Comparing Astrotech and American Defense Systems

Two aerospace companies with different strengths and weaknesses

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Astrotech (NASDAQ:ASTC) and American Defense Systems (OTCMKTS:ADFS) are both aerospace companies, but they have distinct differences in terms of profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings, and risk profile.

Why it matters

This comparison provides investors with insights into the relative performance and positioning of these two aerospace companies, which could inform investment decisions and help them understand the dynamics of the broader aerospace industry.

The details

American Defense Systems has a higher beta of 9.86, indicating its stock price is much more volatile than the S&P 500, while Astrotech has a lower beta of 0.38, making its stock less volatile. American Defense Systems also has higher earnings but lower revenue compared to Astrotech. Institutional ownership is stronger for Astrotech at 24.4% versus 19.3% for American Defense Systems, though insider ownership is higher for American Defense Systems at 16.8% versus 16.8% for Astrotech.

  • The analysis is based on data as of February 15, 2026.

The players

American Defense Systems

An aerospace company that designs and supplies transparent and opaque armor solutions for military and commercial applications.

Astrotech

A mass spectrometry company that owns and licenses intellectual property related to the Astrotech Mass Spectrometer Technology and develops various mass spectrometer-based products.

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The takeaway

This comparison highlights the distinct business models and risk profiles of Astrotech and American Defense Systems, underscoring the importance for investors to carefully evaluate the unique strengths and weaknesses of each company when making investment decisions in the aerospace industry.