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Howmet Aerospace (HWM)
NYSE:HWM

Howmet Aerospace (HWM) AI Stock Analysis

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HWM

Howmet Aerospace

(NYSE:HWM)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
$287.00
▲(24.13% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/11/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (margin expansion, ROE, rising free cash flow, and deleveraging) and supportive trend/momentum signals. Offsetting these positives are a stretched valuation (high P/E and very low yield) and incremental execution risks from aircraft build-rate dependence, elevated capex/hiring ramp, and the debt-funded CAM acquisition.
Positive Factors
Margin Expansion and Profitability
Sustained margin expansion reflects Howmet’s high‑value engineered products, operational execution and pricing power in aerospace alloys. Higher gross and net margins indicate durable competitiveness and operating leverage that support cash generation and reinvestment over the medium term.
Strong Cash Generation & Deleveraging
Robust FCF and falling net debt provide lasting financial flexibility: funds support buybacks, dividends, M&A and capex while lowering leverage risk. Improved cash conversion enhances resilience to cyclical softness and underpins strategic investment without immediate funding strain.
Aftermarket Spares & Gas Turbine Momentum
Growing spares and gas turbine franchises shift revenue mix toward recurring, less cyclical streams with higher margins. Expansion of aftermarket content and turbine exposure supports steadier demand, higher lifetime platform economics, and reduces sensitivity to new‑build volatility.
Negative Factors
Dependence on Aircraft Build Rates
A significant portion of revenue ties to OEM production ramps; slower-than-assumed aircraft deliveries would directly reduce new‑build content and aftermarket cadence. This structural exposure can compress revenue and margin trajectory if OEM schedules or supply chain bottlenecks persist.
Elevated CapEx and Hiring
Sustained higher capex and workforce expansion increase fixed costs and cash funding needs. These capacity investments only yield returns if demand materializes; mis-timed ramps could depress margins, slow FCF growth and lengthen payback periods over the medium term.
Debt‑Funded M&A and Integration Risk
The CAM acquisition expands strategic scope but raises leverage and execution demands. Integration, regulatory approval and realization of synergies will determine returns; debt‑funded deals increase balance sheet sensitivity to cyclical slowdowns and require sustained cash generation to justify.

Howmet Aerospace (HWM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Howmet Aerospace Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHowmet Aerospace Inc. provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. The Engine Products segment offers airfoils and seamless rolled rings primarily for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines; and rotating parts, as well as structural parts. The Fastening Systems segment produces aerospace fastening systems, as well as commercial transportation, industrial, and other fasteners. The Engineered Structures segment provides titanium ingots and mill products for aerospace and defense applications; and aluminum and nickel forgings, and machined components and assemblies. The Forged Wheels segment offers forged aluminum wheels and related products for heavy-duty trucks and commercial transportation markets. The company was formerly known as Arconic Inc. The company was founded in 1888 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneyHowmet Aerospace generates revenue primarily by manufacturing and selling proprietary, engineered components and systems that are designed into customer platforms where performance, certification, and switching costs are high. Key revenue streams include: (1) Engine products for jet engines and industrial gas turbines—selling precision cast turbine blades/vanes and related engine components to engine OEMs and other aerospace customers; demand is driven by new aircraft/engine production and, where applicable, aftermarket replacement needs. (2) Fastening systems—selling aerospace-grade and industrial fasteners, installation tools, and related systems used in aircraft, defense platforms, and other industrial applications; revenues are tied to build rates, program content, and recurring replenishment. (3) Engineered structures—selling investment castings, forgings, and other structural components used in airframes and engines; revenues track production volumes and long-term supply agreements on specific platforms. (4) Forged wheels—selling forged aluminum wheels to commercial vehicle OEMs and fleets; revenues are influenced by heavy-duty truck and trailer build cycles and replacement demand. Across these businesses, earnings are supported by long-term customer relationships and platform penetration (once qualified, components are often supplied over multi-year program lives), pricing tied to value-added manufacturing and specialized alloys/processes, and operational execution (yield, scrap, and capacity utilization) that affects margins. Specific partnership details are null.

