WallStSmart

Herc Holdings Inc (HRI)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 85% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $4.65B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs -0.1%. HRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.06. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

HRI

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.65

HWM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.61
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HRISignificantly Overvalued (-71.8%)

Margin of Safety

-71.8%

Fair Value

$105.26

Current Price

$136.68

$31.42 premium

UndervaluedFair: $105.26Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HRI3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.0610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
32.3%10/10

Revenue surging 32.3% year-over-year

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

HWM6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.4% YoY

Market CapQuality
$100.31B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

Areas to Watch

HRI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-0.3%2/10

ROE of -0.3% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-79.0%2/10

Earnings declined 79.0%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
18.2x4/10

Trading at 18.2x book value

P/E RatioValuation
58.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HRI

The strongest argument for HRI centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 32.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : HRI

The primary concerns for HRI are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 5.08 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

HRI profiles as a hypergrowth stock while HWM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HRI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.90 — expect wider price swings.

HRI is growing revenue faster at 32.3% — sustainability is the question.

HWM generates stronger free cash flow (359M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HWM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 52/100), 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.

Herc Holdings Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RENTAL & LEASING SERVICES · USA

Herc Holdings Inc. is an equipment rental provider primarily in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?