WallStSmart

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Carpenter Technology Corporation generates 457% more annual revenue ($3.12B vs $560.54M). CRS leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 5.4%. PRLB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. CRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CRS

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.50

PRLB

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.18
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CRS.

PRLBUndervalued (+34.6%)

Margin of Safety

+34.6%

Fair Value

$102.73

Current Price

$81.98

$20.75 discount

UndervaluedFair: $102.73Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CRS4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
23.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
46.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.4% YoY

PRLB5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
105.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 105.6% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.1810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.868/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CRS3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.594/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

P/E RatioValuation
45.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PRLB4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.94B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
3.8%3/10

ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
64.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CRS

The strongest argument for CRS centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 24.1%. Revenue growth of 12.6% 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 : CRS

The primary concerns for CRS are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

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

CRS profiles as a mature 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.

CRS is growing revenue faster at 12.6% — sustainability is the question.

CRS generates stronger free cash flow (155M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CRS scores higher overall (70/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins and 12.6% revenue growth. PRLB offers better value entry with a 34.6% margin of safety. 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.

Carpenter Technology Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA

Carpenter Technology Corporation manufactures, manufactures and distributes specialty metals worldwide. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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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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