10 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy Now

5. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)

Market Cap: $138.33 billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is a leading aerospace company that manufactures commercial airplanes, space systems, and defense equipment for customers in over 150 countries.

2024 was a difficult year for the company, marred by a door blowout during a flight, which led to a slowdown in the production of airplanes, with an increased focus on safety. The company’s operations were also hampered by a seven-week workers strike for higher wages, job security, and a restoration of their pension.

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)’s share price slumped by 30% during the calendar year, while also suffering heavy losses. During its Q4 2024 earnings call on January 28, the company reported a quarterly loss of $3.8 billion, which translated to a loss per share of $5.90. Full-year losses were logged at $11.8 billion. According to a report in The Associated Press, Boeing has had losses of over $35 billion since 2019.

However, despite a grim year, The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) delivered 348 commercial planes and recorded 279 net new orders during 2024. It also grew its backlog to $521 billion. Most analysts believe that Boeing is too big a company to fail and considering its backlog of orders and international travel growing every year, it is bound to recover once the headwinds are over.

Wall Street analysts have a consensus Buy rating for the stock and expect a 9% uptick, on average, in Boeing’s share price. With a market cap of over $138 billion, it is one of the best large cap stocks to buy.