Top 5 Most Valuable Defense Companies in the World

2. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)

Market cap as at 11 November 2023 (in millions): $118,969

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has had a torrid time of late, mainly because of its commercial aircraft segment, resulting in its share price crashing by nearly 38% in the last five years, though its share price has increased over 7% YTD 2023. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has also increased focus on European defense spending amid higher demand.

Meridian Funds made the following comment about The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) in its Q3 2022 investor letter:

“We similarly remained invested in largely out-of-favor The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) , a global leader in developing and producing commercial jet aircraft. Due to some self-inflicted wounds and a bit of bad luck, as well as dramatic declines in air travel early in the pandemic, investor sentiment for this company has simply been awful. As part of our contrarian thinking, however, we view the business as critical to global transportation needs and see multiple catalysts to improve sentiment. In addition to the current surge in air travel worldwide, ramped up production of the 737 MAX aircraft and the pending restart of 787 Dreamliner deliveries should help turn broader sentiment. Additionally, we anticipate a meaningful inflection in cash flow as Boeing starts delivering aircraft currently in storage as well as the eventual expansion of its production in both core platforms.”