WallStSmart

Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock (FRD)vsSteel Dynamics Inc (STLD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Steel Dynamics Inc generates 3011% more annual revenue ($18.18B vs $584.35M). STLD leads profitability with a 6.5% profit margin vs 2.7%. FRD trades at a lower P/E of 7.8x. STLD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

FRD

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.26

STLD

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.80
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FRDSignificantly Overvalued (-39.3%)

Margin of Safety

-39.3%

Fair Value

$15.10

Current Price

$17.99

$2.89 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.10Overvalued
STLDUndervalued (+45.0%)

Margin of Safety

+45.0%

Fair Value

$373.93

Current Price

$173.47

$200.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $373.93Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRD5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.2610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

STLD3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
34.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 34.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

FRD4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.8%4/10

1.8% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$123.75M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

STLD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.5%3/10

6.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
10.912/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FRD

The strongest argument for FRD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : STLD

The strongest argument for STLD centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FRD

The primary concerns for FRD are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : STLD

The primary concerns for STLD are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — expect wider price swings.

STLD is growing revenue faster at 14.0% — sustainability is the question.

STLD generates stronger free cash flow (84M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor STEEL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

STLD scores higher overall (61/100 vs 58/100) and 14.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Friedman Industries, Incorporated is engaged in the steel processing, pipe fabrication and processing, and steel and pipe distribution businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Longview, Texas.

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Steel Dynamics Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Steel Dynamics, Inc., is a steel producer and metal recycler in the United States.

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