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IESC vs STRL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? IES Holdings, Inc. (IESC) vs. Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both IESC and STRL are leveraged to the boom in artificial-intelligence (AI) data center construction, but through different business models.
- IES Holdings has broadened through acquisitions, including the recently closed DBM Global deal, and reported a record backlog of roughly $4.5 billion.
- Sterling Infrastructure's E-Infrastructure segment is its core growth engine, with revenue rising 90% year over year in its most recent quarter and combined backlog of about $5.6 billion.
- Relative performance has been volatile for both: IESC pulled back sharply after deal-related dilution, while STRL has cooled below its moving averages after a strong run.
- Sterling carries a net cash position, whereas IESC has shifted to modest leverage to fund its DBM Global acquisition.
Introduction
Investors tracking the physical build-out of AI infrastructure increasingly look beyond chipmakers to the contractors wiring and constructing hyperscale data centers. IESC (IES Holdings, Inc.) and STRL (Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.) sit at the center of that theme, making this a useful stock comparison for growth-oriented traders and investors evaluating two distinct ways to gain exposure to the same secular demand. Their relative performance and market positioning have diverged in recent weeks despite a shared tailwind, offering a practical case study in how business model, capital structure, and execution can shape returns.
IESC Overview and Recent Performance
IES Holdings, Inc. designs and installs integrated electrical and technology systems, operating through Communications, Residential, Infrastructure Solutions, and Commercial & Industrial segments. In its most recent fiscal quarter, revenue rose 40% year over year to about $1.24 billion, driven heavily by data center-related work, while diluted earnings per share (EPS, or net income divided by shares outstanding) reached $7.57. Backlog climbed to a record $4.5 billion, up 91% from the prior fiscal year-end.
Recent market activity has been choppy. The shares hit a 52-week high in August before retreating roughly 20% or more, pressured by the closing of its majority acquisition of steel fabricator DBM Global in early October. That transaction was funded with cash, new debt under an expanded $700 million credit facility, and newly issued shares, which diluted existing holders and introduced modest leverage after a long period of operating debt-free. A two-for-one stock split and notable insider selling have added to short-term sentiment swings, even as long-term demand for data center infrastructure remains robust.
STRL Overview and Recent Performance
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. provides civil infrastructure construction through E-Infrastructure Solutions, Transportation Solutions, and Building Solutions. E-Infrastructure — encompassing data centers, semiconductor facilities, and other mission-critical projects — has become the dominant profit driver, with segment revenue surging 192% year over year in the most recent quarter. Overall revenue jumped 90% to $1.17 billion, and adjusted EPS climbed 116% to $5.80, while adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin expanded to 22%.
Sterling's signed backlog reached $4.3 billion, up 116% year over year, and combined backlog rose 150% to about $5.6 billion. Management raised full-year guidance and ended the period with a net cash position of $181 million. In recent weeks, however, the stock has cooled after a rapid advance, trading below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages as investors weighed valuation, capacity constraints, and lumpy award timing against a still-accelerating growth story.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies ride the same data center wave, their positioning differs. IESC offers a broader, more diversified electrical and technology services footprint that still carries meaningful residential exposure, which has acted as a drag amid housing weakness. Its growth has been partly acquisition-driven, adding Gulf Island and DBM Global in a short span, which brings scale but also integration and execution risk alongside a more leveraged balance sheet.
STRL is more concentrated in higher-margin mission-critical infrastructure and has funded its expansion largely organically, retaining a net cash position and selectively reallocating resources away from lower-margin transportation work. Its growth rate and margin expansion have been steeper, but it carries more single-sector concentration risk. On valuation, both trade at premium multiples relative to construction peers; sentiment toward each now hinges on whether data center demand and margin execution can keep pace with expectations.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely tilt toward STRL in the current environment. Sterling combines stronger trend consistency in earnings, accelerating organic growth, expanding margins, and a net cash balance sheet, with multi-year backlog visibility exceeding $7 billion when future-phase opportunities are included. IESC presents a credible but noisier setup, given recent share dilution, new leverage, and acquisition integration risk. That said, both names remain sensitive to data center sentiment, so the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and could shift as relative momentum and valuation evolve.
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 IESC is a Hold and STRL is a Hold.
IESC sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
IESC saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 07, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 49 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 76%.
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 65 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 73%.
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.
