Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsNow Inc (DNOW)
AIT
Applied Industrial Technologies
$299.10
+0.51%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $12.14B
DNOW
Now Inc
$16.50
+0.67%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Applied Industrial Technologies generates 22% more annual revenue ($4.97B vs $4.08B). AIT leads profitability with a 8.3% profit margin vs -4.6%. AIT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
AIT
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
DNOW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AIT.
Margin of Safety
+8.6%
Fair Value
$18.13
Current Price
$16.50
$1.63 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 108.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 90.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of 1.1%
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIT
The strongest argument for AIT centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : DNOW
The strongest argument for DNOW centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 108.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AIT
The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : DNOW
The primary concerns for DNOW are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AIT profiles as a value stock while DNOW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
DNOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.
DNOW is growing revenue faster at 108.1% — sustainability is the question.
AIT generates stronger free cash flow (160M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AIT scores higher overall (57/100 vs 56/100) and 10.4% 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.
Applied Industrial Technologies
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Visit Website →Now Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
NOW Inc. distributes downstream power and industrial products for oil refining, chemical processing, LNG terminals, power generation services, and industrial manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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