Core Insights - Leonardo DRS, Inc. has launched SAGEcore™, an integrated software platform that combines artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and edge computing for tactical platforms in multi-domain environments [1] - SAGEcore is specifically designed for real-time battlefield operations and is optimized to run AI on ruggedized edge computers [1] - The platform is engineered to rapidly process complex data on-platform, ensuring high efficiency in operational scenarios [1]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a decline on October 9, 2025, as major stock indices fell due to investor uncertainty regarding AI-led growth and recession fears, despite Delta Air Lines exceeding expectations [1][10] Investment Recommendations - Recommended low-leverage stocks include ResMed Inc. (RMD), Safran (SAFRY), Pentair (PNR), Casey's General Stores (CASY), and Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS), which are considered safer options during market volatility [2][10] Significance of Low-Leverage Stocks - Low-leverage stocks are preferred as they are less risky, especially in volatile markets, and are characterized by lower debt-to-equity ratios [4][6] Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating a company's financial risk, with lower ratios reflecting better solvency [7] Company Profiles - **ResMed**: Focuses on sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory disorders, with a projected revenue increase of 7.8% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 13.8% [15][16] - **Safran**: Engaged in aerospace and defense, with a sales growth estimate of 36.3% for 2025, supported by a recent contract with Singapore Airlines [17][18] - **Pentair**: Provides sustainable water solutions, with a sales growth estimate of 1.5% for 2025 following a strategic acquisition for $290 million [19][20] - **Casey's General Stores**: Reports a 4.3% increase in same-store sales and a 19.5% growth in earnings, with a sales improvement estimate of 10.6% for fiscal 2026 [20][21] - **Leonardo DRS**: Develops advanced defense products, with a sales growth estimate of 10.9% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.3% [22][23]

Core Points - Leonardo DRS, Inc. is celebrating its seventh year of supporting the "Stick It to Cancer" fundraiser at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C. [1] - The initiative recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and aims to support military members and families affected by breast cancer [1] - Leonardo DRS will collaborate again with The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine for this ongoing initiative [1]

Core Insights - Aerospace-Defense Equipment stocks are expected to benefit from strategic mergers and acquisitions that enhance operational scale and market presence, despite ongoing supply-chain challenges affecting aircraft deliveries and profitability [1][3][5] Industry Overview - The Zacks Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry includes companies that manufacture essential components for aerospace and defense, such as aerostructures, propulsion systems, and defense electronics, while also providing aftermarket support and services [2] Trends Influencing the Industry - Mergers and Acquisitions: Recent acquisitions, such as TransDigm's purchase of Simmonds Precision Products for $765 million and AAR Corp.'s acquisition of American Distributors for $146 million, are expected to improve economies of scale and revenue growth across the industry [3] - Air Traffic Growth: Global air passenger traffic increased by 4.6% year-over-year in August 2025, with projections of a 5.8% growth for 2025, indicating a positive outlook for aerospace and defense companies serving the commercial aviation market [4] - Supply-Chain Disruptions: Ongoing supply-chain issues have led to aircraft deliveries being approximately 30% below previous peaks, resulting in a backlog of 17,000 units, which may hinder production and profitability in the near term [5] Industry Performance - The Zacks Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry has outperformed both the S&P 500 and the broader Aerospace sector, with a collective stock increase of 37.3% over the past year compared to 25.7% for the sector and 18.1% for the S&P 500 [8] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/Sales ratio of 11.49X, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 5.73X and the sector's 3.43X, indicating strong market valuation [10] Notable Companies - **Curtiss-Wright Corp. (CW)**: This company focuses on high-performance products for aerospace and defense, with a projected 9.7% sales growth and 18.4% earnings growth for 2025. It has announced a $200 million expansion of its share repurchase program [13][14] - **Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS)**: Specializing in advanced defense technologies, DRS is expected to see a 10.9% increase in sales and 19.4% growth in earnings for 2025, bolstered by the launch of new AI-enabled display systems [17][18] - **BWX Technologies (BWXT)**: This company provides nuclear solutions and has secured a $1.6 billion contract from the Department of Energy, with projected sales growth of 15.1% and earnings growth of 11.7% for 2025 [20][21]

Core Insights - Hoverfly Technologies successfully closed a $20 million Series B funding round, led by Leonardo DRS and Korea Robot Manufacturing (KRM) [1][2] - This funding is the largest in the company's history and will enhance Hoverfly's position in the tethered drone sector, crucial for U.S. defense initiatives [2][11] Investment Details - Leonardo DRS invested $15 million, demonstrating confidence in Hoverfly's business model and growth vision, and signed a manufacturing agreement to expand production [3][4] - KRM contributed $5 million and will establish a facility for domestic production of key components, enhancing supply chain resilience for the U.S. defense sector [4][5] Strategic Partnerships - KRM's partnership with Hoverfly aims to create a U.S.-based supply chain for critical UAV components, aligning with national security priorities [6][7] - Both DRS and KRM will act as official resellers and integrators of Hoverfly's Sentry and Spectre systems, expanding the company's global reach [6][7] Market Position and Growth - The tethered drone market is projected to grow from approximately $140 million in 2023 to over $2.6 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 38% [11] - Hoverfly has sold over 800 tethered drones to U.S. and allied defense customers, indicating strong market traction [11] Technological Advancements - Hoverfly's NEXUS capability supports unmanned ecosystems, enhancing operational ranges for various military applications [10] - The technology aligns with U.S. Department of Defense priorities for secure, domestically sourced unmanned systems [7][10]

