WallStSmart

Argan Inc (AGX)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sterling Construction Company Inc generates 177% more annual revenue ($2.88B vs $1.04B). AGX leads profitability with a 15.5% profit margin vs 12.0%. AGX trades at a lower P/E of 56.5x. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

AGX

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.46

STRL

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AGX3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
50.2%10/10

Revenue surging 50.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
102.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 102.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

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

Areas to Watch

AGX3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
56.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
20.6x2/10

Trading at 20.6x book value

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AGX

The strongest argument for AGX centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.5% and operating margin at 15.6%. Revenue growth of 50.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : AGX

The primary concerns for AGX are Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 56.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

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.

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 62/100) 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.

Argan Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Argan, Inc. provides engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations management, maintenance, project development, technical and consulting services for the power generation and renewable energy markets. The company is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

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.

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