WallStSmart

CompX International Inc (CIX)vsMSA Safety (MSA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MSA Safety generates 1109% more annual revenue ($1.92B vs $158.58M). MSA leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 12.7%. CIX trades at a lower P/E of 14.8x. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CIX

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 7.63

MSA

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.06
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CIXSignificantly Overvalued (-63.4%)

Margin of Safety

-63.4%

Fair Value

$15.01

Current Price

$24.24

$9.23 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.01Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CIX4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
7.6310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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
22.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

CIX3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.7%4/10

0.7% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$298.10M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.56M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio.

Bull Case : MSA

The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 22.4%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CIX

The primary concerns for CIX are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.

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 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

MSA is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

MSA generates stronger free cash flow (65M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSA scores higher overall (74/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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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