Howmet Aerospace on Thursday forecast first-quarter profit above Wall Street expectations, as the maker of castings and fasteners for aircraft benefited from strong industry demand for planes and part... ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Investor Contact Media Contact Paul T. Luther Rob Morrison (412) 553-1950 (412) 553-2666 Paul.Luther@howmet.com Rob.Morrison@howmet.com Howmet Aerospace Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results Exhibit 99.1 FY 2025: Record Revenue, Up 11% Year Over Year; Record Profit and Cash from Operations FY 2025: GAAP EPS Up 32% Year Over Year; Adjusted EPS Up 40% Year Over Year FY 2025: $700 Million Deployed for Common Stock Repurchases; $265 Million Debt Reduction FY 2026: Revenue Growt ...

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace reported record revenue and profit for FY 2025, with revenue of $8.3 billion, up 11% year over year, and net income of $1.5 billion, up 25% year over year [1][2][3] - The company generated $1.9 billion in cash from operations for FY 2025, with a free cash flow of $1.4 billion, reflecting strong cash generation capabilities [1][2] - For FY 2026, Howmet expects revenue growth of approximately 10% and improved profit and cash generation [1][4] Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results - Fourth quarter revenue reached $2.2 billion, a 15% increase year over year, driven by growth in commercial aerospace (up 13%), defense aerospace (up 20%), and gas turbines (up 32%) [1][2] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $372 million, or $0.92 per share, compared to $314 million, or $0.77 per share, in Q4 2024 [1][2] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.05, up 42% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $653 million, a 29% increase year over year [1][2] Full Year 2025 Financial Performance - Full year operating income was $2.0 billion, up 25% year over year, with an operating income margin of 24.8%, an increase of 280 basis points [2][3] - Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2025 was $2.4 billion, up 26% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.3%, up 350 basis points [2][3] - The company repurchased $700 million of common stock in FY 2025 and paid $181 million in dividends [1][2] Segment Performance - Engine Products segment reported Q4 revenue of $1.2 billion, a 20% increase year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $396 million, up 31% [2][3] - Fastening Systems segment achieved Q4 revenue of $454 million, a 13% increase year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $139 million, up 25% [3] - Engineered Structures segment reported Q4 revenue of $287 million, a 4% increase year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $63 million, up 24% [3] Strategic Actions and Guidance - The company announced the acquisition of Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing for approximately $1.8 billion, expected to close in the first half of 2026 [3][4] - Howmet redeemed all outstanding preferred stock for approximately $55 million and reduced its gross pension obligation by approximately $125 million [4] - For Q1 2026, revenue guidance is set between $2.225 billion and $2.245 billion, with adjusted EBITDA guidance of $680 million to $690 million [4]

Core Viewpoint - Howmet Aerospace Inc. is expected to report strong fourth-quarter results, with earnings projected to increase by 31.1% year-over-year and revenues expected to rise by 13.2% [2][7]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is 97 cents per share, with revenues projected at $2.14 billion for Q4 2025 [2]. - Earnings estimates have increased by a penny over the past 30 days, indicating positive momentum [2]. - The company has a history of exceeding earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 5.9% over the last four quarters [3]. Market Demand - The commercial aerospace market is driving demand, particularly for wide-body aircraft, which supports OEM spending [5]. - Revenues from the commercial aerospace market are estimated at $1.14 billion, reflecting a 14% increase year-over-year [6]. - The defense aerospace market is also contributing significantly, with expected revenues of $365 million, indicating a 19.7% growth from the previous year [8]. Challenges - The commercial transportation market, particularly the Forged Wheels segment, is facing challenges due to lower OEM builds and tariff impacts, with revenues projected to decline by 6.4% to $279 million [9]. - Supply-chain disruptions in the aerospace sector have led to delays and increased costs, which may impact performance [10]. Valuation - Howmet's forward P/E ratio stands at 49.65X, significantly higher than the industry average of 32.61X, which may pose risks if market sentiment declines [14]. - Compared to peers like General Dynamics and RTX Corporation, Howmet's valuation appears elevated, with General Dynamics and RTX trading at 21.35X and 28.48X, respectively [14]. Investment Outlook - The recent passage of the fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, allocating $838.7 billion, is expected to benefit Howmet's defense business and enhance contract opportunities [16]. - Despite strong fundamentals, the company faces near-term challenges in the commercial transportation market and high valuation concerns [17].

Group 1 - Howmet Aerospace Inc. will host a Technology and Markets Day investor presentation on March 10, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM ET [1] - The event will include a detailed agenda and live webcast available on the company's investor website [1] Group 2 - Howmet Aerospace is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries [2] - The company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and airframe structural components [2] - Howmet Aerospace holds approximately 1,150 granted and pending patents, enabling the development of lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and commercial trucks [2]

Company Overview - Howmet Aerospace Inc. is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries, specializing in manufacturing products such as jet engine components, fasteners, and titanium structural parts [1] Recent Performance - HWM has shown resilience with a stock gain of approximately 1.79% over the last 30 days, despite a slight dip of about 3.95% in the past 10 days, indicating steady upward trend and positive market sentiment [2][3][6] Investment Opportunity - The recent 10-day decline of about 3.95% presents a potential buying opportunity for investors, as the stock is poised for a rebound [3][6] - HWM's projected stock price growth of 10.74% suggests significant appreciation potential in the coming months, driven by strong fundamentals and market dynamics [4][6] Financial Health - HWM has a perfect Piotroski Score of 9, indicating strong profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency, making it an appealing investment choice [5][6] - The target price for HWM is set at $234.25, indicating substantial upside potential [5]

