FTSE 100: Index falls as earnings results weigh; pound below $1.33, Bodycote soars
DA Davidson raised its price target on Sterling Construction (NASDAQ:STRL) stock to $265.00 from $205.00 on Wednesday, while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. The stock, currently trading at $221.36, has demonstrated remarkable strength with an 80% return over the past year and is approaching its 52-week high of $227.65. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a "GREAT" financial health score, with four analysts recently revising earnings estimates upward.
The price target increase follows Sterling Construction’s announcement of the CEC transaction, which DA Davidson believes will provide a new platform for the company to leverage attractive existing markets in new territories.
DA Davidson kept its estimates unchanged but based the new $265 price target on 17x/16x 2025/2026 EBITDA using pro forma annualized CEC contribution estimates, or 19x/18x pro forma free cash flow per share estimates.
The research firm noted it sees "various levers for organic upside to forecasts" in the near-term and medium-term, particularly within the E-Infrastructure segment.
DA Davidson also indicated that CEC "could grow faster than contemplated" under Sterling Construction’s ownership, suggesting potential additional value beyond current projections.
In other recent news, Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. reported strong financial performance in its first quarter of 2025, surpassing analyst expectations with an adjusted earnings per share of $1.63, compared to the forecasted $1.00. The company also achieved a revenue of $430.9 million, exceeding the anticipated $411.13 million. Sterling is also set to acquire CEC Facilities Group for $505 million, with the transaction expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. This acquisition is projected to generate $390-415 million in revenue and $51-54 million in EBITDA for 2025, contributing positively to Sterling’s earnings per share.
In addition, DA Davidson has maintained a Buy rating on Sterling, increasing the price target to $205.00, highlighting strong earnings growth and operational performance. The firm emphasized the importance of mergers and acquisitions in Sterling’s success. Furthermore, Sterling recently renegotiated its credit facility, extending its maturity to June 2028 and enhancing financial flexibility with a $300 million term loan and a $150 million revolving credit facility. Lastly, Sterling appointed Nicholas Grindstaff as the new Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience in finance and leadership, effective July 10, 2025.
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