US market today: Aircraft parts maker Howmet lifts annual forecasts on robust demand

Howmet Aerospace on Thursday reported first-quarter profit and revenue above estimates and lifted its annual forecast on the back of growth in its commercial aerospace and industrial gas turbine businesses.

The aircraft parts maker's shares rose more than 12% before the bell.

U.S. aerospace suppliers are gaining ‌from robust ⁠demand as Boeing ⁠and Airbus ramp up aircraft production. At the same time, governments worldwide are boosting defense spending, with conflicts in Ukraine and Iran draining missile stockpiles.


"Commercial ​aerospace OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers continue to target production rate increases supported by record backlogs," CEO John Plant said in a ​statement.

"Defense markets remain healthy, while the ⁠gas turbines market ‌is also very active."

The Pittsburgh-based company ​now expects ​full-year 2026 revenue to range between $9.58 billion and $9.73 ⁠billion, up from its previous forecast range of $9 billion ​to $9.2 billion.

The midpoint of its new annual ​adjusted profit forecast lies at $4.94 per share, compared with a midpoint of $4.45 previously expected.

However, Plant, while noting the increasing needs for engine spares, said "an effect could be felt from the Iranian conflict" during the first quarter.

The aerospace industry is still ‌dealing with supply-chain issues that have limited output. Demand from aviation end markets is also affected as the ​U.S.-Israeli war ​on Iran drives up ⁠fuel costs and disrupts transport.

"We see signs of demand improvement in commercial transportation, although we remain cautious," Plant added.

Quarterly adjusted profit ​rose 42% from a year ago to $1.22 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of $1.11 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Revenue for the three months ended March 31 rose 19% to $2.31 billion, beating estimates of $2.24 billion.