Danaher Corporation vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $207.45 (market cap $145.83B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $282.01 (market cap $112.20B). The key difference: Danaher Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Danaher Corporation pays the higher dividend (0.77%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $145.83B | $112.20B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $291.28 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $168.04B | $116.30B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 0.2% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Danaher (DHR) trades at $209.26, up 2.2% today, with strong technical momentum as the price sits above key support levels. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $1.92. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 58.51% gross margin and 15.95% net income margin, though revenue growth has been modest. Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with 69% buy ratings and a $202.33 consensus price target. Recent news highlights the acquisition of Masimo and new product launches in its biotechnology segment.
The outlook for DHR remains favorable driven by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors face risks from elevated valuation multiples and potential macroeconomic headwinds. The stock's current technical overbought condition suggests near-term consolidation may occur, yet long-term growth prospects in life sciences support a bullish stance. Key watch points include Q3 2026 earnings results and integration progress of recent acquisitions.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $281.63, down 0.73% on the day, with strong technical support at $279 and resistance at $285. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 exceeding expectations by 7.3%, driven by robust aerospace and defense demand. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 84% buy ratings and a $334.63 price target, representing 19% upside potential.
Outlook remains positive with raised 2026 guidance and strong cash flow generation, though elevated valuation multiples (P/E 60.63) and significant capital expenditures present risks. The stock offers growth exposure to aerospace recovery but faces execution risks amid capacity expansion plans and supply chain challenges.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →