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MESA LABORATORIES INC /CO/ vs NORTHWEST PIPE CO — Side-by-side quantitative comparison
Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, NORTHWEST PIPE CO (NWPX) is the stronger stock with a composite score of 66.0/100 and a Buy rating, compared to MESA LABORATORIES INC /CO/ (MLAB) at 55.0/100 (Hold). NWPX ranks #243 in our universe versus #1269 for MLAB, giving it an edge of 11.0 points across quality, value, momentum, investment, stability, and short interest factors.
On the Quality factor, which measures profitability and business quality through metrics like ROE, gross margins, and capital efficiency, these stocks are closely matched (NWPX: 63/100, MLAB: 62/100). The narrow 1-point spread suggests similar quality profiles, so this factor alone is unlikely to be a decisive differentiator.
For the Value factor — which evaluates whether a stock is cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, book value, and cash flows — NWPX leads at 86/100, while MLAB trails at 75/100 (NWPX: 86/100, MLAB: 75/100). The 11-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in value characteristics between these stocks.
For the Momentum factor — which captures price trends and institutional sentiment over the trailing 3-12 months — NWPX leads at 71/100, while MLAB trails at 42/100 (NWPX: 71/100, MLAB: 42/100). The 30-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in momentum characteristics between these stocks.
For the Investment factor — which assesses capital allocation quality including reinvestment rates and asset growth — NWPX leads at 43/100, while MLAB trails at 31/100 (NWPX: 43/100, MLAB: 31/100). The 12-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in investment characteristics between these stocks.
For the Stability factor — which measures financial health through leverage ratios and price volatility — NWPX leads at 79/100, while MLAB trails at 47/100 (NWPX: 79/100, MLAB: 47/100). The 32-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in stability characteristics between these stocks.
For the Short Interest factor — which tracks institutional bearish positioning and potential risk from elevated short selling — MLAB leads at 67/100, while NWPX trails at 52/100 (MLAB: 67/100, NWPX: 52/100). The 15-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in short interest characteristics between these stocks.
Based on our 6-factor model, NORTHWEST PIPE CO (NWPX) is utilizing a stronger overall profile than MLAB, with a Composite Score of 66 vs 55. NWPX holds a moderate edge, particularly in Stability and Momentum, though both stocks have merits.
| Overall Rating | ||
| Composite Score | 66 | 55 |
| Rank | #243 | #1,269 |
| Stars | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Action | Buy | Hold |
| Factor Scores | ||
| Quality | 63 | 62 |
| Value | 86 | 75 |
| Momentum | 71 | 42 |
| Stability | 79 | 47 |
| Investment | 43 | 31 |
| Short Interest | 52 | 67 |
| Valuation | ||
| P/E Ratio | 9.46 | 37.84 |
| P/B Ratio | 1.32 | 3.40 |
| P/S Ratio | 0.85 | 2.20 |
| EV/EBITDA | 5.26 | 8.45 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.0% | 0.7% |
| Profitability | ||
| ROE | 12.8% | 3.8% |
| ROA | 7.6% | 3.3% |
| Gross Margin | 21.3% | 62.0% |
| Operating Margin | 12.6% | 5.1% |
| Net Margin | 8.9% | 8.0% |
| Growth & Risk | ||
| Revenue Growth | 16.0% | 17.6% |
| Debt/Equity | 10.00 | 105.00 |
| Beta | 0.90 | 1.41 |
| Market | ||
| Market Cap | $511M | $513M |
Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, NWPX currently has the higher composite score (66.0/100, Buy) and ranks #243 in our universe. However, the "better" stock depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. We recommend reviewing the full factor breakdown above before making a decision.
Our comparison analyzes six quantitative factors: Quality (profitability and business strength, 30% weight), Momentum (price trends, 25%), Value (valuation attractiveness, 15%), Investment (capital allocation, 10%), Stability (financial health, 10%), and Short Interest (institutional positioning, 10%). Each factor is scored 0-100 and combined into a composite score.
NWPX has the higher value score at 86/100 compared to MLAB at 75/100. A higher value score indicates the stock trades at a more attractive valuation relative to its earnings, book value, and cash flows.
Our stock rankings and comparisons are updated daily using the latest available market data, financial statements, and price information. Factor scores reflect the most recent quarterly filings and trailing price data.