IES (IESC) 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
IES (IESC) has outperformed Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) over the past year, gaining 56.1% versus a gain of 53.2%. Over five years, STRL leads with a +2212.3% price change compared with +1220.1% for IESC. Sterling Infrastructure is the larger company by market cap ($15.68 billion vs $12.72 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, IES trades at a lower trailing P/E (26.6x vs 36.9x for Sterling Infrastructure). Sterling Infrastructure converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.7% 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 | IESC | STRL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $299.92 | $512.74 |
| Market cap | $12.72B | $15.68B |
| 1-day change | -2.89% | -4.00% |
| YTD return | +58.77% | +74.42% |
| 1-year return | +56.11% | +53.23% |
| 5-year return | +1220.07% | +2212.25% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.64 | 36.94 |
| Forward P/E | — | 20.18 |
| EPS (TTM) | $11.26 | $13.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.37B | $2.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.89% | +17.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $305.98M | $290.15M |
| Gross margin | 25.49% | 22.98% |
| Operating margin | 11.38% | 16.30% |
| Net margin | 9.08% | 11.65% |
| 52-week high | $408.26 | $1,005.68 |
| 52-week low | $170.07 | $281.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.54% | -49.02% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +46.71% | +64.88% |
| Average volume | 323.82K | 653.54K |
| Shares outstanding | 42.40M | 30.59M |
| Employees | 10,262 | 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
- Sterling Infrastructure trades at a higher earnings multiple (36.9x vs 26.6x trailing P/E).
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
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
IESC vs STRL FAQ
Which is bigger, IES or Sterling Infrastructure?
Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $15.68B compared with $12.72B for IES (IESC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IESC or STRL?
IESC returned +56.11% over the past 12 months, compared with +53.23% for STRL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IESC or STRL?
IESC has the lower trailing P/E at 26.6, versus 36.9 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.
Are IES and Sterling Infrastructure in the same industry?
Both are in the Industrials sector, but in different industries: Engineering & Construction for IES and Military/Government/Technical for Sterling Infrastructure.