WallStSmart

ESAB Corp (ESAB)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ESAB Corp generates 436% more annual revenue ($3.00B vs $560.54M). ESAB leads profitability with a 5.8% profit margin vs 5.4%. ESAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. ESAB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

ESAB

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.78

PRLB

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.18
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ESAB.

PRLBUndervalued (+34.6%)

Margin of Safety

+34.6%

Fair Value

$102.73

Current Price

$81.98

$20.75 discount

UndervaluedFair: $102.73Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ESAB2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.738/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PRLB5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
105.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 105.6% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.1810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.868/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ESAB4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.784/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
5.8%3/10

5.8% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-54.1%2/10

Earnings declined 54.1%

PRLB4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.94B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
3.8%3/10

ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
64.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ESAB

The strongest argument for ESAB centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.73 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ESAB

The primary concerns for ESAB are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PRLB

The primary concerns for PRLB are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 64.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PRLB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

ESAB is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.

ESAB generates stronger free cash flow (16M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor METAL FABRICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ESAB scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100) and 12.9% revenue growth. PRLB offers better value entry with a 34.6% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

ESAB Corp

INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA

ESAB Corporation formulates, develops, manufactures and supplies consumable products and equipment for use in automated cutting, joining and welding, as well as gas control equipment. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

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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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