| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 132.19 | 2074 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 4.85 | -20 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 3.20 | -47 |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) is a diversified industrial company operating primarily through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc. Specializing in security and protection services, NL Industries manufactures mechanical and electronic cabinet locks, stainless steel exhaust components, marine accessories, and other industrial products. The company serves a broad range of industries, including automotive, marine, medical, and vending, supplying OEMs and aftermarket distributors. Founded in 1891 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, NL Industries benefits from its long-standing industry presence and diversified product portfolio. As a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc., it maintains financial stability while competing in niche markets with specialized locking mechanisms and high-performance marine components. With a market cap of approximately $378 million, NL Industries remains a key player in the security and industrial components sector, leveraging innovation and reliability to maintain its competitive edge.
NL Industries presents a mixed investment profile. On the positive side, the company boasts a strong balance sheet with $163.2 million in cash and minimal debt ($500,000), providing financial flexibility. Its low beta (0.348) suggests relative stability compared to broader market volatility. However, revenue ($145.9 million) and net income ($67.2 million) indicate a small-cap operation with limited growth momentum. The company’s niche focus on security components and marine accessories provides some insulation from economic downturns, but its dependence on industrial and OEM demand could pose cyclical risks. The dividend yield (~1.5% based on a $0.33 per share payout) is modest, appealing to income-focused investors, but EPS growth appears stagnant. Investors should weigh its financial conservatism against its limited scalability in a competitive industrial sector.
NL Industries competes in fragmented markets through its subsidiary CompX International, which specializes in high-security locking mechanisms and marine components. Its competitive advantage lies in its long-standing OEM relationships and expertise in niche applications like medical cabinetry and marine accessories. The company’s CompX eLock and StealthLock electronic locks differentiate it in the security segment, though it faces stiff competition from larger industrial conglomerates. In marine components, NL’s exhaust systems and billet aluminum accessories cater to performance boats, a market with high brand loyalty but limited growth. The company’s small size allows for agility in custom solutions but limits economies of scale compared to multinational rivals. Its financial stability (strong cash position, negligible debt) provides resilience, but R&D spending appears low, potentially hindering innovation. NL’s subsidiary structure under Valhi, Inc. offers strategic oversight but may also constrain independent growth initiatives. Overall, NL Industries holds a defensible position in niche markets but lacks the scale to dominate broader industrial segments.