NL
NL Industries, Inc.
Security & Protection Services
Market Cap$289M
5Y Perf.+89.1%
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Stock Comparison
NL vs HBB
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
HBB
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company
Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances
Market Cap$274M
5Y Perf.+113.8%
NL vs HBB — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | NL | HBB |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Security & Protection Services | Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances |
| Market Cap | $289M | $274M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $159M | $595M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-34M | $28M |
| Gross Margin | 31.1% | 26.8% |
| Operating Margin | 7.8% | 6.6% |
| Forward P/E | 6.8x | 12.8x |
| Total Debt | $500K | $42M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $114M | $47M |
NL vs HBB — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
NL
HBB
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Industries, Inc. (NL) | 100 | 189.1 | +89.1% |
| Hamilton Beach Bran… (HBB) | 100 | 213.8 | +113.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: NL vs HBB
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: NL leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and recent price momentum and sentiment. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
NL
NL Industries, Inc.
The Income Pick
NL carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.87, yield 9.6%
- Rev growth 8.5%, EPS growth -155.8%, 3Y rev CAGR -1.7%
- 220.4% 10Y total return vs HBB's -23.0%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
HBB
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company
The Quality Compounder
HBB is the clearest fit if your priority is quality and momentum.
- 4.7% margin vs NL's -21.5%
- +44.5% vs NL's -25.5%
- 7.4% ROA vs NL's -9.1%, ROIC 14.0% vs 3.9%
Best for: quality and momentum
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | NL | 8.5% revenue growth vs HBB's -7.3% |
| Value | NL | Lower P/E (6.8x vs 12.8x) |
| Quality / Margins | HBB | 4.7% margin vs NL's -21.5% |
| Stability / Safety | NL | Beta 0.87 vs HBB's 1.95, lower leverage |
| Dividends | NL | 9.6% yield, vs HBB's 2.3% |
| Momentum (1Y) | HBB | +44.5% vs NL's -25.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | HBB | 7.4% ROA vs NL's -9.1%, ROIC 14.0% vs 3.9% |
NL vs HBB — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
NL vs HBB — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLNLLAGGINGHBB
HBBHamilton Beach Brands…
2leads
NLNL Industries, Inc.
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs HBBMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
NL5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
NL3/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
HBB6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
HBB4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HBB is the larger business by revenue, generating $595M annually — 3.8x NL's $159M. HBB is the more profitable business, keeping 4.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to NL's -21.5%. On growth, NL holds the edge at +0.7% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $159M | $595M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $15M | $44M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$34M | $28M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $4M | $8M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +31.1% | +26.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +7.8% | +6.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -21.5% | +4.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.6% | +1.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.7% | -8.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +8.0% | +100.0% |
NL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
NL leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, HBB's 6.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than NL's 10.2x.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $289M | $274M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $176M | $269M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -7.69x | 10.47x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 6.80x | 12.76x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.22x | 6.33x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.83x | 0.45x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.77x | 1.50x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 24.84x |
NL leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HBB leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HBB delivers a 16.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $16 in annual profit, vs $-9 for NL. NL carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to HBB's 0.23x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), HBB scores 5/9 vs NL's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -8.7% | +16.2% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -9.1% | +7.4% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.9% | +14.0% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +2.9% | +13.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.00x | 0.23x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$113M | -$5M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $114M | $47M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $500,000 | $42M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -19.20x | 48.61x |
HBB leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
HBB leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in NL five years ago would be worth $11,692 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $10,277 for HBB. Over the past 12 months, HBB leads with a +44.5% total return vs NL's -25.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors HBB at 28.8% vs NL's 9.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +10.3% | +28.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -25.5% | +44.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +30.6% | +113.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +16.9% | +2.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +220.4% | -23.0% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +9.3% | +28.8% |
HBB leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — NL and HBB each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
NL is the less volatile stock with a 0.87 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than HBB's 1.95 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. HBB currently trades 93.7% from its 52-week high vs NL's 63.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.87x | 1.95x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $9.27 | $21.80 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $5.04 | $12.72 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +63.9% | +93.7% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 48.7 | 56.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 39K | 25K |
Evenly matched — NL and HBB each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — NL and HBB each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates NL as "Sell" and HBB as "Hold". For income investors, NL offers the higher dividend yield at 9.63% vs HBB's 2.34%.
| Metric | NLNL Industries, In… | HBBHamilton Beach Br… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Sell | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $6.00 | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 1 | 1 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +9.6% | +2.3% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 7 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.57 | $0.48 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.3% |
Evenly matched — NL and HBB each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
NL leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). HBB leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallNL Industries, Inc. (NL)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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NL vs HBB: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is NL or HBB a better buy right now?
For growth investors, NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) is the stronger pick with 8. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -7. 3% for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB). Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB) offers the better valuation at 10. 5x trailing P/E (12. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB) a "Hold" — based on 1 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — NL or HBB?
On forward P/E, NL Industries, Inc.
is actually cheaper at 6. 8x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — NL or HBB?
Over the past 5 years, NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) delivered a total return of +16. 9%, compared to +2. 8% for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: NL returned +220. 4% versus HBB's -23. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — NL or HBB?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 87β versus Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company's 1. 95β — meaning HBB is approximately 123% more volatile than NL relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, NL Industries, Inc. (NL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 23% for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — NL or HBB?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) is pulling ahead at 8. 5% versus -7. 3% for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company grew EPS -11. 4% year-over-year, compared to -155. 8% for NL Industries, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, NL leads at -1. 7% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — NL or HBB?
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB) is the more profitable company, earning 4.
4% net margin versus -23. 9% for NL Industries, Inc. — meaning it keeps 4. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: NL leads at 8. 6% versus 6. 0% for HBB. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — NL leads at 30. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is NL or HBB more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) trades at 6. 8x forward P/E versus 12. 8x for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company — 6. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — NL or HBB?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
NL Industries, Inc. (NL) offers the highest yield at 9. 6%, versus 2. 3% for Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB).
09Is NL or HBB better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, NL Industries, Inc.
(NL) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 87), 9. 6% yield, +220. 4% 10Y return). Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (HBB) carries a higher beta of 1. 95 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (NL: +220. 4%, HBB: -23. 0%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between NL and HBB?
These companies operate in different sectors (NL (Industrials) and HBB (Consumer Cyclical)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: NL is a small-cap income-oriented stock; HBB is a small-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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