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CODI vs PRLB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Compass Diversified (CODI) vs. Proto Labs (PRLB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CODI is a diversified holding company that recently swung back to profitability, but remains weighed down by structural governance debates and a discount to its estimated net asset value (NAV).
- PRLB is a digital manufacturer riding strong momentum in aerospace, defense, robotics, and data-center demand, with consecutive record revenue quarters.
- The two stocks occupy very different market positions: CODI is a value-oriented turnaround story, while PRLB is a higher-multiple growth story.
- PRLB has delivered consistently positive earnings surprises and upwardly revised guidance, whereas CODI's recent gains have been driven largely by asset sales and deleveraging.
- Relative performance diverges sharply: PRLB has shown sustained uptrends, while CODI's recovery is more uneven and event-driven.
Introduction
Investors weighing a diversified industrial holding company against a fast-growing digital manufacturer face two fundamentally different risk-and-reward profiles. Compass Diversified (CODI) owns a portfolio of consumer and industrial businesses and has spent recent quarters reshaping that portfolio through divestitures and debt reduction. Proto Labs (PRLB) operates a digitally enabled, on-demand manufacturing platform that is benefiting from reindustrialization and strong demand in high-tech end markets. This stock comparison examines how these companies differ in business model, recent momentum, valuation, and market sentiment, helping traders and long-term investors assess which name better fits their objectives in the current environment.
CODI Overview and Recent Performance
CODI, Compass Diversified, is a holding company that owns controlling interests in a range of middle-market businesses, including branded consumer names such as BOA, PrimaLoft, The Honey Pot, and 5.11, alongside industrial subsidiaries such as Arnold Magnetics and Altor. Its permanent-capital structure lets it deploy both debt and equity across its portfolio while generating returns through operating cash flow and periodic divestitures.
In recent quarters, CODI returned to profitability, helped by the sale of its Sterno subsidiary and roughly $280 million of debt reduction. Subsidiary-level adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) improved, and analysts at B. Riley and TD Cowen upgraded or resumed coverage with Buy ratings and higher price targets. However, revenue declined year over year, and one industrial unit, Altor, was flagged for an "urgent" multi-quarter turnaround. Activist investor ADW Capital has also called for a strategic review, arguing the shares trade at a persistent discount to their estimated net asset value (NAV). These crosscurrents have kept sentiment mixed despite the improved profitability.
PRLB Overview and Recent Performance
PRLB, Proto Labs, is a digital manufacturer of custom parts, offering CNC (computer numerical control) machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal services to engineers, developers, and supply chain teams. The company has positioned itself at the center of the "physical AI" and reindustrialization themes, serving customers in aerospace, defense, satellites, drones, robotics, medical devices, and data centers.
Recent market activity has favored PRLB, which posted consecutive record revenue quarters with double-digit year-over-year growth. Earnings per share (EPS) reached its highest level in several years, driven by gross-margin expansion, operating leverage, and deeper engagement with larger strategic customers. Management raised full-year revenue guidance, and the company continues to operate with no debt and a sizable cash position. Growth in revenue per customer, the appointment of a new chief operating officer, and capacity investments in metal 3D printing and CNC machining have all reinforced the positive momentum. A key watch item is valuation, as the shares trade at a substantial premium to the broader machinery peer group.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two names is business model and growth trajectory. CODI is a conglomerate whose value is tied to portfolio management, asset sales, and deleveraging; its returns depend heavily on execution across a diverse set of subsidiaries and on narrowing a structural discount. PRLB is an operating business with a cleaner, asset-light digital manufacturing model, benefiting from secular demand in advanced industries and showing consistent top-line acceleration.
On momentum, PRLB holds the clear edge, with repeated positive earnings surprises, rising guidance, and a strong relative strength profile. CODI's recent strength has been more catalyst-dependent, driven by the Sterno sale and analyst upgrades rather than broad organic growth. On valuation, the trade-off flips: PRLB trades at a high price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple that leaves less room for error, while CODI trades at a discount that some investors view as an opportunity and others see as a structural concern.
