Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsPlug Power Inc (PLUG)
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$242.69
+1.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $96.03B
PLUG
Plug Power Inc
$3.32
+6.07%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $4.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 1062% more annual revenue ($8.25B vs $709.92M). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs -229.8%. 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-
PLUG
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Margin of Safety
-47.2%
Fair Value
$1.25
Current Price
$3.32
$2.07 premium
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.6% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of -120.5% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : PLUG
The strongest argument for PLUG centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 64.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PLUG
The primary concerns for PLUG are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM profiles as a mature stock while PLUG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PLUG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — expect wider price swings.
PLUG is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.
HWM generates stronger free cash flow (530M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. 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.
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.
Plug Power Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA
Plug Power Inc. provides turnkey hydrogen fuel cell solutions for the stationary power and electric mobility markets in North America and Europe. The company is headquartered in Latham, New York.
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