Mueller Industries Inc (MLI)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$112.00
+0.81%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $12.33B
PRLB
Proto Labs Inc
$59.82
+0.35%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mueller Industries Inc generates 684% more annual revenue ($4.18B vs $533.13M). MLI leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 4.0%. PRLB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.71. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MLI
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PRLB
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+39.4%
Fair Value
$198.92
Current Price
$112.00
$86.92 discount
Margin of Safety
-464.3%
Fair Value
$11.90
Current Price
$59.82
$47.92 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
4.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.2% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on Debt/Equity, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 17.5%.
Bull Case : PRLB
The strongest argument for PRLB centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : PRLB
The primary concerns for PRLB are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. A P/E of 68.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PRLB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
PRLB is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
MLI generates stronger free cash flow (121M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor METAL FABRICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (61/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins. Both earn "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.
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.
Visit Website →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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