10 Defense & Aerospace Stocks Gaining From Rising Geopolitical Spending

4. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)

Year to Date Gain: 2.83%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is one of the defense & aerospace stocks gaining from rising geopolitical spending. On January 20, the board of Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) approved a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share.

The dividend is to be paid on February 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2026. It also highlights the company’s impressive track record of returning value to shareholders, having paid dividends for 5 consecutive years. It also boasts of a 50% dividend growth over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, on January 9, Jefferies touted Howmet Aerospace as one of the companies poised for growth in the aerospace and defense sector. Likewise, it expects it to capitalize on commercial production ramps and defense spending priorities.

According to Jefferies, Howmet is one of the best ways to play the aerospace up cycle, as the company is poised to sustain high single-digit topline growth through 2028, with EBITDA growing in the mid-teens. The research firm has since reiterated a $245 price target on the stock.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) manufactures advanced engineered components for the aerospace, defense, and commercial transportation industries, specializing in jet-engine parts (airfoils, rings, disks), aerospace fasteners, titanium structures, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks, enabling lighter, more fuel-efficient, and higher-performance systems.