WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsMSA Safety (MSA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 350% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $1.92B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs 15.2%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

HWM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

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

MSA

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.06

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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%

MSA5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
22.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

MSA1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MSA

The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 22.4%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : MSA

The primary concerns for MSA are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HWM profiles as a growth stock while MSA is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

HWM is growing revenue faster at 19.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MSA scores higher overall (74/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

MSA Safety

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

MSA Safety Incorporated develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructure in the oil, gas, petrochemical, fire, construction, industrial manufacturing, utility, military, and mining industries in America. North, Latin America and internationally. . The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

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