WallStSmart

Materion Corporation (MTRN)vsStepan Company (SCL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Stepan Company generates 22% more annual revenue ($2.34B vs $1.92B). MTRN leads profitability with a 4.0% profit margin vs -0.6%. MTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. SCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

MTRN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

SCL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 3.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

SCL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
49.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 49.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

SCL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.754/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.9%4/10

1.9% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.31B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
2.6%3/10

Operating margin of 2.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : SCL

The strongest argument for SCL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.

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.

Bear Case : SCL

The primary concerns for SCL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MTRN profiles as a hypergrowth stock while SCL is a turnaround 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.

SCL generates stronger free cash flow (-14M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SCL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100). 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.

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.

Stepan Company

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Stepan Company produces and sells specialty and intermediate chemicals to other manufacturers for use in various end products in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.

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