WallStSmart

Karat Packaging Inc (KRT)vsLive Ventures Inc (LIVE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Karat Packaging Inc generates 10% more annual revenue ($481.07M vs $437.87M). KRT leads profitability with a 6.6% profit margin vs 0.9%. KRT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 48/100 (D+).

KRT

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.48

LIVE

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KRTSignificantly Overvalued (-32.8%)

Margin of Safety

-32.8%

Fair Value

$19.68

Current Price

$28.45

$8.77 premium

UndervaluedFair: $19.68Overvalued
LIVEUndervalued (+86.4%)

Margin of Safety

+86.4%

Fair Value

$143.82

Current Price

$9.06

$134.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $143.82Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KRT2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
21.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

LIVE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

KRT3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$567.97M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.6%3/10

6.6% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

LIVE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$28.66M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.2%3/10

ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.9%3/10

Operating margin of 1.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KRT

The strongest argument for KRT centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LIVE

The strongest argument for LIVE centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : KRT

The primary concerns for KRT are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : LIVE

The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIVE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

KRT is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.

KRT generates stronger free cash flow (6M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor PACKAGING & CONTAINERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

KRT scores higher overall (48/100 vs 33/100) and 12.9% revenue growth. LIVE offers better value entry with a 86.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Karat Packaging Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS · USA

Karat Packaging Inc. manufactures and distributes single-use disposable products in plastic, paper, biopolymers, and other compostable forms that are primarily used in restaurants and food service areas. The company is headquartered in Chino, California.

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Live Ventures Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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