---
ticker: HWM
company: HWM
filing_type: 10-K
year_current: 2026
year_prior: 2025
risks_added: 1
risks_removed: 0
risks_modified: 2
risks_unchanged: 18
source: SEC EDGAR
url: https://riskdiff.com/hwm/2026-vs-2025/
markdown_url: https://riskdiff.com/hwm/2026-vs-2025/index.md
generated: 2026-06-01
---

# HWM: 10-K Risk Factor Changes 2026 vs 2025

> Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR)  
> Generated: 2026-06-01  
> All data extracted directly from official filings. No hallucinated content.

## Summary

| Status | Count |
|--------|-------|
| New risks added | 1 |
| Risks removed | 0 |
| Risks modified | 2 |
| Unchanged | 18 |

---

## New in Current Filing: Howmet may not realize the expected benefits of acquisitions on the anticipated time frame or at all.

On December 22, 2025, Howmet entered into a purchase agreement with Stanley Black & Decker, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to purchase CAM for a cash purchase price of approximately $1.8 billion, subject to customary adjustments. Completion of the Proposed CAM Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions set forth in the purchase agreement, some of which are beyond the Company's control. These conditions may impact the ability of the Company to complete the Proposed CAM Acquisition on the expected terms and within the anticipated closing time period or at all because required regulatory approval or other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all. In addition, the occurrence of certain events, changes or other circumstances could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement and prevent the completion of the Proposed CAM Acquisition. Howmet may not realize the expected benefits of the Proposed CAM Acquisition, including the anticipated synergies and favorable tax treatment of the proposed transaction and the anticipated broader offering of fastening solutions within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Howmet intends to finance the Proposed CAM Acquisition through utilizing a variety of financing sources, which may include borrowing under its commercial paper program or debt facilities, the issuance of debt securities and cash on hand. For more information, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Planned Financing for the Proposed CAM Acquisition" in Part II, Item 7 (Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). However, no assurance can be given that Howmet will obtain the intended financing for the Proposed CAM Acquisition on commercially reasonable terms or terms acceptable to us, and the Company may be required to finance a portion of the purchase price of the Proposed CAM Acquisition at interest rates higher than currently expected. Any failure to complete the Proposed CAM Acquisition on the anticipated time frame or at all, and any limitations on Howmet's ability to obtain financing and related reductions in the Company's liquidity or increases in the Company's borrowing costs may adversely affect Howmet's business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition to the Proposed CAM Acquisition, Howmet may continue to pursue other acquisitions and take other strategic actions to grow or streamline its portfolio. There can be no assurance that we will be able to execute upon any such acquisitions or strategic actions, or that any anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or actions will be realized. Acquisitions, including the planned Proposed CAM Acquisition, present significant operational challenges and risks, including the effective integration of the business into the Company, which may be more difficult, time consuming or more costly than expected and may divert management attention from the Company's existing business. Acquisitions, including the Proposed CAM Acquisition, may increase operating costs, expose the Company to potential unforeseen issues and legal liabilities, including the assumption of liabilities (including unforeseen liabilities) of acquired companies or businesses, increase cybersecurity issues or vulnerabilities or result in customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in retaining or maintaining relationships with employees, customers or suppliers). Any of the foregoing may adversely affect Howmet's business, financial condition, or results of operations.

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## Modified: Howmet faces significant competition, which may have an adverse effect on profitability.

**Key changes:**

- Reworded sentence: "The willingness of customers to accept alternative solutions for the products sold by Howmet, pricing pressure from competitors, and technological advancements or other developments, including the use of AI, by or affecting Howmet's competitors or customers could adversely affect Howmet's business, financial condition, or results of operations."

**Prior (2025):**

As discussed in "Competitive Conditions" in Part I, Item 1 (Business) of this report, the markets for Howmet's products are highly competitive. Howmet's competitors include a variety of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies in our product markets, which could include existing customers. New entrants in our markets, new product offerings, new and/or emerging technologies in the marketplace, or new facilities may compete with or replace Howmet products. The willingness of customers to accept alternative solutions for the products sold by Howmet, pricing pressure from competitors, and technological advancements or other developments by or affecting Howmet's competitors or customers could adversely affect Howmet's business, financial condition, or results of operations. Howmet's competitive position and future performance depend, in part, on the Company's ability to develop and innovate products, deploy technology initiatives, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies. While Howmet intends to continue to develop innovative new products and services, it may not be able to successfully differentiate its products or services from those of its competitors or achieve and maintain technological advantages. In addition, Howmet may face increased competition due to industry consolidation. Companies that are strategic partners in some areas of Howmet's business may acquire or form alliances with Howmet's competitors, thereby reducing their business with Howmet. Industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors who are better able to obtain favorable terms from suppliers or who are better able to compete as sole-source vendors for customers. Consolidation within Howmet's customer base may result in customers who are better able to exert leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, or may lead to reduced demand for Howmet's products if a combined entity replaces Howmet with a Howmet competitor with which it had prior relationships. The result of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on Howmet's business, operating results and financial condition.

