Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (AADX)
NYSE NYSE Primary 
Applied Aerospace & Defense: Mission-Critical Defense Content Justifies A Buy
Applied Aerospace & Defense is rated a buy due to its mission-critical content, long customer relationships, and sole/single-source positions supporting pricing power. AADX's $1.06 billion backlog and $3.8 billion weighted pipeline provide strong visibility into future growth, with significant exposure to expanding defense and space markets. Approximately 87% of AADX revenue is from sole- or single-source contracts, and 33% is tied to aftermarket and sustainment, supporting recurring revenue streams.
Applied Aerospace & Defense: A Demanding Valuation At The IPO
Applied Aerospace & Defense trades at a demanding valuation post-IPO, with shares modestly below the $20 offer price. AADX's organic growth trajectory is unclear due to a rapid and fluid M&A history, complicating assessment of true underlying performance. Pro forma financials show 2025 revenues of $604 million, adjusted operating income of $99 million, and manageable leverage at 2.5x EBITDA post-IPO.
