ESAB (ESAB) vs Middleby (MIDD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Middleby (MIDD) has outperformed ESAB (ESAB) over the past year, losing 4.8% versus a loss of 42.8%. Middleby is the larger company by market cap ($4.76 billion vs $4.17 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while ESAB is growing revenue faster (+3.7% vs +1.6%). On valuation, ESAB trades at a lower forward P/E (10.4x vs 13.5x for Middleby).
ESAB pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Middleby does not currently pay one. ESAB converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.0% versus -8.7%.
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 | ESAB | MIDD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $67.12 | $105.24 |
| Market cap | $4.17B | $4.76B |
| 1-day change | -6.56% | -0.64% |
| YTD return | -39.92% | -12.01% |
| 1-year return | -42.83% | -4.75% |
| 5-year return | — | -24.03% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.37 | — |
| Forward P/E | 10.35 | 13.48 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.00 | $-5.39 |
| Dividend yield | 0.63% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.42 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.84B | $3.20B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.71% | +1.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $226.77M | $-277.73M |
| Gross margin | 36.88% | 39.11% |
| Operating margin | 14.50% | 17.96% |
| Net margin | 7.98% | -8.68% |
| 52-week high | $137.42 | $148.55 |
| 52-week low | $64.83 | $89.16 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -51.16% | -29.16% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +89.08% | +48.13% |
| Average volume | 816.80K | 593.09K |
| Shares outstanding | 62.14M | 45.22M |
| Employees | 10,300 | 8,826 |
| 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
- MIDD has outperformed ESAB by 38.1 percentage points over the past year.
- ESAB is more profitable, keeping 8.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -8.7 cents for Middleby.
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
About Middleby
MIDD stock →The Middleby Corporation operates in the foodservice industry worldwide. The company develops and manufactures a line of solutions used in commercial foodservice and food processing.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 8,826 employees
ESAB vs MIDD FAQ
Which is bigger, ESAB or Middleby?
Middleby (MIDD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.76B compared with $4.17B for ESAB (ESAB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ESAB or MIDD?
MIDD returned -4.75% over the past 12 months, compared with -42.83% for ESAB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESAB or Middleby?
ESAB pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Middleby does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are ESAB and Middleby in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.