Sterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
STRL
Sterling Construction Company Inc
$882.43
-11.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $26.36B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 31% more annual revenue ($3.77B vs $2.88B). STRL leads profitability with a 12.0% profit margin vs 11.9%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
STRL
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for STRL.
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 91.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 141.4% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 24.4x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
STRL scores higher overall (69/100 vs 50/100) and 91.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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