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Stock Analysis & ValuationEnnis, Inc. (EBF)

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$19.49
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, $Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)28.6047
Intrinsic value (DCF)7.82-60
Graham-Dodd Methodn/a
Graham Formula3.70-81

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Ennis, Inc. (NYSE: EBF) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of business forms, labels, tags, envelopes, and other business products in the U.S. With a history dating back to 1909, the company operates under a diversified portfolio of well-known brands, including Ennis, Royal Business Forms, and Ennis Tag & Label. Ennis serves a broad customer base through independent distributors, offering customized printing solutions, financial documents, and point-of-purchase advertising. The company’s strong brand recognition, extensive product portfolio, and efficient distribution network position it as a key player in the business equipment and supplies industry. Ennis’s focus on high-performance labels, security documents, and integrated print solutions makes it a reliable partner for businesses requiring specialized printing and document management. Headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, Ennis continues to leverage its long-standing industry expertise to maintain steady growth in a competitive market.

Investment Summary

Ennis, Inc. presents a stable investment opportunity with a strong dividend yield (currently ~3.5%) and a conservative financial profile, evidenced by low debt levels ($9.5M) and solid cash reserves ($67M). The company’s beta of 0.472 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, making it attractive for risk-averse investors. However, its revenue growth has been modest ($394.6M in FY 2024), reflecting challenges in a mature industry. While Ennis benefits from a diversified product line and efficient operations, its reliance on traditional business forms exposes it to digital substitution risks. Investors should weigh its steady cash flow ($65.9M operating cash flow) against limited high-growth prospects.

Competitive Analysis

Ennis, Inc. holds a competitive advantage through its diversified brand portfolio and long-standing relationships with independent distributors, ensuring broad market reach. Unlike pure-play digital competitors, Ennis specializes in high-touch, customized print solutions, particularly in secure financial documents and performance labels, where digital alternatives are less viable. The company’s vertical integration—from design to fulfillment—enhances cost efficiency and quality control. However, its traditional focus on printed forms leaves it vulnerable to industry-wide declines in paper-based products. Competitors with stronger digital offerings (e.g., Deluxe Corporation) or scale advantages (e.g., CCL Industries) pose challenges. Ennis mitigates these risks through niche specialization (e.g., tags/labels) and acquisitions (e.g., Adams McClure for kitting services). Its low debt and consistent profitability provide resilience, but innovation in digital hybrid solutions will be critical to long-term competitiveness.

Major Competitors

  • Deluxe Corporation (DLX): Deluxe (NYSE: DLX) is a broader player offering checks, forms, and digital marketing services. It outperforms Ennis in digital solutions (e.g., web-based design tools) but lacks Ennis’s depth in labels/tags. Deluxe’s higher debt load and recent restructuring efforts introduce volatility.
  • CCL Industries Inc. (CCL-B): CCL (TSX: CCL-B) dominates the global label market with superior scale and innovation (e.g., RFID tags). It outpaces Ennis in international reach and R&D but is less focused on the U.S. mid-market, where Ennis thrives via distributor relationships.
  • R.R. Donnelley & Sons (RRD): RRD (formerly NYSE: RRD) was a major competitor in commercial printing before its 2022 bankruptcy. Its decline highlights industry pressures but also leaves Ennis with reduced competition in certain legacy print segments.
  • Quad/Graphics, Inc. (QUAD): Quad (NYSE: QUAD) excels in large-scale print and packaging, competing indirectly with Ennis in custom forms. Quad’s broader capabilities in packaging give it an edge, but Ennis’s leaner operations yield better margins in niche products.
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