Knife River Corporation (KNF)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)
KNF
Knife River Corporation
$73.05
-4.16%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $4.46B
MTRN
Materion Corporation
$208.18
+9.91%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $5.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Knife River Corporation generates 67% more annual revenue ($3.20B vs $1.92B). KNF leads profitability with a 4.6% profit margin vs 4.0%. MTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. KNF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
KNF
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MTRN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-88.4%
Fair Value
$42.78
Current Price
$73.05
$30.27 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MTRN.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.0% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY
Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
4.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KNF
The strongest argument for KNF centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 16.0% 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 : KNF
The primary concerns for KNF are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Thin 4.6% 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
KNF profiles as a growth stock while MTRN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
MTRN is growing revenue faster at 30.8% — sustainability is the question.
MTRN generates stronger free cash flow (-20M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KNF scores higher overall (57/100 vs 52/100) and 16.0% 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.
Knife River Corporation
BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA
Knife River Corporation provides aggregates-based construction materials and contracting services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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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