US Aerospace and Defense ETF (ITA) Hits New 52-Week High – Investorplace.com

Investors seeking momentum may have iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF(BATS:ITA)on radar now. The fund recently hit a new 52-week high. Shares of ITA are up approximately 34.9% from the 52-week low of $142.7/share.

But could there be more gains ahead for this ETF? Lets take a look at the fund and the near-term outlook to get a better idea of where it might be headed.

ITA focuses on providing exposure to the Aerospace and Defense companies in the U.S. equity market. It charges 44 basis points in fees per year and has top holdings in Boeing Co(NYSE:BA), United Technologies Corp(NYSE:UTX)and Lockheed Martin Corporation(NYSE:LMT)with 10.98%, 7.83% and 7.81% allocation, respectively (as of August 14, 2017).

Why the Move?

Lately, the defense sector has been in the spotlight. Following threats from the North Korean premier Kim Jong-Un, President Donald Trump pledged that the threats will be met with fire and fury. Increasing tensions between the two regions have brought these sector ETFs into play again. Moreover, the earnings season has also been quite impressive for companies in this sector.

More Gains Ahead?

Currently, ITA has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with a Medium Risk outlook. Moreover, the ETF has a weighted alpha of 29.10. So, there is a promising outlook ahead for those who want to ride this surging ETF a shade further.

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Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, http://investorplace.com/2017/08/us-aerospace-defense-etf-ita-hits-new-52-week-high-ggsyn/.

2017 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

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US Aerospace and Defense ETF (ITA) Hits New 52-Week High - Investorplace.com

Magellan Aerospace: Too Cheap To Ignore – Seeking Alpha

Please note: All figures are in CAD unless otherwise stated. All data as at market close on Friday, August 11, 2017.

Magellan Aerospace (OTCPK:MALJF) [TSX:MAL] reported Q2 earnings after market close on Tuesday, August 8 - and by the looks of the chart, investors were disappointed. Magellan initially fell 2.3% after reporting earnings and extended those losses to fall 10.3% after two analyst downgrades. So, how bad were its numbers?

Source: YCharts

While Magellan's gross profit margin remained consistent, its revenues and earnings declined y/y due to lower production volumes and a one-time $1.3 million legal settlement. I believe that this decline is temporary; moving forward, I expect Magellan's revenue and profitability, particularly in the US and Canada, to increase due to higher production volumes from the 737's accelerated production schedule.

Source: Company Filings

Source: Company Filings

Magellan designs/manufactures complex aircraft components and provides MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services. They specialize in producing aircraft structural components, precision machining of metal alloys, composites, complex castings, and engine components. Within the aerospace industry, Magellan operates in two product groups: aerostructures and aeroengines. They operate 16 facilities throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Poland.

The following process flow diagram illustrates the areas Magellan operates in:

Source: Aviation Week

In FY2016, Magellan derived 73% of its revenue from commercial markets and 27% from the defense market (more on this later). In my opinion, Magellan maintains an optimal balance between commercial and defense revenue. Magellans current revenue mix allows them to take advantage of the record backlog in commercial aircraft, while maintaining exposure to the more cyclical, but more lucrative government defense market.

Source: Company Filings

Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) [EPA:AIR] have seen robust growth in commercial aircraft demand, primarily due to a rising middle class in emerging markets, greater demand for air travel, and high oil prices which accelerated fleet replacement schedules. This has led to a record commercial aircraft backlog, which Boeing and Airbus are tackling by increasing production. For example, Boeing is accelerating production of 737s from 42 per month in 2016 to 57 per month in 2019, increasing by 5 737s per month each year. In turn, Boeing and Airbus need their parts suppliers to meet their accelerated production schedules.

Source: Deloitte

Magellan is well-positioned to take advantage of the OEM's accelerated production schedules through their "key supplier" status. OEMs typically enter into multi-year sole-source agreements with parts manufacturers for a specific component due to the complexity and cost of developing the part. As part of the contract, Magellan assumes some design, development, and engineering costs in manufacturing the new part. New aircraft programs require further project risk/development cost sharing, in exchange for a lifetime agreement to supply the part.

Magellan presently produce parts for all major aircraft projects and those in development, as illustrated below. Looking ahead, with Magellan's strong relationship with OEMs, I anticipate they will renew contracts coming due in 2017-2018 and secure new long-term contracts, thus providing a strong revenue base.

Timeframe

Aircraft Project

Work

Est. Annual Revenue

2010-2020

A350XWB

Machined Detail & Structure Components

$10mm

2011-2021

A350XWB

Machining & Treatment of Lithium Components

$2mm+

2012- (Cont.)

B737, B747, B767, B777

Hard Metal Structural Assemblies

2012-2017+

B787

Hard Metal Structural Assemblies

2012-2017

A320, A330, A380

Aluminum & Lithium Structural Wing Components

53mm

2013-2033

F-35 (BAE Systems)

Complex Composite Horizontal Tail Assemblies

$60mm

2013-2017

A350XWB

Machined Structural Fuselage Components

$11mm

2014-2018

A320 (incl. Neo)

5-Axis Machined Wing Ribs

$5mm

2014-2024

B737MAX

Landing Gear Kits

$50mm

2015-2025

Pratt & Whitney

Magnesium & Aluminum Castings

$25mm

2016-2018

F-35 (BAE Systems)

Machined Titanium Components

$35mm

2016-2020

A320/330/350/380 (GKN Aerospace)

Aluminum/Titanium Parts & Assemblies

$42mm

2017-

B777X, B787

Machined Titanium Components

Source: Company Filings

Magellan currently produces tails to be used on F-35 fighter jets for Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT) subcontractor, BAE Systems (OTCPK:BAESF) [LON:BA]. Presently, the US is planning on ordering ~2400 aircraft, with full delivery not expected until 2040. There are concerns about lost orders from the programs numerous delays and cost overruns; smaller customers and partners, such as the UK and Canada, have threatened to cancel F-35 orders. I believe that the risk to Magellan is minimal, given that the United States (which makes up the bulk of the F-35's orders) is unlikely to do so. After all, the Pentagon described the program as "too big to fail" due to significant sunk costs in the US $1.5 trillion project. Even with cancellations from other partner countries, the F-35 project will provide Magellan with stable production for the next 20 years. As such, I believe further delays in the F-35 program will have a negligible impact on Magellan.

