WallStSmart

Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock (FRD)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Materion Corporation generates 196% more annual revenue ($1.92B vs $646.91M). MTRN leads profitability with a 4.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. FRD trades at a lower P/E of 12.4x. FRD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

FRD

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.7Profit: 5.5Value: 7.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.85

MTRN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.91
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FRDUndervalued (+31.7%)

Margin of Safety

+31.7%

Fair Value

$30.79

Current Price

$33.58

$2.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $30.79Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MTRN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRD5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
48.4%10/10

Revenue surging 48.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.1% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MTRN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.8%10/10

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

FRD4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$233.13M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-3.96M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MTRN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

4.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
67.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-19.60M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FRD

The strongest argument for FRD centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 48.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MTRN

The strongest argument for MTRN centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 30.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FRD

The primary concerns for FRD are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MTRN

The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.56 — expect wider price swings.

FRD is growing revenue faster at 48.4% — sustainability is the question.

FRD generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor STEEL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FRD scores higher overall (60/100 vs 52/100) and 48.4% 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.

Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Friedman Industries, Incorporated is engaged in the steel processing, pipe fabrication and processing, and steel and pipe distribution businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Longview, Texas.

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Materion Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Materion Corporation (MTRN) is a premier provider of advanced materials, specializing in high-performance metals and alloys essential for key sectors including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and electronics. The company is recognized for its innovative applications of beryllium and copper, along with a diverse portfolio of specialty coatings that adhere to the highest industry standards. Driven by a robust commitment to research and development and bolstered by strategic partnerships, Materion is well-positioned to enhance its competitive edge and achieve sustainable growth through customized, innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its varied clientele.

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