Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (MLAB) vs Varex Imaging Corporation (VREX)

A side-by-side comparison of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. and Varex Imaging Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — MLAB vs VREX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MLAB +22.8% (+2.1%/yr)VREX -34.5% (-4.1%/yr)MLAB compounded faster over this window
100200Start $1002019202120232025$123$66
MLAB VREX

MLAB vs VREX: by the numbers

  • •VREX is the larger company ($778M vs $761M market cap).
  • •VREX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.24 vs 161.98 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •VREX converts more revenue to profit (2.55% vs 1.92% net margin).
  • •MLAB grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.45% vs 2.57% CAGR).
  • •MLAB pays a dividend (0.45% yield), while VREX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMLABVREX
P/E ratio161.9835.24
Forward P/EN/A17.27
PEG ratio11.92N/A
P/S ratio3.050.90
P/B ratio4.031.57
EV / EBITDA18.3110.58
FCF yield6.94%N/A

Profitability

MetricMLABVREX
Gross margin65.99%34.32%
Operating margin9.00%-3.29%
Net margin1.92%2.55%
ROE2.54%4.45%
ROIC3.29%6.30%

Dividends

MetricMLABVREX
Dividend yield0.45%N/A
Payout ratio76.19%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricMLABVREX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.45%2.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.08%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.63%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)-13.52%-8.41%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MLAB or VREX?
VREX has the lower trailing P/E: MLAB trades at 161.98 and VREX at 35.24. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MLAB or VREX?
Over the past five years, MLAB grew revenue faster — MLAB at a 12.45% CAGR versus VREX at 2.57%.
Does MLAB or VREX pay a bigger dividend?
MLAB pays a dividend (0.45% yield), while VREX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is MLAB or VREX more profitable?
VREX runs the higher net margin — MLAB at 1.92% versus VREX at 2.55%.
How have MLAB and VREX total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, MLAB delivered -13.52% and VREX delivered -8.41% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.