WW Grainger Inc (GWW)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,161.35
+1.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $54.97B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 117% more annual revenue ($17.94B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 9.5%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
GWW
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-82.5%
Fair Value
$658.96
Current Price
$1161.35
$502.39 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.7x book value
4.5% revenue growth
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bull Case : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 63.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GWW profiles as a value stock while HWM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
HWM generates stronger free cash flow (530M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% 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.
WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
Visit Website →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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