15 Most Valuable Aerospace Companies in the World

Published on September 8, 2021 at 10:20 am by Omer Farooq in Lists, News

In this article, we are going to list the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the aerospace industry and proceed to the 5 Most Valuable Aerospace Companies in the World.

Before getting into the list of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world, let’s take a look at some data and trends in the global aerospace industry, and also develop some context behind what an aerospace company does. Aerospace is the branch of technology that specializes in both aviation and space flight. The aerospace industry is concerned with the design and manufacture of aircraft, rockets, and missiles that operate in both the Earth’s atmosphere as well as outer space. Aerospace companies, therefore, build complex high-speed vehicle systems for which advanced structures and weight-efficiency are essential. These systems include but are not limited to, military aircraft, commercial aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. Most of the companies on our list are focused on military applications because that is where the real money is.

The biggest companies in the aerospace industry such as General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) are not only the most valuable aerospace companies in the world but also some of the top defense contractors in the world as well. The aerospace industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world. According to the Aerospace & Defense Global Market Report 2021, the global aerospace and defense market is expected to grow from $736.36 billion in 2020 to $774.54 billion in 2021, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. By 2025, the market is expected to reach a value of $973.2 billion, growing at a CAGR of 6%. North America accounted for 35% of the market in 2020, Asia Pacific accounted for 29%, and Africa was the smallest region in the global aerospace & defense market.

It is noteworthy that the aerospace industry is broad, and defense is just one of its areas. The defense sector has thrived and brought in billions of dollars in revenue to these companies, but on the other hand, the commercial sector has suffered immensely since the outbreak of Covid-19. As the pandemic raged and infected millions around the world, countries had to enforce nationwide lockdowns which also led to restrictions being placed on traveling. As governments around the world prohibited the movement of goods across countries, manufacturers had to halt production due to a lack of parts and raw materials. Aerospace giants, The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and Airbus SE (EPA: AIR.PA) had to halt production and shut down their manufacturing plants, and idle thousands of workers. The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) had to lay off an additional 7000 of its employees, on top of the earlier announcement of cutting down 19,000 from its workforce with the motivation of bringing the number down to 130,000 by the end of this year. These cuts in the workforce were a result of the major dip of $754 million in revenues for Q3 of 2020.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Our Methodology

To determine the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world we narrowed down to some of the most notable and famous aerospace players in the world. We then sourced the 2019 revenues these companies generated, and their current market capitalization from Yahoo Finance. In our rankings, we gave preference to market capitalization and ranked all companies in ascending order of market caps, going from the least valuable to the most.

With this context in mind, let’s now take a look at the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

Most Valuable Aerospace Companies in the World

15. Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI)

Market Cap: $4.7 billion
Total Revenue: $15.8 billion

Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI) is an Italian multinational company that specializes in aerospace, defense, and security. The company has its corporate headquarters in Rome, and 180 sites across the globe. Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI) designs, develops and markets a range of helicopters for commercial, public service, and military applications. On top of this, Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI) also manufactures equipment for non-military space programs and offers missiles and drones along with its range of helicopters. Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI) has over 49,000 employees spread out worldwide and its products, systems, and services are currently in use in about 150 countries. The company generated total revenues that amount to $15.8 billion in 2020, meriting its inclusion in our list of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Leonardo S.p.a. (BIT: LDO.MI) is a global provider of aerospace and defense products and services.

14. Dassault Aviation SA (EPA: AM.PA)

Market Cap: $9.3 billion
Total Revenue: $6.4 billion

Dassault Aviation SA (EPA: AM.PA) is a French aerospace and defense company. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, but is involved in the aeronautical business on an international level as well. Dassault Aviation SA (EPA: AM.PA) designs and builds military aircraft, business jets, and space systems. Among their offerings, we have Rafale a twin-engine fighter aircraft, the Dassault nEUROn which is an unmanned combat air vehicle, Falcon aircraft for maritime surveillance, intelligence, and medical evacuation missions, and the Dassault Mirage 2000 among medium altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems. The company has created over 100 prototypes in the last century and has delivered over 10,000 aircraft to 90 countries. Dassault Aviation SA (EPA: AM.PA) has over 12,000 employees, most of whom serve in France, and boasts 2,100 Falcon jets and 1000 fighter aircraft that are in service and operational.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Dassault Aviation SA (EPA: AM.PA) is one of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

13. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC: RYCEY)

Market Cap: $12.8 billion
Total Revenue: $16.4 billion

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC: RYCEY) is a British multinational aerospace and defense company. The company operates in four segments: civil aerospace, power systems, defense, and ITP aero. The civil aerospace segment develops, manufactures, and sells aero engines for commercial aircraft, and business aviation markets. The power systems segment provides power systems for marine and defense applications. The defense segment offers aero engines for military transport, and naval engines as well. The ITP aero segment is involved in the design, research, development, and testing of aeronautical engines. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC: RYCEY) also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for regional airlines, as well as business aviation, industrial, and defense applications, along with aftermarket services. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC: RYCEY) boasts annual revenues of up to $16.4 billion in 2020 and has over 48,000 employees.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC: RYCEY) is a defense and aerospace giant.

12. Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)

Market Cap: $16.5 billion
Total Revenue: $11.6 billion

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is an American conglomerate based in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. The company has subsidiaries Arctic Cat, Bell Textron, Textron Aviation, and Lycoming Engines. Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) operates in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and finance businesses across the globe. Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is most famous for its brands of aircraft such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker. Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) boasts a market cap of $16.5 billion and has over 33,000 people in its workforce around the world.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a renowned global provider of aerospace and defense products and services.

11. BAE Systems plc (OTC: BAESY)

Market Cap: $26.2 billion
Total Revenue: $26.7 billion

BAE Systems plc (OTC: BAESY) is a British multinational provider of defense, aerospace, and security solutions. The company also has a subsidiary in the United States, headquartered in Virginia. Recently, BAE Systems plc (OTC: BAESY) secured a $42.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy for landing systems integration (LSI) support. The company operates in 5 divisions: electronic systems, cyber & intelligence, platforms & services, air, and maritime. The air division of BAE Systems plc (OTC: BAESY) reported annual sales of $10.8 billion in 2020. On top of this, the company reported gross profits of $17 billion in 2020. BAE Systems plc (OTC: BAESY) has over 90,000 people serving worldwide and boasts a market cap of $26.2 billion, meriting its inclusion in our list of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

10. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: LHX)

Market Cap: $46.2 billion
Total Revenue: $18.2 billion

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: LHX) is an American aerospace and defense technology company that provides intelligent solutions for defense needs of any kind. The company develops command and control (C6SIR) systems, night vision equipment, electronic systems, tactical SATCOM radios, wireless equipment, and, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. On top of this, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: LHX) provides solutions for commercial and military airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company specializes in surveillance, electronic warfare, microwave weaponry, and I.T. services.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: LHX) is one of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

9. Safran SA (EPA: SAF.PA)

Market Cap: $55.2 billion
Total Revenue: $19.6 billion

Safran SA (EPA: SAF.PA) is a French multinational aerospace and defense company. The company with its subsidiaries operates in 3 segments: aerospace propulsion, aircraft equipment, and defense. The aerospace propulsion segment is involved in the development, marketing, and upkeep of propulsion systems for commercial and military aircraft, combat and training aircraft, rocket engines, civil and military helicopters, and tactical missiles and drones.

The aircraft equipment segment of Safran SA (EPA: SAF.PA) provides landing gear and brakes, engine systems among other equipment like thrust reversers. The defense segment is responsible for the design and development of inertial navigation systems for aviation, flight commands for helicopters, and tactical optronic systems and drones. Safran SA (EPA: SAF.PA) has more than 78,000 employees that serve worldwide. The company boasts a market cap of $55.2 billion and reported gross profits of $8.8 billion in 2020.

8. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD)

Market Cap: $55.4 billion
Total Revenue: $37.9 billion

Among the top 10 of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world, we have General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), which is an American provider of aerospace and defense services and products. The company is a leading manufacturer of a range of products, from Gulfstream business jets and combat vehicles to nuclear-powered submarines and communications systems.

In 2020, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) had over 100,000 employees and generated revenues that amounted to $37.9 billion. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) was awarded a $4.6 billion contract to produce M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks for the U.S. Army.

The company boasts a market cap of $55.4 billion and like Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), and Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) is one of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

7. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)

Market Cap: $58.1 billion
Total Revenue: $36.8 billion

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company. The company had 97,000 employees in 2020 and reported revenues exceeding $36 billion in the very year. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has a market cap of $58.1 billion which justifies its rank in our list of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) provides solutions to the most complex of problems in space, aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace to meet the ever-changing needs of customers worldwide. Just a few days ago, Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Global Hawk was used by the U.S. Air Force during Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) exercises for the United States European Command.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), and Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a global provider of aerospace and defense products and services.

6. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT)

Market Cap: $99.1 billion
Total Revenue: $65.4 billion

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is an American aerospace and defense company that also specializes in arms, security, and advanced technologies. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is best known for its contributions to the military. The company operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

The aeronautics division offers combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), among other products. The missiles and fire control division offers air and missile defense systems, fire control systems, engineering support, and integration services. The rotary and mission systems segment offers military and commercial helicopters. The space division covers satellites, space transportation systems, advanced strikes, defensive missile systems, government classified systems, and services in support of national security systems.

In 2020, U.S. Government customers accounted for 69% and international customers accounted for 31% of Aeronautics’ net sales of $26.3 billion. Net sales from Aeronautics’ combat aircraft products and services represented 33% of their net sales in 2020.

Like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is one of the 15 most valuable aerospace companies in the world.

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