WallStSmart

Deere & Company (DE)vsForward Air Corporation (FWRD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Deere & Company generates 1821% more annual revenue ($47.34B vs $2.46B). DE leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs -3.7%. FWRD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. FWRD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

DE

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.18

FWRD

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 3.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.80

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DE1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$156.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

FWRD2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
145.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 145.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.668/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

DE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.1%2/10

Revenue declined 11.1%

FWRD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$327.63M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
-112.9%2/10

ROE of -112.9% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.1%2/10

Revenue declined 5.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DE

The strongest argument for DE centers on Market Cap.

Bull Case : FWRD

The strongest argument for FWRD centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.66 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DE

The primary concerns for DE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : FWRD

The primary concerns for FWRD are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 26.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DE profiles as a declining stock while FWRD is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

FWRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

FWRD is growing revenue faster at -5.1% — sustainability is the question.

DE generates stronger free cash flow (874M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FWRD scores higher overall (50/100 vs 49/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.

Deere & Company

INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA

John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains (axles, transmissions, gearboxes) used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment.

Forward Air Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

Forward Air Corporation is a light freight logistics and transportation company in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee.

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