WallStSmart

ESAB Corp (ESAB)vsInsteel Industries Inc (IIIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ESAB Corp generates 319% more annual revenue ($2.84B vs $677.91M). ESAB leads profitability with a 8.0% profit margin vs 7.0%. IIIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. IIIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

ESAB

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.78

IIIN

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 10.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 5.53
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ESABSignificantly Overvalued (-382.5%)

Margin of Safety

-382.5%

Fair Value

$27.88

Current Price

$97.56

$69.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.88Overvalued
IIINUndervalued (+67.3%)

Margin of Safety

+67.3%

Fair Value

$113.72

Current Price

$33.88

$79.84 discount

UndervaluedFair: $113.72Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ESAB2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

IIIN6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.5310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.848/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.3%8/10

Revenue surging 23.3% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

ESAB4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.784/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
8.0%3/10

8.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-31.6%2/10

Earnings declined 31.6%

IIIN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$593.72M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
7.0%3/10

7.0% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.19M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ESAB

The strongest argument for ESAB centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : IIIN

The strongest argument for IIIN centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 23.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ESAB

The primary concerns for ESAB are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : IIIN

The primary concerns for IIIN are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ESAB profiles as a value stock while IIIN is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ESAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

IIIN is growing revenue faster at 23.3% — sustainability is the question.

ESAB generates stronger free cash flow (77M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

IIIN scores higher overall (73/100 vs 57/100) and 23.3% 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.

ESAB Corp

INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA

ESAB Corporation formulates, develops, manufactures and supplies consumable products and equipment for use in automated cutting, joining and welding, as well as gas control equipment. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

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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.

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