Badger Meter (BMI) vs ESAB (ESAB)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Badger Meter (BMI) has outperformed ESAB (ESAB) over the past year, losing 30.6% versus a loss of 42.8%. ESAB is the larger company by market cap ($4.17 billion vs $3.60 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Badger Meter is growing revenue faster (+10.9% vs +3.7%). On valuation, ESAB trades at a lower forward P/E (10.4x vs 25.0x for Badger Meter).
Badger Meter offers the higher dividend yield (1.29% vs 0.63%). Badger Meter converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.5% versus 8.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BMI | ESAB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $124.07 | $67.12 |
| Market cap | $3.60B | $4.17B |
| 1-day change | +0.27% | -6.56% |
| YTD return | -28.86% | -39.92% |
| 1-year return | -30.63% | -42.83% |
| 5-year return | +19.70% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 28.99 | 20.91 |
| Forward P/E | 24.97 | 10.35 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.28 | $3.21 |
| Dividend yield | 1.29% | 0.63% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $0.42 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $916.66M | $2.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.90% | +3.71% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $141.63M | $226.77M |
| Gross margin | 41.68% | 36.88% |
| Operating margin | 20.01% | 14.50% |
| Net margin | 15.45% | 7.98% |
| 52-week high | $204.00 | $137.42 |
| 52-week low | $112.09 | $64.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -39.18% | -51.16% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +26.28% | +89.08% |
| Average volume | 414.07K | 820.91K |
| Shares outstanding | 28.99M | 62.14M |
| Employees | 2,477 | 10,300 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- BMI has outperformed ESAB by 12.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Badger Meter trades at a higher earnings multiple (29.0x vs 20.9x trailing P/E).
- Badger Meter is more profitable, keeping 15.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.0 cents for ESAB.
- Badger Meter grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.90% vs +3.71%).
About Badger Meter
BMI stock →Badger Meter, Inc. manufactures and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 2,477 employees
About ESAB
ESAB stock →ESAB Corporation engages in the formulation, development, manufacture, and supply of consumable products and equipment for use in cutting, joining, automated welding, and gas control equipment. It offers its products through independent distributors and direct salespeople.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,300 employees
BMI vs ESAB FAQ
Which is bigger, Badger Meter or ESAB?
ESAB (ESAB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.17B compared with $3.60B for Badger Meter (BMI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BMI or ESAB?
BMI returned -30.63% over the past 12 months, compared with -42.83% for ESAB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BMI or ESAB?
ESAB has the lower trailing P/E at 20.9, versus 29.0 for BMI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Badger Meter or ESAB?
Badger Meter has the higher yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.63% for ESAB.
Are Badger Meter and ESAB in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.