As mega-cap tech stocks' dominance wanes, Zacks Investment Research identifies five non-technology stocks poised for growth in 2026: MasTec (AI infrastructure), Caterpillar (construction/mining), Walmart (retail/e-commerce), Eli Lilly (pharmaceuticals/weight loss drugs), and Howmet Aerospace (aerospace/defense). All five are trading at 5-year highs with expected double-digit earnings growth, though valuations are elevated with forward P/E ratios ranging from 30 to 56.

Howmet Aerospace has acquired Brunner Manufacturing, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of agricultural, industrial and commercial vehicle fasteners and high-strength components. Brunner will become part of Howmet Fastening Systems. The acquisition allows Howmet to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in larger-size fasteners and structural threaded bolts. Angle Advisors served as the exclusive investment banking advisor.

Howmet Aerospace has acquired Brunner Manufacturing Company, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of agricultural and industrial fasteners with over 60 years of operating history. The acquisition expands Howmet Fastening Systems' product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in larger-size fasteners and structural threaded bolts. Angle Advisors served as the exclusive investment banking advisor for the transaction.

Congress approved an $839 billion defense spending bill for fiscal 2026, allocating $9.8 billion toward autonomous and unmanned systems development. The global AI in defense and aerospace market is projected to grow from $4.2 billion in 2026 to $42.8 billion by 2036 at a 26.4% CAGR. Major defense contractors including Howmet Aerospace, Curtiss-Wright, Parsons, and HII secured significant contracts and partnerships to support military modernization and AI integration initiatives.

The bull market is broadening beyond tech into cyclical and value sectors including Energy, Materials, Consumer Staples, and Industrials. Several upcoming investor days and analyst conferences from major non-tech companies in utilities, energy, industrials, and banking sectors will provide insights into Main Street economic momentum. Key events include Xcel Energy's analyst day, Williams' Q4 update, FedEx's investor day on February 12th, and JPMorgan Chase's business update on February 23rd, which could signal whether the bull market is entering a more diversified phase.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM) announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 12 cents per share on common stock, payable on February 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2026.

The article identifies five dividend-growth stocks that delivered substantial dividend increases of 39%-100% in 2025 and are expected to announce further raises in Q1 2026. These companies—Primerica, Yum China Holdings, Comfort Systems, Penske Automotive Group, and Howmet Aerospace—demonstrate strong track records of rewarding shareholders through consistent dividend growth, though some face headwinds in earnings growth.

Communication Services was the best-performing sector in 2025 with ~33% returns, outperforming Information Technology (~24%). Metals and Mining stocks surged ~85%, while Real Estate declined ~1%. Key winners included EchoStar (+378%), Warner Bros Discovery (+170%), MP Materials (+275%), and Newmont Corp (+168%), while consumer-focused sectors struggled with inflation concerns.

Stanley Black & Decker announced the sale of its aerospace manufacturing unit to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 billion in cash. The proceeds will be used to reduce debt and support dividend growth, alleviating investor concerns about a potential dividend cut. The stock jumped 6.8% on the news as part of the company's broader restructuring strategy.

Three aerospace and defense stocks have significantly raised their dividends in 2025, with total returns ranging from 57% to 78%. Transdigm, Elbit Systems, and Howmet Aerospace have all increased dividend payments by 20% or more, reflecting strong industry performance.

The global aircraft turning market is expected to grow from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $8.5 billion by 2032, with a 2.3% CAGR. Commercial aircraft and aluminium components will dominate the market, with North America leading regional growth.

President Trump's defense spending bill and industrial policy have driven significant growth in industrial and defense stocks in 2025, outperforming tech sector returns with a 15% year-to-date increase.