Magellan introduced the Magellan Operating System (MOS) in 2007 to focus on operational efficiencies by standardizing and instilling best practices in their plants. In new acquisitions, Magellan strives to apply the MOS standard practices to mitigate acquisition risk. Since 2012, they have steadily increased their gross profit margin, EBITDA margin, and their FCF significantly, highlighting managements ability to execute the business.

Source: Bloomberg

Source: Bloomberg

Source: Bloomberg

To meet OEM demands for defect free products & 100% on time performance, Magellan is increasing investments in technology, capability, and capacity. This year, Magellan is also targeting employee communication and engagement. As a result of these investments, I believe that Magellan will be able modestly increase their gross profit margin, EBITDA margin, and FCF yield moving forward.

Since the US election, Magellan has diverged from and underperformed their parts manufacturer and OEM peers. I believe that concerns about President Trump and NAFTA renegotiations are overblown. Since the US leads the global aerospace industry with US $134.6 billion in exports in 2016, I believe that President Trump would not disrupt the aerospace industry. In the recently released NAFTA renegotiation objectives document, the USTR specifically wants to maintain existing reciprocal duty-free market access for industrial goods. As such, I see little impact on Magellan's operations and profitability and believe that their underperformance since the US election is unjustified.

Source: Capital IQ

Based on my comparable company analysis of comparable airplane parts manufacturers based in North America, Magellan trades at a discount to its peers on both P/E and EV/EBITDA metrics. Additionally, Magellan carries less debt relative to EBITDA than its peers, with Net Debt/EBITDA of 0.9x vs. the peer median of 1.7x. Source: Capital IQ

I believe that Magellan should trade at a premium to its peers, given their superior ROIC, margins, and future growth prospects. I believe that Magellans EV/EBITDA multiple will expand to at least peer median levels within a year to correct MALs present undervaluation.

However, to be conservative, I used a 9x (slight discount to peer average of 9.47x) 2017 EV/EBITDA multiple. I arrived at a target price of $26.32, implying 43% upside. A sensitivity analysis for the relative valuation highlights a range of target share prices based on EV/EBITDA multiple expansion and forward EBITDA estimates.

Source: Capital IQ

As a current shareholder, I've been using pullbacks to snap up more shares. Moving forward, I believe that Magellan will be able to improve both its top and bottom line. Its recent revenue decline should reverse as OEMs accelerate production to meet record aircraft demand. Particularly, increased 737 production should benefit Magellan's North American facilities, which saw revenue decline in 1Q17. Magellan's operational adjustments should continue to produce higher margins and help its bottom line. Ultimately, I think Magellan's significant discount to its peer group is unjustified given its strong operations, high margins, and high return on capital.

This article is part of Seeking Alpha PRO. PRO members receive exclusive access to Seeking Alpha's best ideas and professional tools to fully leverage the platform.

Disclosure: I am/we are long MALJF.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

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Magellan Aerospace: Too Cheap To Ignore - Seeking Alpha

Aerospace reaches new heights in Oklahoma | News OK – NewsOK.com

A passenger jet takes off from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Commercial and general aviation airports help generate an economic impact of about $43.8 billion in Oklahoma's economy, a report released Monday said. [Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman]

Economic incentives, the continued growth of military-related aviation missions and the hard work of local, state and regional economic development specialists and educators are showing results when it comes to the economic impact of the aerospace and aviation industries to Oklahoma's economy.

A study released Monday by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission estimates the industries now are the second-largest sector of Oklahoma's economy, generating an annual economic impact of about $43.8 billion.

The industry which consists of 109 airports, hundreds of off-airport aviation/aerospace employers and military aviation employs more than 200,000 people and creates an annual payroll of about $12 billion.

The study estimates military aviation continues to be the largest contributor, bringing an economic impact of $19.3 billion.

Off-airport aviation and aerospace employers are next, with $13.9 billion.

The state's 109 general and commercial aviation airports, which employ 74,002 workers, have an economic impact of $10.6 billion, the study estimates.

Charlie H. Dry, a University of Oklahoma physics graduate who went on to become a test astronaut for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and has spent most of his life in the field, said the current economic impact numbers are sound, adding he believes the state hasn't seen anything, yet.

This is a hardworking aerospace and aviation state, Dry said Monday afternoon, after Victor Bird, the aeronautics commission's director, presented the study's results at a gathering at the Oklahoma History Center.

We've been after this for a long, long time, Dry said. I think there is a great future here for our state.

Bird said Monday the study is the first the commission has conducted to evaluate the impact the aerospace and aviation industries have had on the state's economy since 1994.

This is the most comprehensive study on the economic impact for our civilian and military airports and our aviation and aerospace industry ever done, Bird said.

He said analysts have speculated the past two decades about whether the state's aerospace and aviation industries continued to grow with the help of state-created incentives, educational programs and the hard work of economic development specialists, despite the Great Recession's impact.

The answer to ... those questions is a resounding yes, Bird said.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, who also spoke at Monday's event, agreed.

Right here in Oklahoma, we have the world's largest military aircraft repair facility in Tinker Air Force Base, and the largest commercial aircraft repair facility in Tulsa, for American Airlines, Fallin said.

