Aristotle Funds, an investment advisor, released its “Growth Equity Fund” fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. U.S. equity markets reached new all-time highs in Q4 2025, with the S&P 500 Index rising 2.66% and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index increasing by 1.10%. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, healthcare, communication services, and financials were the top-performing sectors, while utilities, real estate, and materials lagged. The U.S. economy show ...

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is recognized as one of the best aerospace and defense stocks to invest in currently, with a strong performance in fiscal Q4 2025 [1] - The company reported a quarterly revenue increase of 14.65% year-over-year, reaching $2.17 billion, exceeding expectations by $42.67 million, and an EPS of $1.05, surpassing consensus by $0.08 [1][2] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Howmet Aerospace experienced robust growth, driven by a 13% year-over-year increase in Commercial aerospace revenue and a 20% year-over-year increase in Defense aerospace revenue [2] - For the full year, Howmet Aerospace achieved an 11% year-over-year revenue growth, totaling $8.3 billion, with a 12% increase in the Commercial aerospace segment [4] - Management anticipates FQ1 2026 revenue to be between $2.22 billion and $2.24 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected in the range of $680 million to $690 million [4] Company Overview - Howmet Aerospace Inc. specializes in manufacturing advanced engineered components for the aerospace, defense, and commercial transportation industries, focusing on jet-engine parts, aerospace fasteners, titanium structures, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks [5]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, with optimism that the upward trend in U.S. stock markets will persist this year despite fluctuations in February due to concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - It is advisable to invest in U.S. giants with a market capitalization over $30 billion and a favorable Zacks Rank, with five highlighted stocks: The Hershey Co. (HSY), Tapestry Inc. (TPR), FedEx Corp. (FDX), Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) [2] - Each of the selected stocks carries either a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2] Group 2: The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Hershey is focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [5] - The company is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain and enhance demand forecasting, supported by investments in data and digital tools [6] - HSY's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.62% [7] Group 3: Tapestry Inc. (TPR) - Tapestry is strengthening its position as a global house of brands, driven by strong performance from Coach, particularly among Gen Z consumers [9] - TPR's adjusted gross margin increased by 110 basis points in Q2 of fiscal 2026, with projected revenues above $7.75 billion and EPS between $6.40 and $6.45 [10] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for TPR are 9.6% and 23.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.02% [11] Group 4: FedEx Corp. (FDX) - FedEx is implementing cost realignment initiatives under the DRIVE program, achieving annual cost savings of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 [12] - The company returned $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in fiscal 2025, exceeding its target [13] - FDX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.6% and 1.5%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.49% [14] Group 5: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from strong momentum in the commercial aerospace market and rising defense budgets [15] - The company has a solid liquidity position supporting shareholder-friendly policies, with robust orders for defense aerospace units [16] - HWM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11% and 20.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 0.19% [17] Group 6: Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Southwest Airlines is experiencing improved air travel demand, with expectations for solid revenue trends continuing into 2026 [18] - The company is focused on cost-cutting initiatives and fleet modernization, supported by a strong balance sheet [19] - LUV's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 12.8% and over 100%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.38% [21]

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Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [2] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, using factors like weekly price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for stock selection based on value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist in building a successful portfolio [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +23.86% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [10] - Stocks with lower ranks, even if they have high Style Scores, may still face downward price trends [11] Company Spotlight: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - Howmet Aerospace provides engineered solutions for the transportation and aerospace industries, including forged wheels and aerospace fastening systems [12] - HWM holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, with a Growth Style Score of A, indicating a projected year-over-year earnings growth of 18.8% for the current fiscal year [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWM's earnings has increased by $0.07 to $4.48 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +7.2% [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting with competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments in complex instruments like cryptocurrencies and CFDs [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, personal analysis, and third-party materials intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information should not be interpreted as a recommendation or advice for investment actions [1]. - The accuracy and reliability of the information are not guaranteed, and users are cautioned against relying solely on the content provided [1]. Group 2 - The website discusses the high risks associated with cryptocurrencies and CFDs, highlighting that they are complex instruments with a significant potential for financial loss [1]. - Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and fully understand the workings and risks of any financial instruments before investing [1].

Group 1 - UBS raised its price target on Howmet Aerospace Inc. to $260 from $228 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1] - Howmet has achieved record EBITDA margins and incremental gains due to pricing strength, increased content per aircraft, and volume growth, despite higher headcount and operational complexity [1] - Aerospace growth is expected to accelerate by 2026, driven by Boeing's 737 MAX production recovery and increased widebody output, with robust spare parts demand and emerging gas turbine power demand contributing to revenue growth [2] Group 2 - UBS acknowledged underestimating the valuation multiple investors assign to Howmet and sees upside to consensus estimates, but believes much of the upside is already priced in at 36 times projected 2026 EBITDA [3] - Achieving parity with GE Aerospace's valuation would require approximately a 40% EBITDA margin, indicating significantly higher earnings than current consensus forecasts [3] - UBS maintained its Neutral stance on Howmet Aerospace due to the high valuation multiple [3]

Sheila Kahyaoglu from Jefferies sets a price target of $315 for Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM), indicating a bullish outlook.Cibc World Market Inc. reduces its holdings in HWM by 41.1%, contrasting with other hedge funds increasing their stakes.Vanguard Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase and Co. show confidence in HWM, with Vanguard increasing its stake by 1.4% and JPMorgan by 30.1%.Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM) is a prominent player in the aerospace industry, specializing in advanced engineered solutions for the aer ...

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace (NYSE: HWM) has experienced a significant price increase of 24% since the last sell-rated report, outperforming the S&P 500, which remained flat [2]. Company Overview - Howmet Aerospace is identified as a key supplier within the aerospace and defense industry, indicating its importance in the sector [2]. - The company operates under the guidance of an analyst with a background in aerospace engineering, focusing on investment opportunities in the aerospace, defense, and airline industries [2]. Investment Analysis - The analyst's approach is data-driven, providing context to industry developments and their potential impact on investment theses [2]. - The investing group associated with the analyst offers direct access to data analytics monitors, enhancing the investment research capabilities [2].

Core Insights - Howmet (HWM) reported a revenue of $2.17 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.7% and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.26% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $1.05, up from $0.74 in the same quarter last year, exceeding the consensus EPS estimate of $0.97 by 8.66% [1] Financial Performance - Total Sales for Engine Products reached $1.16 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.13 billion by analysts, with a year-over-year increase of 19.5% [4] - Total Sales for Fastening Systems were reported at $454 million, slightly below the average estimate of $462.51 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 12.9% [4] - Total Sales for Engineered Structures amounted to $287 million, below the average estimate of $310.13 million, with a year-over-year increase of 3.2% [4] - Total Sales for Forged Wheels were $264 million, surpassing the average estimate of $226.24 million, reflecting an 8.6% year-over-year increase [4] End Market Revenue - Aerospace-Commercial revenue was reported at $1.14 billion, matching the average estimate and showing a year-over-year increase of 13.5% [4] - Aerospace-Defense revenue reached $367 million, slightly above the average estimate of $364.62 million, with a year-over-year increase of 20.3% [4] - Commercial Transportation revenue was $310 million, exceeding the average estimate of $278.53 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 4% [4] Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA for Engine Products was $396 million, surpassing the average estimate of $378.39 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Forged Wheels was reported at $79 million, exceeding the average estimate of $65 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Engineered Structures was $63 million, in line with the average estimate of $63.99 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fastening Systems was $139 million, slightly below the average estimate of $142.96 million [4] Stock Performance - Howmet's shares have returned +9.2% over the past month, contrasting with a -2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]