Hexcel (HXL) supplies carbon fiber prepregs to Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and F-35. Q1 2026 showed 10% sales growth after two flat years. FY2026 guidance calls for $2.0–2.1B revenue. The aerospace cycle is recovering — and HXL has the most operating leverage to capture it.
Mercury Systems (MRCY) went from -7% EBITDA margins and a $14M net loss in FY2024 to FCF of $119M in FY2025. Record Q3 FY26 bookings in missiles, C4I, and space programs mark a genuine operational inflection.
Curtiss-Wright (CW) supplies nuclear propulsion control systems for Columbia-class submarines and is prototyping helium circulators for X-energy's Xe-100 SMR. A steady defense compounder with a growing clean energy option.
TransDigm Group (TDG) isn't an aerospace parts maker — it's a capital allocation engine that converts FAA certification renewals into pricing power. 50%+ EBITDA margins, $1.25B debt raise, and 22 Buy ratings in 2026.