11 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

7. Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD)

Share Price on August 4: $259.87

Average Upside Potential: 10.01%

Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) is among the 11 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 4, Barclays raised the firm’s share price target to $260 from $200, while maintaining an Equal-Weight rating for the stock.

The revision followed the company’s Q3 FY25 earnings call on July 28, in which it reported strong results driven by robust demand across end markets. Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD)’s net sales grew 8% year-over-year to a record $915 million. Earnings per share were posted at $1.76, comfortably beating estimates of $1.62.

Based on a strong year-to-date financial performance and solid outlook for the fourth quarter, Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) raised its sales and earnings guidance for the fiscal year. However, the company lowered its free cash flow guidance for the full year, considering the challenges to support sales in a dynamic supply chain and production environment.

In other news, Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) recently completed the acquisition of Safran’s Electronics & Defense electromechanical actuation business in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, inclusive of operations assets, talent, intellectual property, and long-term customer agreements.