Is NL a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 40.4/100. It is ranked #3,046 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 43/100, Value 49/100, Momentum 35/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for NL?

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 40.4 ranks it #3,046 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is NL in?

NL INDUSTRIES INC operates in the Materials sector (Chemicals industry) with a market cap of $283 million. It is classified as a micro-cap stock.

Does NL pay a dividend?

Yes, NL pays a dividend with a current yield of 9.11%. The Materials sector average yield is 0.49%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $91.10 in annual dividend income.

What is NL's P/E ratio?

NL has a trailing P/E ratio of 8.75x. The Materials sector average is 26.5x. This below-average P/E may indicate the stock is undervalued.

How profitable is NL?

NL's quality factor score is 43/100. Gross margin: 29.5%. ROE: 8.3% vs sector average 3.3%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is NL valued compared to peers?

NL's value factor score is 49/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 8.8x, EV/EBITDA 27.9x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is NL's debt level?

NL's debt-to-equity ratio is 23%. Sector average: 41%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

NL has a beta of 0.77, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 55/100.

Does NL have high short interest?

NL's short interest factor score is 30/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

NL Stock Analysis: Top Micro-Cap Reduce (Score 40.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
NL	-1.69%	+0.87%	-1.19%	+6.22%	-24.25%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLB	+0.56%	+3.07%	+4.17%	+14.58%	-33.54%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-1.63%	-2.74%	-1.53%	+6.58%	-53.77%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-2.25%	-2.21%	-5.36%	-8.36%	+9.29%	-	-	-

Metric	NL	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	8.8x	-67%
EV/EBITDA	27.9x	+365%
Price / Book	0.7x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CF CF Industries Holdings, Inc.	57	50	72	66	11.8x	21.1%	36.2%	24.9%	5.5%	41.0x	$19.7B	VS
NTR Nutrien Ltd.	57	37	70	64	54.2x	11.5%	29.0%	2.7%	-	52.0x	$35.9B	VS
UAN CVR PARTNERS, LP	56	50	71	67	12.0x	42.4%	28.5%	17.8%	23.1%	265.0x	$1.3B	VS
LXU LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.	54	50	54	73	41.2x	-3.3%	8.6%	-4.5%	11.0%	85.0x	$1.1B	VS
AA Alcoa Corp	54	50	61	71	18.7x	16.6%	10.0%	8.0%	3.1%	40.0x	$19.0B	VS
MEOH METHANEX CORP	53	34	76	72	24.6x	47.8%	19.1%	6.7%	-	149.0x	$4.6B	VS
NGVT Ingevity Corp	53	50	68	66	53.4x	-638.7%	38.1%	-12.1%	-14.7%	5,459.0x	$2.5B	VS
SEE SEALED AIR CORP/DE	52	50	67	59	11.2x	44.7%	30.2%	10.4%	0.5%	318.0x	$6.2B	VS
ACU ACME UNITED CORP	51	50	71	51	16.4x	9.0%	39.4%	5.2%	-11.5%	45.0x	$171M	VS
APD Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.	51	50	49	50	179.2x	2.4%	31.6%	2.2%	3.9%	114.0x	$64.4B	VS
NL NL INDUSTRIES INC	40	43	49	35	8.8x	8.3%	29.5%	23.9%	11.3%	23.0x	$283M

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	-0.0%	-0.5%	0.0%	-0.0%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.0%	-0.0%	-1.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Net Margin %	0.2%	-0.2%	0.5%	0.0%	0.2%	0.4%	0.1%	0.2%	-0.3%	1.1%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	-47.9%	-	-	-	-	-	15.1%	19.5%	11.8%	14.1%	22.5%
ROE %	0.1%	-0.1%	0.2%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.4%	0.1%
ROA %	0.1%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.2%	0.0%
ROIC %	2.8%	2.2%	7.2%	2.8%	2.7%	2.2%	1.1%	-0.7%	-28.6%	0.3%	-0.9%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.3%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.3%

