7 Best Defense Dividend Stocks to Buy

2. Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is among the 7 Best Defense Dividend Stocks to Buy. On December 16, Stifel cut its price target on the stock to $584 from $587, while maintaining a Hold rating on the shares.

In a research note to investors, the analyst said that despite flat or lower volumes in 2025, diversified industrial companies registered growth by passing on the tariff-related price increases to customers, which reflected their strong pricing power.

According to TipRanks, Stifel expects low levels of inventory destocking and carryover pricing to drive volume growth in 2026, which should result in a top-line growth of around mid single-digit.

The firm also said that Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) was well placed to outpace the markets by delivering new products in the stable to growing market segments. Moreover, Stifel highlighted nuclear opportunities that could significantly drive growth for the company ahead.

On the same day, Morgan Stanley lifted its price target on the stock to $660 from $645, while keeping an Overweight rating on the shares. The adjustment came as part of the firm’s positive outlook for the aerospace and defense industry heading into 2026.

Overall, Wall Street analysts have a Moderate Buy rating on the stock, with a one-year average share price target of $605.60, representing an upside of 9%, as of the close of business on December 22.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) provides engineered products, solutions and services for the aerospace and defense markets.