Insteel Industries Inc (IIIN)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)
IIIN
Insteel Industries Inc
$29.48
+1.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $580.75M
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$60.52
+0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $13.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mueller Industries Inc generates 559% more annual revenue ($4.66B vs $707.68M). MLI leads profitability with a 18.2% profit margin vs 5.1%. IIIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
IIIN
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MLI
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-19.9%
Fair Value
$30.98
Current Price
$29.48
$1.50 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MLI.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%
Revenue surging 25.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.1% margin — thin
Earnings declined 40.9%
1.8% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IIIN
The strongest argument for IIIN centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.2% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 25.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IIIN
The primary concerns for IIIN are Market Cap, Profit Margin, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IIIN profiles as a value stock while MLI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MLI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 25.5% — sustainability is the question.
IIIN generates stronger free cash flow (8M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 18.2% margins and 25.5% revenue growth. 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.
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
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?