WallStSmart

Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)vsHayward Holdings Inc (HAYW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Acuity Brands Inc generates 295% more annual revenue ($4.61B vs $1.17B). HAYW leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 10.2%. HAYW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. HAYW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

AYI

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.55

HAYW

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 5.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AYISignificantly Overvalued (-78.0%)

Margin of Safety

-78.0%

Fair Value

$180.86

Current Price

$318.96

$138.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $180.86Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HAYW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AYI3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
46.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.2% YoY

HAYW3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.1%

Areas to Watch

AYI2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HAYW1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AYI

The strongest argument for AYI centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : HAYW

The strongest argument for HAYW centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AYI

The primary concerns for AYI are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : HAYW

The primary concerns for HAYW are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AYI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.

HAYW is growing revenue faster at 6.3% — sustainability is the question.

HAYW generates stronger free cash flow (312M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HAYW scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Acuity Brands Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Acuity Brands, Inc. provides lighting and building management solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications in North America and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Hayward Holdings Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of various pool equipment and associated automation systems. The company is headquartered in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

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