STRL vs. TPC: Which Infrastructure Stock Has Stronger Growth?

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. and Tutor Perini Corporation are capitalizing on a strong infrastructure cycle, focusing on large-scale public and civil projects, supported by federal and state spending programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) [1][2][23] - Both companies have healthy backlogs and are experiencing consistent award wins, which are crucial for sustaining long-term earnings momentum [2][23] Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) - Sterling is enhancing its position as a diversified infrastructure provider, focusing on high-margin design-build and e-infrastructure solutions in growth-heavy regions [2][4] - In Q1 2025, Sterling's E-Infrastructure Solutions segment saw revenues increase by 18% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising by 61% and segment margins exceeding 23% [5] - The total backlog for Sterling reached $2.1 billion, with the E-Infrastructure portion at $1.2 billion, reflecting a 27% year-over-year increase [6] - The Transportation Solutions segment's backlog stood at $861 million, up 11% year-over-year, indicating strong revenue visibility [7] - Management anticipates mid-single-digit revenue growth and mid-teen operating profit growth for 2025, supported by robust pipelines in specific markets [8] - Ongoing federal investment under the IIJA enhances Sterling's long-term growth prospects, with a book-to-burn ratio above 2X [9][10] Tutor Perini Corporation (TPC) - Tutor Perini is expanding its portfolio of civil and specialty construction projects, aligning with national funding priorities to benefit from multi-year government investments [11][12] - In Q1 2025, Tutor Perini secured approximately $2 billion in new awards, pushing its backlog to a record $19.4 billion, nearly doubling from the previous year [12] - The company is experiencing steady commercial demand across various sectors, including healthcare and education, which adds balance to its backlog [13] - Tutor Perini raised its 2025 earnings guidance, emphasizing disciplined bidding and execution efficiency [14] - The company is well-positioned to pursue profitable growth in 2026 and beyond due to its solid pipeline and sustained market demand [14] Share Price Performance - Year-to-date, Tutor Perini's share price has increased by 102.4%, significantly outperforming Sterling's 43.5% gain and the broader Construction sector's 2.7% rise [15] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Tutor Perini is trading at a lower forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to Sterling [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share indicates a 41.2% improvement for Sterling and a 155.9% increase for Tutor Perini [19] Conclusion - Both companies are well-positioned to benefit from strong infrastructure spending and expanding project pipelines, making them attractive options for investors seeking durable growth in the construction sector [23][24] - Tutor Perini's more attractive valuation and stronger projected EPS growth for 2025 suggest it may be the more compelling investment choice [25]