This fund manager picked four industrial winners a year ago. Here are his latest picks.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 15 2025
0mins
Should l Buy AIR?
Source: MarketWatch
Industrial Sector Growth: Analysts predict the industrial sector of the S&P 500 will experience the highest revenue and profit growth from 2024 to 2027, as highlighted in a previous article last July.
Stock Performance Update: The article revisits four stock picks from last year, featuring insights from Spenser Lerner and Bill Hench, who provided updates on their selections during recent interviews with MarketWatch.
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Analyst Views on AIR
Wall Street analysts forecast AIR stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 107.810
Low
99.00
Averages
106.80
High
121.00
Current: 107.810
Low
99.00
Averages
106.80
High
121.00
About AIR
AAR CORP. is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. The Company supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Parts Supply segment primarily consists of its sales of used serviceable material, including aircraft, engine and airframe parts and components and distribution of new parts. Repair & Engineering segment primarily consists of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across airframes and components. Integrated Solutions segment primarily consists of its fleet management and operations of customer-owned aircraft, customized performance-based supply chain logistics programs and others. Expeditionary Services segment primarily consists of products and services supporting the movement of equipment and personnel by the United States and foreign governments and non-governmental organizations.
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.
- Earnings Release Date: AAR Corporation is set to announce its Q3 earnings on March 24th after market close, with consensus EPS estimate at $1.16, reflecting a 17.2% year-over-year increase, and revenue estimate at $812.58 million, indicating a 19.8% year-over-year growth, showcasing the company's robust growth potential in the aerospace sector.
- Historical Performance: Over the past two years, AAR has exceeded EPS estimates 100% of the time and revenue estimates 63% of the time, demonstrating the company's financial stability and market confidence.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen four upward revisions and one downward revision, while revenue estimates have experienced five upward revisions with no downward adjustments, reflecting analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance.
- Contract Award Situation: AAR's unit secured a $289.7 million contract for cargo pallets from the U.S. Air Force, which not only strengthens the company's order base but also further solidifies its position in the defense aerospace market.
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- Contract Value: AAR Corp has been awarded two major pallet contracts by the U.S. Air Force, with a combined value of approximately $450 million, including a $160 million firm-fixed-price contract expected to be completed by March 2031, reinforcing its position in government contracts.
- Pallet Production: Under a separate $290 million contract, AAR will manufacture and produce 463 legacy air cargo pallets, with completion expected by March 2032, enhancing its supply capabilities in the military aviation market.
- Historical Partnership: AAR has been the primary supplier of 463L pallets to the U.S. Air Force since 1963, and the continuation of these contracts not only underscores the company's importance in government services but also provides a stable revenue stream for the future.
- Business Strategy: AAR executives noted that government contracts are central to the company's diversified business model, and these awards will support ongoing growth in its global operations, ensuring necessary support and stability worldwide.
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- Strong Sales Growth: AAR Corp reported a 25% year-over-year increase in total sales to $845 million, indicating robust market performance that is expected to further enhance its market share and competitiveness.
- Profitability Improvement: Adjusted EBITDA rose 26% to $102.1 million, with adjusted earnings per share increasing 26% to $1.25, reflecting significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Parts Distribution Growth: The new parts distribution segment achieved 36% organic growth, primarily driven by a two-way exclusive distribution model, which is expected to propel future sales growth and enhance customer loyalty.
- Integration Progressing Well: The integration of HAECO Americas is ahead of schedule, and while it has short-term margin impacts, improvements are anticipated as the integration deepens, strengthening the company's long-term competitiveness.
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- Significant Sales Growth: AAR Corp. reported a 25% year-over-year increase in total sales for Q3, reaching $845 million, with 14% organic adjusted sales growth and 36% organic growth in new parts distribution, demonstrating strong performance in both commercial and government markets, thereby reinforcing its market position.
- Improved Profitability: Adjusted EBITDA rose 26% year-over-year to $102.1 million, with EBITDA margin slightly increasing to 12.1%; excluding HAECO Americas, the EBITDA margin would have been 12.8%, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Strong Government Sales: Sales to government customers increased by 19%, accounting for 30% of total sales, primarily driven by programs like the C-17 and P-8, indicating AAR's ongoing growth potential in government contracts, which aids future revenue stability.
- Optimistic Outlook: Management expects Q4 adjusted sales growth of 19% to 21%, with organic adjusted sales growth between 6% and 8%, showcasing confidence in market demand and sustained growth potential, further enhancing investor confidence.
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