Zacks Investment Insights Spotlight: GE Aerospace, Howmet Aerospace, Astronics, and TAT Technologies
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 01 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ATRO?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Aerospace and Defense Investment Trends: The aerospace and defense sector is experiencing a surge in global defense spending, which rose over 8% to a record $2.3 trillion last year, with continued growth expected into 2025, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Performance of Key Companies: GE Aerospace and Howmet Aerospace are leading the market with significant revenue growth driven by demand for fuel-efficient aircraft and advanced components, while Astronics and TAT Technologies are also gaining attention for their specialized aerospace defense equipment, showing strong stock performance and positive earnings revisions.
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Analyst Views on ATRO
Wall Street analysts forecast ATRO stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 75.890
Low
65.00
Averages
70.00
High
75.00
Current: 75.890
Low
65.00
Averages
70.00
High
75.00
About ATRO
Astronics Corporation is a provider of advanced technologies to the global aerospace, defense, and electronics industries. The Company’s products and services include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation, distribution and seat motion systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, systems and certification, aircraft structures and automated test systems. The Company’s segments include Aerospace and Test Systems. The Aerospace segment designs and manufactures products for the global aerospace and defense industry. The Test Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures and maintains automated test systems that support the aerospace and defense, communications and mass transit industries as well as training and simulation devices for both commercial and military applications. It also offers FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) services. Its products and solutions include emergency systems, lighting systems, and seat actuation systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Astronics Reports Preliminary Q4 and FY2025 Revenue
- Financial Performance: Astronics Corporation reported preliminary revenue of approximately $861.5 million for FY2025 and about $239.5 million for Q4, indicating stable growth in the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Adjusted EBITDA Margins: The company expects an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 18% for Q4 and at least 15% for the full year, reflecting strong performance in cost management and profitability.
- Market Consensus: Preliminary estimates show consensus revenues of $859.16 million for FY2025 and $237.11 million for Q4, indicating market confidence in the company's performance.
- Future Outlook: Astronics reiterated its revenue forecast for 2026, projecting between $950 million and $990 million, signaling a positive outlook for future growth.
See More
Technological Transformation in Modern Warfare
- Market Growth: The C5ISR market is projected to reach $161.46 billion by 2026, indicating a significant shift in military spending towards technologies that eliminate battlefield blind spots, creating investment opportunities for related companies.
- AI and Robotics: Spending in the cognitive electronic warfare sector is expected to approach $30 billion next year, highlighting that AI and robotics have become central to defense, driving rapid advancements in this area for companies.
- VisionWave's Technological Breakthrough: VisionWave Holdings is nearing completion of AstraDRC™, a semiconductor design tool that automatically fixes chip design errors, which is expected to significantly enhance chip manufacturing efficiency and reduce production delays.
- Strategic Acquisition Integration: VisionWave's acquisition of SaverOne consolidates over 30 specialized engineers to accelerate the development of the VisionRF technology platform, aiming to enhance capabilities in addressing concealed threats through RF sensing technologies.
See More
Astronics Corp (ATRO) Stock Surpasses Analyst Target Price of $60.75
- Price Breakthrough: Astronics Corp (ATRO) shares have reached $64.81, surpassing the average analyst 12-month target price of $60.75, indicating market optimism about the company's future performance, which may prompt analysts to reassess their target prices.
- Analyst Reactions: Among analysts covered by Zacks, target prices range from $58.00 to $65.00, with a standard deviation of $2.986, reflecting a divergence in market perceptions of the company's valuation that could influence investor decisions.
- Investor Signal: The stock's rise above the target price provides investors with a signal to reassess the company's value, prompting them to consider whether to hold or reduce their positions, thereby impacting market liquidity.
- Market Sentiment: The analysts' target prices reflect a collective view of Astronics' future growth potential, and investors should monitor fundamental business developments to decide whether to adjust their investment strategies.
See More
Astronics Exceeds Q4 Revenue Guidance, Optimistic 2025 Outlook
- Revenue Beat: Astronics estimates Q4 revenue between $236 million and $239 million, surpassing analyst expectations of $230 million, indicating strong aerospace and defense demand that is expected to drive continued growth.
- Full-Year Outlook: The company projects 2025 revenue of approximately $860 million, representing an 8% year-over-year increase, exceeding analyst estimates of $853 million, reflecting management's confidence in future demand.
- Strong Bookings: Q4 bookings are around $257 million, bringing total orders for the year to approximately $924 million, reinforcing management's view that demand will persist into 2026, suggesting a positive market outlook.
- 2026 Guidance: Astronics initiated revenue guidance for 2026 at $950 million to $990 million, implying a 10% to 15% growth over 2025, showcasing the company's confidence in future profitability and cash flow.
See More
Neogen Corp (NEOG) Reports Q2 Earnings Beat, Shares Surge 28%
- Earnings Beat: Neogen Corp reported adjusted earnings of $0.10 per share for Q2, surpassing market expectations of $0.06, which significantly boosts investor confidence in the company's profitability.
- Sales Growth: The company achieved quarterly sales of $224.691 million, exceeding the forecast of $207.846 million, indicating strong market demand and promising future growth potential.
- Stock Surge: Following the earnings report, Neogen's stock price surged 28% to $9.44 on Thursday, reflecting a positive market sentiment and potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Guidance Upgrade: Neogen raised its FY26 sales guidance above market estimates, demonstrating confidence in future performance, which may further drive stock price appreciation and enhance competitive positioning in the market.
See More
CurtissWright Authorizes $416 Million for Stock Buyback Program
- Stock Buyback Program: CurtissWright authorized an additional $416 million for stock repurchases in November 2025, raising the total authorization to $550 million, which underscores the company's financial strength and boosts shareholder confidence.