0.1%

0.0%

-0.0%

-0.5%

0.0%

-0.0%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.3%

0.1%

-0.0%

-1.0%

0.0%

Net Margin %

0.2%

-0.2%

0.5%

0.0%

0.2%

0.4%

0.1%

0.2%

-0.3%

1.1%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

-47.9%

15.1%

19.5%

11.8%

14.1%

22.5%

ROE %

0.1%

-0.1%

0.2%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.4%

0.1%

ROA %

0.1%

-0.1%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.2%

0.0%

ROIC %

2.8%

2.2%

7.2%

2.8%

2.7%

2.2%

1.1%

-0.7%

-28.6%

0.3%

-0.9%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$154M	$158M	$146M	$161M	$167M	$141M	$115M	$124M	$118M	$112M	$109M	$109M
	—	$110M	$105M	$112M	$118M	$98M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$46M	$48M	$41M	$49M	$49M	$43M	$33M	$39M	$38M	$35M	$35M	$33M
Gross Margin	29.5%	30.4%	28.3%	30.5%	29.3%	30.4%	28.7%	31.4%	32.4%	31.1%	32.3%	30.6%
	—	$26M	$24M	$24M	$23M	$22M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$0	$0	$0	—	$0	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$4M	$4M	$3M	$4M	$4M	$4M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$38M	$3M	$35M	$35M	$32M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$10M	$11M	$38M	$14M	$14M	$10M	$2M	-$2M	-$61M	$867K	-$983K	$268K
EBIT	$10M	$11M	$38M	$14M	$14M	$10M	$2M	-$2M	-$61M	$867K	-$983K	$268K
EBITDA	$10M	$11M	$38M	$14M	$14M	$10M	-$3M	-$162K	-$118M	$5M	$3M	$4M
Operating Margin	6.4%	6.7%	25.9%	8.8%	8.2%	7.4%	2.1%	-1.3%	-51.3%	1.5%	-0.7%	0.3%
EBITDA Margin	6.4%	6.7%	26.0%	8.8%	8.2%	7.5%	-2.9%	-0.1%	-100.0%	4.1%	2.6%	3.6%
	—	—	—	$746K	$941K	$1M	$1M	$681K	$37K	$30K	$4K	—
	—	-$51M	$83M	-$6M	$39M	$61M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	-$16M	$14M	-$7M	$3M	$7M	-$3M	$579K	-$15M	-$6M	-$3M	-$29M
	$31M	-$35M	$69M	$582K	$36M	$53M	$16M	$28M	-$39M	$118M	$17M	-$23M
Net Margin	23.9%	-22.4%	47.5%	0.4%	21.9%	37.9%	14.1%	22.6%	-33.0%	105.2%	15.3%	-20.8%
	$-0.77	$-0.77	$1.38	$-0.05	$0.69	$1.05	$0.30	$0.53	$-0.84	$2.38	$0.31	$-0.49
Diluted EPS	$-0.77	$-0.77	$1.38	$-0.05	$0.69	$1.05	$0.30	$0.53	$-0.84	$2.38	$0.31	$-0.49
Weighted Avg Basic	—	49M	49M	49M	49M	49M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	49M	49M	49M	49M	49M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$154M

$158M

$146M

$161M

$167M

$141M

$115M

$124M

$118M

$112M

$109M

—

$110M

$105M

$112M

$118M

$98M

—

$46M

$48M

$41M

$49M

$43M

$33M

$39M

$38M

$35M

$33M

Gross Margin

29.5%

30.4%

28.3%

30.5%

29.3%

30.4%

28.7%

31.4%

32.4%

31.1%

32.3%

30.6%

—

$26M

$24M

$23M

$22M

—

Research & Development

—

Depreciation

—

$4M

$3M

$4M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$38M

$3M

$35M

$32M

—

$10M

$11M

$38M

$14M

$10M

$2M

-$2M

-$61M

$867K

-$983K

$268K

EBIT

$10M

$11M

$38M

$14M

$10M

$2M

-$2M

-$61M

$867K

-$983K

$268K

EBITDA

$10M

$11M

$38M

$14M

$10M

-$3M

-$162K

-$118M

$5M

$3M

$4M

Operating Margin

6.4%

6.7%

25.9%

8.8%

8.2%

7.4%

2.1%

-1.3%

-51.3%

1.5%

-0.7%

0.3%

EBITDA Margin

6.4%

6.7%

26.0%

8.8%

8.2%

7.5%

-2.9%

-0.1%

-100.0%

4.1%

2.6%

3.6%

—

$746K

$941K

$1M

$681K

$37K

$30K

$4K

—

-$51M

$83M

-$6M

$39M

$61M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

-$16M

$14M

-$7M

$3M

$7M

-$3M

$579K

-$15M

-$6M

-$3M

-$29M

$31M

-$35M

$69M

$582K

$36M

$53M

$16M

$28M

-$39M

$118M

$17M

-$23M

Net Margin

23.9%

-22.4%

47.5%

0.4%

21.9%

37.9%

14.1%

22.6%

-33.0%

105.2%

15.3%

-20.8%

$-0.77

$1.38

$-0.05

$0.69

$1.05

$0.30

$0.53

$-0.84

$2.38

$0.31

$-0.49

Diluted EPS

$-0.77

$1.38

$-0.05

$0.69

$1.05

$0.30

$0.53

$-0.84

$2.38

$0.31

$-0.49

Weighted Avg Basic

—

49M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

49M

—

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does NL INDUSTRIES INC Do?

