Cintas Corporation (CTAS)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
CTAS
Cintas Corporation
$174.71
+0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $69.90B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cintas Corporation generates 34% more annual revenue ($11.03B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 17.6%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CTAS
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-29.5%
Fair Value
$154.77
Current Price
$174.71
$19.94 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.2%
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CTAS
The strongest argument for CTAS centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.6% and operating margin at 23.2%.
Bull Case : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CTAS
The primary concerns for CTAS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 63.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
CTAS generates stronger free cash flow (531M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. 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.
Cintas Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
Cintas Corporation is an American corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, which provides a range of products and services to businesses including uniforms, mats, mops, cleaning and restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety courses.
Howmet Aerospace Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.
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