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FIX vs IESC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Comfort Systems USA (FIX) vs. IES Holdings (IESC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both FIX and IESC are leveraged to the same powerful theme — surging demand for data center and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure — but they differ sharply in scale, business mix, and valuation.
- Comfort Systems USA (FIX) is the larger, faster-growing of the two, with recent quarterly revenue up roughly 50% year over year and a record backlog exceeding $14 billion.
- IES Holdings (IESC) delivers electrical, communications, and infrastructure services with a more diversified, acquisition-driven model, but its Residential segment has faced persistent housing-market weakness.
- Both stocks trade at premium valuations and have rallied strongly, leaving limited margin for error if project execution or demand momentum softens.
- FIX has exhibited more consistent upward momentum, while IESC has been notably more volatile, including sharp single-session swings following acquisitions and a stock split.
Introduction
Investors seeking exposure to the build-out of data centers, power infrastructure, and reshored manufacturing frequently encounter two names in the specialty-contracting space: Comfort Systems USA and IES Holdings. Although they operate in adjacent segments of the electrical and mechanical construction industry, their business models, growth profiles, and risk characteristics are meaningfully different. This stock comparison examines their recent relative performance, market positioning, and catalysts to help both long-term investors and active traders assess which name may be better suited to current market conditions.
FIX Overview and Recent Performance
Comfort Systems USA (FIX) is one of the largest providers of mechanical and electrical contracting services in the United States, spanning heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical installation across commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. In recent quarters the company has become a prominent beneficiary of AI-driven data center construction, with technology-related customers now accounting for well over half of revenue.
Recent market activity has reflected this momentum. In its latest quarterly report, revenue rose roughly 50% year over year while net income nearly doubled, and management raised its full-year same-store growth outlook to the mid-to-high 30% range. Backlog reached a record of approximately $14 billion, supported by expanding modular construction capacity and acquisitions such as Hunt Electric. The company also raised its quarterly dividend, its second increase in a single year. Shares have climbed to record levels, though the strong run has pushed its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio well above both its own historical median and the broader construction industry average.
IESC Overview and Recent Performance
IES Holdings (IESC) is a diversified provider of electrical contracting, communications and data center services, custom infrastructure solutions, and commercial and industrial services, alongside a residential electrical and HVAC business. Its growth strategy relies heavily on acquisitions, most recently completing the Gulf Island Fabrication deal and the larger DBM Global transaction, which materially expands its steel fabrication and service capabilities.
Recent results have been strong at the top level. In its latest fiscal quarter, revenue increased about 40% year over year, with the Communications, Infrastructure Solutions, and Commercial & Industrial segments all growing rapidly on data center demand, while backlog climbed to a record of roughly $4.5 billion. That strength, however, has been partially offset by ongoing softness in the Residential segment, where lower housing activity and pricing pressure have compressed margins. IESC also completed a two-for-one stock split to improve trading liquidity. Despite robust fundamentals, the stock has been comparatively volatile, including notable declines around acquisition financing and dilution concerns.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most important contrast between FIX and IESC is concentration versus diversification. FIX is more singularly focused on large mechanical and electrical projects for data centers and industrial facilities, which has produced exceptional growth and margin expansion but also ties its fortunes closely to a single, cyclical end market. IESC spreads its exposure across communications, infrastructure, commercial, and residential work, providing balance but diluting the upside from any one segment — and exposing it to housing-market headwinds that FIX largely avoids.
On growth and profitability, FIX currently holds an edge, with larger scale, faster organic revenue expansion, and higher margins. IESC counters with a net-cash balance sheet historically and a proven acquisition playbook that has rapidly expanded its addressable market. On risk, FIX's premium valuation and heavy project concentration represent key sensitivities, while IESC faces integration risk from recent acquisitions, share-count dilution, and a still-weak residential segment. In terms of recent momentum, FIX has trended more consistently higher, whereas IESC has shown sharper two-way swings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor FIX in the current environment. The company exhibits stronger trend consistency, superior organic growth and profitability, a larger and faster-growing backlog, and clearer near-term catalysts tied to modular capacity expansion and sustained data center demand. While IESC offers a more diversified model and significant acquisition-driven upside, its higher volatility, residential softness, and integration complexity introduce greater uncertainty. The assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting relative positioning across momentum, stability, and catalyst quality.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is FIX is a Hold and IESC is a Hold.
