Transatlantic trade is getting fresh momentum, with the EU and US locking in a 2025 tariff and trade agreement and cross border flows in goods, services, and capital running into the trillions. For investors, that kind of policy clarity can matter as much as any earnings release, especially when sectors tied to energy, manufacturing, and services sit at the center of the story. This article walks through 3 large cap stocks from our Transatlantic Industrial and Energy Leaders screener that appear closely exposed to this news, and explains why some investors may see them as potential opportunities.

Fincantieri (BIT:FCT)

Overview: Fincantieri is an Italian shipbuilding group that designs and builds a wide range of vessels, from cruise ships and naval frigates to submarines and offshore support ships, as well as providing refit, repair, and lifecycle services. It also supplies interiors, marine systems, and infrastructure projects, which ties its shipyards into long running defense, tourism, and industrial supply chains across Europe and the US.

Operations: Fincantieri generates most of its roughly €9.2b in revenue from Shipbuilding (€6.6b), Offshore and Specialized Vessels (€1.4b), and Systems, Components and Infrastructure (€1.3b), with Underwater activities adding €666.6m, while geographically about €7.2b comes from abroad and €2.0b from Italy.

Market Cap: €4.6b

Fincantieri sits at the heart of transatlantic trade, with cruise, naval, and offshore contracts that are closely tied to EU US capital flows and defense cooperation, so the fresh 2025 trade agreement and multi hundred billion euro investment plans are highly relevant. The company couples this exposure with a record order backlog, strong recent earnings momentum and guidance that points to higher revenue and net profit, while also pushing into greener ship technologies and underwater systems. At the same time, heavy use of debt, reliance on large long duration contracts, and concentration in cruise and defense mean execution and financing risks are real. For investors who want the full picture on how these forces intersect, there is more under the surface than the headline numbers suggest.

Fincantieri’s record backlog, focus on greener ships, and exposure to the new EU US trade deal could be masking a very different risk reward profile. Start with the analysis report for Fincantieri

VSE (VSEC)

Overview: VSE Corporation is a Miramar based aviation services company that supplies aftermarket parts distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul for commercial and government aircraft fleets, serving airlines, cargo operators, MRO providers, manufacturers, and business and private aviation customers worldwide.

Operations: VSE generates its roughly US$1.2b in revenue almost entirely from its Aviation segment, which covers aftermarket parts distribution and MRO services.

Market Cap: US$5.5b

VSE sits squarely in the crosswind of transatlantic trade, with aviation aftermarket exposure that could be influenced by deeper EU US flows, the 2025 trade deal, and record levels of investment in travel and logistics. The company is focusing on a pure play aviation model, backed by acquisitions like Precision Aviation Group and OEM partnerships that support recurring MRO and parts revenue. Recent results include higher revenue, improved profitability, and raised 2026 guidance. Set against that are a rich P/E multiple, higher leverage after deal financing, insider selling, and shareholder dilution, which leave limited room for missteps. For investors, the key consideration is whether VSE’s aftermarket engine and MRO profile compensates for those risks.

VSE’s shift to a pure play aviation strategy, along with its richer P/E ratio and higher leverage, raises a simple question for investors: is the risk really priced in or just deferred in the analysis report for VSE?

Airbus (ENXTPA:AIR)

Overview: Airbus is a European aerospace group that designs and builds commercial jets, helicopters, and military and space systems, and provides related services such as aircraft conversions, secure communications, and cyber security for customers worldwide.

Operations: Airbus generates most of its roughly €72.5b in revenue from its Airbus segment at €51.5b, with Airbus Defence and Space contributing €13.6b and Airbus Helicopters €9.0b, partly offset by €1.5b of eliminations.

Market Cap: €162.2b

Airbus gives you exposure to one of the few true global duopolies in commercial aviation, backed by a large order backlog, growing services activity and a transatlantic footprint that could benefit as EU US trade frictions ease and new investments ramp up. At the same time, the stock sits on a relatively high P/E multiple, relies on external borrowing to fund its liabilities, and faces ongoing supply chain and political sensitivities around tariffs and state support. With earnings growth outpacing the broader French market and fresh product news around a successor to the A320 and hydrogen propulsion, the key question is whether Airbus still offers enough long term value once those tailwinds and risks are weighed together.

Airbus sits at the crossroads of a global duopoly, a large order backlog, and renewed discussion about next generation jets and hydrogen. However, the real story may sit inside the analyst forecasts for Airbus

The three stocks covered here are just a starting point. The full Transatlantic Industrial and Energy Leaders screen surfaces 30 more large caps with equally compelling stories across manufacturing, energy, and related supply chains in the Transatlantic Industrial and Energy Leaders screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial health factors, and cross border narratives that matter most to you so you can focus on your highest conviction ideas.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.