Risk profiles also differ. CODI carries meaningful debt and faces execution risk in its industrial segment and ongoing governance scrutiny. PRLB's main risks are concentration in aerospace and defense customers, a still-recovering European business, and a rich valuation that could compress if growth cools.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor PRLB over CODI in the current environment. PRLB demonstrates the steadier uptrend, more reliable earnings beats, and a clearer growth catalyst set tied to aerospace, defense, and robotics demand. CODI's improving profitability and deleveraging progress are encouraging, but its recovery remains more uneven and heavily dependent on discrete transactions and governance outcomes. A trend-following model would therefore assign a higher probability of continued positive momentum to PRLB, while treating CODI as a more situational, event-driven opportunity. This assessment reflects probabilistic analysis of current data rather than a definitive prediction or personal investment recommendation.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CODI is a Hold and PRLB is a Buy.
CODI's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for CODI entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 227 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 160 of the 227 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CODI as a result. In 62 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
CODI moved below its 50-day moving average on September 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CODI crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CODI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CODI's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 33 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 63 cases where CODI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +3.50% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CODI advanced for three days, in 174 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
CODI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 2 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: CODI's P/B Ratio (-146.760) is very low in comparison to the industry average of (-0.788). P/E Ratio (-5.439) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.776). CODI's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.647) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.772). Dividend Yield (0.097) settles around the average of (543.841) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.462) is also within normal values, averaging (2.059).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CODI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CODI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock worse than average.
PRLB in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
PRLB may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 34 of 40 cases where PRLB's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 52 of 64 cases where PRLB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
The 10-day moving average for PRLB crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 17, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +2.62% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PRLB advanced for three days, in 204 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 134 of 189 cases where PRLB Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PRLB moved out of overbought territory on October 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 19 of the 30 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on PRLB as a result. In 75 of 92 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for PRLB turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 73%.
PRLB moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PRLB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PRLB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PRLB’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 84 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.102) is normal, around the industry mean (3.110). PRLB's P/E Ratio (70.070) is considerably higher than the industry average of (10.240). PRLB's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.700) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (0.744). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.029) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.605) is also within normal values, averaging (5901.087).
CODI | PRLB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 2 Undervalued | 90 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 83 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 100 | 84 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 44 | 67 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CODI's Valuation (2) in the Investment Managers industry is significantly better than the same rating for PRLB (90) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that CODI’s stock grew significantly faster than PRLB’s over the last 12 months.
PRLB's Profit vs Risk Rating (83) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as CODI (100) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that PRLB’s stock grew similarly to CODI’s over the last 12 months.
PRLB's SMR Rating (84) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as CODI (100) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that PRLB’s stock grew similarly to CODI’s over the last 12 months.
PRLB's Price Growth Rating (38) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as CODI (56) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that PRLB’s stock grew similarly to CODI’s over the last 12 months.
CODI's P/E Growth Rating (44) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as PRLB (67) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that CODI’s stock grew similarly to PRLB’s over the last 12 months.
| CODI | PRLB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 82% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 70% | 7 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 85% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 71% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CODI’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PRLB’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CODI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PRLB’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CODI’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PRLB’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CODI’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- PRLB’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CODI (@Industrial Conglomerates) experienced а -3.66% price change this week, while PRLB (@Metal Fabrication) price change was -3.49% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Conglomerates industry was -4.69%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.05%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Metal Fabrication industry was -2.70%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.63%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.34%.
Reported Earning Dates
CODI is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
PRLB is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Conglomerates (-4.69% weekly)Industrial Conglomerates specialize in numerous types of products, most of which comprise industrial goods, while some also go towards meeting household needs. Honeywell (makes engineering services and aerospace systems), United Technologies Corporation(manufactures aircraft engines, aerospace systems, HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others), 3M (over 60,000 products under several world-renowned brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical & electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films).
@Metal Fabrication (-2.70% weekly)The industry is involved in value-added processes including creation of metal structures like machines and parts by cutting, bending and assembling, using various raw materials. A fabrication shop often bids on a project/job, and then builds the product if awarded the contract. Robotics and automation are making their way into the industry apparently to fill in skills gap[s19] . RBC Bearings Incorporated, Timken Company and Valmont Industries, Inc. are some of the largest metal fabrication companies in the U.S.
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CODI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CODI has been loosely correlated with IIIN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 55% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CODI jumps, then IIIN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CODI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CODI | 100% | +0.39% | ||
| IIIN - CODI | 55% Loosely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| PRLB - CODI | 53% Loosely correlated | -5.94% | ||
| MLI - CODI | 46% Loosely correlated | -5.23% | ||
| MDU - CODI | 46% Loosely correlated | +1.31% | ||
| NWPX - CODI | 46% Loosely correlated | -3.08% | ||
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| Sequoia Global Value ETF (SFGV) | |||
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