Curtiss-Wright Corp
NYSE:CW
Curtiss-Wright Corp
Once upon a time, the soaring ambitions of early 20th-century aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers converged to form Curtiss-Wright Corp. The company emerged in 1929 as a dynamic staple in the aviation and aerospace industry, echoing the innovative spirit and technical prowess of its founders. Today, Curtiss-Wright has evolved far beyond the propellers and pistons of its nascent years, cementing itself as a key player in delivering high-tech engineering solutions. Its operations span a triumvirate of sectors: aerospace and defense, commercial and industrial, and power. With a robust global footprint, the company orchestrates a symphony of advanced technologies and systems, from flight control actuators aboard the latest fighter jets to cutting-edge heat exchange technology used in nuclear power plants.
Curtiss-Wright’s success rhythmicly hinges on its ability to interlace its storied history with modern technological advances, crafting products that solve complex challenges across industries. The company generates its revenues by providing a myriad of highly engineered products and services that cater to both governmental and commercial clients. Its defense and aerospace divisions focus on systems that ensure performance reliability in the sky and on the battlefield, whereas its commercial and industrial segment gears toward efficiency and innovation in energy and transportation. The power segment is particularly noteworthy, offering critical solutions to the nuclear industry, aiming at enhancing plant performance and sustainability. Through strategic acquisitions and a relentless pursuit of innovation, Curtiss-Wright ensures its legacy by continually adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the global market.
Once upon a time, the soaring ambitions of early 20th-century aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers converged to form Curtiss-Wright Corp. The company emerged in 1929 as a dynamic staple in the aviation and aerospace industry, echoing the innovative spirit and technical prowess of its founders. Today, Curtiss-Wright has evolved far beyond the propellers and pistons of its nascent years, cementing itself as a key player in delivering high-tech engineering solutions. Its operations span a triumvirate of sectors: aerospace and defense, commercial and industrial, and power. With a robust global footprint, the company orchestrates a symphony of advanced technologies and systems, from flight control actuators aboard the latest fighter jets to cutting-edge heat exchange technology used in nuclear power plants.
Curtiss-Wright’s success rhythmicly hinges on its ability to interlace its storied history with modern technological advances, crafting products that solve complex challenges across industries. The company generates its revenues by providing a myriad of highly engineered products and services that cater to both governmental and commercial clients. Its defense and aerospace divisions focus on systems that ensure performance reliability in the sky and on the battlefield, whereas its commercial and industrial segment gears toward efficiency and innovation in energy and transportation. The power segment is particularly noteworthy, offering critical solutions to the nuclear industry, aiming at enhancing plant performance and sustainability. Through strategic acquisitions and a relentless pursuit of innovation, Curtiss-Wright ensures its legacy by continually adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the global market.
Record Performance: Curtiss-Wright reported a record year in 2025, with strong growth in sales, profitability, free cash flow, and new orders across all business segments.
Sales Growth: Fourth quarter sales reached $947 million, up 15% year-over-year, with organic growth of 11% and significant contributions from acquisitions.
Margin Expansion: Operating margin hit 19.7% in Q4, with full-year operating margin up 110 basis points to a new record of 18.6%.
EPS & Cash Flow: Diluted EPS grew 16% in Q4 and 21% for the full year; full-year free cash flow set a record at $554 million, up 13%.
New Orders & Backlog: Q4 new orders increased 18%, with total backlog at a record $4 billion+, up 18% year-over-year.
2026 Outlook: Guidance calls for 6%–8% organic sales growth, operating margin expansion to 18.9%–19.2%, and 11%–15% EPS growth in 2026.
Capital Allocation: The company executed a record $465 million in share repurchases in 2025 and raised its annual dividend for the ninth straight year.
Defense & Nuclear Tailwinds: Management highlighted strong end-market demand in both global defense and commercial nuclear sectors, with favorable policy and customer trends.
