HIHO vs MLI: A Head-to-Head Investment Review

Highway Holdings (NASDAQ:HIHO) and Mueller Industries (NYSE:MLI) operate within the industrials sector, but how do they really stack up as investment opportunities? This review dives deep into various factors to help you make an informed decision.

Company Overview

Highway Holdings (HIHO): Specializes in manufacturing metal, plastic, electric, and electronic components for OEMs, with manufacturing operations primarily in China and Myanmar. Key services include metal stamping, plastic injection molding, and electronic assembly.

Mueller Industries (MLI): A global manufacturer and distributor of technical products, supporting critical infrastructure across industries such as plumbing, HVAC, and defense. MLI is a vertically integrated manufacturer of copper tubes, fittings, and brass rods, with operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Key Financial Metrics

MetricHighway Holdings (HIHO)Mueller Industries (MLI) ExchangeNASDAQNYSE SectorIndustrialsIndustrials IndustryMetal FabricationsMetal Fabrications Stock Price$1.68$83.34 Market Cap$7.46 Million$9.23 Billion Average Volume9,632234,510

Recent News and Highlights

HIHO: On July 15, 2025, a buy signal was triggered from a pivot bottom point. The stock price saw a 0.90% increase on August 1, 2025.

MLI: Declared a cash dividend for Q3 on July 31, 2025, and reported strong Q2 2025 earnings with advancing profits.

Investment Considerations

Liquidity: HIHO's lower trading volume indicates potential liquidity concerns compared to MLI.

Volatility: MLI exhibits 3.67% volatility with a beta coefficient of 1.16.

Dividends: HIHO's last dividend payout was on April 8, 2022, while MLI consistently provides dividends, with the most recent declaration on July 31, 2025.

Strategic Focus

HIHO: Delivers manufacturing solutions via stamping parts, injection molding, and assembly services.

MLI: Emphasizes long-term shareholder value, underlined by a robust operational execution strategy.

Conclusion

Mueller Industries (MLI) appears to be a more stable and financially sound investment option given its higher market capitalization, consistent dividend payouts, and robust operational focus. Highway Holdings (HIHO) presents a more speculative opportunity with lower liquidity and higher risk. Investors should align their choice with their risk tolerance and investment goals.