WallStSmart

ESAB Corp (ESAB)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mueller Industries Inc generates 60% more annual revenue ($4.66B vs $2.91B). MLI leads profitability with a 18.2% profit margin vs 7.1%. ESAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.19. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

ESAB

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.78

MLI

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 8.10

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ESAB1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MLI6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
8.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.5%8/10

Revenue surging 25.5% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
7.1%3/10

7.1% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-28.9%2/10

Earnings declined 28.9%

MLI3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1.8%4/10

1.8% earnings growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-101.53M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ESAB

The strongest argument for ESAB centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull 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.

Bear Case : ESAB

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

Bear Case : MLI

The primary concerns for MLI are EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ESAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.

MLI is growing revenue faster at 25.5% — sustainability is the question.

ESAB generates stronger free cash flow (33M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MLI scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 18.2% margins and 25.5% revenue growth. 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.

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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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.

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