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Apr 22, 2026

Astronics (ATRO): Q1 2026 Earnings Preview Amid Record Backlog and Momentum

Key Takeaways

  • Analysts forecast Q1 2026 revenue of $227.8 million and EPS of $0.56, based on four analysts.
  • Astronics guided Q1 revenue at $220-230 million, slightly below consensus amid expected double-digit full-year growth.
  • Record backlog reached $674.5 million at year-end 2025, with 79% slated for recognition over the next 12 months.
  • Q4 2025 delivered sales of $240.1 million (up 15.1% YoY) and EPS of $0.78, beating estimates.
  • FY 2026 revenue outlook remains $950-990 million, implying 10-15% growth over FY 2025's $862.1 million.
  • Investors watch Aerospace segment margins (target high-teens) and backlog conversion.

Earnings Context and Why It Matters

As a supplier of aerospace and defense technologies, ATRO is heading into its Q1 2026 earnings with solid momentum from a strong Q4 2025 and a record backlog. The Aerospace segment, which makes up about 89% of revenues, has seen tailwinds from increasing air travel demand and defense spending. From what I see, this report will be key in confirming how well the $674.5 million backlog at year-end is converting into revenue, while also offering updates on full-year guidance in a favorable industry environment. For investors like myself, it provides a window into margin expansion and operational execution as the market recovers, which could shape the stock's valuation in this high-growth sector. Recent earnings beats have already lifted shares, so sustained performance here is something I'm watching closely.

Earnings Expectations

Wall Street looks for Q1 2026 revenue of $227.8 million (range: $222.8-$234.3 million) and adjusted EPS of $0.56, marking improvement from Q1 2025's $205.9 million in sales and $0.26 EPS. The company itself guided conservatively to $220-230 million, pointing to a heavier weighting in the second half of 2026. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to gauge how ATRO stacks up against peers on key metrics.

I'll be paying attention to adjusted EBITDA margins—Q4 reached 19.0%—along with bookings compared to Q4's $257.2 million and progress on the backlog. ATRO has a track record of positive surprises, as seen in Q4 with revenue of $240.1 million beating the $237.1 million expected and a strong EPS. Aerospace operating margins (adjusted 19.8% in Q4) and gains in Test Systems are in focus, as are any adjustments to FY 2026 revenue guidance ($950-990 million, consensus $971.3 million).

Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment

Sentiment is cautiously optimistic going into Q1 earnings, following Q4's beat that pushed shares toward 52-week highs around $77. That said, the conservative Q1 guide below consensus adds some caution and potential for volatility. In my view, much will hinge on backlog visibility and margin updates; historically, beats have led to positive post-earnings moves, though guidance shortfalls could weigh on the stock amid sector rotations in aerospace.

Tickeron’s AI Screener: My Go-To for Stock Analysis

I rely on Tickeron’s AI Screener as an AI-powered tool for discovering stocks and ETFs, filtering the market by technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI signals. It lets me scan thousands of names using custom filters like industry, market cap, technicals, price patterns, and performance metrics—far more efficient than manual work. Whether spotting trade ideas, breakouts, or opportunities, it sharpens my analysis, and I've found it particularly useful for tracking names like ATRO in competitive sectors.

Forward Outlook and Key Factors to Monitor

One thing that stands out is any updates to FY 2026 guidance at $950-990 million in revenue, as Q1 could reinforce or refine this H2-heavy outlook. Backlog conversion is crucial, with 79% of the $674.5 million due in the next 12 months, providing clear visibility in Aerospace areas like in-flight power and lighting, plus Test Systems opportunities such as the U.S. Army radio program.

Margin trends will be telling: Q4's 19.0% adjusted EBITDA sets a high bar, with high-teens targets for the full operation. I'll watch Aerospace profitability against supply chain pressures and defense signals, alongside cost discipline and bookings to gauge if double-digit growth holds.

On a broader note, air traffic recovery and MRO trends act as catalysts. Strong execution across the board could build confidence in ATRO's positioning for the long term, independent of any single quarter.

Disclaimer

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Disclaimers and Limitations

Related Ticker: ATRO

ATRO in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on May 06, 2026

The 10-day moving average for ATRO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on May 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

Price Prediction Chart

Technical Analysis (Indicators)

Bullish Trend Analysis

The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. of 55 cases where ATRO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .

The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on June 11, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ATRO as a result. In of 73 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ATRO just turned positive on June 11, 2026. Looking at past instances where ATRO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

Following a +1 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ATRO advanced for three days, in of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In of 284 cases where ATRO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are .

Bearish Trend Analysis

The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.

Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ATRO declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .

ATRO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on June 11, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.

Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)

The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 71, placing this stock better than average.

The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ATRO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.

The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.

The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (21.277) is normal, around the industry mean (10.925). P/E Ratio (78.688) is within average values for comparable stocks, (90.171). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (4.071). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.849) is also within normal values, averaging (38.279).

Notable companies

The most notable companies in this group are GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE), Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC), Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE:SPCE).

Industry description

Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.

Market Cap

The average market capitalization across the Aerospace & Defense Industry is 44.35B. The market cap for tickers in the group ranges from 4.49 to 2.11T. SPCX holds the highest valuation in this group at 2.11T. The lowest valued company is BDRPF at 4.49.

High and low price notable news

The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was -1%. For the same Industry, the average monthly price growth was 2%, and the average quarterly price growth was 17%. ELMT experienced the highest price growth at 19%, while FJET experienced the biggest fall at -26%.

Volume

The average weekly volume growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was 219%. For the same stocks of the Industry, the average monthly volume growth was 354% and the average quarterly volume growth was 458%

Fundamental Analysis Ratings

The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows

Valuation Rating: 48
P/E Growth Rating: 63
Price Growth Rating: 53
SMR Rating: 79
Profit Risk Rating: 70
Seasonality Score: 1 (-100 ... +100)
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a supplier of products to the global aerospace, defense, electronics and semiconductor industries

Industry AerospaceDefense

Profile
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Aerospace And Defense
Address
130 Commerce Way
Phone
+1 716 805-1599
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2700
Web
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