Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX)vsReliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)
NWPX
Northwest Pipe Company
$126.87
+2.97%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.22B
RS
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
$403.62
-2.58%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co generates 2607% more annual revenue ($14.84B vs $548.14M). NWPX leads profitability with a 7.7% profit margin vs 5.4%. RS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
NWPX
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
RS
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-73.9%
Fair Value
$43.25
Current Price
$126.87
$83.62 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for RS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 176.9% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
19.1% revenue growth
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 36.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
7.7% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
5.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWPX
The strongest argument for NWPX centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 19.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : RS
The strongest argument for RS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NWPX
The primary concerns for NWPX are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NWPX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.07 — expect wider price swings.
NWPX is growing revenue faster at 19.1% — sustainability is the question.
RS generates stronger free cash flow (87M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor STEEL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
RS scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100) and 15.5% 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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