WallStSmart

Hirequest Inc (HQI)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 28942% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $29.69M). HQI leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 20.2%. HQI trades at a lower P/E of 26.9x. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

HQI

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.61

HWM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.61
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HQIUndervalued (+56.0%)

Margin of Safety

+56.0%

Fair Value

$24.25

Current Price

$13.60

$10.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $24.25Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HQI4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
22.0%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

HWM6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.4% YoY

Market CapQuality
$111.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

Areas to Watch

HQI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Market CapQuality
$179.83M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-12.7%2/10

Revenue declined 12.7%

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
63.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
20.1x2/10

Trading at 20.1x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HQI

The strongest argument for HQI centers on Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 22.6%.

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 : HQI

The primary concerns for HQI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : HWM

The primary concerns for HWM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 63.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HQI profiles as a declining 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.

HWM generates stronger free cash flow (359M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HWM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 20.2% margins and 19.1% revenue growth. HQI offers better value entry with a 56.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" 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.

Hirequest Inc

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

HireQuest, Inc. provides temporary and on-demand staffing solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

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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