Astronics (OTCMKTS:ATROB – Get Free Report) and Ducommun (NYSE:DCO – Get Free Report) are both mid-cap industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends and institutional ownership.
Profitability
This table compares Astronics and Ducommun’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Astronics | 8.40% | 67.69% | 14.23% |
| Ducommun | 5.89% | 9.52% | 5.37% |
Risk and Volatility
Astronics has a beta of 1.33, indicating that its share price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ducommun has a beta of 1.11, indicating that its share price is 11% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Insider and Institutional Ownership
92.2% of Ducommun shares are held by institutional investors. 16.0% of Astronics shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 5.0% of Ducommun shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.
Earnings & Valuation
This table compares Astronics and Ducommun”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Astronics | $862.13 million | 3.05 | $29.36 million | $1.70 | 36.00 |
| Ducommun | $824.73 million | 2.67 | -$37.35 million | $3.32 | 43.87 |
Astronics has higher revenue and earnings than Ducommun. Astronics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ducommun, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Analyst Ratings
This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Astronics and Ducommun, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Astronics | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 |
| Ducommun | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 2.62 |
Ducommun has a consensus target price of $196.67, indicating a potential upside of 35.03%. Given Ducommun’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Ducommun is more favorable than Astronics.
Summary
Astronics beats Ducommun on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Astronics
Astronics Corporation develops and manufactures technologies for the aerospace, defense and other mission-critical markets. Its aerospace products include aircraft lighting and safety systems, electrical power generation and distribution equipment, cabin electronics, connectivity solutions and aircraft structures. The company also provides automated test systems and related equipment used by aerospace and defense organizations and other manufacturers. Astronics serves customers in North America and internationally, including commercial aviation, business aviation and military markets.
About Ducommun
Ducommun Inc. is a provider of engineering and manufacturing services for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Founded in 1849 in Los Angeles, the company began as a hardware business before expanding into manufacturing components for aerospace and defense applications. Ducommun operates through its Electronic Systems and Structural Systems businesses. Its products and services include electronic and electromechanical assemblies, circuit-card assemblies, interconnect systems, precision-machined parts, structural components and composite assemblies.
Receive News & Ratings for Astronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Astronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
