Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) Stock Surge Driven by Defense Demand & Commercial Recovery

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM): A Stock Soaring on Defense and Commercial Aerospace Momentum#

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM has delivered a remarkable stock performance, surging approximately +65.6% year-to-date as of mid-2025. This significant appreciation reflects the company’s strategic positioning in two critical aerospace segments: defense and commercial aerospace. The surge comes amid heightened defense budgets and a robust recovery in commercial air travel, both fueling demand for Howmet’s engineered components and engine products.

The company’s stock price reached $184.32, up +2.58% intraday on July 14, 2025, with a market capitalization of around $74.4 billion. This strong market valuation signals investor confidence in Howmet’s growth trajectory and fundamentals, including solid cash flow generation and expanding margins.

Financial Performance Highlights and Growth Drivers#

Howmet Aerospace's financial results from recent years underscore accelerating growth and improving profitability. The company reported FY 2024 revenue of $7.43 billion, up from $6.64 billion in 2023, marking a +11.9% revenue growth year-over-year. Net income surged even more impressively, reaching $1.16 billion in 2024, a +50.98% increase from $765 million in 2023. This rapid profit growth reflects operational leverage and margin expansion, with the operating income margin improving to 21.98% in 2024 from 18.12% in 2023.

The gross profit margin also expanded to 31.1%, up from 28.12% the previous year, signaling enhanced efficiency in production and cost management. Howmet’s EBITDA reached $1.84 billion in 2024, reinforcing its strong cash flow profile.

A look at cash flow metrics reveals robust operational strength: the company generated $1.3 billion in net cash from operating activities in 2024 and delivered free cash flow of $977 million, enabling disciplined capital allocation including $500 million in share repurchases and dividend payments totaling $109 million.

Key Financial Metrics Table (FY 2022 - FY 2024)#

Strategic Growth Catalysts: Defense Spending and Commercial Aerospace Recovery#

Two major segments are driving Howmet Aerospace’s momentum: defense aerospace and commercial aerospace.

Defense Aerospace: The F-35 Program and Government Funding#

Defense aerospace revenue surged by +19% year-over-year in Q1 2025, now representing about 17% of total sales. This growth is primarily linked to increased demand for engine components and structural parts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The U.S. Department of Defense’s fiscal 2025 budget allocated $852.2 billion, up 3.3% from 2024, supporting ongoing military modernization efforts.

Howmet’s Engineered Structures segment saw a +36% increase in defense aerospace sales during Q1 2025, underscoring the company’s critical role in supplying complex components for military aircraft. This segment’s expansion contributes to diversified revenue streams and positions Howmet as a key beneficiary of sustained government defense spending.

Commercial Aerospace: Rebound in Air Travel and OEM Production#

Commercial aerospace is Howmet’s largest segment, accounting for 52% of total revenue. The segment grew +9% year-over-year in Q1 2025, supported by a global recovery in air travel and accelerated production by major OEMs such as Boeing and Airbus.

The resumption of Boeing 737 MAX production and increased aircraft utilization have heightened demand for Howmet’s engine products and spare parts. Airlines’ focus on fleet modernization and fuel efficiency further bolsters aftermarket services, a profitable area for Howmet.

Competitors like RTX Corporation reported similar growth trends, with RTX’s commercial aerospace segment posting an +8% organic sales increase in Q1 2025, highlighting a broad industry recovery.

Valuation and Analyst Sentiment#

Despite its strong growth, Howmet Aerospace trades at a premium valuation, reflecting high investor expectations. The company’s trailing P/E ratio stands at approximately 60.43x, with a forward P/E of 51.68x for 2025 and projected to decline gradually to 27.03x by 2029 as earnings growth moderates.

Price-to-sales and price-to-book ratios are also elevated at 9.86x and 15.58x, respectively, underscoring the market’s optimism about Howmet’s growth prospects and profitability.

Analyst sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with approximately 90% of analysts recommending a Buy or Strong Buy rating. Price targets have recently been revised upwards; notably, Susquehanna raised its target to $210 from $170 on July 14, 2025, signaling confidence in the company’s future earnings potential.

Competitive Positioning: Outperforming Peers in Aerospace Supply Chain#

Howmet Aerospace’s stock performance outpaces major competitors such as GE Aerospace and RTX Corporation, which have gained approximately +48% and +26% year-to-date, respectively. This relative outperformance reflects Howmet’s strong operational momentum and strategic focus on high-growth segments.

The company benefits from a diversified product portfolio and high barriers to entry in engineered aerospace components. Its leadership in supplying critical parts for both defense and commercial aircraft provides a competitive moat against peers.

Supply chain resilience and technological expertise have been pivotal in maintaining delivery schedules and capturing new program wins, further enhancing Howmet’s market positioning.

Financial Health and Capital Allocation#

Howmet maintains a robust balance sheet, with a current ratio of 2.3x indicating strong liquidity to meet short-term obligations. Total debt stands at approximately $3.47 billion, with a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73x and net debt to EBITDA of 1.49x, reflecting prudent leverage.

The company’s capital allocation strategy balances growth investments, shareholder returns, and debt reduction. In 2024, Howmet invested $321 million in capital expenditures, supporting capacity expansion and technology upgrades, while returning capital through dividends and share repurchases.

Balance Sheet Snapshot (Dec 2024 vs Dec 2023)#

What This Means For Investors#

Howmet Aerospace's recent financial and operational performance indicates a company well-positioned to capitalize on key aerospace industry trends. The dual engines of defense spending growth and commercial aerospace recovery provide a robust foundation for sustained revenue and profit expansion.

Investors should note the premium valuation reflecting high growth expectations, balanced by strong cash flow generation and disciplined capital management. Howmet’s leadership in engineered aerospace components and its expanding order backlog suggest continued momentum.

The company’s strategic focus on high-value segments, coupled with improving margins and a healthy balance sheet, supports long-term competitive positioning. However, investors should remain aware of risks including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties impacting defense budgets.

Key Takeaways#

1. Howmet Aerospace’s stock has surged +65.6% YTD, outperforming peers due to strong demand in defense and commercial aerospace.
2. FY 2024 revenue reached $7.43 billion, with net income growing +50.98% to $1.16 billion, supported by margin expansion.
3. Defense segment growth (+19% in Q1 2025) is driven by the F-35 program and increased U.S. military spending.
4. Commercial aerospace recovery (+9% in Q1 2025) benefits from fleet modernization and OEM production ramp-ups.
5. The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with a 2.3x current ratio and manageable leverage.
6. Premium valuation metrics reflect strong growth expectations; analyst consensus remains largely positive.

Sources#

• Nasdaq - Will Increased Military Spending Fuel Howmet's Defense Aerospace Gains
• TradingView - Bull of the Day: Howmet Aerospace (HWM)
• GuruFocus - Susquehanna Boosts Howmet Aerospace Price Target Amid Positive Outlook
• Nasdaq - HWM Stock Surges 65.6% YTD; Is It Still Worth Buying?
• GuruFocus - HWM: Susquehanna Raises Price Target for Howmet Aerospace
• MarketBeat - HWM Earnings & Valuation