is anticipated to enhance its electrical and mechanical service capabilities across new markets [11][20] Earnings Estimates - Earnings estimates for STRL have increased to $8.90 and $9.74 per share for 2025 and 2026, reflecting year-over-year growth of 56.9% and 14.7%, respectively [12][21] Competitive Position - STRL is positioning itself competitively in mission-critical infrastructure, focusing on alternative delivery and e-infrastructure, although it faces competition from larger firms like MasTec, Primoris, and EMCOR [14][17] Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a premium with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32.73, indicating strong market potential [18][19] Investment Outlook - Analysts have a "Strong Buy" recommendation for STRL, reflecting optimism about its growth trajectory and favorable market conditions [21][24]

Core Insights - U.S. stock markets are experiencing significant gains in 2025, with major indexes like the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite up 10.3%, 14.4%, and 18.2% year-to-date, respectively, nearing all-time highs [1][8] Stock Performance - A weak labor market has led to expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue to lower the benchmark lending rate throughout 2025, although the recent U.S. government shutdown may dampen investor enthusiasm [2] - Five stocks identified as having strong price momentum are Century Aluminum Co. (CENX), DRDGOLD Ltd. (DRD), Globalstar Inc. (GSAT), TAT Technologies Ltd. (TATT), and Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL) [3][8] Stock Screening Criteria - Stocks must show a percentage change in price greater than zero over the last four weeks and greater than 10% over the last twelve weeks to indicate sustained momentum [5] - Stocks should have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker rating of 1, indicating strong future performance expectations [6] - Stocks must be trading at a minimum price of $5 and be within 85% of their 52-week high to ensure they are strong performers [7] Individual Stock Highlights - **Century Aluminum Co. (CENX)**: Stock price increased by 35.2% in the last four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 77.4% for the next year [10] - **DRDGOLD Ltd. (DRD)**: Stock price rose by 34.9% in the last four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of -0.7% for the current year [11] - **Globalstar Inc. (GSAT)**: Stock price climbed 34.9% in the last four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 66.7% for the current year [14] - **TAT Technologies Ltd. (TATT)**: Stock price surged 24.9% in the last four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 45% for the current year [16] - **Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL)**: Stock price advanced 22.2% in the last four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 56.9% for the current year [19]

Core Viewpoint - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is positioned well to potentially beat earnings estimates in its upcoming quarterly report, supported by a strong history of exceeding expectations [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Sterling Infrastructure has a solid track record of surpassing earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters, with an average surprise of 11.10% [2]. - In the most recent quarter, the company was expected to report earnings of $2.69 per share but instead reported $2.26 per share, resulting in a surprise of 19.03%. In the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $1.58 per share, while the actual earnings were $1.63 per share, leading to a surprise of 3.16% [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Sterling Infrastructure have been trending upward, aided by its history of earnings surprises. The stock currently has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), indicating a strong likelihood of a future earnings beat, especially given its solid Zacks Rank [6]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise, suggesting that out of 10 such stocks, approximately seven could beat consensus estimates [7]. Group 3: Earnings ESP and Analyst Sentiment - Sterling Infrastructure has an Earnings ESP of +1.26%, indicating that analysts have recently become more optimistic about the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP, combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggests that another earnings beat may be imminent [9]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may provide a more accurate prediction of earnings [8].

Group 1 - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (NASDAQ: STRL) has been under observation for potential investment opportunities, indicating a focus on companies with aggressive growth prospects [1] - The investment philosophy highlighted emphasizes long-term discipline and consistent alpha generation, suggesting a strategic approach to investing in high-growth companies [1] - The article reflects a personal conviction towards the stock, indicating a beneficial long position in STRL, which may suggest confidence in the company's future performance [1]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is a diversified construction solutions provider with strong positions in civil, specialty services, and building segments [1] - The company is currently facing challenges in its Building Solutions segment due to a decline in housing demand, attributed to elevated mortgage rates and affordability pressures [2] Group 1: Housing Market Impact - The U.S. housing market is experiencing difficulties, leading to a 7.6% year-over-year decline in STRL's Building Solutions segment revenues, which amounted to $199.3 million in the first half of 2025 [2][8] - Despite the housing market challenges, STRL's focus on service diversification is expected to mitigate risks in the mid to long term [2] Group 2: Infrastructure Growth - Robust growth in federal initiatives and private-sector investments in infrastructure projects is anticipated to offset weaknesses in the housing sector [3] - STRL's strategic shift towards large mission-critical projects has improved revenue visibility and profitability, with the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment's backlog increasing by 44% year-over-year to $1.2 billion as of June 30, 2025 [3][8] Group 3: Competitive Positioning - Compared to competitors like AECOM and MasTec, STRL operates at the intersection of public infrastructure expansion and residential construction, presenting both opportunities and risks [5] - AECOM and MasTec are less affected by housing cycles due to their focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, while STRL's dual exposure to both housing and infrastructure markets offers potential upside when both sectors strengthen [6][7] Group 4: Future Prospects - The recent acquisition of CEC Facilities is expected to enhance STRL's long-term prospects by creating synergies that support broader growth strategies [4] - If STRL successfully pivots towards infrastructure and non-residential opportunities, the risks associated with housing exposure may become more manageable [4]

