WallStSmart

Forward Air Corporation (FWRD)vsGE Aerospace (GE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

GE Aerospace generates 1836% more annual revenue ($48.31B vs $2.50B). GE leads profitability with a 17.9% profit margin vs -4.3%. FWRD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. GE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

FWRD

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 3.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.87

GE

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.69
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FWRDUndervalued (+84.7%)

Margin of Safety

+84.7%

Fair Value

$193.73

Current Price

$21.06

$172.67 discount

UndervaluedFair: $193.73Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

GE5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$296.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
45.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Revenue surging 24.7% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FWRD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$739.63M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
-63.3%2/10

ROE of -63.3% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.3%2/10

Revenue declined 0.3%

GE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
15.9x4/10

Trading at 15.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.694/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEG RatioValuation
6.822/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : GE

The strongest argument for GE centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.9% and operating margin at 20.2%. Revenue growth of 24.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FWRD

The primary concerns for FWRD are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 15.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : GE

The primary concerns for GE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FWRD profiles as a turnaround stock while GE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FWRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.47 — expect wider price swings.

GE is growing revenue faster at 24.7% — sustainability is the question.

GE generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GE scores higher overall (59/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 17.9% margins and 24.7% revenue growth. FWRD offers better value entry with a 84.7% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

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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GE Aerospace

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

General Electric Company (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate incorporated in New York City and headquartered in Boston. As of 2018, the company operates through the following segments: aviation, healthcare, power, renewable energy, digital industry, additive manufacturing and venture capital and finance.

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