By Al Root

The Iran conflict has been no problem for Howmet Aerospace. The materials and parts provider reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and raised full-year financial guidance on Thursday.

The stock is up. Results are a relief for investors.

Howmet reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.22 from sales of $2.3 billion. Wall Street was looking for earnings per share of $1.11 from sales of $2.2 billion, according to FactSet. A year ago, Howmet reported earnings per share of 86 cents from sales of $1.9 billion.

Howmet stock rose 11% at $284.80 in premarket trading, while S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were both up less than 0.1%.

"Looking ahead, we see a robust growth outlook in the key markets Howmet serves," said CEO John Plant in a news release. Commercial aerospace backlogs are at record levels. Engine spare inventories need to increase, and defense spending is healthy.

Howmet increased 2026 sales guidance by $550 million to about $9.7 billion. Earnings per share guidance was increased by almost 50 cents to about $4.94. Wall Street currently projects 2026 earnings per share of $4.65 from sales of $9.4. billion.

A lot is going right. "Although an effect could be felt from the Iranian conflict," added Plant.

Iran has weighed on sector shares. Coming into Thursday trading, Howmet stock was up 25% this year and up 63% over the past 12 months. Shares, however, were down 2% since fighting started in Iran. The iShares U.S. Aerospace and Defense ETF was down 8%. Higher oil prices have investors worried about demand for commercial air travel.

Iran hasn't shown up in aerospace results or, more importantly, outlooks yet.

Write to Al Root at allen.root@dowjones.com

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May 07, 2026 07:58 ET (11:58 GMT)

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