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Dec 31, 2019

Sterling Q4 2019 Earnings Report

Reported strong Q4 results, driven by the Plateau acquisition and growth in revenues.

Key Takeaways

Sterling Construction Company reported a revenue increase of $91.4 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily driven by $84.6 million generated from Plateau. Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders was $22.3 million, compared to $5.6 million in the same quarter of the previous year. The Plateau acquisition was immediately accretive to the fourth quarter results.

Revenues were $346.5 million compared to $255.2 million.

Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders was $22.3 million compared to $5.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA was $20.2 million compared to $12.7 million.

Combined Backlog at December 31, 2019 was $1.3 billion, up from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2018.

Total Revenue
$347M
Previous year: $255M
+35.8%
EPS
$0.22
Previous year: $0.21
+4.8%
Gross Margin
9.7%
Previous year: 11%
-11.8%
EBITDA
$18M
Adjusted EBITDA
$20.2M
Previous year: $12.7M
+59.1%
Gross Profit
$33.6M
Previous year: $26.7M
+25.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$45.7M
Previous year: $94.1M
-51.4%
Free Cash Flow
$25.1M
Previous year: $12M
+108.8%
Total Assets
$962M
Previous year: $483M
+99.3%

Sterling

Sterling

Sterling Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

The company expects to generate full year 2020 revenues of between $1.375 billion and $1.4 billion. With the integration of Plateau into Sterling, the company expects that its blended gross margin will rise to the 13% to 14% range. The company expects 2020 EBITDA to be $125 million to $135 million.

Positive Outlook

  • Anticipated contribution from Plateau.
  • Record high Backlog.
  • Current booking trends.
  • Market strength.
  • Improved execution.

Challenges Ahead

  • Effective income tax rate of approximately 26%.
  • Non-cash income tax expense of approximately 21% of pretax income.
  • No major positive changes in government investment in infrastructure assumed.
  • Acquisition related costs of $2 million to $3 million.
  • Revenue growth pressured by a shift in demand towards smaller square footage slabs.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income