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GHC vs NL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Graham Holdings Company (GHC) vs. NL Industries (NL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- GHC is a large, diversified holding company spanning education, media, healthcare, and manufacturing, while NL is a smaller holding company tied to component products and titanium dioxide (TiO2) chemicals.
- Graham Holdings has shown steadier top-line growth and stronger near-term profitability, whereas NL Industries carries cyclical, price-sensitive exposure through its stake in Kronos Worldwide.
- GHC trades at a single-digit price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple with modest momentum, while NL has rebounded from a loss-making year but remains sensitive to commodity pricing and currency swings.
- Both companies pay dividends, but GHC offers a larger market capitalization and deeper liquidity, whereas NL is far smaller and more thinly traded.
- Risk profiles differ sharply: NL faces cyclical and legacy environmental/litigation risks, while GHC faces segment-level margin pressure and marketable-securities volatility.
Introduction
Investors weighing diversified holding companies with very different footprints often find a useful contrast in Graham Holdings Company and NL Industries. Although both are conglomerates that allocate capital across multiple businesses, their scale, sectors, and market positioning diverge considerably. GHC operates a multi-billion-dollar portfolio spanning education, television broadcasting, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive operations. NL, by comparison, is a much smaller entity focused on engineered components and a non-controlling interest in a titanium dioxide producer. This stock comparison is most relevant to investors evaluating relative performance, business-model diversification, and risk-adjusted market positioning between a large-cap conglomerate and a small-cap, cyclically exposed holding company.
GHC Overview and Recent Performance
Graham Holdings Company is a diversified holding company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with roots dating to 1877. Its portfolio includes Kaplan (education), seven television stations, a specialty home-infusion pharmacy, manufacturing operations, and automotive dealerships. In recent quarters, GHC has delivered consistent revenue growth, with second-quarter revenue rising roughly 7% year over year to about $1.3 billion. Operating income has also improved, supported by gains in television broadcasting and manufacturing, though results have been influenced by non-operating items such as pension settlements and changes in the value of marketable equity securities.
Recent market activity reflects a generally constructive tone. Over the past year, the stock has posted a double-digit total return, and the company has continued repurchasing Class B shares while maintaining a modest quarterly dividend. The company also completed strategic portfolio moves, including the sale of its Kaplan Languages Group, signaling an ongoing effort to sharpen its business mix. With a P/E ratio below the broader market and a low beta, GHC has been viewed by some analysts as a value-oriented, diversified holding vehicle.
NL Overview and Recent Performance
NL Industries is a Dallas-based holding company engaged in component products—through its subsidiary CompX, which makes security locks and recreational marine components—and chemicals, through a non-controlling interest in Kronos Worldwide, a global producer of titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2). The company has also been navigating a corporate restructuring, including a planned reincorporation and name change. In recent quarters, NL returned to profitability, reporting net income of $4.3 million in its latest first quarter compared with $0.7 million a year earlier, helped by improved CompX margins and a swing in unrealized gains on marketable securities.
However, the underlying chemicals business remains pressured. Kronos recorded equity losses for NL in the most recent first quarter, reflecting lower average TiO2 selling prices and unfavorable currency movements, partially offset by higher sales volumes and cost-reduction initiatives. Full-year results for the prior year included a net loss, driven partly by pension termination costs and weaker TiO2 economics. The stock trades in a wide range and is far smaller than GHC, giving it a meaningfully different liquidity and volatility profile.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two stocks is scale and diversification. GHC operates multiple large, revenue-generating segments across education, media, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive, which tends to smooth out cyclical swings in any single division. NL, by contrast, is concentrated in engineered components and a single industrial chemical, TiO2, whose pricing and demand are closely tied to global industrial cycles, construction, and coatings activity.
