EMCOR Group (EME) vs Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) has outperformed EMCOR Group (EME) over the past year, gaining 53.2% versus a gain of 16.6%. Over five years, STRL leads with a +2212.3% price change compared with +575.1% for EME. EMCOR Group is the larger company by market cap ($34.61 billion vs $16.34 billion), about 2.1 times the size, while Sterling Infrastructure is growing revenue faster (+17.7% vs +16.6%).
On valuation, Sterling Infrastructure trades at a lower forward P/E (21.0x vs 21.4x for EMCOR Group). EMCOR Group pays a dividend yielding 0.08%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay one. Sterling Infrastructure converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.7% versus 7.5%.
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 | EME | STRL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $784.66 | $534.13 |
| Market cap | $34.61B | $16.34B |
| 1-day change | -4.83% | -5.24% |
| YTD return | +28.26% | +74.42% |
| 1-year return | +16.58% | +53.23% |
| 5-year return | +575.09% | +2212.25% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 24.43 | 38.48 |
| Forward P/E | 21.35 | 21.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $32.12 | $13.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.08% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.65 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $16.99B | $2.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.62% | +17.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.27B | $290.15M |
| Gross margin | 19.33% | 22.98% |
| Operating margin | 10.09% | 16.30% |
| Net margin | 7.49% | 11.65% |
| 52-week high | $951.96 | $1,005.68 |
| 52-week low | $564.92 | $281.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.57% | -46.89% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +31.69% | +58.28% |
| Average volume | 401.57K | 652.16K |
| Shares outstanding | 44.11M | 30.59M |
| Employees | 44,000 | 6,200 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Engineering & Construction | Military/Government/Technical |
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
- EMCOR Group is about 2.1 times larger than Sterling Infrastructure by market value ($34.61B vs $16.34B).
- STRL has outperformed EME by 36.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Sterling Infrastructure trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.5x vs 24.4x trailing P/E).
About EMCOR Group
EME stock →EMCOR Group, Inc. provides electrical and mechanical construction and facilities, building, and industrial services in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Industrials · Engineering & Construction · 44,000 employees
About Sterling Infrastructure
STRL stock →Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. engages in the provision of e-infrastructure, transportation, and building solutions in the United States.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 6,200 employees
EME vs STRL FAQ
Which is bigger, EMCOR Group or Sterling Infrastructure?
EMCOR Group (EME) is larger, with a market capitalization of $34.61B compared with $16.34B for Sterling Infrastructure (STRL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, EME or STRL?
STRL returned +53.23% over the past 12 months, compared with +16.58% for EME (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EME or STRL?
EME has the lower trailing P/E at 24.4, versus 38.5 for STRL. 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, EMCOR Group or Sterling Infrastructure?
EMCOR Group pays a dividend yielding 0.08%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are EMCOR Group and Sterling Infrastructure in the same industry?
Both are in the Industrials sector, but in different industries: Engineering & Construction for EMCOR Group and Military/Government/Technical for Sterling Infrastructure.