Howmet Aerospace Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Highlights profitability across different business segments, giving insight into which areas are driving earnings and how effectively each segment is managed.
Chart InsightsHowmet Aerospace's Engine Products and Fastening Systems segments show robust growth in adjusted EBITDA, reflecting strong demand in aerospace markets. Engineered Structures is rebounding, while Forged Wheels faces challenges, aligning with reported declines in commercial transportation. The earnings call highlights a positive outlook with significant revenue and EBITDA growth, bolstered by strong aerospace demand and strategic financial maneuvers like debt reduction and share buybacks. However, commercial transportation struggles and tariff uncertainties present potential risks, particularly impacting the Forged Wheels segment.
Data provided by:The Fly

Howmet Aerospace Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 12, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presents a strongly positive performance story: record revenue, EBITDA, margins, EPS and free cash flow with accelerating spares and gas turbine growth, meaningful debt reduction, active capital deployment (buybacks/dividends) and strategic M&A. Notable challenges include weakness in wheels/commercial transportation volumes, near-term margin drag from hiring and capex ramp, input-cost/tariff pass-throughs and dependence on OEM aircraft build rates. Overall, the positives and momentum materially outweigh the manageable headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Top-Line Growth
Q4 revenue of $2.17B, up 15% YoY; full year revenue up 11% to a record level.
Robust EBITDA and Margin Expansion
Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $653M, up 29% YoY; full year adjusted EBITDA of $2.42B, up 26% YoY. Full year EBITDA margin improved 350 bps to 29.3% with a Q4 exit rate of 30.1%.
Record Free Cash Flow and Strong Conversion
Free cash flow of $1.43B (record), more than $100M above guidance; free cash flow conversion of net income was 93% (target 90%).
Earnings Per Share Growth
Q4 adjusted EPS $1.05, up 42% YoY; full year adjusted EPS $3.77, up 40% YoY.
Engine Products Segment Records
Engine Products Q4 revenue $1.16B, up 20% YoY; segment EBITDA up 31% to $396M; full year engine revenue up 16% to $4.3B and EBITDA margin 33.3% (record).
Spares Acceleration
Combined commercial aerospace, defense aerospace and gas turbine spares grew ~33% for the year to $1.7B and now represent 21% of total revenue (versus 17% in 2024 and 11% pre-2019).
Gas Turbine Market Momentum
Gas turbine revenue up 32% in Q4 and up 25% for the full year; company expects base gas turbine revenue to roughly double from ~$1B to ~$2B over 3–5 years.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity Strengthening
Net debt to trailing EBITDA at a record low of 1x; debt reduced by $265M in 2025; year-end cash balance $743M; $1B revolver and $1B commercial paper unused.
Capital Deployment and Shareholder Returns
Deployed ~$1.2B in buybacks, preferred redemption, debt paydown and dividends in 2025. Repurchased $700M of common stock (4.4M shares) in 2025 plus $150M in early 2026; dividend increased 69% to $181M ($0.44/share).
Strategic Portfolio Actions and Pension De-risking
Completed purchase of a fastener business in Wisconsin and agreed to acquire a larger aerospace fastener & fittings business for $1.8B; annuitized U.K. pension plan reducing gross pension obligations by $128M with no 2025 contributions required.
Negative Updates
Commercial Transportation and Wheels Volume Weakness
Commercial transportation revenue down 5% for the full year; wheels volumes down 10% in Q4 and down 13% for the full year. Forged Wheels full year revenue down 1%.
Segment Softness and Product Rationalization
Engineered Structures commercial aerospace revenue down 6% in Q4 (product rationalization); Fastening Systems commercial transportation revenue down 16% in the quarter; wide‑body aircraft sluggish recovery impacted results.
Near-term Margin Drag from Hiring and Start-up Costs
Absorbed ~1,500 net new employees in 2025 (approx. 1,440 in Engine Products), creating near-term margin drag; guidance implies modest margin pressure (roughly a ~30 bps full-year decline vs Q1 exit rate) due to capacity additions and start-up friction.
Higher Capital Expenditure Requirements
Record CapEx of $453M in 2025 (up ≈$130M YoY) with continued elevated investment expected (~$470M midpoint for 2026), which could weigh on near-term free cash flow if ramp outcomes slip from plan.
Exposure to Input Costs and Tariffs
Pass-through of higher aluminum costs and tariffs affected commercial transportation/wheels; sensitivity to metal costs and tariff uncertainty remains a headwind.
Dependence on Aircraft Build Rates and External Uncertainty
Outlook and guidance are materially dependent on aircraft build rates (Boeing and Airbus assumptions stated); any slower-than-expected OEM ramps or assembly/engine production constraints could negatively impact revenue and margins.
M&A and Integration Uncertainty
Large announced acquisition ($1.8B CAM) adds execution and regulatory risk; company kept guidance 'clean' pending close, but integration and timing could affect near-term results.
Company Guidance
Howmet guided Q1 2026 revenue of $2.235 billion (±$10 million), adjusted EBITDA of $685 million (±$5 million) and adjusted EPS of $1.10 (±$0.01); for full‑year 2026 (excluding the CAM acquisition) management guided revenue of $9.1 billion (±$100 million), adjusted EBITDA of $2.76 billion (±$50 million), adjusted EPS of $4.45 (±$0.01) and free cash flow of $1.6 billion (±$50 million), with EBITDA incremental for the year cited at roughly the “early 40%” range; they said Q1 revenue is about 15% year‑over‑year above the 2025 average, noted the guide excludes CAM, indicated a 2026 capex midpoint of roughly $470 million (with upside possible), and disclosed the aircraft build‑rate assumptions behind the outlook (Boeing 737 ~40/mo with a 42 daily average, 787 7→8/mo; Airbus A320 60/mo; A350 6/mo).

