HWM

Howmet (HWM) stock declined 3.82% to $211.63, underperforming the broader market despite positive earnings expectations. The aerospace and engineered products company is rated a Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buy with consensus estimates projecting 44.21% EPS growth and 23.98% revenue growth for the upcoming quarter. The company will report earnings on October 29, 2026.

ATI Inc. reported first-half 2026 adjusted free cash flow of $143.2 million and raised its full-year 2026 forecast to $550-$600 million from $465-$525 million, driven by stronger operating performance and healthy aerospace and defense demand. The company returned $470 million to shareholders through buybacks in 2025 with $495 million remaining in authorization. Peers Carpenter Technology and Howmet Aerospace also reported strong free cash flow generation.

Howmet Aerospace (HWM) is experiencing strong momentum in commercial aerospace with Q2 2026 revenues from this segment jumping 28% year-over-year and accounting for 53% of total business. Engine Products revenues surged 32% to $1.37 billion and Fastening Systems rose 37% to $589 million.

The company's $1.8 billion acquisition of Stanley Black & Decker's CAM business and continued production ramps from Boeing and Airbus are expected to sustain demand. However, HWM trades at a premium valuation of 36.63X forward P/E versus the industry average of 27.53X and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.