Advertisement
CW vs HWM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Curtiss-Wright (CW) vs. Howmet Aerospace (HWM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CW is a diversified aerospace, defense, and industrial engineering company, while HWM is a pure-play aerospace and engineered-solutions provider; both benefit from strong defense and commercial aerospace demand but serve different niches.
- HWM has shown faster recent revenue growth and margin expansion, driven by commercial aerospace engine spares and industrial gas turbines, while CW leans on naval defense, submarines, and commercial nuclear programs.
- Both companies raised full-year guidance in recent quarters, reflecting record backlogs, though HWM carries a substantially larger market capitalization.
- Recent price action has diverged: HWM traded near 52-week highs on upbeat results, whereas CW pulled back despite strong fundamentals, partly on leadership transition news and profit-taking after a long run.
- Investors can review CW Major News and CW Today's Price Move, as well as HWM Major News and HWM Today's Price Move, for deeper coverage of each ticker's headlines and daily action.
- For data-driven trade ideas across the broader market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors tracking the aerospace and defense sector often weigh diversified industrial names against focused suppliers. CW (Curtiss-Wright Corporation) and HWM (Howmet Aerospace) are two prominent large-cap manufacturers that have both capitalized on rising defense spending, recovering commercial aviation, and, in Howmet's case, surging gas-turbine demand tied to power generation. While the two companies share exposure to aerospace markets, their business models, growth drivers, and recent market positioning differ meaningfully. This comparison is most relevant to investors seeking to understand relative performance, momentum, and risk across two quality industrial franchises, whether they favor diversified defense technology or a higher-margin, spares-driven aerospace supplier.
CW Overview and Recent Performance
Curtiss-Wright is a diversified engineering firm operating across aerospace and industrial, defense electronics, and naval and power segments. Its portfolio spans actuation systems, sensors, embedded computing, and nuclear propulsion equipment, with deep ties to U.S. Navy submarine programs and commercial nuclear markets. In recent months, the company reported accelerating revenue growth, record order intake, and a backlog that reached nearly $4.3 billion, supported by strong book-to-bill ratios above 1.2x. Management raised its full-year outlook for sales, operating margin, earnings per share (EPS), and free cash flow, citing momentum in naval defense and commercial nuclear solutions. Despite these fundamentals, the stock experienced a notable pullback in recent weeks, with market participants pointing to a transition in the chief financial officer role and broader profit-taking following a multiyear run-up. This divergence between improving fundamentals and short-term price weakness has sharpened the debate over the stock's market positioning.
HWM Overview and Recent Performance
Howmet Aerospace is a specialized producer of advanced engine components, fastening systems, airframe structures, and forged aluminum wheels, with a leading franchise in commercial aerospace engine spares and industrial gas turbines. In recent quarters, the company delivered double-digit revenue growth and expanding profitability, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins climbing to roughly 32%. Growth was driven by accelerating demand for engine spares, defense aerospace, and gas turbines supporting electricity generation for data centers. Howmet also raised its full-year guidance and executed active capital deployment, including acquisitions, a divestiture, share repurchases, and dividend increases, while Fitch upgraded its credit rating to investment-grade A-. The stock rallied toward 52-week highs on strong results, though a competitor's plan to in-source certain gas-turbine components briefly introduced volatility. Analysts largely framed that development as reinforcing long-term demand rather than disrupting the core franchise.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of AI trading bots selected for their suitability to current market conditions. Tickeron maintains hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor thousands of different tickers, yet only a focused subset earns a place in this section. Each bot operates with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance profile, and set of tickers, meaning the tools are designed to adapt to varied market environments rather than follow a single approach. Traders and investors can use this resource to observe how systematic, data-driven strategies are currently positioned across equities such as CW and HWM. To see which strategies are performing best right now, visit Trending AI Robots.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in business model and growth profile. Howmet is a higher-margin, spares- and content-driven supplier with exposure to commercial aerospace production rates, aftermarket demand, and fast-growing gas-turbine power markets. Curtiss-Wright is more diversified, with meaningful exposure to long-cycle naval and nuclear programs that provide stable, multiyear revenue visibility but can be subject to program timing. In recent months, Howmet delivered faster top-line growth and larger margin expansion, while Curtiss-Wright posted solid but comparatively measured gains. Risk profiles also diverge: Curtiss-Wright faces sensitivity to government budget timing and leadership transition, whereas Howmet contends with competitive in-sourcing risks and its commercial transportation wheels business, which has been pressured by volume declines. From a sentiment standpoint, Howmet has enjoyed stronger near-term momentum near 52-week highs, while Curtiss-Wright's pullback has created a wider gap between its fundamentals and its recent share price.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, momentum, margin trajectory, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward HWM in the current environment. Howmet's combination of accelerating revenue, expanding profitability, rising guidance, and share-price strength near 52-week highs suggests more persistent upward momentum. Curtiss-Wright's record backlog and raised outlook indicate solid long-term positioning, but its recent pullback and leadership transition introduce near-term uncertainty that could weigh on trend consistency. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive; both names retain credible long-term drivers, and relative positioning could shift as new catalysts emerge.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CW is a Hold and HWM is a Buy.
CW sees its Stochastic Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
On October 27, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for CW moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 35 of the 49 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CW's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 9 of 13 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CW just turned positive on October 28, 2026. Looking at past instances where CW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +4.15% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CW advanced for three days, in 258 of 374 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
CW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CW as a result. In 50 of 96 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator for CW entered a downward trend on October 27, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 77, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.455) is normal, around the industry mean (5.059). P/E Ratio (33.134) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.937). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.650) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.002) settles around the average of (0.058) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.811) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. CW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
HWM in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026
HWM may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 23 of 28 cases where HWM's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where HWM's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 10 of 16 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 38 of 47 cases where HWM's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HWM just turned positive on November 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where HWM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 45 of 56 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +7.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HWM advanced for three days, in 255 of 353 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on HWM as a result. In 45 of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The 50-day moving average for HWM moved below the 200-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HWM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator for HWM entered a downward trend on November 02, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 77, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HWM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 77 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: HWM's P/B Ratio (14.819) is slightly higher than the industry average of (5.059). P/E Ratio (45.706) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.937). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.450) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.003) settles around the average of (0.058) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.081) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
CW | HWM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 10 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 74 Overvalued | 77 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 42 | 25 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 47 | 29 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 78 | 64 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 82 | 75 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CW's Valuation (74) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as HWM (77) in the null industry. This means that CW’s stock grew similarly to HWM’s over the last 12 months.
HWM's Profit vs Risk Rating (25) in the null industry is in the same range as CW (42) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that HWM’s stock grew similarly to CW’s over the last 12 months.
HWM's SMR Rating (29) in the null industry is in the same range as CW (47) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that HWM’s stock grew similarly to CW’s over the last 12 months.
HWM's Price Growth Rating (64) in the null industry is in the same range as CW (78) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that HWM’s stock grew similarly to CW’s over the last 12 months.
HWM's P/E Growth Rating (75) in the null industry is in the same range as CW (82) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that HWM’s stock grew similarly to CW’s over the last 12 months.
| CW | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 80% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 73% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 69% | 6 days ago 72% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 50% | 12 days ago 50% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 46% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CW’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while HWM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CW’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- HWM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CW’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HWM’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CW’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- HWM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CW (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а +1.58% price change this week, while HWM (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was +9.59% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was +0.12%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.08%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.77%.
Reported Earning Dates
CW is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
HWM is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Aerospace & Defense (+0.12% weekly)Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.
Advertisement