Howmet Aerospace Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong fundamental trajectory: expanding gross and net margins, high ROE, accelerating operating cash flow and free cash flow, and meaningful deleveraging. Main watch items are decelerating revenue growth and FCF running below net income (cash conversion not fully matching earnings).
Income Statement
86
Very Positive
Revenue has recovered strongly from the 2020–2021 downturn, reaching $8.25B in 2025 with steady growth (2025: +3.5% vs. 2024: +11.9%). Profitability has expanded meaningfully: gross margin improved from ~21.7% (2020) to ~30.7% (2025), and net margin rose from ~4.0% (2020) to ~18.3% (2025), indicating strong operating leverage and execution. A key watch item is the decelerating top-line growth in 2025 versus prior years, which could limit further margin-driven upside if demand slows.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Leverage has improved materially, with total debt down from ~$5.21B (2020) to ~$3.05B (2025) and debt-to-equity improving from ~1.46x to ~0.57x, reflecting active deleveraging and strengthening equity. Returns are strong, with return on equity rising to ~28.2% in 2025, signaling efficient capital use alongside higher profitability. The main limitation is that debt remains sizable in absolute terms (~$3.05B), so the balance sheet is improved but still requires continued discipline if the cycle weakens.
Cash Flow
84
Very Positive
Cash generation is robust and improving: operating cash flow increased to ~$1.88B (2025) from ~$1.30B (2024) and ~$0.90B (2023), and free cash flow rose to ~$1.43B (2025) with a sharp acceleration in growth (2025: +35.3%). Free cash flow is consistently positive since 2021, a clear improvement from 2020 when free cash flow was negative. A moderate caution is that free cash flow runs below net income (about ~76% in 2025), suggesting working capital/cash conversion is good but not fully matching accounting earnings.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue8.25B7.43B6.64B5.66B4.97B
Gross Profit2.54B2.05B1.61B1.35B1.13B
EBITDA2.41B1.84B1.47B1.10B853.00M
Net Income1.51B1.16B765.00M469.00M258.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets11.18B10.52B10.43B10.26B10.22B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments742.00M564.00M610.00M791.00M720.00M
Total Debt3.05B3.47B3.83B4.28B4.35B
Total Liabilities5.83B5.96B6.39B6.65B6.71B
Stockholders Equity5.35B4.55B4.04B3.60B3.51B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.43B977.00M682.00M540.00M250.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.88B1.30B901.00M733.00M449.00M
Investing Cash Flow-438.00M-316.00M-215.00M-135.00M107.00M
Financing Cash Flow-1.27B-1.03B-868.00M-526.00M-1.44B

Howmet Aerospace Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price231.21
Price Trends
50DMA
234.70
Negative
100DMA
218.60
Positive
200DMA
200.50
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.50
Positive
RSI
38.37
Neutral
STOCH
18.80
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HWM, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 231.21 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 250.72, below the 50-day MA of 234.70, and above the 200-day MA of 200.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.50 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.37 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.80 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for HWM.

Howmet Aerospace Risk Analysis

Howmet Aerospace disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Howmet Aerospace reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Howmet Aerospace Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$112.89B32.8225.65%0.79%0.22%26.66%
79
Outperform
$47.94B31.9714.26%0.59%3.67%10.44%
76
Outperform
$92.70B54.9329.67%0.21%9.70%36.28%
69
Neutral
$72.06B30.8111.61%1.58%2.97%18.14%
67
Neutral
$73.72B24.7624.13%1.48%-1.78%27.35%
65
Neutral
$66.49B49.35-26.55%11.33%25.37%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HWM
Howmet Aerospace
231.21
95.44
70.30%
AME
Ametek
209.37
31.71
17.85%
CMI
Cummins
533.54
208.50
64.15%
EMR
Emerson Electric Company
128.15
14.67
12.93%
PH
Parker Hannifin
894.41
257.72
40.48%
TDG
Transdigm Group
1,177.39
-114.15
-8.84%

Howmet Aerospace Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Howmet Aerospace Highlights Strategy at Technology and Markets Day
Positive
Mar 10, 2026

On March 10, 2026, Howmet Aerospace Inc. hosted its Technology and Markets Day and posted the accompanying presentation on its website, outlining its strategic focus and market views. The event emphasized concentrating resources on core strengths, notably differentiated products such as advanced airfoils, specialized fasteners, forged structures and lightweight wheels that improve fuel efficiency, cut emissions and lower operating costs for aerospace and transportation customers.

