Northern Technologies International (NASDAQ:NTIC – Get Free Report) and Ascent Industries (NASDAQ:ACNT – Get Free Report) are both small-cap materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk and valuation.
Insider and Institutional Ownership
32.9% of Northern Technologies International shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 26.1% of Ascent Industries shares are held by institutional investors. 24.9% of Northern Technologies International shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 7.5% of Ascent Industries shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Valuation and Earnings
This table compares Northern Technologies International and Ascent Industries”s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Northern Technologies International | $84.24 million | 0.85 | $20,000.00 | ($0.12) | -62.75 |
| Ascent Industries | $74.94 million | 1.66 | $870,000.00 | ($0.45) | -30.71 |
Ascent Industries has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Northern Technologies International. Northern Technologies International is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ascent Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Analyst Ratings
This is a summary of recent recommendations for Northern Technologies International and Ascent Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Northern Technologies International | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.50 |
| Ascent Industries | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 |
Risk and Volatility
Northern Technologies International has a beta of 0.15, indicating that its share price is 85% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ascent Industries has a beta of 0.49, indicating that its share price is 51% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Profitability
This table compares Northern Technologies International and Ascent Industries’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Northern Technologies International | -1.26% | -0.45% | -0.33% |
| Ascent Industries | -5.31% | -2.72% | -2.07% |
Summary
Northern Technologies International beats Ascent Industries on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Northern Technologies International
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets rust and corrosion inhibiting solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and internationally. It offers rust and corrosion inhibiting products, such as plastic and paper packaging, liquids, coatings, rust removers, cleaners, diffusers, and engineered solutions designed for the oil and gas industry under the ZERUST brand. The company provides a portfolio of bio-based and certified compostable polymer resin compounds and finished products under the Natur-Tec brand. In addition, it offers on-site and technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues. It sells its products and services to automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military, retail consumer, and oil and gas markets through direct sales force, network of independent distributors, agents, manufacturer's sales representatives, and strategic partners. The company was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Circle Pines, Minnesota.
About Ascent Industries
Ascent Industries Co. an industrials company, produces and distributes stainless steel pipe and tube and specialty chemicals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Tubular Products and Specialty Chemicals. It manufactures welded pipes and tubes, primarily from stainless steel, duplex, and nickel alloys; and ornamental stainless steel tubes for automotive, commercial transportation, marine, food services, construction, furniture, healthcare, and other industries. The company also produces defoamers, surfactants, and lubricating agents for end users, including companies that supply agrochemical paper, metal working, coatings, water treatment, paint, mining, oil and gas, and janitorial and other applications. In addition, it provides contract manufacturing services, as well as operates as a multi-purpose plant to process various difficult to handle materials, including flammable solvents, viscous liquids, and granular solids. The company was formerly known as Synalloy Corporation and changed its name to Ascent Industries Co. in August 2022. Ascent Industries Co. was founded in 1945 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Receive News & Ratings for Northern Technologies International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Technologies International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
