Insteel Industries Inc (IIIN)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)
IIIN
Insteel Industries Inc
$27.00
+0.11%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $524.12M
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$140.71
-0.09%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $15.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mueller Industries Inc generates 534% more annual revenue ($4.37B vs $689.91M). MLI leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 6.2%. IIIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
IIIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
MLI
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.4%
Fair Value
$43.39
Current Price
$27.00
$16.39 discount
Margin of Safety
-51.6%
Fair Value
$79.53
Current Price
$140.71
$61.18 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 55.4% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
19.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.9%
Earnings declined 48.5%
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. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 23.0%. Revenue growth of 19.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IIIN
The primary concerns for IIIN are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are PEG Ratio.
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 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 19.3% — sustainability is the question.
MLI generates stronger free cash flow (63M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 56/100), 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.
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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