Insteel Industries Inc (IIIN)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)
IIIN
Insteel Industries Inc
$28.17
+0.79%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $559.51M
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$54.84
-0.49%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $11.99B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mueller Industries Inc generates 576% more annual revenue ($5.00B vs $739.51M). MLI leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 4.0%. IIIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
IIIN
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MLI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-15.2%
Fair Value
$32.25
Current Price
$28.17
$4.08 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MLI.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
17.9% revenue growth
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 31.6% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
4.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IIIN
The strongest argument for IIIN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 17.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 19.5%. Revenue growth of 31.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IIIN
The primary concerns for IIIN are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MLI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 31.6% — sustainability is the question.
MLI generates stronger free cash flow (315M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor METAL FABRICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 17.3% margins and 31.6% 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.
Insteel Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Insteel Industries, Inc., manufactures and markets steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. The company is headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other METAL FABRICATION Stocks
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