Industrial stocks produced mixed results in 2025, with some companies delivering strong returns while others lagged. Looking toward the first half of 2026, BTIG analysts have singled out two industrial names that they view as particularly well positioned given recent defense spending trends and technological priorities.
BTIG’s selection of top industrial picks comes against a backdrop of elevated defense budgets. The White House has requested a $1.0 trillion national defense budget for FY26, and NATO countries are increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP. BTIG sees these budget expansions as supporting demand for unmanned systems, counter-unmanned technology, loitering munitions and electronic warfare capabilities.
AeroVironment (AVAV) - BTIG’s Large-Cap Top Pick
BTIG names AeroVironment as its large-cap industrial pick for H1 2026. The firm notes that AVAV stock pulled back recently following lackluster Q2 FY26 results, registering a -27.2% quarter-to-date move. Still, the company’s shares posted a strong 2025 performance, gaining 57% versus a 16% return for the S&P 500.
BTIG attributes part of AeroVironment’s recent growth to investor enthusiasm around opportunities tied to its BlueHalo acquisition. The analyst team highlights an $874 million Army IDIQ contract that covers international sales of unmanned aircraft systems, Switchblades and Titan C-UAS systems as evidence of a supportive contract environment. BTIG points out that AeroVironment’s Titan product line reports gross margins in excess of 50% and that more than 1,200 Titan RF-based counter-unmanned aircraft systems have been installed to date.
On valuation, BTIG assigns a $415 price target for AVAV, which the firm views as representing significant upside from the then-current share price of $241.89. Recent company news cited by analysts includes a $75 million task order awarded to AeroVironment’s UES division by the U.S. Air Force for the development of advanced materials and biotechnology. Separately, Citizens reiterated a Market Outperform rating on the company, pointing to favorable defense spending trends.
Leonardo DRS (DRS) - BTIG’s SMID-Cap Top Pick
BTIG selected Leonardo DRS as its SMID-cap pick. The firm observes that DRS underperformed in 2025, gaining 6% compared with the S&P 500’s 16% return. Challenges within DRS’s Advanced Sensing & Computing segment contributed to the relative weakness, in part because of higher independent research and development costs and unfavorable germanium pricing.
BTIG notes that germanium - a key raw material for weapon sights - saw prices rise 41% in 2025 after China cut off exports. In response to supply pressures, the firm reports that DRS is pursuing alternative germanium sources, including recycling from older optics and arranging long-term supply agreements with alternative suppliers. BTIG assigns a $50 price target to DRS, which it views as substantial upside from a then-current share price of $34.09.
Following a recent contract award, Leonardo DRS secured a subcontract to supply infrared mission payloads for the Space Development Agency’s missile defense program. After the contract win, BTIG reiterated its Buy rating on the stock.
Sector implications
Both AeroVironment and Leonardo DRS are highlighted by BTIG as positioned to benefit from increased defense spending in the U.S. and among allied countries. The analysts emphasize exposure to unmanned systems, counter-unmanned aircraft technology and advanced sensing capabilities as factors aligning these companies with prevailing defense priorities.
BTIG’s recommendations rest on a mix of recent contract wins, product margin profiles and the evolving supply-chain dynamics for key materials.