13 Best Defense Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires

4. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)

Number of Billionaires: 14

Billionaire Holdings: $862,559,575

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) manufactures components for aircraft engines, fasteners, aluminum wheels for trucks, and titanium structures for aerospace and defense applications. It is among the best defense stocks to buy according to billionaires.

On February 13, the company declared results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. It generated a revenue of $1.9 billion in Q4, representing a 9% increase from last year, driven by robust growth in the commercial aerospace business. Net income was posted at $314 million, growing 33% from last year.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)’s full year revenue stood at $7.4 billion, up 12% from last year. Net income grew from $765 million in 2023 to $1.2 billion during the year. GAAP EPS for the year was logged at $2.81, compared to $1.83 per share in the prior year.

During the fourth quarter, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) repurchased $190 million of common stock and paid a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share. In January, the company repurchased another $50 million of shares and increased its quarterly dividend by 25% to 10 cents per share, reflecting HWM’s commitment to shareholder returns.

After strong results in 2024, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) has raised its guidance for fiscal 2025 and now expects revenue growth to be around 8% year-over-year, coupled with improved profitability and cash generation. The company is anticipating another strong year amid rising OEM production rates, continued demand for commercial aviation and engine spare parts, and growth in the defense aerospace aftermarkets.

Wall Street analysts are bullish on Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) with a consensus Buy rating and an average share price upside potential of 3.4%.