WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 3602% more annual revenue ($305.45B vs $8.25B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.0% profit margin vs 18.3%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

HWM

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

MSFT

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51
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
MSFTUndervalued (+50.1%)

Margin of Safety

+50.1%

Fair Value

$747.40

Current Price

$371.04

$376.36 discount

UndervaluedFair: $747.40Overvalued

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

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$2.85T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
47.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
59.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 59.8% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

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

MSFT0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.0% and operating margin at 47.1%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : MSFT

No major red flags identified for MSFT, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (5.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSFT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 39.0% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. 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.

Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

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