The ratings on Portland, Ore.-based Precision Castparts Corp. are supported by its leading niche positions in most of its markets, some business diversity, efficient operations, and a satisfactory financial profile. The ratings also take into account the highly cyclical nature of core markets, which have been in significant downturns in recent years. Precision Castparts is a manufacturer of complex metal components and products, and the leader in large structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged components used primarily in jet aircraft engines. Similar components are manufactured for industrial gas turbines that are used to generate power. Other nonaerospace operations are mainly fluid management products (valves, pumps, and instruments) and metalworking tools and machines for the energy and industrial sectors. The
