With a market capitalization of $102.9 billion, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) provides advanced engineering solutions to the aerospace, defense and commercial transportation industries worldwide, including the US, Japan, China and Europe. It operates through four segments: motor products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.
Companies worth more than $10 billion are typically labeled as “large cap” stocks, and Howmet Aerospace fits this bill perfectly. The company serves customers in the aircraft engine, industrial gas turbine and heavy vehicle markets.
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Shares of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company fell 10.2% from their 52-week high of $280.74. Howmet Aerospace shares have fallen marginally over the past three months, a less steep drop than the 5.2% drop in the iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) over the same time period.
HWM shares are up 23% so far this year, outpacing ITA’s 5.9% gain. Longer term, the aerospace company’s shares have risen 49.6% in the last 52 weeks, compared to ITA’s 26.9% return in the same time period.
The stock has been trading below its 50- and 200-day moving averages since last year.
Howmet Aerospace shares rose 6.3% on May 7 after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2026 results, with revenue up 19% year over year to $2.31 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.22, both beating analyst estimates. Strong demand in commercial aerospace and gas turbines boosted profitability, with operating income increasing 52% to $753 million, adjusted EBITDA increasing 32% to $740 million and EBITDA margin expanding 320 basis points to 32%, while free cash flow more than doubled to $359 million.
Investors were further encouraged by management’s improved outlook, including full-year revenue guidance of $9.65 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.94, both above Wall Street expectations, reflecting confidence in sustained aerospace demand and production growth.
By comparison, HWM stock has outperformed its rivals, GE Aerospace (GE). GE shares have soared 32.8% over the past 52 weeks and 4.4% so far this year.