WallStSmart

Exponent Inc (EXPO)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sterling Construction Company Inc generates 423% more annual revenue ($2.88B vs $551.14M). EXPO leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 12.0%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

EXPO

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.41

STRL

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

EXPOUndervalued (+0.1%)

Margin of Safety

+0.1%

Fair Value

$71.76

Current Price

$59.66

$12.10 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.76Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for STRL.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EXPO4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
27.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.3%

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

EXPO4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.034/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : EXPO

The strongest argument for EXPO centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 27.3%. Revenue growth of 10.5% 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 : EXPO

The primary concerns for EXPO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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

EXPO profiles as a mature stock while STRL is a growth 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.

STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.

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.

Exponent Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Exponent, Inc., is a global science and engineering consulting company. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?