WallStSmart

Hexcel Corporation (HXL)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 2115% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $1.89B). NOC leads profitability with a 10.0% profit margin vs 5.8%. HXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.19. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

HXL

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.80

NOC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HXLSignificantly Overvalued (-37.0%)

Margin of Safety

-37.0%

Fair Value

$64.12

Current Price

$82.24

$18.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.12Overvalued
NOCUndervalued (+24.9%)

Margin of Safety

+24.9%

Fair Value

$904.35

Current Price

$691.21

$213.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $904.35Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HXL0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

NOC3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.23B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HXL4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.8%3/10

5.8% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
60.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HXL

PEG of 1.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : HXL

The primary concerns for HXL are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 60.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HXL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

NOC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.

NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HXL scores higher overall (56/100 vs 56/100). NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Hexcel Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Hexcel Corporation develops, manufactures and markets structural materials for use in the aerospace, space, and commercial and industrial defense markets. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

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