Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.12
-1.45%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 48% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $8.25B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 18.3%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
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.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM profiles as a mature stock while NSC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — 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 55/100), 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.
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.
Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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