Tale of the Tape: A New Mexico Tungsten Explorer Weighs In Before a Maiden Drill Program
Western Star Resources Inc. (WSR) plans a maiden drill program at its Eagle Point Tungsten Project in New Mexico, following positive drone survey results. Meanwhile, aerospace and defense companies Howmet Aerospace (HWM), HII (HII), Mercury Systems (MRCY), and Textron (TXT) reported strong Q3 2026 results and raised guidance. The Pentagon's contract clause restricts tungsten sourcing from certain countries, highlighting the strategic importance of domestic tungsten mining.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
Earnings beats and raised guidance across Howmet, HII, Mercury Systems, and Textron indicate robust demand in the defense sector, likely supporting stock prices in the short term.
Market read
Recent earnings and guidance upgrades across multiple defense firms suggest sector strength, offering short‑term trading opportunities.
What to watch
Potential supply-chain constraints for raw materials could temper upside.
Background
The article provides a side‑by‑side commentary on a New Mexico tungsten explorer and recent earnings results from four U.S. aerospace and defense companies.
Ticker impact
Howmet Aerospace reported Q3 2026 revenue of $2.70 bn, up 29% YoY and gave FY 2027 revenue guidance of ~$11.5 bn.
likely upward pressure as market prices in strong revenue growth and higher guidance
Revenue beat and guidance raise expectations for continued demand in aerospace and defense.
HII posted Q3 2026 revenue of $3.5 bn, up 10.8% YoY, and raised its FY 2026 shipbuilding revenue guidance to $10.5‑$10.7 bn.
likely upward pressure from improved shipbuilding outlook
Higher contract awards and raised guidance signal stronger future cash flow.
Mercury Systems reported Q1 FY 2027 revenue of $253 m, up from $225 m, and increased its FY 2027 outlook.
potential upside as investors price in higher defense electronics demand
Backlog growth and strong bookings suggest sustained momentum.
Textron posted Q3 2026 revenue of $3.8 bn, up 4% YoY, and lifted FY 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.55‑$6.65.
likely upward pressure from higher earnings expectations
Improved segment performance and contract approvals support earnings growth.
Market effects
Strong earnings across aerospace and defense suggest sector tailwinds.
U.S. defense manufacturers may see increased investor interest.
Reinforces confidence in defense spending amid geopolitical tensions.
Counterpoint
Higher guidance may already be priced in; focus on margin pressure from rising input costs.
Key entities
- companyHowmet Aerospace
Aerospace and defense components manufacturer.
- companyHII
Largest U.S. shipbuilder.
- companyMercury Systems
Defense electronics provider.
- companyTextron
Diversified aerospace and defense conglomerate.



