WW Grainger Inc (GWW)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,300.01
+0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $59.88B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$250.72
-1.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $100.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 113% more annual revenue ($18.38B vs $8.62B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs 9.7%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
GWW
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
HWM
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Earnings expanding 71.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.6x book value
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.2% and operating margin at 28.2%. Revenue growth of 19.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW 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 58.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GWW profiles as a value stock while HWM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 19.1% — sustainability is the question.
GWW generates stronger free cash flow (569M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 20.2% margins and 19.1% 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.
WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
Visit Website →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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