Jim Cramer praised Howmet Corporation’s stock resilience, calling it 'this thing has no quit in it,' as the industrial defense sector sees renewed investor interest. The stock, trading near $135, has outperformed broader indices despite macro headwinds.
- HOWM stock traded near $135.20 in early March 2026, up 14% year-to-date.
- Howmet supplies titanium and advanced materials for U.S. defense and aerospace platforms.
- CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) closed at 18.3 on March 4, 2026.
- ICE Brent crude (CL=F) settled at $89.40, supporting stable input costs.
- HOWM’s forward P/E of 19.8 is below the industrial sector average of 22.3.
- Analyst upgrades and elevated options volume reflect growing institutional and retail interest.
Howmet Corporation (HOWM) has drawn strong praise from CNBC’s Jim Cramer, who cited the company’s unyielding performance during periods of market turbulence. Cramer highlighted HOWM’s ability to maintain momentum, noting its consistent earnings delivery and strategic positioning in high-margin defense and aerospace manufacturing. The stock has traded around $135.20 as of early March 2026, reflecting a 14% year-to-date gain, significantly outpacing the S&P 500’s 6% rise over the same period. Cramer’s commentary underscores the growing investor focus on industrial firms with diversified defense contracts. Howmet, a key supplier to major aerospace and defense platforms, benefits from long-term government contracts, including those tied to U.S. military modernization initiatives. Its exposure to titanium and advanced materials further strengthens its niche, particularly as demand rises for lightweight, high-performance components in next-generation aircraft and defense systems. Market indicators suggest elevated risk appetite amid shifting global dynamics. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) closed at 18.3 on March 4, 2026, down from a recent peak of 24.1, indicating reduced fear in equity markets. Meanwhile, the ICE Brent crude futures (CL=F) settled at $89.40, reflecting stable energy costs for industrial producers like Howmet. These conditions have indirectly supported the stock’s valuation, with HOWM’s forward P/E at 19.8, below the industrial sector average of 22.3. The rally in HOWM has triggered increased options activity and attracted interest from hedge funds and retail traders alike. Analysts at major brokerage firms have upgraded the stock to 'Buy' over the past month, citing improved margins and capital discipline. While Cramer’s remarks are not a formal earnings update or strategic announcement, they reflect a broader sentiment shift toward industrial stocks with durable competitive advantages in defense and aerospace.