Ferguson Plc (FERG)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
FERG
Ferguson Plc
$267.71
+4.51%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.43B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ferguson Plc generates 273% more annual revenue ($30.80B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 6.1%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
FERG
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-38.0%
Fair Value
$193.77
Current Price
$267.71
$73.94 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.9x book value
3.6% revenue growth
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FERG
The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
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 : FERG
The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
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
FERG profiles as a value stock while HWM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
HWM generates stronger free cash flow (530M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 57/100), 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.
Ferguson Plc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.
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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