Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
HTLD
Heartland Express Inc
$12.99
-2.84%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.11B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$272.79
-4.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $111.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 1031% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $762.54M). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs -5.7%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
HTLD
Avoid34
out of 100
Grade: F
HWM
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+30.1%
Fair Value
$16.91
Current Price
$12.99
$3.92 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 19.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTLD
The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
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 : HTLD
The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 63.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTLD profiles as a turnaround stock while HWM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
HTLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — 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 34/100), backed by strong 20.2% margins and 19.1% revenue growth. HTLD offers better value entry with a 30.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Heartland Express Inc
INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA
Heartland Express, Inc., is a short- to medium-haul truck freight carrier in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa.
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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