10 Best Stocks to Buy Before SpaceX IPO

7. Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

On April 17, Ken Herbert, an analyst at RBC Capital, set a target price of $450 for Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD). His price target suggests an additional upside of 21.6% from here on. Woodward is one of the top suppliers of control solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. RBC believes earnings will increase in the future due to an increased level of maintenance, repair, and overhaul activity. The main reason for the increase in earnings is the servicing and supply of aviation propulsion and geared turbofan engines.

An agreement between Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing and Woodward was reached on April 15, under which Woodward will sell the pilot control product line and services to Ontic Engineering. This includes pilot controls for commercial and defense applications such as throttle quadrant assemblies, passive side sticks, and rudder pedals, which are assembled at Woodward’s Illinois plant. Moreover, Woodward will be the sole supplier of certain components under a long-term supply agreement. The deal now just needs regulatory approval.

Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) operates in the aerospace industry, manufacturing and servicing control solutions for its global clientele. It operates in two segments, namely Aerospace and Industrial. The company has been operating since 1870 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.