As the hype surrounding the SpaceX IPO gathers pace ahead of what could be the largest public offering in history, savvy investors may want to look around at other companies in broader (and aerospace/defense) industries. The airlines themselves have faced major turbulence so far in 2026 amid the ongoing war in Iran and concerns that inflation will affect travel habits, among other factors. But aerospace component makers aren't necessarily tied to the operations of the airlines themselves. Indeed, many of these companies could play an important role in strengthening the publicly traded space race.
Three aerospace component manufacturers that enjoy the backing of Wall Street are listed below. Although they have very different plans this year, these companies may be poised to benefit from the SpaceX IPO lead, and possibly beyond.
Darling ATI Analyst Gives Plenty of Reasons for Enthusiasm
Allegheny Technologies Inc. NYSE: ATIknown as ATI, makes various specialties and components for aerospace and defense applications, as well as a number of other industries. This means that ATI is not an aerospace company, but its diversification across sectors may be attractive to investors looking to reduce risk.
ATI today
- 52 week interval
- $70.42
▼
$171.11
- The P/E ratio
- 51.09
- Target Value
- $164.38
ATI shares enjoy near-universal support among analysts, who gave 10 buy ratings compared to just one hold. The company received upgraded price estimates from analysts at KeyCorp, Deutsche Bank, and elsewhere in early May, but an impressive 40% year-to-date (YTD) return means ATI has already exceeded its consensus price estimate.
The early May timing is no coincidence, as it coincides with ATI releasing its latest earnings, including an impressive profit of $1.15 billion and earnings per share of $1, 12 cents ahead of expectations. Adjusted EBITDA was also up 19% year-over-year (YOY), with growing margins and strong free cash flow. Growing defense demand has helped fuel these gains, but improving margins means the company's mix must continue to improve going forward. This has also helped ATI navigate the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict better than some of its peers.
Opportunity to Change Endless Aircraft Support Business Could Send HEICO Higher
At the other end of the spectrum is aerospace, defense, and electronics manufacturer HEICO Corp. NYSE: NOwhich has had a share price decline of about 10% YTD. This is despite posting record consolidated results in the most recently reported quarter, including 13% YOY gains in revenue and increases in net sales and EBITDA.
Heico Today
- 52 week interval
- $256.11
▼
$361.69
- Dividend Yield
- 0.08%
- The P/E ratio
- 57.03
- Target Value
- $358.80
The aircraft support segment in particular was strong, achieving excellent growth in operating income as HEICO strengthened its offering with some notable acquisitions.
However, HEICO continued to face margin pressure in another corner of its business, the electronic technologies group. This was due to an unfavorable product mix, but also the result of low air shipments. Given the strength in many other areas of HEICO's business, investors may be hoping the company can turn this branch around—and if so, it may be a lucky time, as demand may accelerate around the SpaceX offering.
Despite the lackluster share price performance, analysts are generally bullish on HEI shares. A solid 10 of 18 call the stock a Buy, and the consensus price target suggests potential upside of 20% going forward.
Indirect Access is one of the most popular conglomerates
Although Berkshire Hathaway Inc. NYSE: BRK.B is a large organization with interests and operations across many industries and sectors. Its subsidiary, Precision Castparts, is among the largest manufacturers of complex metal and aerospace components. Berkshire acquired the company in 2016 for about $37 billion.
Berkshire Hathaway Today
- 52 week interval
- $455.18
▼
$516.85
- The P/E ratio
- 14.37
- Target Value
- $524.50
Berkshire wrote down nearly a third of the company's value amid the COVID pandemic, which has decimated travel and aerospace companies. However, over the years, Precision has ramped up its operations again and is thriving.
Of course, investing in Berkshire is not a direct way to gain exposure to the niche aerospace parts industry, so this company may appeal to investors who want a broader approach (or want to join the army of investors following the company that Warren Buffett brought to prominence). Still, given Precision's size and importance to the industry as a whole, and its recovery after COVID, it's worth remembering that one of Berkshire's most notable holdings is a leading aerospace firm.
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