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Verdict
Quantitative factor alignment verified for current market regime.
Quant Score
Rank
#2469
Positioning
Market Dominance
Manufacturing
Shipbuilding, Railroad Equipment
$625M
Jack D. Springer
Malibu Boats, Inc. engages in the design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of a range of recreational powerboats. It operates through three segments: Malibu, Saltwater Fishing, and Cobalt. The company sells its products through independent dealers in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Australia/New Zealand.
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X-AXIS: EV/EBITDA (LOWER = CHEAPER) | Y-AXIS: ROE (HIGHER = ELITE) | RED CIRCLE = MBUU ANALYSIS TARGET
| Stock | Rating | Score▼ | Quality | Value | Momentum | P/E | EV/EBITDA | ROE | ROA | Gross Mgn | Op Mgn | Net Mgn | Rev Growth | Div Yield | D/E | Mkt Cap | AUDIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$UL UNILEVER PLC | 78 | 96 | 98 | 59 | - | - | 28.5% | 8.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10.4% | -4.6% | 3.3% | 0.0x | $141.8B | VS | |
$ASML ASML HOLDING NV | 77 | 89 | 86 | 83 | - | - | 46.1% | 16.6% | 51.3% | 31.9% | 26.8% | -4.0% | 1.0% | 25.0x | $272.1B | VS | |
$ESLT ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD | 76 | 81 | 87 | 85 | - | - | 10.3% | 3.1% | 24.1% | 7.2% | 4.7% | 14.3% | 0.8% | 25.0x | $11.4B | VS | |
$MT ArcelorMittal | 75 | 71 | 98 | 85 | - | - | 2.2% | 1.5% | 9.3% | 5.3% | 2.2% | -8.5% | 2.2% | 16.0x | $18.9B | VS | |
$AMAT APPLIED MATERIALS INC /DE | 75 | 85 | 87 | 84 | 20.9x | 13.6x | 35.5% | 19.8% | 48.7% | 29.2% | 24.7% | 4.4% | 0.8% | 32.0x | $181.9B | VS | |
$SIMO Silicon Motion Technology CORP | 75 | 84 | 86 | 85 | - | - | 11.8% | 8.8% | 45.9% | 11.3% | 11.1% | 25.7% | 3.7% | 0.0x | $1.8B | VS | |
$CODA Coda Octopus Group, Inc. | 74 | 83 | 90 | 79 | 16.3x | 11.9x | 7.6% | 7.0% | 66.5% | 17.1% | 15.6% | 39.0% | 0.0% | 0.0x | $115M | VS | |
$GSK GSK plc | 74 | 84 | 90 | 70 | - | - | 22.6% | 4.9% | 71.2% | 12.8% | 9.4% | 1.7% | 5.9% | 124.0x | $72.1B | VS | |
$EFXT Enerflex Ltd. | 74 | 80 | 91 | 83 | - | - | 3.0% | 1.1% | 20.9% | 7.3% | 1.3% | 3.0% | 0.9% | 67.0x | $1.2B | VS | |
$BUD Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | 74 | 84 | 97 | 63 | - | - | 8.2% | 3.5% | 55.3% | 25.9% | 12.4% | 0.7% | 1.7% | 0.0x | $87.0B | VS | |
$MBUU MALIBU BOATS, INC. | 47 | 50 | 64 | 40 | 47.5x | 37.5x | 2.5% | 1.7% | 16.6% | 1.7% | 1.3% | 9.9% | 0.0% | 4.0x | $625M | ||
| SECTOR BENCH | - | - | - | - | - | 22.3x | 11.5x | -2.5% | -0.1% | 42.5% | 1.3% | -0.2% | 5.9% | 0.0% | 0.2x | - | REF |
MALIBU BOATS, INC. (MBUU) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 47.1/100. It ranks #2469 out of 7,333 stocks in our coverage universe and carries a 2-star rating. Ratings are driven by a 6-factor quantitative model measuring quality, value, momentum, investment, stability, and short interest.
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YOY expansion rate
Core pricing power
Operating efficiency
Bottom-line conversion
Equity capital efficiency
Asset base utilization
Financial leverage load
Direct cash return
Jack D. Springer
Chief Executive Officer
Labor Force
3,020
50
27
54
Audit Verdict: Lower quality and stability scores may indicate governance concerns.
No recent insider transactions available for MBUU
In-line with peers — no strong momentum signal
Trading at a discount to fundamentals — favorable entry valuation
Average quality profile
Average volatility — neutral timing signal
Aggressive spending — empire-building risk, dilutive growth
Mid-range overall rating
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Relative valuation derived from Manufacturing sector benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Re-calculated daily.
Projection based on user-defined inputs. Re-calculated daily against current market data.
