MLR
Miller Industries, Inc.
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$542M
5Y Perf.+60.9%
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Stock Comparison
MLR vs ASTE
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$1.21B
5Y Perf.+24.8%
MLR vs ASTE — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MLR | ASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Auto - Parts | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $542M | $1.21B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $745M | $1.48B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $16M | $26M |
| Gross Margin | 15.1% | 26.1% |
| Operating Margin | 3.0% | 3.7% |
| Forward P/E | 25.0x | 14.2x |
| Total Debt | $34M | $320M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $45M | $72M |
MLR vs ASTE — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MLR
ASTE
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miller Industries, … (MLR) | 100 | 160.9 | +60.9% |
| Astec Industries, I… (ASTE) | 100 | 124.8 | +24.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MLR vs ASTE
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MLR leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Astec Industries, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
MLR
Miller Industries, Inc.
The Income Pick
MLR carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 2 yrs, beta 0.92, yield 1.7%
- 168.1% 10Y total return vs ASTE's 22.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.92, Low D/E 8.0%, current ratio 3.22x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
The Growth Play
ASTE is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- Rev growth 8.1%, EPS growth 7.8%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.4%
- 8.1% revenue growth vs MLR's -37.2%
- Lower P/E (14.2x vs 25.0x)
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | ASTE | 8.1% revenue growth vs MLR's -37.2% |
| Value | ASTE | Lower P/E (14.2x vs 25.0x) |
| Quality / Margins | MLR | 2.1% margin vs ASTE's 1.7% |
| Stability / Safety | MLR | Beta 0.92 vs ASTE's 1.63, lower leverage |
| Dividends | MLR | 1.7% yield, 2-year raise streak, vs ASTE's 1.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | ASTE | +40.5% vs MLR's +14.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MLR | 2.6% ROA vs ASTE's 2.0%, ROIC 5.5% vs 6.2% |
MLR vs ASTE — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
MLR vs ASTE — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMLRLAGGINGASTE
ASTEAstec Industries, Inc.
1leads
MLRMiller Industries, In…
5leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs ASTEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
ASTE4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MLR5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MLR6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MLR5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
MLR2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
MLR2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ASTE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ASTE is the larger business by revenue, generating $1.5B annually — 2.0x MLR's $745M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 2.1% (MLR) to 1.7% (ASTE). On growth, ASTE holds the edge at +20.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $745M | $1.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $33M | $84M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $16M | $26M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $110M | $44M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +15.1% | +26.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +3.0% | +3.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +2.1% | +1.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +14.8% | +3.0% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -19.8% | +20.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -92.8% | -90.3% |
ASTE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MLR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 24.1x trailing earnings, MLR trades at a 24% valuation discount to ASTE's 31.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MLR's 11.5x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than ASTE's 14.4x.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $542M | $1.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $531M | $1.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 24.07x | 31.55x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 24.95x | 14.17x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 11.52x | 14.36x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.69x | 0.86x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.32x | 1.80x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 6.38x | 56.50x |
MLR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MLR leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ASTE delivers a 3.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $4 in annual profit, vs $4 for MLR. MLR carries lower financial leverage with a 0.08x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to ASTE's 0.47x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MLR scores 6/9 vs ASTE's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +3.7% | +3.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.6% | +2.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +5.5% | +6.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +6.8% | +7.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.08x | 0.47x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$11M | $248M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $45M | $72M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $34M | $320M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 31.35x | 5.48x |
MLR leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MLR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MLR five years ago would be worth $11,802 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,958 for ASTE. Over the past 12 months, ASTE leads with a +40.5% total return vs MLR's +14.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MLR at 14.4% vs ASTE's 9.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +27.9% | +19.0% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +14.7% | +40.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +49.6% | +31.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +18.0% | -20.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +168.1% | +22.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +14.4% | +9.6% |
MLR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MLR leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MLR is the less volatile stock with a 0.92 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ASTE's 1.63 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MLR currently trades 95.5% from its 52-week high vs ASTE's 80.7% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.92x | 1.63x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $49.88 | $65.65 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $33.81 | $36.43 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +95.5% | +80.7% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 58.9 | 39.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 89K | 227K |
MLR leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
MLR leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MLR as "Hold" and ASTE as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 1.8% upside for MLR (target: $49) vs -32.1% for ASTE (target: $36). For income investors, MLR offers the higher dividend yield at 1.65% vs ASTE's 0.97%.
| Metric | MLRMiller Industries… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $48.50 | $36.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 3 | 12 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.7% | +1.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 2 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.79 | $0.51 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +1.1% | 0.0% |
MLR leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
MLR leads in 5 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency). ASTE leads in 1 (Income & Cash Flow).
Best OverallMiller Industries, Inc. (MLR)Leads 5 of 6 categories
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MLR vs ASTE: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MLR or ASTE a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is the stronger pick with 8. 1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -37. 2% for Miller Industries, Inc. (MLR). Miller Industries, Inc. (MLR) offers the better valuation at 24. 1x trailing P/E (25. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) a "Buy" — based on 12 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 — MLR or ASTE?
On trailing P/E, Miller Industries, Inc.
(MLR) is the cheapest at 24. 1x versus Astec Industries, Inc. at 31. 5x. On forward P/E, Astec Industries, Inc. is actually cheaper at 14. 2x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MLR or ASTE?
Over the past 5 years, Miller Industries, Inc.
(MLR) delivered a total return of +18. 0%, compared to -20. 4% for Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MLR returned +168. 1% versus ASTE's +22. 1%. 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 — MLR or ASTE?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Miller Industries, Inc.
(MLR) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 92β versus Astec Industries, Inc. 's 1. 63β — meaning ASTE is approximately 77% more volatile than MLR relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Miller Industries, Inc. (MLR) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 8% versus 47% for Astec Industries, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MLR or ASTE?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is pulling ahead at 8. 1% versus -37. 2% for Miller Industries, Inc. (MLR). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Astec Industries, Inc. grew EPS 784. 2% year-over-year, compared to -63. 8% for Miller Industries, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, ASTE leads at 3. 4% 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 — MLR or ASTE?
Miller Industries, Inc.
(MLR) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 9% net margin versus 2. 8% for Astec Industries, Inc. — meaning it keeps 2. 9% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: ASTE leads at 4. 6% versus 4. 0% for MLR. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ASTE leads at 26. 5%, 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 MLR or ASTE more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) trades at 14. 2x forward P/E versus 25. 0x for Miller Industries, Inc. — 10. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MLR: 1. 8% to $48. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — MLR or ASTE?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Miller Industries, Inc. (MLR) offers the highest yield at 1. 7%, versus 1. 0% for Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE).
09Is MLR or ASTE better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Miller Industries, Inc.
(MLR) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 92), 1. 7% yield, +168. 1% 10Y return). Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) carries a higher beta of 1. 63 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (MLR: +168. 1%, ASTE: +22. 1%), 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 MLR and ASTE?
These companies operate in different sectors (MLR (Consumer Cyclical) and ASTE (Industrials)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
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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(MLR: -19.8% · ASTE: 20.3%)P/E Ratio<
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