Cintas Corporation (CTAS)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
CTAS
Cintas Corporation
$179.85
-0.06%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $69.91B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$250.72
-1.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $100.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cintas Corporation generates 28% more annual revenue ($11.03B vs $8.62B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs 17.6%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
CTAS
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
HWM
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-38.5%
Fair Value
$144.61
Current Price
$179.85
$35.24 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.2%
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Earnings expanding 71.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.0x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CTAS
The strongest argument for CTAS centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.6% and operating margin at 23.2%.
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.
Bear Case : CTAS
The primary concerns for CTAS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CTAS profiles as a mature stock while HWM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 19.1% — sustainability is the question.
CTAS generates stronger free cash flow (531M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 20.2% margins and 19.1% 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.
Cintas Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
Cintas Corporation is an American corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, which provides a range of products and services to businesses including uniforms, mats, mops, cleaning and restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety courses.
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.
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