10 Best Small-Cap Stocks to Buy Now According to Minerva Advisors

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6. Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

At the close of the first quarter of 2024, Minerva Advisors reported owning 463,105 shares of Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO), valued at $8,808,258, comprising 5.39% of its total portfolio as per regulatory filings. In the first quarter, Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO) saw its sales rise by 18.2%, surpassing expectations, driven by robust growth in aerospace sales. Additionally, gross margins improved from 17.6% to 18.5% thanks to higher volumes and prices.

According to The Aerospace Forum’s analyst Dhierin Bechai, Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO)’s cash flow expectations have risen due to its strong Q1 performance and ongoing positive trends. With the stock price currently lower than before, Bechai predicts a potential 70% increase, targeting $32.24 to reach pre-pandemic levels. This upgrade indicates that Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO) expects strong demand and revenue to reach pre-COVID-19 levels, leading to a Strong Buy recommendation.

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