MSA Safety (MSA)vsNL Industries Inc (NL)
MSA
MSA Safety
$182.18
+0.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.28B
NL
NL Industries Inc
$7.01
-0.14%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $322.24M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MSA Safety generates 1103% more annual revenue ($1.95B vs $161.83M). MSA leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs -15.8%. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MSA
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
NL
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%
Earnings expanding 40.3% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 2421.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -8.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MSA
The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 24.6%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NL
The strongest argument for NL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MSA
The primary concerns for MSA are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NL
The primary concerns for NL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSA profiles as a mature stock while NL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
NL is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
MSA generates stronger free cash flow (83M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSA scores higher overall (72/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
MSA Safety
INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA
MSA Safety Incorporated develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructure in the oil, gas, petrochemical, fire, construction, industrial manufacturing, utility, military, and mining industries in America. North, Latin America and internationally. . The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →NL Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA
NL Industries, Inc., through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc., operates in the component products industry in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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