The governor also mentioned various other companies that have brought aviation-related jobs and facilities to Oklahoma, thanked the state's Congressional delegation for its efforts to protect the state's military bases and thanked state legislators for protecting state-created economic incentives.

She also noted educators' effort to boost numbers of science and math graduates from Oklahoma colleges and universities also has played a role.

The footprint of aviation and aerospace is strong and growing in Oklahoma, Fallin said. (This report) is dramatic proof that our policies ... have helped us build a stronger, vibrant, diversified economy.

Bird said the study, which started about a year ago, cost about $540,000 and took about 7,000 hours to complete.

Data used as part of the study was obtained from airport representatives and tenants, other state businesses, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and other public and private sources.

He said the study was paid for using grants of $245,000 from the FAA and the commission, a $25,000 grant from Oklahoma City Airport Trust and grants of $12,500 from both the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Drones taking flight

Unmanned aerial systems is where Dry sees significant future growth in Oklahoma's aerospace and aviation industry.

Dry said he has a couple of companies involved in the development, evaluation and production of unmanned systems.

A report issued by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International in 2013 estimated Oklahoma could see hundreds of new jobs and perhaps as much as nearly another $1 billion annual economic impact from that part of the aerospace industry by 2025.

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission believes Oklahoma is one of the top states in the country when it comes to related academic programs supporting the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, thanks to ongoing research at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

While Dry said drones were not well received initially when they were released as toys, designs being worked on now will be used for everything from inspecting wind turbines, pipelines, tanks, electrical lines and homes to surveillance and rescue tools for emergency responders.

When you are talking about professional drones, they can do anything and everything, he said.

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Aerospace reaches new heights in Oklahoma | News OK - NewsOK.com

Aviation and aerospace bring $11.6 billion annually to Tulsa economy (copy) – Tulsa World

Tulsa International Airport and surrounding off-airport and aviation and aerospace businesses in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area generate an annual economic impact of $11.6 billion, a report shows.

According to an Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Economic Impact Study released Monday, on- and off-airport activity also produce 58,917 jobs, $3 billion in annual payroll and $8.5 billion in annual spending.

Jones Riverside Airport has an annual economic impact of nearly $95 million.

All told, aviation and aerospace businesses in the state generate $43.7 billion annually in economic activity, according to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission report, making aviation and aerospace the second-largest economic engine in the state behind oil and gas.

Oklahoma is one of the worlds premier destinations for the aerospace and defense industries, Gov. Mary Fallin said in a statement. It is centrally located with developed infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, competitive incentives and low cost of doing business.

Since 1994, the industry has grown by 250 percent, said Vic Bird, director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Of the $43.7 billion in economic activity, some $19.3 billion came from military aviation, according to the report.

Aviation and aerospace is extensive in Oklahoma, Bird said in a statement. It includes the 109 public airports that comprise the system, the tenants of those airports such as American Airlines and the FAA Monroney Aeronautical Center, the three air force bases and off-airport aerospace businesses like Boeing, NORDAM and FlightSafety.

The state has about 1,100 aerospace and aviation business-related companies, Fallin said. The average salary in aviation and aerospace is just over $73,000, according to the report.

In a two-part look at Oklahomas public airports, including civilian and military, the study measured the total economic impact of each individual airport and then combined these individual airport impacts to determine the overall economic impact of the 109 airports in the Oklahoma Airport System and the states three Air Force bases: Altus, Tinker, and Vance.

The last comprehensive study of the states airport system was conducted in 1994.

To make the study possible the aeronautics commission received a $245,000 system-planning grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency was then able to match that amount with its own funds and received additional financial support from the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, Tulsa Airport Improvement Trust and the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

Tulsa International, which offers nonstop service to 17 cities, supports 18,369 direct jobs. In the Tulsa MSA, 286 businesses are related to aviation or aerospace. Tulsa is home to American Airlines largest maintenance facility, as well as NORDAM, a notable manufacturer of aviation equipment, and the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Also, Oklahoma Air National Guards 138th Fighter Wing is based on the northeast corner of the airport.

With 15 capital improvement projects planned for fiscal years 2018-22, the Tulsa airport has plans to spend $86 million, according to the study.

Terminal building rehabilitation will upgrade the fire suppression system, reduce unscheduled maintenance on utilities by improving utility racks, replace aging escalators and replace the terminals roof.

The terminal building rehabilitation will cost $11.5 million, with 85 percent of the funding from the airports collection of passenger facility charges.

Other projects include taxiway reconstruction and runway safety area improvement.

Rhett Morgan 918-581-8395

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Aviation and aerospace bring $11.6 billion annually to Tulsa economy (copy) - Tulsa World

Delorean Aerospace Is Working on Flying Cars – The Drive

The flying, time-traveling Delorean powered by Mr. Fusion in Back to the Future may have been science fiction, but a flying Delorean is getting closer to reality. Delorean Aerospace, a company run by Paul Delorean, nephew of the legendary John Delorean, is making real strides in a futuristic field. The company is building vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) personal transports, which is a fancy way of saying flying car.

Delorean Aerospace has been around since 2012 and it has built two prototypes so far of the DR-7 aircraft. The first was just 30 inches longbasically a drone to prove the physics of the design works. The second one is one-third scale. The body has a set of wings in front and another in back with small winglets underneath while two tandem seats in between hold the passengers. There are big fans that propel the vehicle in front and back that swivel to switch from takeoff-landing mode to forward flight mode.

The Delorean Aerospace DR-7 is all-electric and has an optimistic range. We are moving forward on a full-size, piloted prototype which will carry two passengers and is designed to operate, fully electric, for a range of 120 miles, Paul Delorean told Wired. Delorean wasnt specific about the powertrain, but we predict that the electric motor will produce 1.21 jigawatts propelling the DR-7 to a top speed of 88 mph.