Core Points - Leonardo DRS, Inc. will host a conference call on October 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its third quarter 2025 results [1] - The company plans to issue its quarterly earnings press release prior to the conference call [1] - A live audio broadcast of the conference call, along with the corresponding press release and supplemental information, will be available on the company's investor relations website [1]

Group 1 - The Relative Strength (RS) Rating for Leonardo DRS stock increased from 80 to 83, indicating improved market leadership [1] - The article highlights that defense stocks are experiencing a rise, particularly in the context of Trump attending a significant event related to defense [4] - Kratos has seen a surge in stock value due to wins in combat drone contracts and advancements in hypersonic technology [4] Group 2 - Manufacturing giant Jabil has reached a record high and is featured among the top stocks on various IBD best stock lists [4] - The article mentions that certain stocks are favored by analysts for their potential for significant earnings growth, with Celestica leading the industry [4]

Market Overview - Major U.S. benchmarks rose less than 1% at the start of the week, primarily driven by gains from big tech corporations following Nvidia's $100 billion investment-partnership announcement with OpenAI [1] - Investor confidence may be temporary due to the growing market consensus of a potential government shutdown in the U.S. as Congress approaches the September 30 funding deadline without a clear agreement [1] Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks for prudent investors include The Hanover Insurance Group (THG), Alcoa Corp. (AA), Pentair (PNR), Elbit Systems (ESLT), and Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS) as they bear low leverage and are considered safer options during market turmoil [2][10] - These stocks are expected to provide steady returns due to their solid growth prospects and improving revenue estimates for 2025 [10] Significance of Low-Leverage Stocks - Leverage refers to borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing, which can pose risks if not managed properly [4][5] - Companies with low debt-to-equity ratios are generally seen as less risky, especially during economic downturns [6][11] Stock Analysis Metrics - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating financial risk, with a lower ratio reflecting improved solvency [7] - Stocks with a debt-to-equity ratio less than the industry median, a current price of at least $10, and substantial trading volume are preferred [12] Company Profiles - **The Hanover Insurance Group (THG)**: Focuses on insurance protection for businesses and personal items, with a projected 5.4% revenue improvement for 2025 and a 17.5% increase in earnings [15][16] - **Alcoa Corp. (AA)**: A leader in aluminum products, with a 6.1% expected sales growth for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 51.2% [17][18] - **Pentair (PNR)**: Provides sustainable water solutions, with a 1.5% sales growth estimate for 2025 following a strategic acquisition [19][20] - **Elbit Systems (ESLT)**: A leader in defense technology, with a projected 13.8% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 23.3% [20][21] - **Leonardo DRS (DRS)**: Develops advanced defense products, with a 10.9% expected sales growth for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.3% [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - Leonardo DRS, Inc. is positioned as a strong investment option in the Aerospace-Defense Equipment industry due to its robust growth, increasing backlog, and solid financial metrics [1] Growth Outlook & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DRS' 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has risen by 2.8% to $1.11 per share over the last 60 days [2] - Total revenue for DRS in 2025 is projected at $3.59 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 10.9% [2] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 17.3%, with an average earnings surprise of 11.94% over the last four quarters [2] Advanced Sensing Capabilities - DRS leads in Advanced Sensing Technologies, providing systems for targeting, surveillance, and protection through various advanced technologies [3] Rising Backlog - As of June 30, 2025, DRS' total backlog increased by 8.6% to $8.61 billion, driven by new awards in Advanced Sensing and Integrated Mission Systems [4] Liquidity Position - DRS' current ratio at the end of Q2 2025 was 2.11, surpassing the industry average of 1.83, indicating strong short-term liability management [5] Debt Profile - The total debt to capital ratio for DRS is 11.95%, significantly lower than the industry average of 49.30% [6] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio was 26.4, suggesting the company can comfortably meet its interest obligations [6] Return to Shareholders - DRS has been enhancing shareholder value through dividends and share buybacks, with a 47.2% increase in shares over the past year [8] - The quarterly dividend is currently 9 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of 36 cents and a dividend yield of 0.87%, outperforming the industry average of 0.15% [9] Stock Price Performance - Over the past year, DRS shares have increased by 45%, compared to a 33.1% rise in the industry [12]

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Individ ...