Core Insights - Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund's second-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights the impact of trade policy uncertainty and subsequent market recovery, with the S&P 500 achieving a 10.94% gain by the end of Q2 [1] - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRL) is a key holding in the fund, showing significant stock performance with a one-month return of 28.50% and a 52-week gain of 154.79% [2] - The company operates in three main business areas: Transportation Solutions, E-Infrastructure Solutions, and Building Solutions, with the E-Infrastructure segment experiencing rapid growth [3] Company Performance - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. closed at $371.84 per share on September 23, 2025, with a market capitalization of $11.311 billion [2] - The company reported stronger-than-expected operating results, particularly in the E-Infrastructure and Transportation segments, while Building Solutions slightly underperformed [3] - Management has increased revenue guidance for the full year, citing growth in the backlog of future projects within the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment [3]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments in complex instruments like cryptocurrencies and CFDs [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, personal analysis, and third-party content intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information does not constitute any recommendation or advice for investment actions [1]. - Users are advised to perform their own research and consider their financial situation before making decisions [1]. Group 2 - The website includes information about high-risk financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies and CFDs, which are complex and can lead to significant financial losses [1]. - It encourages users to understand how these instruments work and the associated risks before investing [1]. - The content may not be real-time or accurate, and prices may be provided by market makers rather than exchanges [1].

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) and AECOM (ACM) are pivotal players in the U.S. infrastructure sector, with STRL focusing on execution and project delivery, while AECOM excels in planning and program management [1][2] - Both companies are positioned to benefit from trends such as increased data center construction, transportation upgrades, and the energy transition, creating diverse opportunities within the infrastructure value chain [2] - The Federal Reserve's recent rate cut to a target of 4-4.25% may enhance public and private infrastructure investments, further supporting demand for both companies [3] Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) - STRL is concentrating on high-value markets, including data centers and e-commerce distribution, leading to a 21% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2 2025, with E-Infrastructure Solutions growing by 29% and Transportation Solutions by 24% [4][5] - Adjusted earnings per share rose 41% to $2.69, and gross margins expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%, indicating strong profitability and long-term visibility [4] - The total backlog reached $2 billion, up 24% from the previous year, with E-Infrastructure backlog growing 44% to $1.2 billion, reflecting sustained demand [7][8] - Despite a sequential backlog decline due to seasonal factors, STRL's growth outlook remains robust, supported by a strong project pipeline [6][7] AECOM (ACM) - AECOM reported a 6% year-over-year growth in net service revenues (NSR) to $1.94 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, driven by strong performance in the Americas and international markets [10][11] - The Americas segment saw an 8% increase in NSR, highlighting robust activity in transportation and environmental projects [11] - AECOM's total backlog stood at $24.6 billion, up 5% from the prior year, providing long-term growth prospects and multi-year visibility [13] - The company faces challenges from political changes and funding delays in international markets, which may impact near-term results [12] Stock Performance & Valuation - STRL's share price has significantly outperformed AECOM and the broader Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry over the past three months [14] - Historically, STRL has traded at a higher forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to AECOM [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STRL's 2025 EPS indicates a 56.9% year-over-year growth, while ACM's estimate suggests a 15.9% increase [18][20] Investment Outlook - STRL is emerging as a growth leader in the infrastructure space, supported by its focus on high-value markets and a solid backlog, leading to raised 2025 guidance [23] - AECOM benefits from steady demand across various projects but faces greater exposure to international risks and limited movement in earnings estimates [24] - Given STRL's stronger share price performance, upward estimate revisions, and robust earnings growth, it presents a better investment opportunity compared to AECOM [25]

Core Viewpoint - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) shares have experienced a significant rally, attributed to positive market sentiment following a recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, alongside strong expectations for upcoming earnings and revenue growth [1][2][3]. Company Performance - STRL shares increased by 3.3% to close at $360.25, with a notable trading volume that exceeded typical levels, contributing to a 25.4% gain over the past four weeks [1]. - The company is projected to report quarterly earnings of $2.79 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 41.6%, with expected revenues of $612.4 million, up 3.1% from the previous year [3]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for STRL has been revised 1.5% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that often correlates with stock price appreciation [4]. - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements, highlighting the importance of monitoring STRL's performance [3][4]. Industry Context - Sterling Infrastructure operates within the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, which is currently experiencing a boom in infrastructure demand [2][5]. - Another company in the same industry, M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI), has shown a 7.2% increase in its stock price, closing at $52.52, with a 13.4% return over the past month [5].

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is establishing a significant presence in the development of America's digital infrastructure, with Q2 2025 revenues increasing by 21% year-over-year to $614.5 million and adjusted EPS rising by 41% to $2.69, alongside meaningful margin expansion [1][11] E-Infrastructure Solutions - The E-Infrastructure Solutions segment is experiencing explosive demand, particularly from data centers and e-commerce facilities, with data centers now representing 62% of the E-Infrastructure backlog and revenues from this market more than doubling year-over-year [2][11] Backlog and Acquisitions - STRL has a robust backlog of $2 billion, including $1.2 billion in E-Infrastructure, providing multiyear visibility. The upcoming acquisition of CEC Facilities Group will enhance Sterling's electrical and mechanical capabilities, positioning the company as a strategic partner in complex facility development [3][11] Macro Trends - Favorable macro trends include rising capital expenditures from hyperscale tech firms, a pipeline of semiconductor plants, and accelerating e-commerce buildouts, aligning with Sterling's strengths. Although there are near-term challenges in the Building Solutions segment, the diversified portfolio mitigates risks [4][11] Competitive Landscape - STRL faces competition from major players like Quanta Services and MasTec, both of which are well-positioned in the digital and clean energy sectors. Quanta Services focuses on utility and grid modernization, while MasTec is expanding in telecommunications and renewable infrastructure [6][8][9] Stock Performance - STRL's stock has surged by 59.9% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector, and the S&P 500 index [10] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Sterling's stock is trading at a premium with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 32.96. Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased to $9.57 and $10.98 per share, reflecting year-over-year growth of 56.9% and 14.7%, respectively [12][14]

