Best Defense Stocks to Buy for Geopolitical Uncertainty
ZACKS·2026-01-19 19:50

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the uncertainty in predicting market movements due to geopolitical events and suggests positioning portfolios for volatility rather than attempting to forecast specific outcomes [1][2][3]. Defense and Aerospace Sector - The defense and aerospace sector is experiencing persistent strength as governments reassess security priorities and increase spending, attracting capital to this area [4]. - Teledyne Technologies is highlighted as a leading player in the defense and aerospace space, with a strong competitive position and recurring demand due to its involvement in mission-critical applications [6][7]. - AAR is noted for its aviation services and logistics solutions, benefiting from increased global defense activity, with the stock reaching all-time highs and showing strong earnings momentum [10][11]. - Innovative Solutions and Support (ISSC) operates in a niche market focused on avionics systems, with a significant increase in earnings expectations, indicating strong underlying business conditions [15][16]. Company Performance and Valuation - Teledyne Technologies has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and trades at approximately 24.4x forward earnings, with an earnings growth outlook of nearly 10% annually over the next 3-5 years [8]. - AAR also holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with shares trading at about 21.7x forward earnings, and expected sales growth of 15.2% this year alongside a 24% increase in earnings [12]. - ISSC has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with current quarter earnings estimates having surged 233% over the last 60 days, indicating a strong potential for growth [16][17]. Investment Considerations - The article suggests that defense and aerospace stocks provide a way to align portfolios with enduring spending trends, making them attractive during periods of geopolitical uncertainty [18][19].