Global inflation questions, shifting central bank policies and energy price swings have put resilience and reliability at the top of many investors’ wish lists. Aerospace and defense companies sit at the crossroads of government spending, long-term contracts and critical infrastructure, which can offer a different risk and return profile compared with more cyclical areas of the market. This Aerospace And Defense screener filters for companies that manufacture or provide services to these sectors, helping you focus on businesses tied to long-duration demand. In this article, you will see 3 stocks from the screener that stand out for further research.

ATI (ATI)

Overview: ATI Inc. is a specialty materials company that supplies titanium, nickel and cobalt alloys, advanced powders and complex forged and machined components that go into aircraft engines, defense systems, medical devices and energy infrastructure worldwide.

Operations: ATI generates most of its revenue from High Performance Materials & Components at about US$2.7b and Advanced Alloys & Solutions at about US$2.4b, with reported intersegment sales adjustments of about US$447m and a large share of sales recorded in the United States at about US$2.7b.

Market Cap: US$26.8b

ATI stock catches attention because it sits at the heart of high value aerospace and defense supply chains, with long term contracts across Boeing, Airbus and key engine programs, while also supplying materials for nuclear and other energy transition uses. Margins and return on equity are already strong, yet the company still carries high debt and relies fully on external funding, which can amplify both upside and downside as conditions change. Earnings growth has been solid, but the current valuation and very high P/E leave little room for disappointment. Recent earnings beats, rising analyst estimates and larger buybacks indicate that the current setup may offer more than the headline numbers suggest.

ATI’s rich P/E, strong margins and heavy debt make the headline story feel incomplete, so use the 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign to see whether the current setup hides a crucial twist that investors often miss

Howmet Aerospace (HWM)

Overview: Howmet Aerospace Inc. supplies high performance metal components, fasteners and forged wheels that are essential for aircraft engines, airframes and heavy trucks, serving major manufacturers across commercial aerospace, defense and transportation markets worldwide.

Operations: Howmet generates most of its revenue from Engine Products at about US$4.6b, followed by Fastening Systems at about US$1.8b, Forged Wheels at about US$1.1b and Engineered Structures at about US$1.1b, with small inter segment sales adjustments of about US$18m.

Market Cap: US$111.0b

Howmet Aerospace stands out in this screener because it mixes fundamentals with identifiable growth drivers, including demand for advanced engine parts, a net profit margin of 20.2% and a current ROE of 31.6%. At the same time, the stock is priced on a rich multiple and sits above some estimated fair value measures, so a lot of optimism is already in the share price. Heavy use of debt, elevated CEO pay and recent insider selling all add questions about risk tolerance and governance that investors may factor in. A key consideration is whether forecast earnings growth, capacity expansions and aftermarket exposure are enough for some investors to be comfortable paying the current valuation for Howmet’s aerospace and data center exposure.

Howmet’s 20.2% net margin and 31.6% ROE point to a business that might justify a premium tag, yet the rich multiple and insider moves raise questions that the analyst forecasts for Howmet Aerospace starts to answer in unexpected ways

Astronics (ATRO)

Overview: Astronics is an aerospace and defense supplier that provides aircraft lighting, in seat power, connectivity, safety systems and automated test equipment for commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, defense customers and electronics firms worldwide.

Operations: Astronics generates most of its revenue from its Aerospace segment at about US$819.8m, with additional sales from Test Systems at about US$67.5m and small intersegment adjustments.

Market Cap: US$3.2b

Astronics attracts attention in the Aerospace And Defense screener because it ties directly into rising aircraft build rates and in flight power and connectivity trends. Q1 2026 results showed higher revenue, net income and raised full year guidance to US$970m to US$1b. At the same time, a rich P/E, high reliance on external borrowing and past setbacks in the Test segment mean execution and cash generation need to keep pace with the growth story. For investors, the mix of improving profitability, record backlog and new programs like the U.S. Army radio test order sits alongside tariff exposure, legal costs and restructuring. This sets up a story where stronger aero margins and 737 MAX volumes could matter far more than headline multiples suggest.

Accelerating aero demand and a record backlog paint Astronics as a quiet rerating story, but the real tension is how cash flow and leverage intersect. The analysis report for Astronics surfaces the twist most investors are missing.

The three Aerospace And Defense stocks in this article are only a starting point. The full screener surfaces 67 more companies that carry equally compelling supply chain roles, contracts and capital allocation stories through the Aerospace And Defense screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, risk profiles and business narratives that matter most to you so you can focus on the highest conviction opportunities in this theme.

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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.