Key Takeaways Estimates for CW's 2025 EPS rose 3.7% to $12.61, with revenues projected to grow 8.5% to $3.38 billion. Strong U.S. nuclear aftermarket sales and the Ultra Energy acquisition are boosting CW's momentum. CW's ROE of 18.02% and low debt levels show financial strength versus aerospace defense peers.Curtiss-Wright Corp. (CW) benefits from commercial nuclear aftermarket sales and shareholder-friendly efforts, which have contributed significantly to the company's overall expansion. Given its signi ...

Core Insights - Woodward, Inc. (WWD) is experiencing growth driven by its Aerospace and Core Industrial segments, with strong defense demand and a robust commercial aftermarket contributing to this performance [1][4][9] - The company reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results that exceeded Zacks Consensus Estimates, with year-over-year growth in both earnings and revenues, prompting an upward revision of its sales and earnings guidance [2][9] - WWD's stock has increased by 31.8% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace Defense Equipment industry, which grew by 21.9% during the same period [3] Aerospace Segment Performance - The Aerospace segment's revenues are expected to improve, supported by strong defense activity and a solid commercial aftermarket, despite facing supply-chain challenges [4][5] - In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, net sales for the Aerospace segment rose by 12.9% year over year, with defense OEM sales increasing by 52% and commercial aftermarket sales growing by 23% [4][5][9] - For fiscal 2025, Aerospace segment revenues are projected to increase by 8-13%, an improvement from the previous estimate of 6-13%, while segment earnings are expected to remain at 20-21% of revenues [6] Industrial Segment Insights - The Industrial segment is benefiting from strong demand for power generation and backup power for data centers, along with increased investment in gas-powered generation [7][11] - The anticipated decline in Industrial segment revenues has been narrowed to 7-9% for fiscal 2025, compared to an earlier projection of 7-11%, with core industrial margins expected to be between 14% and 15% of sales [11] Strategic Developments - Woodward has made significant advancements in its oil and gas segment, particularly with the delivery of its first MicroNet XT Advanced Gas Turbine Control System for the U.S. Navy, marking a milestone in its defense contracts [10] - The company has been selected as the preferred propulsion control supplier for South Korea's KDDX naval program, indicating strong international demand for its products [10] Valuation and Market Position - WWD's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price/earnings multiple of 33.86, which is lower than the industry's multiple of 46.87, suggesting a compelling valuation [12]

Core Viewpoint - FTAI Aviation Ltd. presents a strong investment opportunity in the Zacks Aerospace Defense Equipment industry due to robust earnings and revenue estimates, efficient solvency, strong liquidity, and consistent shareholder value enhancement through dividends [1] FTAI's Earnings & Revenue Forecast - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FTAI's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has risen by 1.6% to $5.14 over the past 30 days [2] - The total revenue estimate for 2025 is projected at $2.11 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 21.8% [2] Overview of FTAI's Solvency - FTAI's times interest earned ratio at the end of Q1 2025 was 7.6, indicating a strong ability to meet future interest obligations [3] FTAI's Liquidity Position - The current ratio for FTAI at the end of Q1 2025 was 3.95, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.74, demonstrating the company's capacity to meet short-term liabilities [4] FTAI's ROIC - FTAI's return on invested capital (ROIC) stands at 6.11%, outperforming the industry average of 4.43%, showcasing the company's effectiveness in generating returns on investments [5] FTAI's Return to Shareholders - FTAI has consistently increased shareholder value through dividends, currently offering a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $1.20, with a current dividend yield of 0.93%, surpassing the industry's average of 0.17% [6] FTAI Stock Price Performance - Over the past three months, FTAI shares have increased by 32.2%, outperforming the industry's average return of 22.5% [7][8]

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) , with rising earnings estimates, robust ROE, better debt management, a solid backlog and shareholder-friendly initiatives, offers a great investment opportunity in the Zacks Aerospace Defense industry.Let’s focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock an attractive investment pick at the moment.Growth Forecast & Surprise History of HIIThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for HII’s 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 3.3% to $14.31 per share over the past ...