The real kicker is that these flying cars will be autonomous. You wont need a pilots license, or any license at all for that matter, to use one of these things. While the air traffic control still needs to be figured out, the fact that anybody would be able to fly in a DR-7 is huge.

Theres no estimation of when these flying marvels will be available, nor is there a cost estimate. Delorean told Wired theres still a lot of testing to do. Even when a full-size prototype is complete, hes planning on doing lots of radio-controlled testing before putting anyone in a DR-7.

You might not be ready for the Delorean DR-7 yet But your kids are gonna love it.

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Delorean Aerospace Is Working on Flying Cars - The Drive

Global Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market 2011-2022 – Analysis, Opportunities & Forecasts – PR Newswire (press release)

The global aerospace lightning strike protection market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.7% from 2017 to 2022.

Trends, opportunities and forecast in this market to 2022 by type (expanded foil, interwoven wires, metallized fabrics and fibers, coating and painting, lightning diverter strips, and others) and by region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)

The future of the global aerospace lightning strike protection market looks promising with opportunities in the commercial, regional, and military aircraft markets. The major growth drivers for this market are increasing penetration of composites in aircraft programs, proliferating aircraft deliveries, and aviation regulations and certification standards regarding the use of Lightning Strike Protection (LSP) in aircraft.

Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, include development of light weight LSP materials and nano-enhanced lightning strike protection.

North America is expected to remain the largest region by value and by volume during the forecast period due to highest number of aircraft delivery and production in this region.

Aerospace lightning strike protection companies profiled in this market include Dexmet Corporation, GKD Gebr. Kufferath AG, and Astroseal Products Mfg. Inc. are among the major suppliers of LSP materials.

Scope of the Report

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Background and Classification

3. Market Trend and Forecast Analysis from 2011 to 2022

4. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis by Region

5. Competitor Analysis

6. Growth Opportunities and Strategic Analysis

7. Company Profiles of Leading Players

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3x5tsd/growth

Media Contact:

Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-aerospace-lightning-strike-protection-market-2011-2022---analysis-opportunities--forecasts-300504491.html

SOURCE Research and Markets

http://www.researchandmarkets.com

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Global Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market 2011-2022 - Analysis, Opportunities & Forecasts - PR Newswire (press release)

Aerospace workers’ union endorses Gwen Graham – Florida Politics (blog)

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced it is endorsing Democrat Gwen Graham for governor, her campaign announced Tuesday.

With 39 lodges across the state of Florida, youll find our union members working in manufacturing and aerospace from Pensacola to Miami, Frank Ortis, president of the Florida State Council of Machinists, stated in a news release. We are excited to endorse Gwen Graham and ready to elect her Floridas next governor. Gwen has the experience and leadership Florida needs to create jobs, raise wages and lift up working families.

The Machinists and Aerospace Workers is the second major union to endorse in the race for governor, joining the United Steelworkers, which endorsed Graham in June.

Graham, a former Congresswoman from Tallahassee, faces Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Winter Park affordable housing developer Chris King in seeking the Democratic primary nomination to run for governor in 2018.

In Congress, Graham co-sponsored legislation to raise the minimum wage and opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, and authored the bipartisan Middle STEP Act to expand technical education.

For almost twenty years the politicians in Tallahassee have had the wrong priorities for the wrong people. Theyve sold out to special interests and forgot the working men and women who built our state and drive our economy. Graham stated in the news release. We must do the common sense things other states have already done, like raise the minimum wage and pass paid sick leave but those proposals alone arent enough. As governor, I will fight to protect Floridas aerospace industry, create new manufacturing jobs and expand technical education in our schools.

Scott Powers is an Orlando-based political journalist with 30+ years experience, mostly at newspapers such as the Orlando Sentinel and the Columbus Dispatch. He covers local, state and federal politics and space news across much of Central Florida. His career earned numerous journalism awards for stories ranging from the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster to presidential elections to misplaced nuclear waste. He and his wife Connie have three grown children. Besides them, hes into mystery and suspense books and movies, rock, blues, basketball, baseball, writing unpublished novels, and being amused. Email him at scott@flordiapolitics.com or scottmichaelpowers@yahoo.com.

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Aerospace workers' union endorses Gwen Graham - Florida Politics (blog)

Local aerospace building roof collapse: three rescued – Alabama’s News Leader

Honeywell in Calhoun COunty courtesy Chief Bill Partridge.jpg

A partial roof collapse led to the rescue of three people Monday from a Calhoun County business.

Crews were able to get everyone out without any injury from the Honeywell Aerospace building.

Oxford Fire Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy said heavy rain is believed to have played a role in the collapse.

He says the company goes through building inspections and are very good about following safety protocol.

"We don't have any reason to question that," said Macoy.

What they are questioning, is how something like this could happen.

"We had two collapsed areas and both of them were on the east side of the building,those areas were approximately 70x70," said Macoy.

Engineers will come in to determine the cause of this; while the state fire marshal's office will determine the safety of the building.

Macoy said the fire suppression system was also affected leading to a large amount of flooding inside the building.

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Local aerospace building roof collapse: three rescued - Alabama's News Leader

Study shows aviation, aerospace generate $43.7 billion annually for … – Tulsa World

OKLAHOMA CITY Aviation and aerospace businesses in the state generate $43.7 billion annually in economic activity, according to a report released Monday by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

The aerospace and aviation industry is now the second largest industry in the state, behind oil and gas, officials said.

Oklahoma is one of the worlds premier destinations for the aerospace and defense industries, said Gov. Mary Fallin. It is centrally located with developed infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, competitive incentives and low cost of doing business.

Since 1994, the industry has grown by 250 percent, said Vic Bird, director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

Of the $43.7 billion in economic activity, some $19.3 billion came from military aviation, according to the report.

