WallStSmart

Deere & Company (DE)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Deere & Company generates 983% more annual revenue ($47.34B vs $4.37B). MLI leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 10.1%. DE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

DE

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.18

MLI

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 8.10

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DE1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$163.94B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

MLI6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
55.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 55.4% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
8.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

DE4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.1%2/10

Revenue declined 11.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-8.5%2/10

Earnings declined 8.5%

MLI2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-101.53M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DE

The strongest argument for DE centers on Market Cap. PEG of 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MLI

The strongest argument for MLI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 23.0%. Revenue growth of 19.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DE

The primary concerns for DE are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.34 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MLI

The primary concerns for MLI are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DE profiles as a declining stock while MLI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MLI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.

MLI is growing revenue faster at 19.3% — sustainability is the question.

DE generates stronger free cash flow (874M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MLI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins and 19.3% 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.

Deere & Company

INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA

John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains (axles, transmissions, gearboxes) used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment.

Mueller Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA

Mueller Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. The company is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee.

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