Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock (FRD)vsReliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)
FRD
Friedman Industries Inc. Common Stock
$18.35
+1.94%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $123.75M
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 2346% more annual revenue ($14.29B vs $584.35M). RS leads profitability with a 5.2% profit margin vs 2.7%. FRD trades at a lower P/E of 7.8x. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
FRD
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
RS
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-39.3%
Fair Value
$15.10
Current Price
$18.35
$3.25 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
1.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
2.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FRD
The strongest argument for FRD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
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 : FRD
The primary concerns for FRD are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — 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 58/100) 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.
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.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other STEEL Stocks
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