The ratings on Precision Castparts Corp. are supported by the company's leading niche positions in most of its markets, some business diversity, efficient operations, and a very strong financial profile. The ratings also take into account the highly cyclical nature of the company's core markets and likelihood of additional acquisitions. Portland, Ore.-based Precision Castparts is a manufacturer of complex metal components and products, and is the leader in large structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged components used primarily in jet aircraft engines. The company manufactures similar components for industrial gas turbines that are used to generate power. Seamless pipe has growing applications in the power generation and oil and gas industries. The company is also a major producer of
