Is Howmet Aerospace Stock Outperforming the S&P 500?

With a market cap of $91.2 billion, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace, defense, and commercial transportation industries worldwide, including in the U.S., Japan, China, and Europe. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. 

Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as “large-cap” stocks and Howmet Aerospace fits this criterion perfectly. The company serves customers in aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines, and heavy-duty vehicle markets.

Shares of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company have pulled back 26% from its 52-week high of $310. Howmet Aerospace’s shares have fallen 13.3% over the past three months, lagging behind the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 3.8% rise over the same time frame. 

HWM stock is up nearly 12% on a YTD basis, slightly underperforming SPX’s 12.1% gain. However, shares of the aerospace company have jumped 24.6% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing SPX’s 16.5% increase over the same time frame.

Yet, the stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since last year. 

Howmet Aerospace reported Q2 2026 results on Aug. 6. The company raised its 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to $5.23 - $5.31 and revenue guidance to $10 billion - $10.1 billion, driven by robust demand for aerospace parts as Boeing and Airbus increase jet production. Q2 adjusted EPS jumped 46% to $1.33 and revenue rose 24% to $2.55 billion, beating estimates, supported by stronger aircraft demand and growing sales of gas-turbine blades for data centers. 

Rising widebody production, anticipated increases in Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 output, higher fastener prices, and data-center-related power-generation projects are expected to support growth through 2030.

In comparison, HWM stock has outpaced its rival, GE Aerospace (GE). GE stock has soared nearly 15% over the past 52 weeks and 5.1% on a YTD basis. 

Due to the stock’s outperformance over the past year, analysts remain bullish on HWM. The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from the 23 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $332.57 is a premium of 44.8% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.