WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsUS Xpress Enterprises Inc (USX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 304% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $2.14B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs -2.9%. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

HWM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.61

USX

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 6.0Profit: 2.8Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.47

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HWM6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.4% YoY

Market CapQuality
$100.31B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

USX1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
104.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 104.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
18.2x4/10

Trading at 18.2x book value

P/E RatioValuation
58.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

USX4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$331.91M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.7%2/10

Revenue declined 4.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-50.25M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.472/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : USX

The strongest argument for USX centers on EPS Growth.

Bear Case : HWM

The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 58.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : USX

The primary concerns for USX are Market Cap, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 4.00 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HWM profiles as a growth stock while USX is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

USX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.17 — 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 43/100), backed by strong 20.2% margins and 19.1% 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.

US Xpress Enterprises Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

US Xpress Enterprises, Inc. is an asset-based truck freight carrier serving primarily the United States. The company is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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