Aviation and aerospace is extensive in Oklahoma, Bird said. It includes the 109 public airports that comprise the system, the tenants of those airports such as American Airlines and the FAA Monroney Aeronautical Center, the three air force bases and off-airport aerospace businesses like Boeing, NORDAM and FlightSafety, Bird said.

The state has about 1,100 aerospace and aviation business-related companies, Fallin said.

The average salary in aviation and aerospace is just over $73,000, according to the report.

Vince Howie, aerospace and defense director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said the study will be used as a tool to recruit companies to the state.

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Study shows aviation, aerospace generate $43.7 billion annually for ... - Tulsa World

Growth Opportunities in the Global Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market – Markets Insider

LONDON, Aug. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The future of the global aerospace lightning strike protection market looks promising with opportunities in the commercial, regional, and military aircraft markets. The global aerospace lightning strike protection market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.7% from 2017 to 2022. The major growth drivers for this market are increasing penetration of composites in aircraft programs, proliferating aircraft deliveries, and aviation regulations and certification standards regarding the use of Lightning Strike Protection (LSP) in aircraft.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5059849/

Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, include development of light weight LSP materials and nano-enhanced lightning strike protection.

A total of 38 figures / charts and 42 tables are provided in this 118-page report to help in your business decisions. Sample figures with some insights are shown below. To learn the scope of, benefits, companies researched and other details of this aerospace lightning strike protection market report, download the report brochure.

The study includes the aerospace lightning strike protection market size and forecast for the global aerospace LSP market through 2022, segmented by type and region as follows: Aerospace LSP Market TrendsGrowth Opportunities for the Global Aerospace LSP Market Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market by Type (Value ($ million) and Volume ( million sq. ft.) from 2011 to 2022): Expanded Foil Interwoven Wire Coating and Painting Metallized Fabrics and Fibers Lightning Diverter Strips Others Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market by Region (Value ($ million) and Volume (million sq. ft.) from 2011 to 2022): North America Europe Asia Pacific The Rest of the World Aerospace lightning strike protection companies profiled in this market include Dexmet Corporation, GKD Gebr. Kufferath AG, and Astroseal Products Mfg. Inc. are among the major suppliers of LSP materials.

On the basis of its comprehensive research, Lucintel forecasts that expanded foil segment is expected to show above average growth during the forecast period.

North America is expected to remain the largest region by value and by volume during the forecast period due to highest number of aircraft delivery and production in this region.

Some of the features of "Growth Opportunities in the Global Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market 2017-2022: Trends, Forecast, and Opportunity Analysis" include:

Market size estimates: Global aerospace lightning strike protection market size estimation in terms of value ($M) and volume (million sq. ft.) shipment. Trend and forecast analysis: Market trend (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2022) by segments and region. Segmentation analysis: Global aerospace lightning strike protection market size by various applications such as type in terms of value and volume shipment. Regional analysis: Global aerospace lightning strike protection market breakdown by key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia & Rest of World. Growth opportunities: Analysis on growth opportunities in different applications and regions of aerospace lightning strike protection market. Strategic analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of global aerospace lightning strike protection market. Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

This report answers the following 11 key questions: Q.1 What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the global aerospace LSP market by type (expanded foil, interwoven wires, metallized fabrics and fibers, coating and painting, lightning diverter strips, and others) and by region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)? Q.2 Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.3 Which region will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.4 What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the drivers and challenges in this aerospace lightning strike protection market? Q.5 What are the business risks and threats of this aerospace lightning strike protection market? Q.6 What are emerging trends in this aerospace lightning strike protection market and reasons behind them? Q.7 What are some of the changing demands of customers in the aerospace lightning strike protection market? Q.8 What are the new developments in the aerospace lightning strike protection market? Which companies are leading these developments? Q.9 Who are the major players in this aerospace lightning strike protection market? What strategic initiatives are being implemented by key players for business growth? Q.10 What are some of the competing products in this aerospace lightning strike protection market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by product substitution? Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5059849/

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Growth Opportunities in the Global Aerospace Lightning Strike Protection Market - Markets Insider

DeLorean Aerospace Company is building a flying car that doesn’t need roads – SYFY WIRE (blog)

Of course you remember the DeLorean car from Back to the Future. At the end of the 1985 movie, it didnt just speed off into the distanceit flew away after Doc Browns infamous line, Where were going, we dont need roads. If Paul DeLorean has his way, Back to the Future wont be science fiction. It will be a documentary.

According to Wired, DeLorean, founder of DeLorean Aerospacenephew of automaker John DeLorean, founder of the DeLorean Motor Companyhas plans to develop a flying car, that is, one with vertical takeoff and landing ability. The prototype should be developed within a year.

DeLoreans personal air transportation vehicle is a two-seater with two pairs of wings, two winglets, and two fans, which makes it look like a funky yet improbable drone. Wired writes the DR-7 is 20 feet long and 18.5 feet wide, but the wings fold themselves, so you can park it in your garage.

Unlike the gas-guzzling cars of the past and present (and the garbage-guzzling DeLorean of the movie), the DR-7 craft will be electric. It will also be a self-driving vehicle, which means its as simple as hopping in and turning it on. This is becoming more likely with the advent of longer-lived batteries and platform stability.

Just as important, theres a market for flying cars, as Uber has promised to bring them to the Middle East in three years. There is also competition, as Neva Aviation and Airbus are developing their own flying cars, the AirQuadOne and Vahana, respectively. DeLorean plans to one-up this competition with a craft that flies at a higher altitude with a longer range (120 miles per charge).

However, if DeLorean solves the DR-7s technology and battery challenges, there is still the very real challenge of air safety, which needs regulation.

Even if Doc Brown doesnt need roads, he certainly needs air-traffic controllers.

Via Engadget.

