Argan (AGX) vs IES (IESC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
IES (IESC) has outperformed Argan (AGX) over the past year, gaining 50.2% versus a gain of 41.5%. Over five years, IESC leads with a +1184.2% price change compared with +798.7% for AGX. IES is the larger company by market cap ($12.74 billion vs $5.59 billion), about 2.3 times the size.
On valuation, IES trades at a lower trailing P/E (26.7x vs 31.5x for Argan). Argan pays a dividend yielding 0.50%, while IES does not currently pay one. Argan converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.6% versus 9.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AGX | IESC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $398.66 | $300.43 |
| Market cap | $5.59B | $12.74B |
| 1-day change | -1.42% | -2.72% |
| YTD return | +27.24% | +54.45% |
| 1-year return | +41.53% | +50.21% |
| 5-year return | +798.69% | +1184.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 31.51 | 26.68 |
| Forward P/E | 24.75 | — |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.65 | $11.26 |
| Dividend yield | 0.50% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $944.61M | $3.37B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.06% | +16.89% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $137.77M | $305.98M |
| Gross margin | 20.50% | 25.49% |
| Operating margin | 14.26% | 11.38% |
| Net margin | 14.59% | 9.08% |
| 52-week high | $805.75 | $408.26 |
| 52-week low | $255.60 | $170.07 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -50.52% | -26.41% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +43.10% | +46.46% |
| Average volume | 360.73K | 323.82K |
| Shares outstanding | 14.03M | 42.40M |
| Employees | 1,409 | 10,262 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Engineering & Construction | Engineering & Construction |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- IES is about 2.3 times larger than Argan by market value ($12.74B vs $5.59B).
- Argan is more profitable, keeping 14.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 9.1 cents for IES.
- IES grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+16.89% vs +8.06%).
About Argan
AGX stock →Argan, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, maintenance, project development, and technical consulting services to the power generation market in the United States, Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Power, Industrial, and Teledata.
Industrials · Engineering & Construction · 1,409 employees
About IES
IESC stock →IES Holdings, Inc. designs and installs integrated electrical and technology systems and provides infrastructure products and services in the United States.
Industrials · Engineering & Construction · 10,262 employees
AGX vs IESC FAQ
Which is bigger, Argan or IES?
IES (IESC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.74B compared with $5.59B for Argan (AGX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AGX or IESC?
IESC returned +50.21% over the past 12 months, compared with +41.53% for AGX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AGX or IESC?
IESC has the lower trailing P/E at 26.7, versus 31.5 for AGX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Argan or IES?
Argan pays a dividend yielding 0.50%, while IES does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Argan and IES in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Engineering & Construction industry within the Industrials sector.