Growth drivers also differ. GHC benefits from steady demand in education and healthcare services, alongside active portfolio management and buybacks. NL depends heavily on TiO2 pricing recovery, cost discipline at Kronos, and resilience in security and marine components. Risk factors diverge accordingly: NL carries commodity-price, currency, and legacy environmental/litigation exposure, while GHC faces segment margin pressure and earnings volatility from its marketable-securities portfolio. On valuation, GHC screens at a low single-digit P/E, whereas NL trades on a small-cap, earnings-recovery basis with less consistent profitability.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, and diversification, Tickeron's AI would likely favor GHC in the current environment. The company's steadier revenue trajectory, broader business mix, active capital returns, and lower-beta profile provide a more consistent technical and fundamental backdrop than NL, whose fortunes remain tied to a cyclical chemical pricing cycle and more volatile, thinner trading. That said, the comparison is not absolute: NL could attract algorithmic interest if TiO2 pricing momentum strengthens and cost-reduction benefits continue to materialize. In probabilistic terms, the AI would assign GHC a higher relative positioning score for stability and trend quality, while acknowledging that NL offers a higher-beta, more cyclical profile for risk-tolerant traders.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is GHC is a StrongBuy and NL is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for GHC turns positive, indicating new upward trend
GHC saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 01, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 106 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 68 of the 106 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 64%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
GHC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GHC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 26 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +1.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GHC advanced for three days, in 166 of 290 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 137 of 257 cases where GHC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GHC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
GHC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 37 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.088) is normal, around the industry mean (-0.832). P/E Ratio (9.792) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.940). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.030) is also within normal values, averaging (0.772). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (510.270) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.976) is also within normal values, averaging (2.059).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. GHC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
NL in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
NL moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 48 of 58 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NL as a result. In 93 of 119 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NL turned negative on September 18, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
The 10-day moving average for NL crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 8 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NL advanced for three days, in 185 of 257 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
NL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 121 of 148 cases where NL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 82%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 34 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.886) is normal, around the industry mean (2.983). P/E Ratio (-12.654) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.873). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.060) is also within normal values, averaging (5.749). Dividend Yield (0.061) settles around the average of (0.315) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.099) is also within normal values, averaging (2.085).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
GHC | NL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 88 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 37 Fair valued | 34 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 10 | 61 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 65 | 93 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 41 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 9 | 100 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NL's Valuation (34) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as GHC (37) in the Other Consumer Services industry. This means that NL’s stock grew similarly to GHC’s over the last 12 months.
GHC's Profit vs Risk Rating (10) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NL (61) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that GHC’s stock grew somewhat faster than NL’s over the last 12 months.
GHC's SMR Rating (65) in the Other Consumer Services industry is in the same range as NL (93) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that GHC’s stock grew similarly to NL’s over the last 12 months.
NL's Price Growth Rating (41) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as GHC (42) in the Other Consumer Services industry. This means that NL’s stock grew similarly to GHC’s over the last 12 months.
GHC's P/E Growth Rating (9) in the Other Consumer Services industry is significantly better than the same rating for NL (100) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that GHC’s stock grew significantly faster than NL’s over the last 12 months.
| GHC | NL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 78% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 3 days ago 72% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 72% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 24 days ago 45% | 7 days ago 69% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 82% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
GHC’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while NL’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- GHC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- NL’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
GHC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NL’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GHC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
GHC (@Industrial Conglomerates) experienced а +3.29% price change this week, while NL (@Miscellaneous Commercial Services) price change was -3.24% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Conglomerates industry was -4.69%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.05%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry was -0.13%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -12.49%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.33%.
Reported Earning Dates
GHC is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
NL is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Conglomerates (-4.69% weekly)Industrial Conglomerates specialize in numerous types of products, most of which comprise industrial goods, while some also go towards meeting household needs. Honeywell (makes engineering services and aerospace systems), United Technologies Corporation(manufactures aircraft engines, aerospace systems, HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others), 3M (over 60,000 products under several world-renowned brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical & electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films).
@Miscellaneous Commercial Services (-0.13% weekly)The sector produces general business services, and are not classified elsewhere. For example, FleetCor Technologies provides fuel cards and workforce payment products and services; Copart, Inc. provides online vehicle auction and remarketing services across various nations; Equifax Inc. collects and aggregates credit information on consumers and businesses worldwide, along with selling credit monitoring and fraud-prevention services. Many of the companies in this category have multi-billion market capitalizations.
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NL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NL has been loosely correlated with GHC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 43% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if NL jumps, then GHC could also see price increases.
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