Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) Industrial Operations Profile

Curtiss-Wright Corporation delivers specialized engineered solutions across aerospace, defense, industrial, and power sectors. With a diversified portfolio and a focus on high-reliability applications, the company leverages its technology and expertise to serve critical infrastructure and demanding customer requirements, positioning it as a key player in these industries.

What Is the Investment Thesis for CW?

Curtiss-Wright presents a compelling investment case driven by its diversified exposure to critical sectors and a focus on high-margin engineered solutions. The company's strong presence in the aerospace, defense, and power generation markets provides a stable revenue base with growth potential. With a profit margin of 14.2% and a gross margin of 37.2%, Curtiss-Wright demonstrates financial strength. Key catalysts include increased defense spending and infrastructure investments. However, investors may want to evaluate the risks associated with economic cycles and potential shifts in government spending priorities. The company's P/E ratio of 53.1 reflects investor expectations of future growth.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

CW Key Highlights

• Market capitalization of $27.7B, indicating a significant presence in the industrial sector.
• Profit margin of 14.2%, reflecting efficient operations and strong pricing power.
• Gross margin of 37.2%, showcasing the value-added nature of Curtiss-Wright's products and services.
• Dividend yield of 0.13%, providing a modest income stream for investors.
• Beta of 0.92, suggesting lower volatility compared to the overall market.

Who Are CW's Competitors?

CW is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are CW's Key Strengths?

• Diversified revenue streams across multiple end markets.
• Strong presence in highly regulated industries.
• Proprietary technology and intellectual property.
• Experienced management team.

What Are CW's Weaknesses?

• Exposure to cyclical industries.
• Dependence on government spending.
• Potential for cost overruns on large projects.
• Integration risks associated with acquisitions.

What Could Drive CW Stock Higher?

• Increased defense spending by governments worldwide.
• Growth in the commercial aerospace sector.
• Investments in nuclear power infrastructure and maintenance.
• Potential acquisitions of complementary businesses to expand product offerings and market reach.
• New product launches and technological innovations.

What Are the Key Risks for CW?

• Rich valuation — a P/E of 53.1 runs well above the Industrials sector’s ~30x, leaving little room for a miss.
• Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $5.2M recently.
• Economic downturns affecting demand in key end markets.
• Changes in government regulations impacting defense spending and nuclear power.
• Increased competition from existing players and new entrants.
• Geopolitical instability and trade tensions.
• Supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for CW?

• Growth opportunity 1: Increased defense spending globally presents a significant opportunity for Curtiss-Wright's Defense Electronics and Naval & Power segments. As nations modernize their military capabilities and address emerging threats, demand for advanced electronics, weapons handling systems, and naval propulsion solutions is expected to rise. This trend supports sustained growth in the defense sector, with potential for long-term contracts and recurring revenue streams. The global defense market is projected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2028, offering substantial opportunities for Curtiss-Wright to expand its market share.
• Growth opportunity 2: Expansion in the commercial aerospace sector, driven by increasing passenger traffic and aircraft orders, provides opportunities for Curtiss-Wright's Aerospace & Industrial segment. The demand for sensors, controls, and actuation components in new aircraft and aftermarket services is expected to grow. As airlines expand their fleets and upgrade existing aircraft, Curtiss-Wright can capitalize on this trend by offering innovative solutions and reliable products. The commercial aerospace market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2026, creating a favorable environment for Curtiss-Wright's growth.
• Growth opportunity 3: Investments in nuclear power infrastructure and maintenance offer growth prospects for Curtiss-Wright's Naval & Power segment. As countries seek to diversify their energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, nuclear power is gaining renewed attention. Curtiss-Wright's expertise in providing critical components and services for nuclear power plants positions the company to benefit from this trend. The global nuclear power market is projected to reach $45 billion by 2027, driven by new plant construction and upgrades to existing facilities.
• Growth opportunity 4: Strategic acquisitions and partnerships can enhance Curtiss-Wright's capabilities and expand its market reach. By acquiring companies with complementary technologies or access to new markets, Curtiss-Wright can strengthen its competitive position and accelerate growth. The company has a history of successful acquisitions, and continued strategic investments can drive further value creation. The mergers and acquisitions market in the industrial sector remains active, providing opportunities for Curtiss-Wright to pursue accretive deals.
• Growth opportunity 5: Focus on innovation and new product development can drive organic growth for Curtiss-Wright. By investing in research and development, the company can create differentiated solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. The development of advanced sensors, controls, and systems can enhance Curtiss-Wright's competitive advantage and capture new market opportunities. The company's commitment to innovation is reflected in its portfolio of patents and its focus on developing cutting-edge technologies.