NL Industries, Inc., through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc., operates in the component products industry in the United States and internationally. The company manufactures and sells mechanical and electronic cabinet locks, and other locking mechanisms, including disc tumbler locks, pin tumbler locking mechanisms, and CompX eLock and StealthLock electronic locks for use in various applications, such as ignition systems, mailboxes, file cabinets, desk drawers, tool storage cabinets, integrated inventory and access control secured narcotics boxes, vending and cash containment machines, medical cabinetry, electronic circuit panels, storage compartments, and gas station security. It also offers original equipment and aftermarket stainless steel exhaust headers, exhaust pipes, mufflers, and other exhaust components; gauges, such as GPS speedometers and tachometers; mechanical and electronic controls and throttles; wake enhancement devices, trim tabs, steering wheels, and other billet aluminum accessories; grab handles, pin cleats, and other accessories; and dash panels, LED indicators, wire harnesses, and other accessories primarily for performance and ski/wakeboard boats. In addition, the company offers insurance brokerage and risk management services. It sells its component products directly to original equipment manufacturers, as well as through distributors. NL Industries, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is based in Dallas, Texas. NL Industries, Inc. is a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc. NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) is classified as a micro-cap stock in the Materials sector, specifically within the Chemicals industry. The company is led by CEO Courtney J. Riley and employs approximately 2,820 people, headquartered in DALLAS, Texas. With a market capitalization of $283M, NL is one of the notable companies in the Materials sector.

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, NL INDUSTRIES INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 40.4/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.NL ranks #3,046 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Materials sector, NL INDUSTRIES INC ranks #217 of 284 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Materials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

NL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) currently trades at $5.81. The stock lost $0.10 (1.7%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for NL is $9.27, which means the stock is currently trading -37.3% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $5.04, putting the stock 15.3% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 41K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is NL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) carries a value factor score of 49/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 8.75x, compared to the Materials sector average of 26.50x — a discount of 67%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 0.73x, versus the sector average of 2.83x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.78x, compared to 0.74x for the average Materials stock. On an enterprise value basis, NL trades at 27.92x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.01x for the sector.

Overall, NL's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

NL INDUSTRIES INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) earns a quality factor score of 43/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 8.3%, compared to the Materials sector average of 3.3%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 6.8% versus the sector average of 0.6%.

On a margin basis, NL INDUSTRIES INC reports gross margins of 29.5%, compared to 29.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 6.4% (sector: 6.0%). Net profit margin stands at 23.9%, versus 3.0% for the average Materials stock. Revenue growth is running at 11.3% on a trailing basis, compared to 1.8% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

NL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

NL INDUSTRIES INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.0%, compared to the Materials sector average of 41.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 7.77x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $500,000. Cash and equivalents stand at $102M.

NL has a beta of 0.77, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for NL INDUSTRIES INC is 55/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

NL INDUSTRIES INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, NL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $154M and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.77. Net income for the quarter was $31M. Gross margin was 29.5%. Operating income came in at $10M.

In FY 2025, NL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $158M and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.77. Net income for the quarter was $-35M. Gross margin was 30.4%. Revenue grew 8.5% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $11M.

In Q3 2025, NL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $40M and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.16. Net income for the quarter was $-7M. Gross margin was 27.6%. Revenue grew 18.7% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $2M.

In Q2 2025, NL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $40M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.01. Net income for the quarter was $1M. Gross margin was 31.9%. Revenue grew 12.5% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $3M.

Over the past 8 quarters, NL INDUSTRIES INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $36M to $154M. Investors analyzing NL stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

NL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) currently pays a dividend yield of 9.1%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in NL stock would generate approximately $$911.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Materials sector average dividend yield of 0.5%, meaning NL offers above-average income for its sector. With a net margin of 23.9%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

NL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) has a momentum factor score of 35/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 29/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 30/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

NL vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Materials sector, NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) ranks #217 out of 284 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places NL in the lower half of all Materials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) with a score of 56.6/100, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) with a score of 56.6/100, CVR PARTNERS, LP (UAN) with a score of 55.6/100, LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. (LXU) with a score of 53.6/100, and ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) with a score of 51.2/100.

Comparing NL against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full NL vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how NL INDUSTRIES INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

NL Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy NL? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for NL INDUSTRIES INC suggests caution. Momentum is weak at 35/100, a headwind for near-term performance.

In summary, NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 40.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on NL stock.

Related Resources for NL Investors

Explore more research and tools: NL vs S&P 500 comparison, top Materials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare NL head-to-head with peers: NL vs CF, NL vs NTR, NL vs UAN.

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NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does NL INDUSTRIES INC Do?

NL INDUSTRIES INC (NL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

NL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is NL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

NL INDUSTRIES INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

NL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

NL INDUSTRIES INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

NL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

NL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

NL vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

NL Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy NL? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for NL Investors

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NL Industries (NL) Earnings Swing To Loss Challenges Bullish Narratives On Profitability

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NL REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER 2025 RESULTS