Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)
CRS
Carpenter Technology Corporation
$280.00
-2.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.29B
PRLB
Proto Labs Inc
$90.91
+1.68%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carpenter Technology Corporation generates 469% more annual revenue ($3.19B vs $560.54M). CRS leads profitability with a 17.9% profit margin vs 5.4%. PRLB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. CRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CRS
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
PRLB
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CRS.
Margin of Safety
+34.3%
Fair Value
$102.22
Current Price
$90.91
$11.31 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%
Earnings expanding 33.7% YoY
Earnings expanding 105.6% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
5.4% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CRS
The strongest argument for CRS centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.9% and operating margin at 24.7%.
Bull Case : PRLB
The strongest argument for PRLB centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.86 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CRS
The primary concerns for CRS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : PRLB
The primary concerns for PRLB are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 68.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CRS profiles as a mature stock while PRLB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PRLB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.38 — expect wider price swings.
PRLB is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
PRLB generates stronger free cash flow (9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CRS scores higher overall (68/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 17.9% margins. PRLB offers better value entry with a 34.3% margin of safety. 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.
Carpenter Technology Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Carpenter Technology Corporation manufactures, manufactures and distributes specialty metals worldwide. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Proto Labs Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Proto Labs, Inc., is an e-commerce-driven digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts around the world. The company is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota.
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