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) and L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX) are both key players in the aerospace and defense industry, with HWM focusing on components for jet engines and airframes, while L3Harris specializes in integrated technologies [2][3] Group 1: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - HWM is experiencing strong growth driven by the commercial aerospace market, with revenues from this sector increasing 15% year over year, exceeding $1.1 billion in Q3 2025, and constituting 53% of its business [5][4] - The demand for engine spares and a record backlog for new, fuel-efficient aircraft are contributing to HWM's performance, supported by healthy build rates at Airbus and a production recovery in Boeing 737 MAX aircraft [6] - HWM's defense aerospace segment also saw a revenue surge of 24% year over year, making up 17% of total revenues, bolstered by strong government support and orders for engine spares for programs like the F-35 [7] - The company has a solid liquidity position, with cash equivalents of $659 million against short-term liabilities of $251 million, and generated net cash of $1.23 billion from operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 [9] - HWM's commitment to shareholder returns is evident, having paid $131 million in dividends and repurchased $500 million in shares, with a 20% dividend increase announced in August 2025 [8] - However, HWM faces challenges from a declining commercial transportation market, with revenues down 3% year over year in Q3 2025, following previous declines [10] Group 2: L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX) - L3Harris is positioned to benefit from U.S. defense budget provisions, with its HBTSS satellite providing a competitive edge in tracking hypersonic missiles, enhancing its role in the Golden Dome program [13] - The company completed a $125 million expansion to support the Department of Defense's needs, and international revenues accounted for approximately 21.5% of total revenues in Q3 2025 [14] - L3Harris is witnessing strong demand for its solutions from various regions, including Asia-Pacific and NATO allies, with NATO members increasing defense spending targets [15] - The company secured a $2.26 billion contract from South Korea for next-generation airborne early warning jets, indicating robust international demand [16] - Despite these positives, L3Harris has a highly leveraged balance sheet, with long-term debt of $11 billion exceeding its cash balance of $0.34 billion, raising concerns about financial stability [17] - Labor shortages in the aerospace-defense industry pose a threat to L3Harris's ability to meet production timelines, potentially impacting performance [18] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWM indicates a 12.2% growth in sales and a 20.3% increase in EPS for 2026, with estimates trending upward over the past 60 days [19] - In contrast, LHX's estimates suggest a 6.4% growth in sales and a 17.3% increase in EPS for 2026, also showing upward trends [21] - HWM shares have appreciated 79.5% over the past year, while L3Harris shares have gained 58.8% [22] - HWM is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 50.12X, while LHX's forward earnings multiple is 27.55X, indicating a steeper valuation for HWM [23] - Overall, HWM's market leadership and strong growth prospects make it a more attractive investment compared to LHX, despite L3Harris's solid position in the defense sector [28]

Core Viewpoint - The company discussed is recognized for its strong operating quality, particularly among those familiar with it, indicating a solid reputation in its sector [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The company is perceived as a reliable investment opportunity, especially for those who understand its operational strengths [1] - The approach to investment emphasizes a mix of long-term holdings and tactical sector rotations, suggesting a strategic focus on both stability and adaptability in market conditions [1] Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy centers on the belief that successful investing is more about generating profits than merely being correct in predictions [1] - There is a focus on uncovering under-researched opportunities and sectors driven by momentum, indicating a proactive approach to identifying potential growth areas [1]

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) is facing rising costs and expenses, with a reported 8.9% year-over-year increase in cost of sales during Q3 2025 due to higher input costs and net headcount [1][8] - Despite these rising costs, HWM has achieved margin expansion, reporting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.4% in Q3 2025, a 290-basis point improvement year-over-year [2][8] - The company has raised its 2025 adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to 29%, up from the previous estimate of 28.5-28.6%, driven by strong pricing and productivity gains [4][8] Financial Performance - HWM's adjusted EBITDA margins improved across its segments: Engine Products (80 basis points), Fastening Systems (480 basis points), and Engineered Structures (510 basis points) [3] - In comparison, GE Aerospace's cost of sales surged 24.7% year-over-year in Q3 2025, while its adjusted operating profit increased by 26.5% [5] - RTX Corp. reported a 10% year-over-year increase in total costs and expenses, amounting to $20 billion in Q3 2025, with an adjusted operating profit of $2.97 billion [6] Market Position - HWM's stock has increased by 79% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 35.5% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 50.36X, which is above the industry average of 33.02X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWM's 2025 earnings has remained stable over the past 60 days, with current estimates at $3.69 per share [10][11]

Industry Overview - The U.S. defense budget continues to increase, with the E.U. also planning a nearly $1 trillion remilitarization program, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and drones for military enhancement [1] Company Highlights Dassault Aviation (EPA: AM) - Dassault Aviation, known for the Rafale multirole fighter, has seen its stock rise by 52.94% over the last 12 months, trading at €312.60 ($362.89) as of January 16 [3] - The company is expected to benefit from the E.U.'s rearmament program and has invested $200 million in Harmattan AI to enhance capabilities in electronic warfare, drone interception, and surveillance [6] Howmet Aerospace (NYSE: HWM) - Howmet Aerospace has experienced significant growth, with its stock increasing by 82.81% over the past year, reaching $224.82 [8] - The company's strong performance is attributed to a 14% revenue growth in 2025 and a shift towards higher-margin aftermarkets and critical engine components [9] - The stock rally is expected to continue, especially if the U.S. military budget increases to $1.5 trillion as proposed [10] Mercury Systems (NASDAQ: MRCY) - Mercury Systems specializes in mission-critical processing technologies for defense and aerospace, with its stock rising by 40.99% since the start of 2026, reaching an all-time high of $102.94 [11] - The recent stock surge is driven by a $60 million contract for U.S. strategic and space weapons programs, utilizing Mercury's advanced data processing capabilities [13] - The company is likely to maintain its growth trajectory due to its long-standing government contracts and the duration of the new contract extending through 2031 [14]