Curtiss-Wright (CW): A Strategic Buy in a High-Growth Aerospace & Defense Sector

In the volatile landscape of 2025, Curtiss-Wright (NYSE: CW) has emerged as a standout performer, delivering a year-to-date (YTD) return of 52.9% as of November 26, 2025, outpacing the Aerospace sector's average according to market data. This robust performance, coupled with a "Moderate Buy" Wall Street consensus rating and a compelling mix of nuclear energy and tariff-driven growth opportunities, positions Curtiss-Wright as a high-conviction investment for those seeking exposure to a sector poised for long-term outperformance.

YTD Outperformance and Financial Resilience

Curtiss-Wright's 52.9% YTD return reflects its ability to capitalize on tailwinds in aerospace and defense, where demand remains resilient despite macroeconomic headwinds according to industry analysis. While some sources report a slightly higher YTD return of 55.31% according to financial charts, the company's third-quarter 2025 results underscore its operational strength: sales rose 9% year-over-year to $869 million, and full-year diluted EPS guidance was raised to $12.95–$13.20, signaling a 19%–21% increase compared to 2024 according to earnings reports. These figures highlight Curtiss-Wright's capacity to convert sectoral demand into sustainable earnings growth.

Wall Street's Bullish Outlook and Price Targets

Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about Curtiss-Wright's trajectory. The stock currently holds a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating, with six out of eight analysts issuing "Buy" recommendations and two advising "Hold" according to analyst consensus. The average one-year price target of $526.00-a -8.36% downside from its current price of $573.99-reflects a balanced view of near-term risks and long-term potential according to market analysis. However, individual analyst calls reveal a more nuanced picture: Morgan Stanley raised its target to $660 from $645, citing the company's exposure to nuclear energy and tariff-driven pricing power according to market reports. Meanwhile, Stifel trimmed its target to $584 but maintained a "Hold" rating, emphasizing structural growth in defense spending according to financial analysis.

Long-term forecasts further bolster the case for CW. Analysts project revenue growth from $3.4 billion in 2025 to $3.8 billion by 2027, with EPS expected to rise from $12.71 to $14.88 during the same period according to stock forecasts. These projections hinge on Curtiss-Wright's ability to leverage its diversified portfolio and navigate near-term challenges such as inventory destocking according to market insights.

Curtiss-Wright's strategic positioning in nuclear energy and defense contracts provides a dual engine for growth. In 2025, the company secured a $2.9 million contract to modernize recirculating feed water control systems at a Japanese nuclear power plant, underscoring its expertise in critical infrastructure according to press reports. Additionally, it was awarded $130 million in defense contracts to support U.S. naval platforms, including $80 million for high-speed data acquisition systems and $27 million for aircraft handling systems on Constellation Class Frigates according to company announcements. These contracts highlight Curtiss-Wright's role in both energy transition and national security.

Tariff-related pricing power further strengthens its case. While U.S. defense firms have largely avoided material tariff impacts due to cost-plus contracts and adjustment clauses according to defense analysis, Curtiss-Wright's recent fixed-price deals-such as its $80 million IDIQ contract with the Air Force-demonstrate its ability to secure favorable terms amid trade policy uncertainty according to contract details. Legal experts also note that including tariff pricing clauses in multi-year contracts, as Curtiss-Wright appears to do, mitigates risks from unexpected policy shifts according to legal analysis.

Conclusion: A Tactical Buy for Sector Outperformance

Curtiss-Wright's combination of YTD outperformance, bullish analyst sentiment, and diversified growth drivers makes it an attractive tactical entry point for investors. While near-term price targets suggest caution, the company's long-term revenue and EPS projections, coupled with its exposure to nuclear energy and tariff-protected defense contracts, justify a strategic allocation. For those seeking to capitalize on the aerospace and defense sector's resilience, Curtiss-Wright offers a compelling blend of momentum and fundamentals.