BRC
Brady Corporation
Security & Protection Services
Market Cap$3.88B
5Y Perf.+57.9%
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Stock Comparison
BRC vs MATW
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MATW
Matthews International Corporation
Conglomerates
Market Cap$874M
5Y Perf.+35.6%
BRC vs MATW — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | BRC | MATW |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Security & Protection Services | Conglomerates |
| Market Cap | $3.88B | $874M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.57B | $1.21B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $204M | $10M |
| Gross Margin | 50.9% | 35.7% |
| Operating Margin | 16.4% | -0.5% |
| Forward P/E | 16.1x | 35.1x |
| Total Debt | $159M | $764M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $174M | $32M |
BRC vs MATW — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
BRC
MATW
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Corporation (BRC) | 100 | 157.9 | +57.9% |
| Matthews Internatio… (MATW) | 100 | 135.6 | +35.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BRC vs MATW
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: BRC leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Matthews International Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for dividend income and shareholder returns and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
BRC
Brady Corporation
The Income Pick
BRC carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 37 yrs, beta 0.64, yield 1.2%
- Rev growth 12.8%, EPS growth -3.2%, 3Y rev CAGR 5.1%
- 232.9% 10Y total return vs MATW's -30.4%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
MATW
Matthews International Corporation
The Income Pick
MATW is the clearest fit if your priority is dividends and momentum.
- 3.8% yield, 15-year raise streak, vs BRC's 1.2%
- +54.7% vs BRC's +14.3%
Best for: dividends and momentum
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | BRC | 12.8% revenue growth vs MATW's -16.6% |
| Value | BRC | Lower P/E (16.1x vs 35.1x) |
| Quality / Margins | BRC | 13.0% margin vs MATW's 0.8% |
| Stability / Safety | BRC | Beta 0.64 vs MATW's 1.03, lower leverage |
| Dividends | MATW | 3.8% yield, 15-year raise streak, vs BRC's 1.2% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MATW | +54.7% vs BRC's +14.3% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | BRC | 11.2% ROA vs MATW's 0.6%, ROIC 16.7% vs 1.2% |
BRC vs MATW — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
BRC vs MATW — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLBRCLAGGINGMATW
MATWMatthews Internationa…
1leads
BRCBrady Corporation
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MATWMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
BRC6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MATW3/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
BRC8/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
BRC4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BRC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BRC and MATW operate at a comparable scale, with $1.6B and $1.2B in trailing revenue. BRC is the more profitable business, keeping 13.0% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MATW's 0.8%. On growth, BRC holds the edge at +7.7% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.6B | $1.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $299M | $38M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $204M | $10M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $170M | -$80M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +50.9% | +35.7% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +16.4% | -0.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +13.0% | +0.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +10.8% | -6.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +7.7% | -39.5% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +19.3% | -137.9% |
BRC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MATW leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, BRC's 13.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MATW's 17.4x.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $3.9B | $874M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $3.9B | $1.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 20.60x | -35.53x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 16.05x | 35.09x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 1.56x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 13.95x | 17.44x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.57x | 0.58x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.26x | 1.81x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 25.28x | — |
MATW leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
BRC leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
BRC delivers a 15.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $16 in annual profit, vs $2 for MATW. BRC carries lower financial leverage with a 0.13x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MATW's 1.59x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MATW scores 5/9 vs BRC's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +15.5% | +1.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +11.2% | +0.6% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +16.7% | +1.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +17.8% | +1.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.13x | 1.59x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$16M | $732M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $174M | $32M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $159M | $764M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 60.44x | 4.89x |
BRC leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
BRC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in BRC five years ago would be worth $15,407 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,756 for MATW. Over the past 12 months, MATW leads with a +54.7% total return vs BRC's +14.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors BRC at 18.4% vs MATW's -6.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +3.3% | +9.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +14.3% | +54.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +65.8% | -17.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +54.1% | -22.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +232.9% | -30.4% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +18.4% | -6.3% |
BRC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — BRC and MATW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
BRC is the less volatile stock with a 0.64 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MATW's 1.03 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MATW currently trades 90.8% from its 52-week high vs BRC's 81.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.64x | 1.03x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $99.28 | $30.93 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $65.76 | $18.61 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +81.3% | +90.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 44.9 | 61.6 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 218K | 182K |
Evenly matched — BRC and MATW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — BRC and MATW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates BRC as "Hold" and MATW as "Buy". For income investors, MATW offers the higher dividend yield at 3.75% vs BRC's 1.17%.
| Metric | BRCBrady Corporation | MATWMatthews Internat… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 10 | 10 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.2% | +3.8% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 37 | 15 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.95 | $1.05 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +1.3% | +1.4% |
Evenly matched — BRC and MATW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
BRC leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). MATW leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallBrady Corporation (BRC)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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BRC vs MATW: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BRC or MATW a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Brady Corporation (BRC) is the stronger pick with 12.
8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -16. 6% for Matthews International Corporation (MATW). Brady Corporation (BRC) offers the better valuation at 20. 6x trailing P/E (16. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Matthews International Corporation (MATW) a "Buy" — based on 10 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — BRC or MATW?
On forward P/E, Brady Corporation is actually cheaper at 16.
1x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BRC or MATW?
Over the past 5 years, Brady Corporation (BRC) delivered a total return of +54.
1%, compared to -22. 4% for Matthews International Corporation (MATW). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: BRC returned +232. 9% versus MATW's -30. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — BRC or MATW?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Brady Corporation (BRC) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
64β versus Matthews International Corporation's 1. 03β — meaning MATW is approximately 61% more volatile than BRC relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Brady Corporation (BRC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 13% versus 159% for Matthews International Corporation — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BRC or MATW?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Brady Corporation (BRC) is pulling ahead at 12.
8% versus -16. 6% for Matthews International Corporation (MATW). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Matthews International Corporation grew EPS 59. 1% year-over-year, compared to -3. 2% for Brady Corporation. Over a 3-year CAGR, BRC leads at 5. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — BRC or MATW?
Brady Corporation (BRC) is the more profitable company, earning 12.
5% net margin versus -1. 6% for Matthews International Corporation — meaning it keeps 12. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: BRC leads at 15. 6% versus 1. 4% for MATW. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — BRC leads at 50. 3%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is BRC or MATW more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Brady Corporation (BRC) trades at 16.
1x forward P/E versus 35. 1x for Matthews International Corporation — 19. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — BRC or MATW?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Matthews International Corporation (MATW) offers the highest yield at 3. 8%, versus 1. 2% for Brady Corporation (BRC).
09Is BRC or MATW better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Brady Corporation (BRC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
64), 1. 2% yield, +232. 9% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (BRC: +232. 9%, MATW: -30. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between BRC and MATW?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: BRC is a small-cap quality compounder stock; MATW is a small-cap income-oriented stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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