On the stock market since 1994, it operates in the world of raw materials. It has 9,600 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
The gap is $5.3B. In times of high interest rates, a gap like that can squeeze a company.
Executives buying with their own money is usually read as confidence in the company’s future.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Profit power and business quality lead the class.
Clearly below the class average.
The price isn’t cheap next to earnings — that’s why this grade sits in the middle.
This grade is a blend: the profit side is strong, the sales tempo slow.
Clearly below the class average.
Price Momentum: The stock has lagged the market in recent months; investor interest is weak right now.
Financial Strength: The cash-and-debt balance is thin; the buffer for hard times is slim.
angles, checked one by one.
The 2 that stand out are on screen; the rest came back neutral.
The council scores out of 10; report-card grades are out of 100.
The stock trades 24% below its peak. The market has trimmed its expectations for the company.
The net profit margin is 17% — still a thick cushion, though costs have been eating into it lately.
Over the last 12 months, company executives reported 34 buys and 21 sells. Management buying with its own money is usually read as a good sign.
The average analyst price target is $664 — 24% above today’s price.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew only 2% a year on average — the report card’s higher growth grade leans on profit power instead.
Buyers haven’t stepped back in yet; the price hasn’t found its footing. Report-card grade: 28/100. For a turnaround signal, the stock first needs to close the gap with the market.
The balance sheet offers little cushion against a rough stretch. Report-card grade: 42/100.
On our five-subject report card, MLM sits in the middle of the class: some subjects shine, others don’t. The grade moves as the numbers move.
The takeaway: MLM is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s what that quality should cost.
Analysts’ average target sits above today’s price, yet the valuation grade (53/100) says the stock isn’t cheap.