Is Sterling Infrastructure Still a Buy at Premium Valuation?

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].