Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc trades at $272.08 (market cap $10.64B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $273.5 (market cap $108.82B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 10.2× Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc's market cap, and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc pays the higher dividend (2.04%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HII | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $10.64B | $108.82B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $453.73 | $283.23 |
52-Week Low | $252.93 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $13.36B | $111.07B |
Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 0.18% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
HII trades at $270.04, up 0.34% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but bullish oscillators. The company shows solid fundamentals with a P/E of 17.49 and ROE of 12.2%, supported by three consecutive quarterly earnings beats. Recent news highlights contract wins and shipbuilding milestones, reinforcing its defense sector presence. Cash flow improved to a net positive $49 million in 2026 from a net outflow of $57 million in 2025.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic given analyst consensus targets near $354.50, though technical resistance at $273 poses a near-term hurdle. Risks include execution delays on defense contracts and macroeconomic pressures on government spending. The stock offers value with a below-sector P/S of 0.82, but investors should monitor Q2 2026 earnings due July 30 for margin sustainability.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $271.98, down 0.17% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.22 exceeding the $1.11 estimate. Financials show robust profitability, including a 20.22% net income margin and 33.98% ROE, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 63.21 appear elevated. Recent news highlights commercial aerospace demand driving growth, with shares gaining 249% since May 2024 according to FXEmpire on July 15, 2026.
The outlook remains positive due to sustained aerospace demand and analyst consensus favoring buys, but risks include high valuation sensitivity and market volatility. Upside to the $317.63 price target offers potential, yet investors should weigh premium multiples against earnings growth momentum and sector cyclicality.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Huntington Ingalls is the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. and a provider of professional services to government and industry partners, specializing in nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.
Read more on HII →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 →