- Sales Growth Outlook: The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 6.9% year-over-year sales growth for CurtissWright in 2026, with earnings expected to rise by 11.6%, reflecting strong performance in the aerospace-defense market.
- Industry M&A Trends: The aerospace-defense sector is leveraging mergers and acquisitions to enhance operational scale and market presence, exemplified by AAR's $78 million acquisition of HAECO Americas, which strengthens its maintenance capabilities and drives long-term growth.
- Global Air Traffic Growth: According to the International Air Transport Association, global air passenger traffic increased by 5.3% year-over-year, providing airlines with robust market demand for replacement parts despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
See More
Astronics Reports Preliminary Q4 and FY2025 Revenue
- Financial Performance: Astronics Corporation reported preliminary revenue of approximately $861.5 million for FY2025 and about $239.5 million for Q4, indicating stable growth in the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Adjusted EBITDA Margins: The company expects an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 18% for Q4 and at least 15% for the full year, reflecting strong performance in cost management and profitability.
- Market Consensus: Preliminary estimates show consensus revenues of $859.16 million for FY2025 and $237.11 million for Q4, indicating market confidence in the company's performance.
- Future Outlook: Astronics reiterated its revenue forecast for 2026, projecting between $950 million and $990 million, signaling a positive outlook for future growth.
See More
Technological Transformation in Modern Warfare
- Market Growth: The C5ISR market is projected to reach $161.46 billion by 2026, indicating a significant shift in military spending towards technologies that eliminate battlefield blind spots, creating investment opportunities for related companies.
- AI and Robotics: Spending in the cognitive electronic warfare sector is expected to approach $30 billion next year, highlighting that AI and robotics have become central to defense, driving rapid advancements in this area for companies.
- VisionWave's Technological Breakthrough: VisionWave Holdings is nearing completion of AstraDRC™, a semiconductor design tool that automatically fixes chip design errors, which is expected to significantly enhance chip manufacturing efficiency and reduce production delays.
- Strategic Acquisition Integration: VisionWave's acquisition of SaverOne consolidates over 30 specialized engineers to accelerate the development of the VisionRF technology platform, aiming to enhance capabilities in addressing concealed threats through RF sensing technologies.
See More
Astronics Corp (ATRO) Stock Surpasses Analyst Target Price of $60.75
- Price Breakthrough: Astronics Corp (ATRO) shares have reached $64.81, surpassing the average analyst 12-month target price of $60.75, indicating market optimism about the company's future performance, which may prompt analysts to reassess their target prices.
- Analyst Reactions: Among analysts covered by Zacks, target prices range from $58.00 to $65.00, with a standard deviation of $2.986, reflecting a divergence in market perceptions of the company's valuation that could influence investor decisions.
- Investor Signal: The stock's rise above the target price provides investors with a signal to reassess the company's value, prompting them to consider whether to hold or reduce their positions, thereby impacting market liquidity.
- Market Sentiment: The analysts' target prices reflect a collective view of Astronics' future growth potential, and investors should monitor fundamental business developments to decide whether to adjust their investment strategies.
See More
Astronics Exceeds Q4 Revenue Guidance, Optimistic 2025 Outlook
- Revenue Beat: Astronics estimates Q4 revenue between $236 million and $239 million, surpassing analyst expectations of $230 million, indicating strong aerospace and defense demand that is expected to drive continued growth.
- Full-Year Outlook: The company projects 2025 revenue of approximately $860 million, representing an 8% year-over-year increase, exceeding analyst estimates of $853 million, reflecting management's confidence in future demand.
- Strong Bookings: Q4 bookings are around $257 million, bringing total orders for the year to approximately $924 million, reinforcing management's view that demand will persist into 2026, suggesting a positive market outlook.
- 2026 Guidance: Astronics initiated revenue guidance for 2026 at $950 million to $990 million, implying a 10% to 15% growth over 2025, showcasing the company's confidence in future profitability and cash flow.
See More
Neogen Corp (NEOG) Reports Q2 Earnings Beat, Shares Surge 28%
- Earnings Beat: Neogen Corp reported adjusted earnings of $0.10 per share for Q2, surpassing market expectations of $0.06, which significantly boosts investor confidence in the company's profitability.
- Sales Growth: The company achieved quarterly sales of $224.691 million, exceeding the forecast of $207.846 million, indicating strong market demand and promising future growth potential.
- Stock Surge: Following the earnings report, Neogen's stock price surged 28% to $9.44 on Thursday, reflecting a positive market sentiment and potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Guidance Upgrade: Neogen raised its FY26 sales guidance above market estimates, demonstrating confidence in future performance, which may further drive stock price appreciation and enhance competitive positioning in the market.
See More
CurtissWright Authorizes $416 Million for Stock Buyback Program
- Stock Buyback Program: CurtissWright authorized an additional $416 million for stock repurchases in November 2025, raising the total authorization to $550 million, which underscores the company's financial strength and boosts shareholder confidence.
- Sales Growth Outlook: The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 6.9% year-over-year sales growth for CurtissWright in 2026, with earnings expected to rise by 11.6%, reflecting strong performance in the aerospace-defense market.
- Industry M&A Trends: The aerospace-defense sector is leveraging mergers and acquisitions to enhance operational scale and market presence, exemplified by AAR's $78 million acquisition of HAECO Americas, which strengthens its maintenance capabilities and drives long-term growth.
- Global Air Traffic Growth: According to the International Air Transport Association, global air passenger traffic increased by 5.3% year-over-year, providing airlines with robust market demand for replacement parts despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
See More
