Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
PRLB
Proto Labs Inc
$64.81
+4.10%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 1448% more annual revenue ($8.25B vs $533.13M). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 4.0%. 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-
PRLB
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Margin of Safety
+38.2%
Fair Value
$108.67
Current Price
$64.81
$43.86 discount
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.2% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
4.0% margin — thin
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 : PRLB
The strongest argument for PRLB centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.86 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 63.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PRLB
The primary concerns for PRLB are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 70.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM profiles as a mature stock while PRLB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PRLB 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 49/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. PRLB offers better value entry with a 38.2% 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.
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.
Proto Labs Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Proto Labs, Inc., is an e-commerce-driven digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts around the world. The company is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota.
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