WallStSmart

Sterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 824% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $2.88B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 12.0%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

STRL

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.39

USB

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

STRL4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
91.6%10/10

Revenue surging 91.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
141.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 141.4% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$90.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

STRL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
76.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
24.4x2/10

Trading at 24.4x book value

USB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : STRL

The strongest argument for STRL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 91.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bear Case : STRL

The primary concerns for STRL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 76.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

STRL profiles as a growth stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.

STRL is growing revenue faster at 91.6% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STRL scores higher overall (69/100 vs 69/100) and 91.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Sterling Construction Company Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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