Head to Head Comparison: Installed Building Products (NYSE:IBP) vs. Caesarstone (NASDAQ:CSTE)

Caesarstone (NASDAQ:CSTE) and Installed Building Products (NYSE:IBP) are both construction companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Caesarstone and Installed Building Products’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Caesarstone	-37.70%	-29.41%	-11.96%
Installed Building Products	8.65%	42.28%	13.74%

Volatility & Risk

Caesarstone has a beta of 0.23, indicating that its stock price is 77% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Installed Building Products has a beta of 1.84, indicating that its stock price is 84% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

33.7% of Caesarstone shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 99.6% of Installed Building Products shares are held by institutional investors. 13.8% of Installed Building Products shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Caesarstone and Installed Building Products”s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Caesarstone	$397.23 million	0.15	-$137.47 million	($4.22)	-0.42
Installed Building Products	$2.97 billion	1.92	$265.40 million	$9.38	22.55

Installed Building Products has higher revenue and earnings than Caesarstone. Caesarstone is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Installed Building Products, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Caesarstone and Installed Building Products, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Caesarstone	1	0	0	0	1.00
Installed Building Products	2	12	1	0	1.93

Installed Building Products has a consensus price target of $247.67, indicating a potential upside of 17.08%. Given Installed Building Products’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Installed Building Products is more favorable than Caesarstone.

Summary

Installed Building Products beats Caesarstone on 14 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Caesarstone

Caesarstone Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets engineered stone and other materials under the Caesarstone brand in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Israel. The company’s engineered stone slabs are primarily used as indoor and outdoor kitchen countertops in the renovation and remodeling, and residential construction sectors. Its products are also used in other applications, such as vanity tops, wall panels, back splashes, floor tiles, stairs, furniture, and other interior and exterior surfaces that are used in various residential and non-residential applications. The company also offers porcelain products under the Lioli brand for countertops, flooring, and cladding applications; sells natural stone, sinks, and various ancillary fabrication tools and materials; and resells natural stones, as well as various ancillaries, and fabrication and installation accessories, as well as provides fabrication and installation services. It sells its products directly to wholesalers, resellers, and fabricators; and through direct sales force and indirect network of independent distributors. The company was formerly known as Caesarstone Sdot Yam Ltd. and changed its name to Caesarstone Ltd. in June 2016. Caesarstone Ltd. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Menashe, Israel.

About Installed Building Products

Installed Building Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation of insulation, waterproofing, fire-stopping, fireproofing, garage doors, rain gutters, window blinds, shower doors, closet shelving and mirrors, and other products in the United States. It operates through Installation, Distribution, and Manufacturing operation segments. The company offers a range of insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, and spray foam insulation materials. It is also involved in the installation of insulation and sealant materials in various areas of a structure, which includes basement and crawl space, building envelope, attic, and acoustical applications. In addition, the company installs a range of caulk and sealant products that control air infiltration in residential and commercial buildings; and waterproofing options, including sheet and hot applied waterproofing membranes, as well as deck coating, bentonite, and air and vapor systems. Further, it distributes spray foam insulation, metal building insulation, residential insulation, and mechanical and fabricated Styrofoam insulation, as well as accessories and equipment used in the insulation installation process; and manufactures cellulose insulation and specialty industrial fibers. It serves homebuilders, multi-family and commercial and agricultural construction firms, individual homeowners, and repair and remodeling contractors. The company was formerly known as CCIB Holdco, Inc. Installed Building Products, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.