This stock comparison examines AIR and BWXT, two players in the aerospace and defense sector. AIR, a provider of aviation aftermarket solutions, and BWXT, a nuclear components manufacturer, offer exposure to commercial aviation recovery and government-backed nuclear initiatives. Traders seeking momentum in industrials and investors eyeing long-term defense spending may find value in analyzing their relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning in the current environment.
AAR Corp. (AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions provider, operating in parts supply, repair and engineering, integrated solutions, and expeditionary services across commercial aviation, government, and defense markets. With a market cap of approximately $4.4 billion, the company reported trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue of $3.13 billion and EPS of $4.55.
In recent market activity, AIR shares have shown resilience, posting a YTD return of 35.16% and 96.18% over one year, outperforming the S&P 500. Recent weeks have featured volatility, with shares influenced by key developments such as the completion of the Aircraft Reconfig Technologies acquisition, a multi-year distribution agreement with Woodward for engine parts, the launch of AI-driven procurement platform Airvoyant, and a $305 million U.S. Navy C-40A contract. Analyst targets average $131, signaling optimism amid aviation demand recovery and defense logistics needs. Sentiment reflects steady momentum tied to commercial fleet utilization and government sustainment programs.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) specializes in nuclear components, technologies, and services for government and commercial customers, including naval reactors and emerging small modular reactors (SMRs). Boasting a market cap near $19 billion, it achieved TTM revenue of $3.38 billion and EPS of $3.75, with recent quarterly revenue growth of 26%.
Recent performance for BWXT includes a YTD return of 19.44% and 85.25% over one year, driven by nuclear sector tailwinds. Shares experienced a pullback following strong Q1 2026 results, where revenues hit $860.2 million (up 26% YoY), adjusted EBITDA rose 14%, and guidance was raised for the year. Key catalysts encompass the Precision Components Group acquisition to expand U.S. commercial nuclear manufacturing, NRC engagement for a new defense fuel facility, and robust government backlog. With an average analyst target of $234, market sentiment underscores positioning in AI-driven energy demands and naval propulsion programs.
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AIR and BWXT both anchor in aerospace and defense but diverge in focus: AIR emphasizes commercial aviation aftermarket (parts, MRO), while BWXT leads in nuclear propulsion for naval and commercial SMRs. Growth drivers contrast with AIR's reliance on air travel rebound versus BWXT's exposure to nuclear renaissance amid AI data center power needs.
Recent momentum favors AIR on YTD basis (35% vs. 19%), but BWXT boasts superior ROE (29% vs. 12%) and cash flow generation. Risk profiles differ: AIR's higher beta (1.14) signals volatility from cyclical aviation, while BWXT's lower beta (0.78) and government contracts offer stability, though at a premium valuation (P/E 60 vs. 24). Sector sentiment tilts toward nuclear catalysts for BWXT, balancing AIR's logistics edge.
Tickeron’s AI leans toward BWXT in the current environment, citing trend consistency from nuclear catalysts, earnings beats, raised guidance, and a $8.65 billion backlog amid rising defense and energy demands. While AIR offers compelling value and aviation momentum, BWXT's relative stability and growth positioning suggest higher probability of outperformance over coming quarters.
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It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AIR’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileBWXT’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AIR’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while BWXT’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
AIR (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а -11.23% price change this week, while BWXT (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was -0.30% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was -2.43%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.22%, and the average quarterly price growth was +48.05%.
AIR is expected to report earnings on Jul 21, 2026.
BWXT is expected to report earnings on Aug 10, 2026.
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.
| AIR | BWXT | AIR / BWXT | |
| Capitalization | 4.16B | 18.8B | 22% |
| EBITDA | 375M | 569M | 66% |
| Gain YTD | 26.283 | 18.608 | 141% |
| P/E Ratio | 22.98 | 54.59 | 42% |
| Revenue | 3.14B | 3.38B | 93% |
| Total Cash | 78.5M | 512M | 15% |
| Total Debt | 980M | 2.02B | 49% |
AIR | BWXT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 41 Fair valued | 94 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 12 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 64 | 34 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 100 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
AIR's Valuation (41) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for BWXT (94). This means that AIR’s stock grew somewhat faster than BWXT’s over the last 12 months.
BWXT's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as AIR (18). This means that BWXT’s stock grew similarly to AIR’s over the last 12 months.
BWXT's SMR Rating (34) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as AIR (64). This means that BWXT’s stock grew similarly to AIR’s over the last 12 months.
BWXT's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as AIR (50). This means that BWXT’s stock grew similarly to AIR’s over the last 12 months.
BWXT's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is significantly better than the same rating for AIR (100). This means that BWXT’s stock grew significantly faster than AIR’s over the last 12 months.
| AIR | BWXT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 52% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 59% | 4 days ago 54% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 53% | 4 days ago 55% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 73% | 26 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 57% | 11 days ago 55% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 76% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 64% | 4 days ago 59% |
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AIR has been loosely correlated with VSEC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if AIR jumps, then VSEC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AIR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR | 100% | -3.76% | ||
| VSEC - AIR | 56% Loosely correlated | -5.24% | ||
| WWD - AIR | 55% Loosely correlated | -4.43% | ||
| CW - AIR | 55% Loosely correlated | -5.08% | ||
| SARO - AIR | 54% Loosely correlated | -4.07% | ||
| HWM - AIR | 53% Loosely correlated | -4.41% | ||
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A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BWXT has been closely correlated with CW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if BWXT jumps, then CW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To BWXT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWXT | 100% | -2.95% | ||
| CW - BWXT | 73% Closely correlated | -5.08% | ||
| KTOS - BWXT | 51% Loosely correlated | -5.03% | ||
| MRCY - BWXT | 50% Loosely correlated | -2.66% | ||
| AIR - BWXT | 50% Loosely correlated | -3.76% | ||
| HWM - BWXT | 48% Loosely correlated | -4.41% | ||
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