Reverse DCF Framework — Mauboussin Methodology
Institutional-grade Reverse DCF analysis. This model identifies the growth hurdles embedded in current market prices. When implied growth is significantly lower than historical or projected rates, a margin of safety may exist. Re-audited daily.
No analyst ratings for MBUU.
View All RatingsMaterial decline in asset turnover efficiency detected
High margin volatility — erratic forensic earnings quality
| Factor | Global | Sector | Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROFITABILITY | 50 | 32 | +18ALPHA |
| MOMENTUM | 40 | 22 | +18ALPHA |
| VALUATION | 64 | 51 | +13ALPHA |
| INVESTMENT | 27 | 22 | +5NEUTRAL |
| STABILITY | 54 | 41 | +13ALPHA |
| SHORT INT | 22 | 7 | +15ALPHA |
Global = full universe. Sector = relative to industry peers. Positive tilt indicates idiosyncratic strength.
ROE proxy 2.5% (sector -2.5%)
GM 17% vs sector 43%, OM 2% vs sector 1%
Capital turnover N/A
Rev growth 10%, 11yr history
Interest coverage N/A
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation and elite competitive moats.
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
Efficiency of asset utilization
Pricing power and cost efficiency
Core business profitability
Bottom-line profitability
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of realized cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior pricing power and structural financial resilience through diverse economic regimes.
Our uncertainty rating tracks the predictability of future cash flows and potential for permanent capital loss. Moderate visibility with standard industry cyclicality.
MALIBU BOATS, INC. receives a Reduce rating from our analysis, with a composite score of 47.1/100 and 2 out of 5 stars, ranking #2469 out of 7,333 stocks. MBUU's factor profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting the stock may underperform going forward. Existing holders may want to consider trimming positions or tightening stop-losses.
With a quality score of 50/100, MBUU shows adequate but unremarkable business quality. The company reports a return on equity of 2.5% (sector avg: -2.5%), gross margins of 16.6% (sector avg: 42.5%), net margins of 1.3% (sector avg: -0.2%). This suggests the company generates acceptable returns but may lack the competitive positioning or operational efficiency to stand out from peers.
MBUU's value score of 64/100 indicates the stock is fairly valued based on its current fundamentals. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 47.55x, an EV/EBITDA of 37.54x, a P/B ratio of 1.18x. At this level, neither a clear bargain nor overpriced, the stock's attractiveness depends more on forward growth expectations and qualitative factors.
MALIBU BOATS, INC.'s investment score of 27/100 suggests limited reinvestment activity. Key growth metrics include revenue growth of 9.9% vs. a sector average of 5.9% and a return on assets of 1.7% (sector: -0.1%). While this can be positive for mature, cash-generative businesses returning capital to shareholders, it may also signal a lack of growth opportunities or management conservatism.
MBUU is currently showing below-average momentum at 40/100, which may indicate weakening institutional interest or negative sentiment shifts. Revenue growth stands at 9.9% year-over-year, while a beta of 1.36 reflects its sensitivity to broader market moves. Investors should note that declining momentum can precede further price weakness, though contrarian opportunities sometimes emerge at these levels.
With a stability score of 54/100, MBUU exhibits average financial resilience. Key stability metrics include a beta of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.00x (sector avg: 0.2x). While the balance sheet is not a major concern, the stock is subject to typical market volatility and may experience sharper drawdowns during risk-off episodes.
MALIBU BOATS, INC.'s short interest score of 22/100 reveals significant bearish positioning, suggesting institutional investors are actively betting against the stock. Specific risk factors include above-average market sensitivity (beta: 1.36), elevated leverage (D/E: 4.00x), small-cap liquidity risk. At $625M (small-cap), MBUU carries meaningful risk and is best suited for investors with high risk tolerance who have thoroughly evaluated the bear thesis.
MALIBU BOATS, INC. is a small-cap company in the Manufacturing sector, ranked #0 of 50 in its sector (100th percentile) and #2469 of 7,333 overall (66th percentile). Key comparisons include ROE of 2.5% exceeding the -2.5% sector median and operating margins of 1.7% above the 1.3% sector average. This top-quartile standing reflects exceptional competitive strength relative to Manufacturing peers.
While MBUU currently exhibits a REDUCE profile, superior opportunities exist within the MANUFACTURING sector. Our model identifies several "Strong Buy" candidates with higher quality scores and more attractive valuations among direct industry competitors.
View Top Manufacturing Alpha →Quant Factor Profile
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Improvement in Short Int. (22) would have the largest impact on the composite score.
