Comfort Systems USA (FIX) 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
Comfort Systems USA (FIX) has outperformed Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) over the past year, gaining 109.1% versus a gain of 49.2%. Over five years, STRL leads with a +2151.8% price change compared with +2024.2% for FIX. Comfort Systems USA is the larger company by market cap ($61.29 billion vs $16.34 billion), about 3.8 times the size, while Sterling Infrastructure is growing revenue faster (+17.7% vs -73.9%).
On valuation, Sterling Infrastructure trades at a lower forward P/E (21.0x vs 28.9x for Comfort Systems USA). Comfort Systems USA pays a dividend yielding 0.15%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay one. Comfort Systems USA converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 55.8% versus 11.7%.
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 | FIX | STRL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,741.36 | $534.13 |
| Market cap | $61.29B | $16.34B |
| 1-day change | -4.21% | -5.24% |
| YTD return | +82.94% | +69.86% |
| 1-year return | +109.10% | +49.23% |
| 5-year return | +2024.16% | +2151.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.85 | 38.48 |
| Forward P/E | 28.94 | 21.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $40.64 | $13.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.15% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $2.60 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.83B | $2.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -73.94% | +17.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.02B | $290.15M |
| Gross margin | 22.03% | 22.98% |
| Operating margin | 11.42% | 16.30% |
| Net margin | 55.84% | 11.65% |
| 52-week high | $2,073.99 | $1,005.68 |
| 52-week low | $770.47 | $281.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.04% | -46.89% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +26.17% | +58.28% |
| Average volume | 406.70K | 652.77K |
| Shares outstanding | 35.19M | 30.59M |
| Employees | 22,700 | 6,200 |
| 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
- Comfort Systems USA is about 3.8 times larger than Sterling Infrastructure by market value ($61.29B vs $16.34B).
- FIX has outperformed STRL by 59.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Comfort Systems USA is more profitable, keeping 55.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.7 cents for Sterling Infrastructure.
- Sterling Infrastructure grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.69% vs -73.94%).
About Comfort Systems USA
FIX stock →Comfort Systems USA, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides mechanical and electrical installation, renovation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services for the mechanical and electrical services industry in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Mechanical and Electrical.
Industrials · Engineering & Construction · 22,700 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 · Engineering & Construction · 6,200 employees
FIX vs STRL FAQ
Which is bigger, Comfort Systems USA or Sterling Infrastructure?
Comfort Systems USA (FIX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $61.29B compared with $16.34B for Sterling Infrastructure (STRL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FIX or STRL?
FIX returned +109.10% over the past 12 months, compared with +49.23% for STRL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FIX or STRL?
STRL has the lower trailing P/E at 38.5, versus 42.8 for FIX. 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, Comfort Systems USA or Sterling Infrastructure?
Comfort Systems USA pays a dividend yielding 0.15%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Comfort Systems USA and Sterling Infrastructure in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Engineering & Construction industry within the Industrials sector.