Sterling Infrastructure(STRL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 29% to $1.63, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 31$80 million [7] - Revenue grew by 7% on a pro forma basis, with gross profit margins expanding over 400 basis points to reach 22% [7][15] - Operating cash flow was strong at $85 million, compared to$49.6 million in the prior year [18] 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 [7][12] - Transportation Solutions revenue increased by 9%, with adjusted operating profit growing by 60% due to strong market demand [12][13] - Building Solutions segment revenue declined by 14%, impacted by affordability challenges in the housing market [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlog at the end of the quarter totaled $2.1 billion, a 17$1.2 billion, up 27% year-over-year [10] - Transportation Solutions backlog was $861 million, an 11$25 million is expected to contribute $55 million in revenue and$6.5 million in EBITDA in 2025 [8] - The company is prioritizing e infrastructure for M&A opportunities, particularly in Texas, to capitalize on the growing market [54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong multiyear opportunities in various markets despite uncertainties in trade policies and the economy [8][20] - The company anticipates continued growth in e infrastructure revenue in the mid to high teens and adjusted operating profit margins in the mid-20% range for 2025 [22] - Management noted that the residential market is currently soft but expects pent-up demand to drive recovery in the long term [48] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position, consisting of $638.6 million in cash and$310 million in debt [18] - Full year 2025 guidance includes revenue of $2.05 billion to$2.15 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $410 million to$432 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the 35% of backlog not related to data centers - Management feels confident about the backlog, with steady manufacturing and increasing e-commerce activity contributing positively [28][30] Question: Exposure to tariffs and cost perspective - Management indicated minimal exposure to tariffs due to fixed pricing in contracts and indexing mechanisms in place [31][34] Question: Drivers of margin performance in Transportation Solutions - Margin improvement is primarily driven by a shift towards higher-margin services rather than the low bid strategy [42] Question: Comfort in bidding for new projects - Management remains optimistic about bid activity and backlog, focusing on long-term growth despite current softness in the residential market [48] Question: M&A priorities in e infrastructure - The company is looking for geographic expansion and additional services, particularly in Texas, to enhance its portfolio [54][56] Question: Expectations for the next infrastructure bill - Management noted positive bipartisan activity in Congress regarding the next infrastructure bill, indicating a proactive approach to future funding [63][66] Question: Capacity constraints related to biopharma projects - Management is confident in handling new projects and is prepared to increase capacity if necessary [70][72]