Elbit Systems (ESLT) vs Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) has outperformed Elbit Systems (ESLT) over the past year, gaining 53.2% versus a gain of 28.6%. Over five years, STRL leads with a +2212.3% price change compared with +351.4% for ESLT. Elbit Systems is the larger company by market cap ($31.36 billion vs $16.34 billion), about 1.9 times the size, while Sterling Infrastructure is growing revenue faster (+17.7% vs +16.3%).
On valuation, Sterling Infrastructure trades at a lower forward P/E (21.0x vs 36.4x for Elbit Systems). Elbit Systems pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, 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 6.7%.
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 | ESLT | STRL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $669.13 | $534.13 |
| Market cap | $31.36B | $16.34B |
| 1-day change | -3.18% | -5.24% |
| YTD return | +15.82% | +74.42% |
| 1-year return | +28.56% | +53.23% |
| 5-year return | +351.38% | +2212.25% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 52.03 | 38.48 |
| Forward P/E | 36.44 | 21.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.86 | $13.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.56% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.75 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $7.94B | $2.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.27% | +17.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $534.34M | $290.15M |
| Gross margin | 24.38% | 22.98% |
| Operating margin | 8.46% | 16.30% |
| Net margin | 6.73% | 11.65% |
| 52-week high | $1,016.06 | $1,005.68 |
| 52-week low | $453.00 | $281.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -34.14% | -46.89% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.76% | +58.28% |
| Average volume | 79.00K | 652.16K |
| Shares outstanding | 46.86M | 30.59M |
| Employees | 21,000 | 6,200 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Military/Government/Technical | 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
- STRL has outperformed ESLT by 24.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Elbit Systems trades at a higher earnings multiple (52.0x vs 38.5x trailing P/E).
About Elbit Systems
ESLT stock →Elbit Systems Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, develops and supplies defense and homeland security arenas products and services in Israel, North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Aerospace; C4I and Cyber; Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare; Land; and Elbit Systems of America.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 21,000 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
ESLT vs STRL FAQ
Which is bigger, Elbit Systems or Sterling Infrastructure?
Elbit Systems (ESLT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $31.36B compared with $16.34B for Sterling Infrastructure (STRL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ESLT or STRL?
STRL returned +53.23% over the past 12 months, compared with +28.56% for ESLT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ESLT or STRL?
STRL has the lower trailing P/E at 38.5, versus 52.0 for ESLT. 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, Elbit Systems or Sterling Infrastructure?
Elbit Systems pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Elbit Systems and Sterling Infrastructure in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Industrials sector.