Industry Overview - The aerospace defense industry is experiencing growth despite supply-chain challenges, driven by increased defense budgets and positive projections for global air passenger numbers in the second half of 2025 [1][3] - A White House report indicates a proposed 13% increase in U.S. defense spending to $1.01 trillion for fiscal year 2026, which is expected to benefit defense-focused companies [4] - The Zacks-defined Aerospace – Defense Industry ranks in the top 16% of Zacks Industry Rank, suggesting it will outperform the market in the next three to six months [5] Company Summaries GE Aerospace - GE Aerospace is seeing strong demand for commercial engines and propulsion technologies, supported by rising defense budgets and geopolitical tensions [8] - The company raised its dividend by 28.6% to 36 cents per share in February 2025, with expected organic revenue growth in the low-double-digit range for 2025 [9] - GE Aerospace has an expected revenue growth rate of -6.8% and an earnings growth rate of 19.6% for the current year [9] Howmet Aerospace Inc. - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from robust momentum in the commercial aerospace market and strength in its defense business due to rising defense budgets [10] - The company has a strong liquidity position and expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.5% and 28.6%, respectively, for the current year [11] Leidos Holdings Inc. - Leidos Holdings reported strong earnings and revenue growth, with increased contract wins from the Pentagon leading to a solid backlog of $46.30 billion [12][14] - The company is well-positioned to contribute to the development of a next-generation missile defense shield, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 2.7% and 4.3%, respectively, for the current year [14] Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. - Huntington Ingalls is a leading U.S. shipbuilder with a solid order backlog, driven by strong demand for its nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines [15][16] - The company expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively, for the current year [17] Vertical Aerospace Ltd. - Vertical Aerospace is focused on designing and manufacturing zero-emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with significant growth potential in the advanced air mobility market [18] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 1% and an earnings growth rate of over 100% for the current year [19]

Curtiss-Wright Corp. (CW) benefits from its commercial nuclear aftermarket sales and shareholder-friendly initiatives, which have played a key role in the company's overall expansion. Given its strong growth, CW makes for a solid investment option in the Zacks Aerospace Defense Equipment industry.Let us focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.CW’s Growth Forecast & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for CW’s 2025 earnings per share (EP ...

Triumph Group, Inc. (TGI) , with rising earnings estimates, better solvency, strong liquidity, robust backlog and growing aftermarket business, offers a great investment opportunity in the Zacks Aerospace Defense Equipment industry.Let us focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock an attractive investment pick at the moment.Growth Forecast & Surprise History of TGIThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Triumph Group’s fiscal 2026 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 2.9% to $1.06 per s ...

Core Viewpoint - Leonardo DRS, Inc. is positioned as a strong investment opportunity in the Aerospace Defense Equipment industry due to its robust backlog, rising earnings estimates, efficient debt management, and strong liquidity [1] Group 1: Growth Forecast - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DRS' 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 0.9% to $1.08 per share over the past 30 days [2] - The total revenue estimate for DRS in 2025 is $3.52 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 9% [2] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 14.6%, with an average earnings surprise of 20.42% over the last four quarters [3] Group 2: Liquidity and Debt Management - DRS' current ratio at the end of Q1 2025 was 2.02, surpassing the industry average of 1.79, indicating strong short-term liability management [4] - The total debt to capital ratio for DRS is 12.34%, significantly better than the industry average of 52.52% [5] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio for DRS was 17.8, suggesting the company can comfortably meet its interest obligations [5] Group 3: Backlog and Stock Performance - DRS' total backlog as of March 31, 2025, increased by 9.8% to $8.61 billion, driven by new awards in the Advanced Sensing and Computing segment [6] - Over the past six months, DRS shares have increased by 14.6%, outperforming the industry average rise of 2.5% [7]

Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) , with rising earnings estimates, robust ROE, a solid backlog and shareholder-friendly initiatives, offers a great investment opportunity in the Zacks Aerospace Defense industry.Let’s focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock an attractive investment pick at the moment.Growth Forecast & Surprise History of LDOSThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for LDOS’ 2025 and 2026 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively, over the past 30 days.The Zack ...