Key Takeaways STRL is projected to post Q2 EPS of $2.26 on revenues of $555.1M, suggesting a 4.8% y/y fall.Results will likely reflect data center demand, strong backlog and steady transportation activity.Revenues are likely to have been pressured by residential softness, inflation and broader market volatility.Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2025 results on Aug. 4, after the closing bell.In the last reported quarter, Sterling reported adjusted earnings per share ( ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 29% to $1.63, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 31% to $80 million [8][10] - Revenue grew by 7% on a pro forma basis, with gross profit margins expanding over 400 basis points to reach 22% [9][10] - Operating cash flow was strong at $85 million, and backlog totaled $2.1 billion, a 17% year-over-year increase [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - E Infrastructure Solutions segment revenue grew by over 18%, driven primarily by a 60% increase in the data center market [9][14] - Transportation Solutions revenue increased by 9%, with adjusted operating profit growing by 60% due to strong market demand [14][15] - Building Solutions segment revenue declined by 14%, impacted by affordability challenges in the housing market [15][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E Infrastructure Solutions backlog reached $1.2 billion, up 27% year-over-year, with significant growth in data center projects [11][12] - Transportation Solutions backlog was $861 million, an 11% year-over-year increase [15] - Overall backlog totaled $2.23 billion, a 21% increase from year-end 2024 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on high-return opportunities and plans to enhance long-term value through strategic acquisitions, particularly in e infrastructure [10][28] - The acquisition of Drake Concrete for $25 million is expected to contribute $55 million in revenue and $6.5 million in EBITDA in 2025 [10] - The company is optimistic about future growth in e infrastructure, anticipating mid to high teens revenue growth and adjusted operating profit margins in the mid-20% range [24][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong backlog and future phase opportunities, despite uncertainties in trade policies and the economy [10][22] - The company is optimistic about the ongoing strength in data center demand and anticipates continued growth in core markets [22][24] - Management noted that while the residential market is currently soft, there is significant pent-up demand that could drive future growth [52][53] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year 2025 revenue guidance to range from $2.05 billion to $2.15 billion, with adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $8.40 to $8.90 [21] - The effective income tax rate for the first quarter was 26.1%, with expectations for the full year to remain around 26% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the 35% of backlog not related to data centers - Management feels positive about the backlog, with steady manufacturing and increasing e-commerce activity contributing to growth [31][32] Question: Exposure to tariffs and cost perspective - Management indicated minimal exposure to tariffs due to fixed pricing in contracts and indexing mechanisms in place [34][35] Question: Drivers of margin performance in Transportation Solutions - Margin improvements are primarily due to a shift towards higher-margin services rather than the low bid strategy [46][47] Question: Comfort in bidding for new projects - Management remains optimistic about bid activity and is focusing on long-term project visibility [50][52] Question: Future infrastructure bill expectations - Management noted positive bipartisan activity in Congress regarding the next infrastructure bill, indicating a proactive approach to future funding [68][70] Question: Capacity constraints related to biopharma projects - Management expressed confidence in handling new projects and indicated readiness to expand capacity if necessary [74][76]