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DeLorean Aerospace Company is building a flying car that doesn't need roads - SYFY WIRE (blog)

Wichita aerospace supplier plans multi-million dollar expansion – Wichita Business Journal


Wichita Business Journal
Wichita aerospace supplier plans multi-million dollar expansion
Wichita Business Journal
... like the F-35 for. Enlarge. Growing demand, including in the defense industry on aircraft like the F-35 for Lockheed more. Lockheed Martin. Globe Engineering facility growth will include new hiring, driven by demand in multiple aerospace segments.

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Wichita aerospace supplier plans multi-million dollar expansion - Wichita Business Journal

Canada’s aerospace industry is a giant pyramid scheme – Canada Free Press

While theres nothing objectionable about governments funding a public good like education, its notable that the industry partner in question here is aerospacean industry that seems to perpetually receive a disproportionate amount of politicians attention, not to mention taxpayer money.

Superficially, this isnt surprising. Airplanes are impressive to just about everyone, from small children to politicians, and for obvious reasons. Theyre big machines that fly. Even the word aerospace conjures up positive imagery of sophisticated technology and engineers in lab coats. For anyone who laments industries like cutting down trees or extracting oil out of the ground as boring relics of a bygone era, aerospace ticks all the exciting boxes that signal economy of the future.

Unfortunately for Canadians, that future never quite seems to arrive. Bombardier, Canadas most prominent aerospace company, is the national poster child for corporate welfare, having received $4 billion since 1966.

Last year, after receiving $1.3 billion in aid from Quebec taxpayers, it proceeded to fire 2,000 Canadian workers. Not long after, the Trudeau government came along to give them a further $372 million in repayable loans. It is no exaggeration to say the company has essentially been kept on life support for decades by Canadian taxpayers. And if Bombardier sold brooms instead of airplanes, the market would have put it out of its misery decades ago.

Naturally, aerospace boosters are quick to insist theres more to the story. Often this takes the form of what are usually referred to as economic spinoff effects. The pitch goes something like this: Bombardier builds planes. Those planes need parts. So Bombardiers demand for parts sustains a whole bunch of suppliers as well.

This logic sounds great on paper but theres just one small problem: it isnt true. Far from Bombardier sustaining its own supply chain, Canadian taxpayers are forced to subsidize companies in the aerospace supply chain as well, through regional development funds, provincial funds, and the recently launched Strategic Innovation Fund.

In fact, the aerospace industry in Canada resembles a giant pyramid scheme, with taxpayers at the bottom of the pyramid. Based on the aerospace is special argument (often backed up with the sage every other country does it argument), Canadian taxpayers have the privilege of subsidizing an entire industry top to bottom. Theres the aforementioned subsidies to Bombardier; subsidies for Bombardier-led consortiums to do research and development; subsidies to the buyers of Bombardiers planes (in the form of cut rate loans through Export Development Canada) which are in many cases already priced below cost; and subsidies to Bombardiers suppliers.

If this sounds like a crazy business strategy, its because it is. And if we were to replace the word airplanes with candy canes, no sane person would take the pseudo-economics of aerospace seriously. But because it is about airplanes, and airplanes are sophisticated machines, politicians, industry executives, union leaders and more than a few otherwise intelligent people buy into the whole absurd charade. And why not? Its not their money at stake. Its merely the broader taxpaying public, and those working in industries to which the normal laws of economics apply, who end up paying the price.

Its far past time we accept the obvious: aerospace isnt special, and its perpetual coddling by politicians soaks Canadian taxpayers and hurts Canadian businesses in other industries. If the aerospace industry cannot survive in this country without Canadian taxpayers propping it up forever in countless ways, its time to let it go.

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Canada's aerospace industry is a giant pyramid scheme - Canada Free Press

Indiana aerospace takes off – Greensburg Daily News

Indiana is perhaps best known for its Hoosier hospitality and endless fields of corn. Few know the state is also home to a thriving aerospace industry. Thats right - rockets.

In 2016, Indiana was ranked sixth in the nation as one of the most attractive states for aerospace manufacturing, according to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Just one year before, it was ranked 18th.

It is an under-recognized, maybe underappreciated, sector of Indianas economy, said Ryan Metzing, executive director of the Indiana Aerospace & Defense Council.

Aerospace, as defined by Metzing, is a broad industry comprised of companies that design, manufacture or service various types of aircraft. Aerospace technologies range from military to commercial use, developing drones, aircraft and satellites.

Statewide, were seeing growth, he said. I think the commercial aerospace aviation sector is doing really well. That sector is projecting huge growth over the next 10 years or so.

With aircraft orders lined up for the next decade, Metzing believes Indianas aerospace industry is poised for success.

I think a lot of it has to do with some of the investment that had been going on here, he added. All of the deals over the past three or four years brought in more than $1 billion of investment in Indiana.

Rolls-Royce and Alcoa, two of the states largest aerospace companies, made significant investments in 2015. Rolls-Royce dedicated $600 million for redevelopment at its Indianapolis location, while Alcoa doubled its capacity after starting construction on a new jet engine parts facility in La Porte.

Collectively, the companies employ almost 9,000 Hoosiers. Many of those, Metzing noted, are experienced manufacturers.

Indiana has the strongest manufacturing workforce per capita in the nation - more than 17 percent, he said. When you take how strong we are in manufacturing in general, and then marry that with some of these major aerospace investments - that helped to boost our ranking.

New frontiers

Anderson inventor Pete Bitar isnt surprised Indiana is ranked so high on the list. Bitar created AirBuoyant, an aerospace company that specializes in personal flight. In his 11 years of experience, hes watched Indianas aerospace industry transform.

Were starting to see things like Amazon delivering packages with drones, electric vehicles that you fly in an urban environment, Bitar said. Youre seeing these new frontiers develop based on the new technologies and capabilities from the market today that werent there five to seven years ago.

