WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsWillis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Howmet Aerospace Inc generates 1044% more annual revenue ($8.62B vs $753.47M). HWM leads profitability with a 20.2% profit margin vs 16.2%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. WLFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (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

WLFC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.81

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%

WLFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
37.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.3%

PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.6%8/10

Revenue surging 24.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.5% 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

WLFC4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.52B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.02M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.812/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : WLFC

The strongest argument for WLFC centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 37.3%. Revenue growth of 24.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : WLFC

The primary concerns for WLFC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 3.25 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WLFC is growing revenue faster at 24.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

WLFC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 24.6% 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.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RENTAL & LEASING SERVICES · USA

Willis Lease Finance Corporation is a global lessor and manager of commercial aircraft and aircraft engines. The company is headquartered in Coconut Creek, Florida.

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