EV/EBITDA 228% ABOVE SECTOR MEDIAN
ROE 200% BELOW SECTOR MEDIAN
Gross Margin 61% BELOW SECTOR MEDIAN
AUDIT DATA AS OF DEC 31, 2025 (Q3 FY2025)
We rate MALIBU BOATS, INC. (MBUU) as a Reduce with a composite score of 47.1/100 at a current price of $30.73. The quantitative profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting limited upside potential and elevated risk of underperformance relative to peers over the next 12 months.
The rating is primarily driven by strength in value (64th percentile) and stability (54th percentile), which together account for the majority of the composite score. Offsetting weakness in investment (27th percentile) and momentum (40th percentile) tempers our overall conviction. We assign a No Moat rating (33/100), Medium uncertainty, and Standard capital allocation.
Key items to watch: quarterly earnings execution and sector-level competitive dynamics. Any material change in these dynamics could warrant a reassessment of our rating. The moat trend is stable, which suggests the competitive landscape is stable for now.
MALIBU BOATS, INC. holds a top-quartile position (#0 of 50) within the Manufacturing sector, based on our composite quantitative scoring across quality, value, momentum, and stability factors. The composite score of 47.1/100 places it at rank #2469 in our full 7,333-stock universe. At $625M in market capitalization, MALIBU BOATS, INC. is a small-cap player in the Manufacturing space, which limits certain scale advantages but may allow for more agile strategic execution.
Revenue is growing at 10%, though momentum at the 40th percentile suggests the market has not yet fully recognized this trajectory. This potential disconnect between fundamental improvement and market recognition could represent an opportunity for patient investors if the growth trend persists.
The margin cascade tells an important story: gross margins of 17% (-25.9pp vs sector) narrow to operating margins of 2% (+0.4pp vs sector) and net margins of 1.3%, yielding a gross-to-net conversion rate of 8%. The significant margin erosion from gross to net suggests elevated operating expenses, high interest costs, or other structural drags that warrant monitoring.
At a current price of $30.73, MALIBU BOATS, INC. is trading near fair value based on current fundamentals. Our value factor score of 64/100 reflects a composite assessment across multiple valuation metrics including price-to-earnings, price-to-book, EV/EBITDA, and price-to-sales ratios relative to both sector peers and the broader market. Valuation metrics are mixed, with no strong signal of mispricing in either direction.
The stock currently trades at a P/E of 47.5x (a 114% premium to the sector median of 22.3x), EV/EBITDA of 37.5x (at a premium), P/B of 1.2x, P/S of 0.7x. The above-sector P/E multiple suggests the market is pricing in superior growth or quality, which our analysis finds only partially justified by current fundamentals.
A conservative balance sheet (4% D/E) provides financial flexibility for acquisitions, buybacks, or weathering economic downturns without dilution.
The Reduce rating (composite 47.1/100) reflects multi-factor weakness, and historically, stocks in this scoring range have underperformed the market by a meaningful margin.
A P/E of 47.5x leaves little room for execution misses — any earnings disappointment could trigger a sharp multiple compression.
Thin net margins of 1.3% provide limited cushion against cost pressures, competitive pricing, or macroeconomic headwinds — even small changes in costs could swing the company to a loss.
We assign a Medium uncertainty rating to MALIBU BOATS, INC.. The stock presents a balanced risk profile: elevated market sensitivity (beta of 1.36) and elevated valuation multiple (P/E 47.5x) that leaves limited margin for error. While not risk-free, the core business fundamentals are adequate to withstand moderate economic stress, and the range of potential outcomes around our fair value estimate is manageable.
Specific risk factors that inform our assessment include: elevated market sensitivity (beta of 1.36); elevated valuation multiple (P/E 47.5x) that leaves limited margin for error. Each of these factors independently widens the distribution of potential outcomes, and in combination they create a risk profile that demands careful position sizing. The stability factor at the 54th percentile and quality factor at the 50th percentile provide a quantitative summary of the overall risk landscape.
Key risk mitigants include: conservative leverage (4% D/E) limits balance sheet risk. These factors partially offset the identified risks and provide downside protection in adverse scenarios. On balance, the risk-reward profile is favorable for long-term investors.
We rate MALIBU BOATS, INC.'s capital allocation as Standard. Management has shown adequate — though not exceptional — stewardship of shareholder capital. Returns on equity stand at 2.5%, and the balance sheet is managed within acceptable parameters (D/E: 4%). Exemplary allocators typically sustain ROE above 20% and D/E below 50%; MALIBU BOATS, INC. falls short on at least one dimension.
There is room for improvement in optimizing the capital structure or enhancing shareholder returns. Absent a dividend, the overall capital allocation framework would benefit from either higher reinvestment returns, improved balance sheet efficiency, or increased shareholder distributions. We will monitor for signs of strategic improvement that could warrant an upgrade.
