Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is included in the list of the best performing S&P 500 stocks in the last five years. Recent Upward Revisions Drive Broader Analyst Sentiment on Howmet Aerospace (HWM) As of February 6, 2026, more than 80% of analysts covering the stock remained bullish, with a consensus price target of $240.00, implying a 14.50% upside. Analyst sentiment on Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is supported by several upward revisions across the aerospace and defense sector earlier in January ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the best growth stocks to buy and hold for the long term, highlighting a positive outlook for equity markets amid a resilient US economy and low-interest-rate environment [1][4]. Group 1: Market Outlook - Global equities are expected to continue rising despite valuation concerns, with a Bank of America survey indicating that most fund managers remain overweight in equities [1][2]. - The risk of a recessionary trade war is diminishing, contributing to a bullish sentiment in equity markets [2]. - The US Federal Reserve's hints at potential interest rate cuts further enhance the outlook for growth stocks, which typically trade at a premium [2][3]. Group 2: Methodology for Stock Selection - The selection of the best growth stocks involved using the Finviz screener to identify stocks with over 10% EPS growth in the past five years and an expected EPS growth rate of at least 20% over the next five years [6]. - The list was narrowed to stocks with a forward price-to-earnings ratio exceeding 20 and popularity among elite hedge funds in Q2 2025 [6][7]. Group 3: Featured Growth Stocks - **Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX)**: - EPS Growth Over the Past Five Years: 36.52% - EPS Growth Over the Next Five Years: 24.58% - Forward Price to Earnings Ratio: 30.31 - Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53 - UBS raised its price target to $875, citing strong financial health and a robust project environment [8][9][10]. - **Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)**: - EPS Growth Over the Past Five Years: 22.24% - EPS Growth Over the Next Five Years: 23.36% - Forward Price to Earnings Ratio: 44 - Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57 - The company is experiencing healthy growth in its spares business and is investing in capacity expansion to meet demand [12][13][14][15]. - **DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM)**: - EPS Growth Over the Past Five Years: 39.06% - EPS Growth Over the Next Five Years: 24.59% - Forward Price to Earnings Ratio: 26.07 - Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60 - UBS maintains a bullish stance on the company despite concerns over its G7 continuous glucose monitoring sensor, expecting strong demand for CGM technology [16][17][18][19].

Financial Performance & Outlook - Sales reached $434 million, with an additional $130 million from a Joint Venture (JV)[7] - Adjusted EBITDA stands at $47 million, representing an 11% margin[7] - The company aims to grow organic sales to over $600 million and exceed $1 billion through Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)[24] - The company is implementing a cost-out plan of approximately $15 million in 2025 through staff reduction, plant rationalization, and continuous improvement programs[24, 41] - The company's adjusted gross margin increased by 190 basis points from 163% in 2023 to 182% in 2025 YTD[27] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 230 basis points from 88% in 2023 to 111% in 2025 YTD[29] Strategic Initiatives & Market Position - The company is launching 110 to 120 programs in 2025, with an estimated peak annual sales value of approximately $48 million[24] - The company's China JV with Weifu has sales of $130 million in 2025 and operates with a workforce of approximately 700 people[18] - The company is targeting a working capital level of 17% of net sales, with the 2025 Q2 YTD figure at 20% of TTM net sales[44] - The company's new business awards reached $182 million YTD in 2025[32]