Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
HTLD
Heartland Express Inc
$13.38
+0.98%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.03B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 982% more annual revenue ($8.25B vs $762.54M). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs -5.7%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
HTLD
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.0%
Fair Value
$20.74
Current Price
$13.38
$7.36 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -5.6% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 19.7%
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTLD
The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book.
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 : HTLD
The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
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
HTLD profiles as a turnaround 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 36/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. HTLD offers better value entry with a 43.0% 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.
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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