WallStSmart

CompX International Inc (CIX)vsMSA Safety (MSA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MSA Safety generates 1103% more annual revenue ($1.95B vs $161.83M). MSA leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 13.6%. CIX trades at a lower P/E of 20.0x. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CIX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 7.69

MSA

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.06
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CIXSignificantly Overvalued (-57.2%)

Margin of Safety

-57.2%

Fair Value

$15.60

Current Price

$35.65

$20.05 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.60Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CIX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
7.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
20.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.1% YoY

MSA5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
24.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

CIX1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$439.80M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

MSA1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CIX

The strongest argument for CIX centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : MSA

The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 24.6%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CIX

The primary concerns for CIX are Market Cap.

Bear Case : MSA

The primary concerns for MSA are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CIX profiles as a value stock while MSA is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MSA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.

CIX is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

MSA generates stronger free cash flow (83M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSA scores higher overall (72/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins. 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.

CompX International Inc

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

CompX International Inc. manufactures and sells safety products and marine recreational components primarily in North America. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

MSA Safety

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

MSA Safety Incorporated develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructure in the oil, gas, petrochemical, fire, construction, industrial manufacturing, utility, military, and mining industries in America. North, Latin America and internationally. . The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

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