Industry Overview - The Zacks Aerospace sector's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings are expected to rise by 51.6% with revenues increasing by 17.3% due to strong order activity, rising geopolitical tensions, solid defense spending, and a recovery in commercial aerospace [1] Defense Stocks Performance - U.S. defense stocks are anticipated to perform well in the fourth quarter, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions that encourage governments to maintain or expand defense spending [4] - Increased order inflows and long-term contract awards are expected, particularly for companies focused on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber security [5] - Companies with exposure to commercial aerospace are likely to benefit from the recovery in global air travel, which supports demand for aircraft and related components [6] Challenges - Persistent challenges such as skilled labor shortages and supply-chain disruptions may partially offset the positive performance of defense companies [7] Potential Defense Outperformers - **BWX Technologies**: Expected to benefit from its role as a supplier of nuclear reactors and fuel for U.S. Navy submarines, with a consensus estimate of 91 cents per share, a decrease of 1.1% year-over-year, and an Earnings ESP of +4.71% [8][9] - **Curtiss-Wright**: Anticipated to gain from strong demand for defense technologies, with a consensus estimate of $3.66 per share, an increase of 11.9% year-over-year, and an Earnings ESP of +0.67% [10][11] - **CAE Inc.**: Expected to benefit from solid utilization rates in aviation training, with a consensus estimate of 22 cents per share, an increase of 4.8% year-over-year, and an Earnings ESP of +0.57% [12][13] - **Rocket Lab Corporation**: Demonstrated high operational reliability with 21 successful launches, expected to positively impact earnings, with a consensus estimate of a loss of 5 cents per share, an improvement of 50% year-over-year, and an Earnings ESP of +4.76% [14][15]