Core Insights - The bullish factors of rising earnings growth and anticipated interest rate cuts are expected to support stock purchases in October and throughout Q4 [1][2] - Investors are encouraged to utilize a Zacks screen to identify top Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks, which historically outperform the market [2][3] Zacks Rank 1 Stock Screening - The Zacks Rank 1 stocks have shown an average annual return of approximately 24.4% since 1988, making them a strong starting point for investment [5] - Key screening parameters include: - Zacks Rank equal to 1 - Positive percentage change in current quarter estimates over the last four weeks [6] - Top 5 stocks with the best average broker rating changes over the last four weeks [7] Featured Stock: Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) - Sterling Infrastructure operates in the U.S. infrastructure sector, focusing on E-Infrastructure, Transportation, and Building Solutions [8] - The company is benefiting from trends such as the AI data center boom and energy industry expansion, with a backlog growth of 24% year-over-year, reaching $2 billion [10] - STRL's revenue is projected to grow by 7% in 2025 and 13% in 2026, with adjusted earnings expected to increase by 57% this year and 15% in FY26, reaching $10.98 per share [11] - The stock has experienced a significant increase of 2,300% over the past five years, although it has recently pulled back after reaching all-time highs [14]

Group 1 - Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund reported a return of 9.37% in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Growth Index which returned 11.97% due to security selection issues in the information technology and financial sectors [1] - The fund highlighted Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRL) as a key stock, which had a one-month return of 22.46% and a 52-week gain of 135.21%, closing at $341.10 per share with a market capitalization of $10.407 billion on September 29, 2025 [2] - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. specializes in e-infrastructure, transportation, and building solutions, experiencing a recovery after a selloff in Q1 2025, with strong performance in its data center business and positive management outlook for the coming years [3] Group 2 - Despite the positive outlook for Sterling Infrastructure, it was noted that the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 25 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, down from 30 in the previous quarter [4] - The potential of Sterling Infrastructure as an investment is acknowledged, but it is suggested that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4] - Additional insights on Sterling Infrastructure were provided by Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund, indicating a broader interest in the company's performance [5]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying those that can fulfill their potential is challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 40.8%, with projected EPS growth of 56.8% this year, significantly surpassing the industry average of 11.1% [4] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Sterling Infrastructure's year-over-year cash flow growth is 30.6%, exceeding the industry average of 17.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 39.7%, compared to the industry average of 7% [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Sterling Infrastructure, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 2.7% over the past month [8] - The combination of strong earnings estimate revisions and a Growth Score of B positions Sterling Infrastructure as a potential outperformer for growth investors [10]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) experienced a stock price decline of 1.63% to $338.44, underperforming the S&P 500, which fell by 0.5% [1] - Over the past month, STRL shares increased by 18.9%, outperforming the Construction sector's decline of 2.43% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.74% [1] Earnings Performance - The upcoming earnings disclosure is anticipated to show an EPS of $2.79, reflecting a growth of 41.62% year-over-year [2] - Revenue is projected at $612.4 million, indicating a 3.14% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Full Year Estimates - For the full year, earnings are estimated at $9.57 per share, representing a growth of 56.89%, with revenue expected to reach $2.26 billion, a 6.58% increase from the previous year [3] - Recent analyst estimate revisions suggest a favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability [3] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Sterling Infrastructure holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with a historical average annual gain of +25% for 1 stocks since 1988 [5] - The Forward P/E ratio for STRL is 35.97, which is a premium compared to the industry average of 22.18 [6] - The PEG ratio for STRL is 2.4, compared to the industry average of 1.78, indicating a higher expected earnings growth rate [6] Industry Context - The Engineering - R and D Services industry, part of the Construction sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 156, placing it in the bottom 37% of over 250 industries [7] - Top-rated industries tend to outperform lower-rated ones by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. is leveraging scale, execution, and diversification to maintain its competitive edge amid increasing competition in the construction and infrastructure sector [1] - The company is strategically positioned in high-demand areas such as data centers, e-commerce distribution, and critical transportation projects, where reliability and speed are prioritized over cost [1] Financial Performance - Sterling's E-Infrastructure Solutions segment has seen a 44% year-over-year increase in backlog, driven by mission-critical projects like data centers, which now constitute a majority of its pipeline [2] - The company reported double-digit revenue growth in its latest quarter, with gross margins expanding by 400 basis points to 23.3% [4] - Management has raised full-year EPS guidance, reflecting confidence in future performance [4] Segment Analysis - Transportation Solutions is supported by federal infrastructure funding and regional demand, although the winding down of low-margin Texas highway work may temporarily impact backlog but is expected to enhance profitability in the long run [3] - The Building Solutions segment is facing challenges due to housing affordability issues, with anticipated revenue declines through year-end [3] Competitive Landscape - Sterling's competitive advantage is bolstered by its ability to execute large-scale, multi-phase projects on time, which has resulted in repeat business and pricing power [2] - Competitors like Granite Construction and Tutor Perini are facing execution challenges, highlighting Sterling's relative strength in delivering mission-critical projects efficiently [6][7] Strategic Initiatives - To enhance its competitive position, Sterling is pursuing strategic acquisitions, such as the pending purchase of CEC Facilities Group, which will add mechanical and electrical services to its offerings [5] - The company aims to combine operational discipline with selective expansion to navigate a tightening construction market [5] Stock Performance and Valuation - Sterling's stock has surged by 50.4% over the past three months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's growth of 6.6% [9] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward to $9.57 and $10.98 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 56.9% and 14.7%, respectively [12] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 32.46, reflecting a premium compared to industry peers [13]