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FRD vs SMID

FRD
Friedman Industries, Incorporated
NEUTRAL
Price
$18.10
Market Cap
$128.7M
Sector
Basic Materials
AI Confidence
80%
SMID
Smith-Midland Corporation
BULLISH
Price
$33.98
Market Cap
$180.3M
Sector
Basic Materials
AI Confidence
75%

Valuation

P/E Ratio
FRD
8.15
SMID
14.4
Forward P/E
FRD
--
SMID
--
P/B Ratio
FRD
0.91
SMID
3.32
P/S Ratio
FRD
0.22
SMID
1.93
EV/EBITDA
FRD
9.6
SMID
8.7

Profitability

Gross Margin
FRD
12.59%
SMID
27.86%
Operating Margin
FRD
2.32%
SMID
14.0%
Profit Margin
FRD
2.68%
SMID
13.38%
ROE
FRD
11.62%
SMID
26.04%
ROA
FRD
4.69%
SMID
13.64%

Growth

Revenue Growth
FRD
78.6%
SMID
24.7%
Earnings Growth
FRD
--
SMID
52.6%

Financial Health

Debt/Equity
FRD
0.68
SMID
0.08
Current Ratio
FRD
3.59
SMID
3.4
Quick Ratio
FRD
0.91
SMID
2.81

Dividends

Dividend Yield
FRD
0.88%
SMID
--
Payout Ratio
FRD
7.21%
SMID
0.0%

AI Verdict

FRD NEUTRAL

FRD presents a classic value-trap profile, characterized by a very weak Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 indicating deteriorating fundamental health despite explosive revenue growth of 78.6%. While the stock is objectively undervalued relative to its Graham Number ($31.6) and trades at a low P/E of 8.15, the razor-thin profit margins (2.68%) and bearish technical trend (0/100) offset the valuation appeal. The discrepancy between the high current ratio (3.59) and lower quick ratio (0.91) suggests a heavy reliance on inventory, which is risky in the cyclical steel industry. Overall, the strong top-line growth is not yet translating into fundamental financial strength.

Strengths
Exceptional YoY revenue growth of 78.60%
Deep value valuation with P/B of 0.91 and P/S of 0.22
Strong current ratio (3.59) indicating short-term liquidity
Risks
Critical fundamental weakness indicated by Piotroski F-Score of 2/9
Extremely thin profit margins (2.68%) leaving little room for error
Bearish technical trend (0/100) suggesting lack of market conviction
SMID BULLISH

Smith-Midland exhibits a stable financial profile with a Piotroski F-Score of 4/9 and an exceptionally clean balance sheet (Debt/Equity 0.08). While the current price of $33.98 trades at a premium to the Graham Number ($23.31), it remains significantly below the growth-based intrinsic value of $69.62. The company is delivering high-alpha returns with an ROE of 26.04% and explosive earnings growth of 52.60% YoY. Despite bearish technicals and minimal insider sentiment, the fundamental valuation relative to sector peers (P/E 14.40 vs Sector 45.20) suggests a strong value opportunity.

Strengths
Exceptional capital structure with very low Debt/Equity (0.08)
Strong profitability metrics including 26.04% ROE and 13.64% ROA
High growth trajectory with 52.60% YoY earnings growth
Risks
High sensitivity to construction industry cyclicality
Operational vulnerability to weather-related disruptions and project delays
Bearish technical trend and negative 6-month price performance

Compare Another Pair

FRD vs SMID: Head-to-Head Comparison

This page compares Friedman Industries, Incorporated (FRD) and Smith-Midland Corporation (SMID) across key fundamental metrics including valuation ratios, profitability margins, growth rates, financial health indicators, and dividend metrics. Each metric highlights the better-performing stock so you can quickly identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Our AI engine independently analyzes each company's financials, competitive position, and market conditions to produce a verdict (Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish) along with key strengths and risks. Use this comparison alongside your own research to make informed investment decisions.

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