But Bitar isnt completely satisfied with Indianas recent success.

We dont have a lot of headquartered aerospace companies in Indiana, he pointed out. Thats the challenge looking forward. And Im hoping in some small way I can contribute to that.

Though his local business is small, Bitar hopes he can be an example to prove its possible to come up with innovative ideas and keep them close to home.

Were developing an electric jet pack for personal flight that you can wear and fly around in, with no fuel, he said. If we can develop what Im developing and manufacturing here in Madison County, that can then be applied to other companies and other ideas coming through in the aerospace field.

Metzing agreed - having a diverse aerospace industry across the state will be beneficial in the long run, no matter the companys size.

It provides a nice opportunity to grow some of those smaller communities, Metzing said, if we can get the aerospace companies to continue their growth.

Contact Katie Stancombe at 765-648-4258 or katie.stancombe@indianamediagroup.com.

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Indiana aerospace takes off - Greensburg Daily News

Syrian army supported by Russia’s Aerospace Forces doubles liberated territory – TASS

MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Syrian government troops supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces have recaptured from militants twice as much territory over the past two months as the area controlled by the Syrian government in 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu told the Rossiya 1 TV channel.

"The Syrian armys achievements are really impressive. Over the past two months, it has liberated the area larger than the one controlled by the Syrian government at the time when (the Russian Aerospace Forces) began their operations there. That is, we actually more than doubled it, I mean, the Syrian army supported by us," he said.

The Russian Aerospace Forces operation in Syria began on September 30, 2015, at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. On March 14, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to begin the withdrawal of the bulk of Russian forces from Syria, as, according to the Russian leader, the Russian Defense Ministrys tasks had been accomplished, by and large.

Head of the Russian General Staffs Main Operations Department Sergei Rudskoi said at the end of July that the Syrian army now controls 74,200 square meters, whereas prior to the beginning of the Russian Aerospace Forces operation in September 2015, government troops controlled slightly more than 19,000 square meters of the countrys territory.

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Syrian army supported by Russia's Aerospace Forces doubles liberated territory - TASS

Western Canada will Benefit from Strategic Investments in the … – Markets Insider

More than $320,000 in funding from the Government of Canada will support five Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) activities.

ABBOTSFORD, BC, August 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Companies in western Canada's aerospace and defence sector will benefit from vital networking opportunities with national and international organizations at the 2017 Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo (ADSE). The connections established with the key industry players attending ADSE will help Canadian businesses create well-paying middle class jobs and increase targeted skills development in Western Canada.

ADSE 2017 is supported by $75,000 in funding from the Government of Canada. This is part of more than $320,000 from the Government to support Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) activities in 2017 and 2018.

Today's funding was announced by the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible forWestern Economic Diversification Canada(WD) during his keynote address at the Expo.

This latest investment also supported the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada National Research Forum's Aerospace Meeting on Super Clusters on August 8th and 9th. Project funding also enabled AIAC to establish a western Canadian presence at a series of international events, which included the 2017 Paris Airshow in June, as well as events in 2018 such as the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Annual Conference, Farnborough International Airshow and ADSE 2018.

This investment is delivered through the Western Diversification Program, WD's main program for making strategic investments in initiatives with not-for-profit organizations that enhance and strengthen the economy of Western Canada.

Quotes

"Western Canada has an innovative and dynamic aerospace, defence and security sector, and events like ADSE are an excellent opportunity to showcase these talents. The Government of Canada is committed to the development and commercialization of technologies that will make Canadian businesses internationally competitive, while creating jobs and growth within Western Canada." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"I have seen firsthand the innovative edge Canadian companies are bringing to our Canadian Armed Forces capabilities. Our government is proud to support the sector's highly skilled workforce continue to produce quality services and products." - The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

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Weekend Adventure: The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center – WZZM

Weekend Adventure: A day at the Air Zoo

Meredith TerHaar, WZZM 12:17 PM. EDT August 12, 2017

PORTAGE, MICH. - At the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center, just outside of Kalamazoo, you can soar through clouds into an experience on par with some of the best air and space museums in the country.

"We've got some incredible artifacts, some airplanes that are the only one of their kind in the world like the SR 71 Blackbird. So many historic aircraft and spacecraft," said Troy Thrash, the President and CEO of the Air Zoo. "We're also all about STEAM, science, technology, engineering, art and math. We want to bring the science and technology of this spacecraft to life for kids."

And there's no shortage of fun, the Air Zoo has incredible rides include 3D flight simulators that kids of all ages have the opportunity to take advantage of. Thrash says that every single square-inch of the Air Zoo is not only fun, but educational too.

"We have a space area that traces human space flight, primarily in the United States, but also around the world," Thrash explained. "Just the idea that in 50 years we went from finally sending some satellites into orbit to landing on the moon and returning."

This summer the Air Zoo has an exciting exhibit called Aliens and Androids. The exhibit focuses on how we have "robotically explored our solar system," as well asthinking about the planets that we discover and what those alien worlds might really be like.

"It's done in a really cool pop culture kind of way," Thrash said. "So, you can visit C3PO and R2D2." The Aliens and Androids exhibit will run until September 10.

The Air Zoo also has a restoration area -- currently two World War II air crafts that were on the bottom of Lake Michigan are being restored, and you can help. The Air Zoo allows visitors to help with sanding or turning rivets so that you're able to say you worked on an airplane from the 1940s.

If you want to take flight yourself, the Wanda Wright team offers rides in their bi-plane for an additional cost. The experience comes complete with the suggested attire: an old fashioned flying helmet and goggles.

It's safe to say the Air Zoo surpasses expectations.

"I think this place is fabulous," said Art Hennessey. "I'm surprised more people do not know about all of these. It's educational, its awesome. They've got the rides for the kids and I just learned of this today and I'm going to put this all over social media.

