11 Best Performing Large Cap Stocks So Far in 2025

7. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)

Market Capitalization: $61.709B

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58

Year-To-Date Performance: 37.76% 

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is a leading aerospace and defense company. It specializes in manufacturing complex components for aircraft, heavy vehicles, and industrial systems. The company operates through several business segments including Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels.

On May 2, Truist raised the firm’s price target on the stock to $161 from $136 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that the company exceeded earnings expectations in Q1, driven by its execution, revenue mix, and pricing. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) reported a record revenue of $1.94 billion during the quarter, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year. Management noted that the growth was driven by the commercial aerospace and defense segment.

Analysts have noted that the aerospace and defense segment is one of the safest segments considering the current uncertainty. The segment is benefitting from the geo-political tensions around the globe. Management of Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) has raised its full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance and now expects revenue to be at least $7.88 billion for the full year. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks so far in 2025.

Delaware Ivy Core Equity Fund stated the following regarding Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:

“Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) – Though recovery in large airplane manufacturing is uneven due to supply constraints (affecting both Boeing and Airbus), this manufacturer of airframe and jet-engine components was a prime beneficiary of higher production rates across the industry in addition to higher content per engine. Second-quarter earnings surprised materially to the upside.”