Portland, Ore.-based Precision Castparts Corp.'s leading niche positions in most of its markets, some business diversity, efficient operations, and a very strong financial profile support company ratings. The ratings also take into account the highly cyclical nature of Precision Castparts' core markets and likelihood of additional acquisitions. Precision Castparts manufactures complex metal components and products and is the leader in large structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged components primarily for jet aircraft engines, but also for airframes and landing gear. The company manufactures similar components for industrial gas turbines that plants use 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 fasteners and
