Key Takeaways Sterling's E-Infrastructure backlog jumped 44%, led by mission-critical projects like data centers. Transportation gains from federal funding, while Texas highway wind-down aims to lift profitability. Revenues grew double digits with margins up 400 bps; management raised full-year EPS guidance. As competition intensifies in the construction and infrastructure space, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. ((STRL) is leaning on scale, execution and diversification to protect its edge. The company has pos ...

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 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]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets have experienced a significant bull run since the start of 2023, with major indexes like the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite nearing all-time highs [1] - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have achieved multiple all-time highs in 2025, while the S&P 400 mid-cap index is up 4.9% year to date, just 4.6% away from its 52-week high [2][9] Mid-Cap Stocks - Investment in mid-cap stocks is recognized as a strong portfolio diversification strategy, combining attributes of both small and large-cap stocks [3] - Mid-cap stocks are less vulnerable to losses during economic downturns due to lower international exposure, and they can outperform small caps in a thriving economy due to established management and market presence [4] Recommended Mid-Cap Stocks - Five mid-cap stocks with favorable Zacks Rank for the remainder of 2025 are Dillard's Inc. (DDS), Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL), StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX), Armstrong World Industries Inc. (AWI), and Watts Water Technologies Inc. (WTS), all rated Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [5][9] Company Insights Dillard's Inc. (DDS) - Dillard's is enhancing growth through strategic initiatives in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, focusing on customer acquisition and retention [8] - The company has a strong financial position with solid liquidity and minimal rent obligations, alongside shareholder-friendly practices like dividends and buybacks [10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for DDS are -0.4% and -15.8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 1.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [11] Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL) - Sterling Infrastructure provides e-infrastructure, transportation, and building solutions, operating through three segments: E-Infrastructure Solutions, Transportation Solutions, and Building Solutions [12][13][14] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for STRL are 6.5% and 56.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a 5.3% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [15] StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX) - StoneX Group operates a global financial services network, offering execution, post-trade settlement, clearing, and custody services through various segments [16] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for SNEX are 4.9% and 21.7%, respectively, for the next year, with a 21.7% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 60 days [17] Armstrong World Industries Inc. (AWI) - Armstrong World Industries is a leading producer of ceiling systems for construction and renovation, operating in three segments: Mineral Fiber, Architectural Specialties, and Unallocated Corporate [18][19][20] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for AWI are 12.2% and 15.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.7% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [21] Watts Water Technologies Inc. (WTS) - Watts Water Technologies designs and manufactures water safety and flow control products, reporting under three geographic segments: The Americas, Europe, and APMEA [22] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for WTS are 3.9% and 11.3%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [24]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) has raised its full-year 2025 earnings guidance due to strong profitability and margin expansion in its second-quarter results [2][4][10] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 41% year over year to $2.69, with gross profit margins expanding by 400 basis points to 23.3%, marking a new high for the company [3][10] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 35% to $126 million, driven by revenue growth and improved gross margins [3] Strategic Focus - The company's emphasis on high-value projects and a disciplined portfolio mix has been crucial for driving profitability [2][5] - A strategic shift towards higher-margin service offerings, particularly in E-Infrastructure projects like data centers, has contributed to margin expansion [3][5] Guidance and Outlook - The adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 has been raised to a range of $9.21-$9.47, reflecting an 8% increase at the midpoint from previous expectations [4] - Transportation Solutions is also expected to contribute to profitability as resources are reallocated to stronger markets [4][5] Industry Context - Other infrastructure peers, such as EMCOR Group, Inc. and MasTec, Inc., have also reported improved profitability, indicating a broader trend of margin expansion within the industry [6][7][8] - STRL's stock has surged by 40.1% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's growth of 6% [9] Valuation Metrics - STRL's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30.49, indicating a premium compared to industry peers [12] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have trended upward, reflecting year-over-year growth of 50.8% and 12%, respectively [13]

