WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 226% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $8.25B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 18.3%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

HWM

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0

MCD

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HWMSignificantly Overvalued (-58.8%)

Margin of Safety

-58.8%

Fair Value

$145.34

Current Price

$241.58

$96.24 premium

UndervaluedFair: $145.34Overvalued
MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-31.1%)

Margin of Safety

-31.1%

Fair Value

$237.84

Current Price

$311.70

$73.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $237.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HWM5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Return on EquityProfitability
30.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Market CapQuality
$93.06B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
26.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$219.68B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
18.1x4/10

Trading at 18.1x book value

P/E RatioValuation
62.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

MCD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.742/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MCD

The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.

Bear Case : HWM

The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 62.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : MCD

The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 53/100), 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.

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.

McDonald’s Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.

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