Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)vsReliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)
NWPX
Northwest Pipe Company
$78.68
+3.47%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $730.72M
RS
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
$298.99
-0.41%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $15.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co generates 2618% more annual revenue ($14.29B vs $526.00M). NWPX leads profitability with a 6.7% profit margin vs 5.2%. NWPX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
NWPX
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
RS
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-210.7%
Fair Value
$24.21
Current Price
$78.68
$54.47 premium
Margin of Safety
+16.7%
Fair Value
$432.82
Current Price
$298.99
$133.83 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 9.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWPX
The strongest argument for NWPX centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : RS
The strongest argument for RS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NWPX
The primary concerns for NWPX are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NWPX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
RS is growing revenue faster at 11.9% — sustainability is the question.
RS generates stronger free cash flow (203M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor STEEL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
RS scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100) and 11.9% 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.
Northwest Pipe Company
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Northwest Pipe Company manufactures and supplies engineered welded steel pipe systems in North America. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. is a metal service center company. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
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