Quad Graphics (NYSE:QUAD – Get Free Report) and Vestis (NYSE:VSTS – Get Free Report) are both small-cap industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.
Analyst Ratings
This is a summary of current ratings for Quad Graphics and Vestis, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Quad Graphics | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2.60 |
| Vestis | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1.62 |
Quad Graphics presently has a consensus target price of $12.00, indicating a potential upside of 29.45%. Vestis has a consensus target price of $12.66, indicating a potential downside of 11.06%. Given Quad Graphics’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Quad Graphics is more favorable than Vestis.
Profitability
This table compares Quad Graphics and Vestis’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Quad Graphics | 1.31% | 47.90% | 4.61% |
| Vestis | -0.20% | 7.27% | 2.20% |
Risk & Volatility
Quad Graphics has a beta of 1.12, suggesting that its stock price is 12% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vestis has a beta of 0.9, suggesting that its stock price is 10% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Valuation and Earnings
This table compares Quad Graphics and Vestis”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Quad Graphics | $2.42 billion | 0.20 | $27.00 million | $0.63 | 14.71 |
| Vestis | $2.73 billion | 0.69 | -$40.22 million | ($0.05) | -284.70 |
Quad Graphics has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Vestis. Vestis is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Quad Graphics, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Institutional and Insider Ownership
39.5% of Quad Graphics shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.4% of Vestis shares are held by institutional investors. 14.2% of Quad Graphics shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 15.7% of Vestis shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.
Summary
Quad Graphics beats Vestis on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Quad Graphics
Quad/Graphics, Inc. provides marketing solutions worldwide. The company operates through United States Print and Related Services, and International segments. It offers printing services, such as retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, and other commercial and specialty printed products; and paper procurement services. The company also provides marketing and other services, including data and analytics, technology solutions, media services, creative and content solutions, managed services, and execution in non-print channels, as well as manufactures ink. It serves blue-chip companies that operate in various industries, and serve businesses and consumers across various industry verticals comprising retail, consumer packaged goods and direct-to-consumer, as well as financial services and health. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin.
About Vestis
Vestis Corporation provides uniform rentals and workplace supplies in the United States and Canada. Its products include uniform options, such as shirts, pants, outerwear, gowns, scrubs, high visibility garments, particulate-free garments, and flame-resistant garments, as well as shoes and accessories; and workplace supplies, including managed restroom supply services, first-aid supplies and safety products, floor mats, towels, and linens. The company serves manufacturing, hospitality, retail, food processing, food service, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive, and cleanroom industries. Vestis Corporation was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Roswell, Georgia.
Receive News & Ratings for Quad Graphics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quad Graphics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
