Mueller Industries Inc (MLI)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$60.48
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.06B
PRLB
Proto Labs Inc
$81.98
+2.80%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mueller Industries Inc generates 732% more annual revenue ($4.66B vs $560.54M). MLI leads profitability with a 18.2% profit margin vs 5.4%. PRLB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
MLI
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
PRLB
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MLI.
Margin of Safety
+34.6%
Fair Value
$102.73
Current Price
$81.98
$20.75 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Earnings expanding 105.6% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
1.8% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
5.4% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
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 : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
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
MLI profiles as a growth stock while PRLB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PRLB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 25.5% — sustainability is the question.
PRLB generates stronger free cash flow (9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (65/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 18.2% margins and 25.5% 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.
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 →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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