Howmet Aerospace Inc vs Vistra Corp — how do they compare? Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $282.7 (market cap $112.20B), while Vistra Corp trades at $147.3 (market cap $48.64B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 2.3× Vistra Corp's market cap, and Vistra Corp pays the higher dividend (0.63%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HWM | VST | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $112.20B | $48.64B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $291.28 | $217.92 |
52-Week Low | $171.00 | $134.71 |
Enterprise Value | $116.30B | $70.58B |
Dividend Yield | 0.2% | 0.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Vistra (VST) trades at $146.68, up 2.67% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but strong analyst support (90.9% buy ratings). Recent Q2 2026 earnings showed a beat on EPS ($2.87 actual vs. $1.32 expected) but a revenue miss, while the company reaffirmed full-year guidance amid growing data center power demand. The stock's valuation includes a P/E of 24.44 and a high ROE of 75.73%, though net cash flow was negative in 2025.
The outlook is positive due to robust EBITDA growth and strategic positioning in the AI power sector, with a consensus price target of $239.75 implying significant upside. Key risks include ERCOT market volatility, hedging losses, and high debt levels, requiring monitoring of execution on data center deals and cost controls.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Vistra is a leading integrated retail electricity and power generation company that serves as a critical infrastructure provider for the digital economy. It operates a diversified portfolio of zero-carbon nuclear and renewable assets alongside a massive, flexible natural gas fleet, positioning it as an indispensable partner for energy-intensive AI data centers and industrial electrification.
Read more on VST →