**Current (2026):**

As discussed in "Competitive Conditions" in Part I, Item 1 (Business) of this report, the markets for Howmet's products are highly competitive. Howmet's competitors include a variety of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies in our product markets, which could include existing customers. New entrants in our markets, new product offerings, new and/or emerging technologies in the marketplace, or new facilities may compete with or replace Howmet products. The willingness of customers to accept alternative solutions for the products sold by Howmet, pricing pressure from competitors, and technological advancements or other developments, including the use of AI, by or affecting Howmet's competitors or customers could adversely affect Howmet's business, financial condition, or results of operations. Howmet's competitive position and future performance depend, in part, on the Company's ability to develop and innovate products, deploy technology initiatives, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including through the use of new and evolving technologies, including AI. The Company's competitors may adopt new technological initiatives and implement technological advancements using AI to pursue new or improved products and services more quickly, profitably, successfully and effectively than the Company. While Howmet intends to continue to develop innovative new products and services, and implement advanced technologies, including through the use of AI, it may not be able to successfully differentiate its products or services from those of its competitors or achieve and maintain technological advantages. In addition, Howmet may face increased competition due to industry consolidation. Companies that are strategic partners in some areas of Howmet's business may acquire or form alliances with Howmet's competitors, thereby reducing their business with Howmet. Industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors who are better able to obtain favorable terms from suppliers or who are better able to compete as sole-source vendors for customers. Consolidation within Howmet's customer base may result in customers who are better able to exert leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, or may lead to reduced demand for Howmet's products if a combined entity replaces Howmet with a Howmet competitor with which it had prior relationships. The result of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on Howmet's business, operating results and financial condition.

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## Modified: Howmet may be exposed to significant legal proceedings, investigations, or changes in U.S. federal, state, or foreign law, regulation, or policy.

**Key changes:**

- Reworded sentence: "These risks include, among other things, potential claims, class action lawsuits or compliance issues, including those relating to securities laws, employment laws, intellectual property rights, cyber, security and privacy, insurance, commercial matters, antitrust and competition, human rights, third-party relationships, governance and sustainability (including climate-related/sustainability and other) rules and regulations, supply chain operations, and the manufacture and sale of products."

**Prior (2025):**

The manufacture and sale of our products expose Howmet to potential product liability, personal injury, property damage, and related claims. In the event that a Howmet product fails to perform as expected, regardless of fault, or is used in an unexpected manner, and such failure or use results in, or is alleged to result in, bodily injury and/or property damage or other losses, Howmet may be subject to product liability lawsuits and other claims, or may participate in a recall or other corrective action involving such product. In addition, if a Howmet product is perceived to be defective or unsafe, Howmet's sales could decrease, its reputation could be adversely impacted and Howmet could be exposed to government investigations or regulatory enforcement actions. Howmet is also subject to a variety of global legal and regulatory compliance risks in connection with its business and products. These risks include, among other things, potential claims, class action lawsuits or compliance issues, including those relating to securities laws, employment laws, intellectual property rights, cyber, security and privacy, insurance, commercial matters, antitrust and competition, human rights, third-party relationships, ESG (including climate-related/sustainability and other) rules and regulations, supply chain operations, and the manufacture and sale of products. An adverse outcome in one or more of proceedings or investigations, or unfavorable changes in laws, regulations or policies, or other contingencies that the Company cannot predict with certainty, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, including reputational harm, loss of customers, and substantial monetary damages and/or non-monetary penalties. For additional information regarding the legal proceedings involving the Company, see Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

**Current (2026):**

The manufacture and sale of our products expose Howmet to potential product liability, personal injury, property damage, and related claims. In the event that a Howmet product fails to perform as expected, regardless of fault, or is used in an unexpected manner, and such failure or use results in, or is alleged to result in, bodily injury and/or property damage or other losses, Howmet may be subject to product liability lawsuits and other claims, or may participate in a recall or other corrective action involving such product. In addition, if a Howmet product is perceived to be defective or unsafe, Howmet's sales could decrease, its reputation could be adversely impacted and Howmet could be exposed to government investigations or regulatory enforcement actions. Howmet is also subject to a variety of global legal and regulatory compliance risks in connection with its business and products. These risks include, among other things, potential claims, class action lawsuits or compliance issues, including those relating to securities laws, employment laws, intellectual property rights, cyber, security and privacy, insurance, commercial matters, antitrust and competition, human rights, third-party relationships, governance and sustainability (including climate-related/sustainability and other) rules and regulations, supply chain operations, and the manufacture and sale of products. In addition, laws and regulations focused on the development, use and provision of certain new technologies, such as AI (including generative AI) technologies, and the enforcement thereof are growing worldwide and may impose certain obligations on Howmet, may limit how we use these technologies and could result in reputational damage, monetary penalties or other regulatory actions to the extent Howmet uses such technologies and fails to comply with such obligations. Monitoring and responding to new and rapidly developing laws and regulations could be costly or have an adverse effect on our operations. An adverse outcome in one or more of proceedings or investigations, or unfavorable changes in laws, regulations or policies, or other contingencies that the Company cannot predict with certainty, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, including reputational harm, loss of customers, and substantial monetary damages and/or non-monetary penalties. For additional information regarding the legal proceedings involving the Company, see Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

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*Data sourced from SEC EDGAR. Last updated 2026-06-01.*