WallStSmart

Deere & Company (DE)vsForward Air Corporation (FWRD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Deere & Company generates 1773% more annual revenue ($46.73B vs $2.50B). DE leads profitability with a 10.3% profit margin vs -4.3%. FWRD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. DE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

DE

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.18

FWRD

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 3.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.87
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for DE.

FWRDUndervalued (+84.7%)

Margin of Safety

+84.7%

Fair Value

$193.73

Current Price

$21.06

$172.67 discount

UndervaluedFair: $193.73Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DE1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$159.33B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

FWRD2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
145.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 145.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.668/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

DE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.1%2/10

Revenue declined 11.1%

FWRD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$739.63M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
-63.3%2/10

ROE of -63.3% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.3%2/10

Revenue declined 0.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DE

The strongest argument for DE centers on Market Cap.

Bull Case : FWRD

The strongest argument for FWRD centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.66 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DE

The primary concerns for DE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : FWRD

The primary concerns for FWRD are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 15.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DE profiles as a declining stock while FWRD is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

FWRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.47 — expect wider price swings.

FWRD is growing revenue faster at -0.3% — sustainability is the question.

FWRD generates stronger free cash flow (-31M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DE scores higher overall (49/100 vs 47/100). FWRD offers better value entry with a 84.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Deere & Company

INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA

John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains (axles, transmissions, gearboxes) used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment.

Forward Air Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

Forward Air Corporation is a light freight logistics and transportation company in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee.

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