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 9 of 13 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 69%.
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%.
The Aroon Indicator for IESC entered a downward trend on November 03, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 15 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 17 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.
The 50-day moving average for IESC moved above the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +6.49% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IESC advanced for three days, in 307 of 358 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 Valuation Rating of 50 (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 (6.593) is normal, around the industry mean (15.298). P/E Ratio (17.825) is within average values for comparable stocks, (166.892). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.310) is also within normal values, averaging (3.522). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.202) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.292) is also within normal values, averaging (2.856).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 52 (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 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. IESC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 86 (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.
Momentum Indicator for STRL turns negative, indicating new downward trend
STRL saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 88 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 68 of the 88 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for STRL turned negative on October 14, 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 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 28 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 67%.
STRL moved below its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for STRL crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 15 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 73%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STRL 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 73%.
The Aroon Indicator for STRL entered a downward trend on November 03, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where STRL's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 16 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 16 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 +7.80% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STRL advanced for three days, in 287 of 352 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
STRL 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 27 (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 66 (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 Valuation Rating of 69 (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 (8.139) is normal, around the industry mean (15.298). P/E Ratio (25.631) is within average values for comparable stocks, (166.892). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.611) is also within normal values, averaging (3.522). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.202) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.365) is also within normal values, averaging (2.856).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 81 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 87 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. STRL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
IESC | STRL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 52 | 65 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 50 Fair valued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 52 | 66 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 23 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 66 | 87 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 86 | 81 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
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 (50) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as STRL (69). This means that IESC’s stock grew similarly to STRL’s over the last 12 months.
IESC's Profit vs Risk Rating (52) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as STRL (66). This means that IESC’s stock grew similarly to STRL’s over the last 12 months.
IESC's SMR Rating (23) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as STRL (27). This means that IESC’s stock grew similarly to STRL’s over the last 12 months.
IESC's Price Growth Rating (66) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as STRL (87). This means that IESC’s stock grew similarly to STRL’s over the last 12 months.
STRL's P/E Growth Rating (81) in the Engineering And Construction industry is in the same range as IESC (86). This means that STRL’s stock grew similarly to IESC’s over the last 12 months.
| IESC | STRL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 87% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 77% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 72% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 86% | 8 days ago 82% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | 3 days ago 73% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 74% |
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).
IESC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while STRL’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- IESC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- STRL’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.
IESC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while STRL’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IESC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
- STRL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
IESC (@Engineering & Construction) experienced а -10.56% price change this week, while STRL (@Engineering & Construction) price change was -1.73% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Engineering & Construction industry was -0.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -11.45%, and the average quarterly price growth was -29.23%.
Reported Earning Dates
IESC is expected to report earnings on Nov 20, 2026.
STRL is expected to report earnings on Mar 01, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Engineering & Construction (-0.87% 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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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% | +3.73% | ||
| FIX - IESC | 74% Closely correlated | +7.08% | ||
| STRL - IESC | 66% Closely correlated | +7.66% | ||
| ECG - IESC | 65% Loosely correlated | +9.46% | ||
| MYRG - IESC | 62% Loosely correlated | +4.80% | ||
| GVA - IESC | 55% Loosely correlated | +3.41% | ||
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STRL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, STRL 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 STRL jumps, then FIX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To STRL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRL | 100% | +7.66% | ||
| FIX - STRL | 74% Closely correlated | +7.08% | ||
| ECG - STRL | 71% Closely correlated | +9.46% | ||
| PWR - STRL | 69% Closely correlated | +5.77% | ||
| EME - STRL | 68% Closely correlated | +3.61% | ||
| MYRG - STRL | 66% Closely correlated | +4.80% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| QQQI | 51.31 | 0.26 | +0.51% |
| NEOS Nasdaq 100 High Income ETF (QQQI) | |||
| INMU | 23.69 | 0.02 | +0.08% |
| iShares Intermediate Muni Income Active ETF (INMU) | |||
| DVAL | 15.72 | N/A | N/A |
| BrandywineGLOBAL - Dynamic US Large Cap Value ETF (DVAL) | |||
| ARMY | 23.93 | N/A | N/A |
| Tema International Defense ETF | |||
| CAPE | 32.11 | -0.22 | -0.67% |
| DoubleLine Shiller CAPE U.S. Equities ETF (CAPE) | |||