Management framed this product set as central to driving growth above market rates through disciplined commercial execution, operational rigor and capital allocation. The company also highlighted expectations for an “elongated recovery” in commercial aerospace, projecting double-digit growth in large commercial aircraft deliveries through 2027 and continued fleet expansion into the 2030s, underscoring a supportive demand backdrop for Howmet’s key aerospace franchises.

The most recent analyst rating on (HWM) stock is a Buy with a $500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Howmet Aerospace stock, see the HWM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Howmet Aerospace Issues Senior Notes to Fund Acquisition
Positive
Mar 4, 2026

On March 3, 2026, Howmet Aerospace closed an underwritten public offering of $1.2 billion in senior notes, issuing $400 million of 3.750% notes due 2028, $300 million of 3.900% notes due 2029 and $500 million of 4.750% notes due 2036 under its existing indenture. The notes feature standard covenants, detailed optional redemption provisions and customary events of default, reinforcing the company’s access to long-term capital markets at relatively low fixed rates.

Howmet plans to use the notes’ net proceeds, together with $600 million in commercial paper or other debt and cash on hand, to fund the approximately $1.8 billion purchase of Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, LLC, with a special mandatory redemption feature requiring the 2036 notes to be redeemed at 101% of principal if the deal does not close. The structure underscores both the strategic importance of the proposed CAM acquisition to Howmet’s aerospace components portfolio and the protections afforded to noteholders if the transaction fails to materialize.

The most recent analyst rating on (HWM) stock is a Buy with a $300.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Howmet Aerospace stock, see the HWM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Howmet Aerospace Prices $1.2 Billion Debt for Acquisition
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Howmet Aerospace Inc. announced the pricing of an underwritten public debt offering totaling $1.2 billion, comprising $400 million of 3.750% notes due 2028, $300 million of 3.900% notes due 2029, and $500 million of 4.750% notes due 2036, with closing expected on March 3, 2026, subject to customary conditions. The company plans to use the proceeds, along with $600 million in additional borrowings and cash on hand, to help finance the approximately $1.8 billion purchase price for its proposed acquisition of Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, LLC, underscoring an expansion push in aerospace components and a meaningful increase in its leverage profile to support portfolio growth.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. are serving as joint book-running managers on the transaction, highlighting strong underwriting support from major Wall Street banks. The financing structure signals investor appetite for Howmet’s credit and illustrates the company’s intent to scale its aerospace manufacturing footprint through sizable, debt-funded M&A, with potential implications for future cash flows, integration execution, and returns for shareholders and creditors.

The most recent analyst rating on (HWM) stock is a Hold with a $260.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Howmet Aerospace stock, see the HWM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Howmet Aerospace Plans Debt-Financed Acquisition of CAM Unit
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Howmet Aerospace Inc. announced a proposed offering of senior notes, with pricing and terms subject to market conditions and other factors. The company plans to use the proceeds, along with $600 million in commercial paper or other debt and cash on hand, to help fund the approximately $1.8 billion purchase price for its proposed acquisition of Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, LLC, underscoring a strategic move to expand its aerospace portfolio and scale through debt-financed M&A.

The financing plan signals Howmet Aerospace’s continued use of the capital markets to support growth initiatives in the aerospace sector. If completed, the transaction would likely strengthen its competitive position by broadening its product offerings and customer base in aerospace manufacturing, with implications for leverage levels and future cash flow allocation for investors and other stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (HWM) stock is a Hold with a $260.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Howmet Aerospace stock, see the HWM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Howmet Aerospace to Acquire CAM in $1.8B Deal
Positive
Dec 22, 2025

On December 22, 2025, Howmet Aerospace announced a definitive agreement to acquire Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing (CAM), a global designer and manufacturer of precision fasteners, fluid fittings and other highly engineered products for demanding aerospace and defense uses, from Stanley Black & Decker in an all‑cash deal valued at approximately $1.8 billion. The transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026 subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, is positioned as a major step in expanding Howmet’s differentiated fastener portfolio, deepening its exposure to key aerospace and defense platforms and benefiting from favorable federal tax treatment; CAM is projected to deliver $485–$495 million in revenue and an adjusted EBITDA margin above 20% in fiscal 2026, implying a post‑synergy EBITDA multiple of about 13 times and signaling a strategic use of capital intended to enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (HWM) stock is a Buy with a $246.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Howmet Aerospace stock, see the HWM Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 11, 2026