"The Star Wars, the androids, the planes, the baskets for the balloons and I'm not even halfway through it yet. This is incredible."

To celebrate the Aliens and Androids exhibit, the Air Zoo is hosting an Intergalactic Prom on Sept. 9. For more information about that, as well as the Air Zoo's hours and ticket information, click here.

Makeit easy to keep up to date with more stories like this.Download theWZZM13 app now.

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Aerospace and Defense ETFs Soar Amid Rising North Korea Tensions – Nasdaq

Defense stocks have been rising with escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea, while the broader stock rally has stalled. Raytheon ( RTN ), Lockheed Martin ( LMT ) and Northrop Grumman ( NOC ) hit record highs after President warned North Korea against making any more threats to the US.

Trump said North Korea faces 'fire and fury like the world has never seen before" and the rogue nation responded by threatening to launch a missile strike on Guam.

The sentiment for Aerospace & Defense stocks improves with rising geopolitical tensions. They surged after US missile strikes on Syria. And, that is one of main reasons why these stocks performed well in the last few years, despite defense budget cuts in the US and Europe.

Many developing countries including India, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil have increased their defense spending over the past few years. Of late, Japan and South Korea have also boosted their defense spending in response to increased military spending by China. Trump's budget proposals call for a boost in US defense spending, which would be positive for these stocks.

Most aerospace & defense companies reported excellent earnings for Q2 and have seen continued positive momentum in earnings estimates. Aerospace & Defense ETFs have significantly outperformed the broader market this year.

To learn more about top ranked Aerospace & Defense ETFs--the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ( ITA ) , the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF ( XAR ) and the PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio ( PPA ) , please watch the short video above.

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Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

It's not the one you think.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report

Raytheon Company (RTN): Free Stock Analysis Report

ISHARS-US AEROS (ITA): ETF Research Reports

SPDR-SP AER&DEF (XAR): ETF Research Reports

PWRSH-AERO&DEF (PPA): ETF Research Reports

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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Aerospace and Defense ETFs Soar Amid Rising North Korea Tensions - Nasdaq

North Korea saber rattling lights up aerospace & defense ETFs – Fox Business

Following Pyongyang's threats and President Donald Trump's pledge to bring "fire and fury" on North Korea, aerospace and defense sector-related exchange traded funds are coming back under the spotlight as a Trump play.

Despite geopolitical risks weighing on the markets, many are putting a renewed focus on the aerospace and defense industry as a means to play Trump's more hawkish rhetoric and plans to expand U.S. military operations. For instance, the White House has proposed a nearly 10% hike in the military budget to $603 billion for the fiscal 2018 year in February.

"This budget will be a public safety and national security budget," Trump in late February, calling for a "historic increase in defense spending to rebuild the depleted military of the United States of America at a time we most need it."

The latest round of saber rattling has fueled the outlook on defense spending after North Korea promised to "turn the U.S. mainland into the theater of a nuclear war" at the first sign of U.S. aggression and Trump's threat of "fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before."

Looking ahead, the aerospace and defense sector may have more room to fly. Increasing geopolitical tensions that fuel the news cycle around the Mideast, North Korea and Russia could continue to support defense spending. The budget is expanding over the next few years after the recent contraction.

The sector also looks attractive on a technical basis.

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The positive outlook could drive "total return of ~12%, consisting of ~10% annual EPS growth and ~2% dividend yields, which should sustain relative valuations, according to a recent Morgan Stanley note.

Potential investors interested in the aerospace and defense segment have a few ETF options to choose from, including the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEArca: ITA), PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (NYSEArca: PPA) and the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEArca: XAR).

ITA is a cap-weighted ETF, meaning it has larger weights to big-name defense stocks, including Dow components Boeing (NYSE: BA) and United Technologies (NYSE: UTX). XAR is an equal-weight ETF. PPA holds 50 stocks involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of US defense, homeland security and aerospace operations.

Additionally, the recently launched Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3x Shares (NYSEArca: DFEN) has experienced some rising demand among the trading community as a way to play the heightened tensions. DFEN, which was launched in May 2017, has $13.0 million in assets under management, and the ETF was trading at 77,000 shares Thursday, compared to its average daily volume of around 19,000 shares, according to Morningstar data.

This article was provided courtesy of our partners at etftrends.com.

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North Korea saber rattling lights up aerospace & defense ETFs - Fox Business

Aerospace and Defense ETFs Soar Amid Rising North Korea Tensions – Zacks.com

Defense stocks have been rising with escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea, while the broader stock rally has stalled. Raytheon (RTN - Free Report) , Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) and Northrop Grumman (NOC - Free Report) hit record highs after President warned North Korea against making any more threats to the US.

Trump said North Korea faces fire and fury like the world has never seen before and the rogue nation responded by threatening to launch a missile strike on Guam.

The sentiment for Aerospace & Defense stocks improves with rising geopolitical tensions. They surged after US missile strikes on Syria. And, that is one of main reasons why these stocks performed well in the last few years, despite defense budget cuts in the US and Europe.

Many developing countries including India, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil have increased their defense spending over the past few years. Of late, Japan and South Korea have also boosted their defense spending in response to increased military spending by China. Trumps budget proposals call for a boost in US defense spending, which would be positive for these stocks.

Most aerospace & defense companies reported excellent earnings for Q2 and have seen continued positive momentum in earnings estimates. Aerospace & Defense ETFs have significantly outperformed the broader market this year.

To learn more about top ranked Aerospace & Defense ETFs--the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA - Free Report) , the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR - Free Report) and thePowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (PPA - Free Report) , please watch the short video above.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

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Aerospace and Defense ETFs Soar Amid Rising North Korea Tensions - Zacks.com