WallStSmart

Knife River Corporation (KNF)vsVulcan Materials Company (VMC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vulcan Materials Company generates 145% more annual revenue ($8.12B vs $3.31B). VMC leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 4.2%. KNF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.62. VMC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

KNF

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 2.20

VMC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 3.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.05
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KNFSignificantly Overvalued (-84.2%)

Margin of Safety

-84.2%

Fair Value

$43.77

Current Price

$57.63

$13.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $43.77Overvalued
VMCSignificantly Overvalued (-85.0%)

Margin of Safety

-85.0%

Fair Value

$172.82

Current Price

$252.74

$79.92 premium

UndervaluedFair: $172.82Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KNF1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

VMC1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Areas to Watch

KNF4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.624/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

4.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

VMC4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.7%4/10

2.7% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KNF

The strongest argument for KNF centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : VMC

The strongest argument for VMC centers on Operating Margin.

Bear Case : KNF

The primary concerns for KNF are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 4.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : VMC

The primary concerns for VMC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VMC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

KNF is growing revenue faster at 12.6% — sustainability is the question.

VMC generates stronger free cash flow (150M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BUILDING MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VMC scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100). 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.

Knife River Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

Knife River Corporation provides aggregates-based construction materials and contracting services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Vulcan Materials Company

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC) is an American company based in Birmingham, Alabama. It is principally engaged in the production, distribution and sale of construction materials.

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