Why AAR (AIR) Stock Is Trading Up Today

What Happened?

Shares of aviation and defense services provider AAR CORP (NYSE:AIR) jumped 3.3% in the morning session after the company reported third-quarter 2025 results that topped Wall Street's expectations for both revenue and profit. 

The company announced sales of $739.6 million, an 11.8% increase year-over-year that comfortably beat the consensus estimate of $688.8 million. Its adjusted earnings per share of $1.08 also surpassed the analyst forecast of $0.98 and grew from $0.85 in the same quarter last year. 

Furthermore, AAR demonstrated improved profitability as its operating margin expanded to 8.8% from 6.6% a year ago. These strong results, which showcased solid growth and increased efficiency, were well-received by investors.

After the initial pop the shares cooled down to $80.41, up 2.6% from previous close.

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What Is The Market Telling Us

AAR’s shares are somewhat volatile and have had 10 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today’s move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The biggest move we wrote about over the last year was 2 months ago when the stock gained 10.9% on the news that the company reported record sales and profitability for its fiscal fourth quarter and full-year 2025. 

The aviation services provider announced fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.16 per share, a 32% increase from the prior year, handily beating analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter also impressed, rising 15% to $755 million. The strong performance was driven by robust demand in both its commercial and government businesses, particularly in its Parts Supply segment. 

The company highlighted its successful integration of a recent acquisition and the divestiture of its landing gear business as key strategic moves that delivered higher growth and margins. 

Following the strong report, RBC Capital raised its price target on the stock to $85 from $75, maintaining an "Outperform" rating.

AAR is up 30.6% since the beginning of the year, and at $80.41 per share, it is trading close to its 52-week high of $85.10 from July 2025. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of AAR’s shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $4,510.

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