FIX sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
FIX saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 48 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on FIX as a result. In 51 of 80 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
FIX moved below its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for FIX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FIX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where FIX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 12 of 15 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +4.47% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FIX advanced for three days, in 292 of 364 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
FIX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 260 of 330 cases where FIX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 79%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FIX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (16.016) is normal, around the industry mean (15.560). P/E Ratio (35.981) is within average values for comparable stocks, (168.606). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.554) is also within normal values, averaging (3.522). Dividend Yield (0.002) settles around the average of (0.182) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.990) is also within normal values, averaging (2.905).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
IESC in downward trend: 10-day moving average broke below 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
The 10-day moving average for IESC crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IESC as a result. In 56 of 89 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IESC turned negative on October 07, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 32 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 65%.
IESC moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IESC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IESC advanced for three days, in 312 of 362 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
IESC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IESC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 61 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.131) is normal, around the industry mean (15.560). P/E Ratio (21.982) is within average values for comparable stocks, (168.606). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.310) is also within normal values, averaging (3.522). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.182) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.292) is also within normal values, averaging (2.905).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
FIX | IESC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 70 | 63 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 76 Overvalued | 61 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 45 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 23 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 74 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
IESC's Valuation (61) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as FIX (76). This means that IESC’s stock grew similarly to FIX’s over the last 12 months.
FIX's Profit vs Risk Rating (17) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as IESC (45). This means that FIX’s stock grew similarly to IESC’s over the last 12 months.
FIX's SMR Rating (19) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as IESC (23). This means that FIX’s stock grew similarly to IESC’s over the last 12 months.
FIX's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as IESC (50). This means that FIX’s stock grew similarly to IESC’s over the last 12 months.
FIX's P/E Growth Rating (63) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as IESC (74). This means that FIX’s stock grew similarly to IESC’s over the last 12 months.
| FIX | IESC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 89% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 80% | 15 days ago 86% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 67% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | N/A |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FIX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while IESC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- FIX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- IESC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FIX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while IESC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FIX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- IESC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
FIX (@Engineering & Construction) experienced а -10.62% price change this week, while IESC (@Engineering & Construction) price change was -12.85% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Engineering & Construction industry was -8.21%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -11.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -23.75%.
Reported Earning Dates
FIX is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
IESC is expected to report earnings on Dec 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Engineering & Construction (-8.21% weekly)Engineering & Construction includes companies that engage in non-residential construction and contract services, including ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) services. The level/value of construction & engineering activity is one of the potentially relevant indicators of the health of businesses, and hence of the overall economy. Some of the large-cap U.S. companies in this industry include Jacobs Engineering Group Inc,, AECOM and Quanta Services, Inc.
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FIX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FIX has been closely correlated with PWR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FIX jumps, then PWR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FIX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIX | 100% | +1.74% | ||
| PWR - FIX | 83% Closely correlated | -2.13% | ||
| EME - FIX | 81% Closely correlated | -0.67% | ||
| ECG - FIX | 76% Closely correlated | -0.87% | ||
| MYRG - FIX | 75% Closely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| STRL - FIX | 74% Closely correlated | -0.21% | ||
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IESC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IESC has been closely correlated with FIX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IESC jumps, then FIX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IESC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IESC | 100% | -0.45% | ||
| FIX - IESC | 74% Closely correlated | +1.74% | ||
| STRL - IESC | 66% Closely correlated | -0.21% | ||
| ECG - IESC | 65% Loosely correlated | -0.87% | ||
| MYRG - IESC | 64% Loosely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| GVA - IESC | 55% Loosely correlated | +1.75% | ||
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