In summary, MALIBU BOATS, INC. receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 47.1/100 (rank #2469 of 7,333). Our quantitative framework assigns a No Moat (33/100, trend: stable), Medium uncertainty, and Standard capital allocation. The average factor score across quality, value, momentum, stability, and investment is 47/100.
Our analysis does not support a constructive view on MALIBU BOATS, INC. at this time. The combination of limited competitive advantages, medium uncertainty, and standard capital allocation suggests unfavorable risk-reward at current levels. We recommend investors avoid new positions and existing holders consider reducing exposure.
Analysis derived from Blank Capital Research quantitative terminal. For informational purposes only. No trade solicitation. Past performance not indicative of future results. Consult a qualified advisor.
We do not assign MALIBU BOATS, INC. a meaningful economic moat, scoring 33/100 on our composite assessment. Current fundamentals do not demonstrate the kind of durable competitive advantages — such as superior returns on invested capital, margin superiority, or reinvestment efficiency — that would protect the company from competitive erosion over the long term. The highest-scoring pillar, margin superiority, reached only 9.1/20.
The strongest moat sources are margin superiority (9.1/20) and financial resilience (9/20). GM 17% vs sector 43%, OM 2% vs sector 1%. Interest coverage N/A. These pillars form the core of MALIBU BOATS, INC.'s competitive identity and are the primary drivers of excess returns in our framework.
Areas of relative weakness include reinvestment efficiency (0/20) and economic value creation (7/20). Capital turnover N/A. Improvement in these areas could meaningfully widen the moat over time, while deterioration would be an early warning of competitive erosion.
Our moat trend assessment is Stable. Multi-year ROIC and operating margin trajectories show neither meaningful improvement nor deterioration, suggesting the competitive position is steady. We expect MALIBU BOATS, INC.'s moat profile to remain largely unchanged absent a material shift in return on capital or industry dynamics.
Key profit drivers include moderate revenue growth of 10%. The margin cascade from 17% gross to 2% operating to 1.3% net reveals the company's cost structure and reinvestment intensity. Our analysis indicates that profit quality is adequate though not exceptional, with the quality factor at the 50th percentile.
The margin profile shows gross margins of 17%, operating margins of 2%, net margins of 1.3%. Return metrics include ROE of 2.5% and ROA of 1.7%. Relative to the Manufacturing sector, gross margins are 25.9 percentage points below the sector median of 43%, and ROE of 2.5% compares to a sector median of -2.5%.
The balance sheet reflects a conservatively managed balance sheet with D/E of 4%, revenue growth of 10%. The sector median D/E is 0%, putting MALIBU BOATS, INC. at higher leverage than the typical peer. Overall balance sheet health is adequate for the current business environment.
Above 50MA
37.18%
Net New Highs
+51081
Malibu Boats, Inc. announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, ending December 31, 2025, showing a decrease in net sales and a net loss compared to the previous year. Despite a challenging retail environment, the company exceeded revenue expectations and emphasized disciplined production, healthy dealer inventory levels, and expanded share repurchases. Malibu Boats provided fiscal year 2026 guidance, expecting net sales to be flat to down mid-single digits and Adjusted EBITDA margin between 8%-9%.
Cooke & Bieler LP significantly increased its stake in Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) by 12.4% in the third quarter, acquiring an additional 170,178 shares. The firm now holds 1,544,091 shares, representing approximately 8.02% of the company, valued at over $50 million. Malibu Boats also authorized a $70.00 million share repurchase program, indicating management views the stock as undervalued, while analysts currently rate the stock as "Hold" with a consensus price target of $34.67.
Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) has received an average "Reduce" recommendation from nine analysts, with an average 12-month price target of $36.50. The company recently reported quarterly earnings of $0.15 EPS, beating estimates, and revenue of $194.73 million, representing a 15% year-over-year increase. Despite strong institutional ownership, several analysts have recently lowered their price targets and ratings on the stock.
Malibu Boats, Inc. reported a significant increase in its third-quarter fiscal 2025 financial results, with net sales rising by 12.4% to $228.7 million and GAAP net income soaring by 119.4% to $13.2 million compared to the previous year. Despite ongoing market challenges and retail softness, the company attributed its success to strong brand performance, disciplined operations, and encouraging momentum from new product introductions. Malibu Boats also updated its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, anticipating a net sales decline of 3-5% and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 9-10% due to persistent market uncertainty and efforts to align dealer inventory with retail demand.
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of Malibu Boats, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBUU) purchasers who bought securities prior to November 4, 2022, and still hold them. The investigation focuses on whether Malibu Boats and its officers/directors engaged in corporate wrongdoing. Investors are encouraged to contact the firm for more information.