Core Insights - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings exceeding estimates by 19% and revenues by 10.7% [1] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 41% year-over-year to $2.69, while revenues rose by 21% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company experienced significant growth in E-Infrastructure Solutions and Transportation Solutions, which compensated for a decline in the Building Solutions segment [2] - Gross margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23%, achieving a new high due to a shift towards higher-margin services [2] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 35% compared to the prior year [2] Stock Performance - STRL shares gained 51.4% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry's 11.3% and the S&P 500's 8.8% [5] - The stock has shown a consistent upward trend since the second-quarter results announcement, rising 6.6% [5] E-Infrastructure Solutions - E-Infrastructure Solutions led revenue growth with a 29% increase, doubling data center sales and achieving margins of 28% [8][9] - The backlog for E-Infrastructure reached $1.2 billion, up 44% year-over-year, indicating strong future revenue visibility [10][11] - Data center revenues more than doubled, with e-commerce distribution backlog increasing nearly 700% year-over-year [10] Transportation Solutions - The Transportation Solutions segment backlog stood at $715 million, up 5% year-over-year, with expectations for revenue growth in the low-to-mid teens for 2025 [13][14] - The company is downsizing low-bid heavy highway operations in Texas, which is expected to create a more profitable mix [14] Acquisition Strategy - Sterling is advancing its E-Infrastructure platform through the pending $505 million acquisition of CEC Facilities Group, which will enhance its service offerings [15][16] - The integration is expected to create cross-selling opportunities and expand the company's geographic footprint [16] Analyst Outlook - Earnings estimates for 2025 have been revised upward to $8.90 per share, reflecting a growth of 45.9% year-over-year [17] - STRL is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry peers, with a forward P/E ratio above its five-year average [19][21] Conclusion - The strong second-quarter results, growing backlog, and strategic acquisitions position Sterling for long-term growth [22] - Despite trading at a premium, the stock's performance and favorable growth drivers justify its valuation, making it an attractive option for investors [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew by 21% in the quarter, with adjusted earnings per share increasing by 41% to $2.69 and adjusted EBITDA rising by 35% to $126 million [7][8] - Gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%, and operating cash flow was strong at $85 million [9] - Backlog at the end of the quarter totaled $2 billion, a 24% year-over-year increase [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure Solutions revenue grew by 29% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income increasing by 57% and operating margins reaching 28% [11][12] - Transportation Solutions revenue increased by 24%, with adjusted operating profit growing by 78% [13] - Building Solutions segment revenue declined by 1%, with adjusted operating income down by 28% due to challenges in the housing market [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data center market was a primary growth driver, with revenue from this market more than doubling year-over-year [12] - E-commerce distribution backlog saw a significant increase of nearly 700% in the quarter [32] - Transportation Solutions backlog was $715 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase but a 17% sequential decline [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing service offerings through the acquisition of CEC Facilities Group [10][11] - The strategy emphasizes building upon existing strengths in high-margin markets and pursuing attractive growth opportunities [9][10] - The company aims to capture more value across the full life cycle of facilities by integrating services [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about future growth, particularly in e-infrastructure solutions, anticipating continued demand in data centers [20][22] - The company expects to deliver e-infrastructure revenue growth of 18% to 20% and adjusted operating profit margins in the mid to high 20% range for 2025 [22] - Building Solutions is expected to face challenges in the near term, with a forecasted mid to high single-digit decline in revenue [25] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $699.4 million in cash and a net cash balance of $401.2 million after debt [18] - The guidance for 2025 has been increased, projecting revenue of $2.1 billion to $2.15 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $9.21 to $9.47 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will significant data center projects land in core markets? - Management believes they are well-positioned for a large percentage of the upcoming data center capital projects [30] Question: Will additional acquisitions be needed for expansion into Texas and the Northwest? - The company plans to pursue both organic growth and potential acquisitions to establish a presence in these markets [34] Question: What is the status of e-commerce opportunities? - Several e-commerce projects are expected to start in the back half of the year, with larger warehouse projects anticipated to provide significant revenue [46] Question: How does the competitive environment look? - The company faces competition primarily from local contractors, but believes its integrated services will provide a competitive edge [61][62] Question: When is the CEC acquisition expected to close? - The acquisition is progressing well, with most licensing and permitting processes underway, but timing is dependent on state agencies [68]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - Revenues for Q2 2025 were $614.5 million, compared to $582.8 million in Q2 2024[19] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $71.0 million, compared to $51.9 million in Q2 2024[19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $125.6 million, compared to $92.9 million in Q2 2024[44] - Diluted EPS for Q2 2025 was $2.31, compared to $1.67 in Q2 2024[19] Financial Performance - YTD Q2 2025 - Revenues for YTD 2025 were $1.045 billion, compared to $1.023 billion in YTD 2024[21] - Net income for YTD 2025 was $110.5 million, compared to $82.9 million in YTD 2024[21] - Adjusted EBITDA for YTD 2025 was $206.0 million, compared to $154.2 million in YTD 2024[44] - Diluted EPS for YTD 2025 was $3.59, compared to $2.66 in YTD 2024[21] Backlog and Guidance - Total Backlog was $2.01 billion with a 17.8% margin[8, 18] - The company anticipates 2025 EBITDA to be between $406 million and $421 million[31]

Core Viewpoint - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. is set to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on August 4, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call on August 5, 2025, to discuss the results and outlook for the year [1][2]. Company Overview - Sterling Infrastructure operates through various subsidiaries across three segments: E-Infrastructure, Transportation, and Building Solutions, primarily in the Southern, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountain regions, and the Pacific Islands [4]. - E-Infrastructure Solutions focuses on large-scale site development services for manufacturing, data centers, distribution centers, warehousing, and power generation [4]. - Transportation Solutions encompasses infrastructure and rehabilitation projects for highways, roads, bridges, airports, ports, rail, and storm drainage systems [4]. - Building Solutions includes residential and commercial concrete foundations, parking structures, plumbing services, and surveys for new residential builds [4]. - The company emphasizes sustainability and responsible operations to enhance the quality of life for society [4]. Leadership Statement - CEO Joe Cutillo stated that the company builds and services the infrastructure essential for economic functioning, mobility, and national growth [5].

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]