Jacobs Solutions (J) 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 Jacobs Solutions (J) over the past year, gaining 53.2% versus a loss of 12.2%. Over five years, STRL leads with a +2212.3% price change compared with +23.1% for J. Sterling Infrastructure is the larger company by market cap ($16.34 billion vs $15.96 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Jacobs Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (16.5x vs 21.0x for Sterling Infrastructure). Jacobs Solutions pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, 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 2.4%.
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 | J | STRL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $136.35 | $534.13 |
| Market cap | $15.96B | $16.34B |
| 1-day change | -2.07% | -5.24% |
| YTD return | +2.94% | +74.42% |
| 1-year return | -12.21% | +53.23% |
| 5-year return | +23.05% | +2212.25% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 45.30 | 38.48 |
| Forward P/E | 16.49 | 21.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.01 | $13.88 |
| Dividend yield | 1.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.36 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $12.03B | $2.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.60% | +17.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $289.34M | $290.15M |
| Gross margin | 24.81% | 22.98% |
| Operating margin | 7.18% | 16.30% |
| Net margin | 2.41% | 11.65% |
| 52-week high | $168.44 | $1,005.68 |
| 52-week low | $105.68 | $281.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.05% | -46.89% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.16% | +58.28% |
| Average volume | 856.08K | 652.16K |
| Shares outstanding | 117.04M | 30.59M |
| Employees | 47,000 | 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 J by 65.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Sterling Infrastructure is more profitable, keeping 11.7 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.4 cents for Jacobs Solutions.
- Sterling Infrastructure grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.69% vs +4.60%).
About Jacobs Solutions
J stock →Jacobs Solutions Inc. engages in the infrastructure and advanced facilities, and consulting businesses in the United States, Europe, Canada, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 47,000 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
J vs STRL FAQ
Which is bigger, Jacobs Solutions or Sterling Infrastructure?
Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $16.34B compared with $15.96B for Jacobs Solutions (J).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, J or STRL?
STRL returned +53.23% over the past 12 months, compared with -12.21% for J (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, J or STRL?
STRL has the lower trailing P/E at 38.5, versus 45.3 for J. 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, Jacobs Solutions or Sterling Infrastructure?
Jacobs Solutions pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, while Sterling Infrastructure does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Jacobs Solutions and Sterling Infrastructure in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Industrials sector.