Group 1 - Semiconductor shares were leaders in trading, increasing by approximately 4.4% on the day [1] - Intel shares surged by about 28%, while Rigetti Computing shares rose by approximately 15.4% [1] - Construction shares also showed strength, up around 3% as a group, with Sterling Infrastructure increasing by about 7.5% and Ies Holdings rising by approximately 5.6% [1]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) shares have increased by 44.3% over the past three months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Engineering – R&D Services industry's growth of 8.9% and the broader Construction sector and S&P 500, both of which advanced by 12.2% [1] Group 1: Growth Drivers - The company is focusing on high-margin markets such as data centers, e-commerce distribution, and manufacturing facilities, which is driving momentum [2] - Strong demand in transportation projects and geographic expansion are further supporting growth [2] - Strategic acquisitions, including CEC Facilities Group, are expected to enhance service offerings and strengthen customer relationships [2][13] Group 2: Financial Performance - Sterling's gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%, with adjusted EBITDA rising 35% to $126 million in the second quarter [5] - For 2025, the company projects adjusted EBITDA of $438-$453 million, an increase from the previous estimate of $410-$432 million and up from $320 million reported in 2024 [6] Group 3: Backlog and Guidance - STRL's backlog increased by 24% year-over-year to $2 billion, with E-Infrastructure backlog surging 44% to $1.2 billion [8][9] - The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to $2.10-$2.15 billion, up from the previous range of $2.05-$2.15 billion, and adjusted diluted EPS is projected between $9.21 and $9.47, rising from $8.40-$8.90 [10] Group 4: Liquidity and Expansion - Sterling maintains a strong liquidity position with $401 million in net cash and $699.4 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30, 2025 [11] - The company is expanding into new geographies, particularly Texas, where bid activity is increasing [12] Group 5: Valuation and Analyst Outlook - STRL shares are trading at a forward P/E ratio of 30.22, a 35.3% premium to the industry average of 22.33 [14] - Despite the high valuation, analysts have revised earnings estimates upward, projecting EPS of $9.57 for 2025 and $10.98 for 2026, indicating year-over-year growth of 56.9% and 14.7%, respectively [17]

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the investment philosophy of Thomas W. Phelps, particularly his book "100 to 1 in the Stock Market," which advocates for buying exceptional companies early, holding them with discipline, and allowing compounding to generate wealth [1][4][6]. Phelps's Investment Framework - Phelps's framework focuses on identifying companies with durable advantages, such as network effects, proprietary know-how, and advantageous cost structures [8]. - The importance of verifying a large addressable market that allows for long-term compounding without hitting a wall is highlighted [8]. - Present-tense profitability is essential; Phelps preferred companies that generate cash rather than speculative ventures [8]. - The article suggests buying companies when their narratives are still forming, favoring modest valuations over those priced for perfection [8]. - A strategy of doing less is recommended, as holding onto winning investments can lead to tax deferral and reduced errors [8]. Current Investment Candidates - The article lists 25 companies that fit Phelps's criteria, categorized by how they create competitive advantages rather than by index labels [9]. - Companies in the construction and infrastructure sector, such as EMCOR Group and Quanta Services, are noted for their execution capabilities and ability to convert backlog into cash [10][11]. - Precision manufacturers like Celestica and Fabrinet are recognized for their high returns on capital and asset-light models [12]. - In network infrastructure, Arista Networks and Super Micro Computer are highlighted for their strong positions in high-speed switching and AI hardware, respectively [13]. - Companies in the materials sector, such as Martin Marietta Materials, are noted for their pricing power and local monopolies [14]. - Engineering firms like WSP Global are recognized for their expertise and customer relationships in regulated markets [15]. - Consumer brands like e.l.f. Beauty and Academy Sports are mentioned for their market share growth and operational efficiency [16]. - Specialty finance companies like FirstCash and software firms like Agilysys are noted for their cash generation and growth potential [17]. - Internationally, utilities like Sabesp and fintechs like StoneCo are highlighted for their governance and profitability improvements [18]. - UK companies like Spectris and Halma are recognized for their consistent acquisition strategies and operational excellence [19]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the focus should be on finding real engines of growth and sizing investments appropriately to endure market volatility, allowing time to enhance value [22].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic analysis and market trends for informed investment decisions [1] Group 1 - The author expresses a passion for finance and global markets, focusing on economic analysis at a macro level [1] - The goal is to equip investors with tools and knowledge for confident investment decisions [1] - The author is open to feedback and aims to enhance the writing experience for readers [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or advice [2] - It highlights that past performance is not indicative of future results [2] - The views expressed may not represent the opinions of Seeking Alpha as a whole [2]

Core Viewpoint - Growth investors are increasingly focused on identifying stocks with above-average financial growth, but this can be challenging due to the associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is currently highlighted as a recommended growth stock due to its favorable Growth Score and 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 outperforming the industry average of 11.1% [4] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Sterling Infrastructure's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 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 - The current-year earnings estimates for Sterling Infrastructure have been revised upward, with a 2.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past month [7] - The combination of positive earnings estimate revisions and a Zacks Rank 1 positions Sterling Infrastructure favorably for potential outperformance [9]