Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$451.35
-1.22%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $79.31B
STRL
Sterling Construction Company Inc
$882.43
-11.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $26.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Moodys Corporation generates 173% more annual revenue ($7.87B vs $2.88B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.7% 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-).
MCO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
STRL
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 83 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
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
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 26.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 24.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 45.7%.
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 : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.44 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
MCO 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.
MCO generates stronger free cash flow (844M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STRL scores higher overall (69/100 vs 61/100) 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.
Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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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