What Opportunities Does CW Have?

• Increased defense spending globally.
• Growth in commercial aerospace sector.
• Investments in nuclear power infrastructure.
• Strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

What Threats Does CW Face?

• Economic downturns.
• Changes in government regulations.
• Increased competition.
• Geopolitical instability.

What Are CW's Competitive Advantages?

• Proprietary technology and intellectual property.
• Strong relationships with key customers in regulated industries.
• High barriers to entry due to stringent quality and performance requirements.
• Diversified product portfolio and end-market exposure.
• Established reputation for reliability and performance.

What Does CW Do?

Founded in 1929, Curtiss-Wright Corporation has evolved into a diversified industrial company providing engineered products, solutions, and services worldwide. Originally rooted in the aviation industry, the company has expanded its reach to serve the aerospace, defense, general industrial, and power generation markets. Curtiss-Wright operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power. The Aerospace & Industrial segment offers products like electronic throttle control devices, sensors, and surface treatment services. The Defense Electronics segment provides embedded computing solutions, data acquisition systems, and integrated subsystems. The Naval & Power segment delivers hardware, pumps, valves, and specialized equipment for nuclear power plants and naval applications. Headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina, Curtiss-Wright continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base, focusing on high-performance solutions and reliable operations.

What Products and Services Does CW Offer?

• Provides engineered products for aerospace applications.
• Offers defense electronics solutions for military applications.
• Supplies naval propulsion and auxiliary equipment.
• Delivers industrial vehicle products and services.
• Provides surface treatment services like shot peening and laser peening.
• Offers hardware and components for nuclear power plants.
• Provides integrated subsystems and instrumentation for various industries.

How Does CW Make Money?

• Designs, manufactures, and sells engineered products and solutions.
• Provides aftermarket services, including maintenance and repair.
• Secures long-term contracts with government and commercial customers.
• Focuses on high-reliability applications and demanding customer requirements.

What Industry Does CW Operate In?

Curtiss-Wright operates in the industrials sector, specifically within the aerospace and defense industry. This sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, long product lifecycles, and stringent regulatory requirements. The market is driven by factors such as government defense spending, commercial aerospace growth, and infrastructure development. Curtiss-Wright competes with companies like Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT) and Dover Corporation (DOV), focusing on specialized solutions and niche markets. The industry is experiencing growth due to increased global security concerns and modernization efforts.

Who Are CW's Key Customers?

• Aerospace companies (commercial and military)
• Defense contractors
• Naval organizations (e.g., U.S. Navy)
• Nuclear power plant operators
• General industrial companies

Net sellingInsider Activity

Over the past six months, Curtiss-Wright Corporation insiders filed 14 SEC Form 4 transactions — 9 sales and 5 purchases. On net that is roughly 7K shares disposed (about $5.2M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.

FY2026 estForward Outlook

Wall Street analysts project Curtiss-Wright Corporation revenue of about $3.78B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $15.23. The estimate reflects 4 contributing analysts.

F-Score 7/9Financial Health

Curtiss-Wright Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 8.42 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.

ROE 20%Key Financial Metrics

Return on equity for Curtiss-Wright Corporation stands at 19.6%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 9.7%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. CW trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 53.09, above the Industrials sector average of ~30x. Its free cash flow yield is 2.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.52 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 1.8%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) Valuation Context

Valued at $27.7B, CW is classified as a large-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, CW's quantitative score of 80/100 is above the peer average of 64/100.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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