In this article we are going to list the top 5 most valuable defense companies in the world. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the top 20 most valuable defense companies in the world.
5. Airbus
Market cap as at 11 November 2023 (in millions): $108,660
While being one of the top most valuable defense companies in the world, and is currently reorganizing its defense department. Airbus is set to cut 750 jobs as part of this reorganization.
4. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)
Market cap as at 11 November 2023 (in millions): $110,372
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) is one of the most well-known defense companies in the world, and based on a $33.7 million Air Force Research Laboratory contract, is currently working on building a nuclear-powered deep-space probe.
3. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)
Market cap as at 11 November 2023 (in millions): $118,310
We’ve discussed RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) being one of the most most valuable defense companies in the world, with a major challenge the country’ facing currently being its presence in China. RTX Corporation’s (NYSE:RTX) head of aerospace and defense group recently said that while they could de-risk their presence and operations in China, it was going to be impossible for Western companies to completely cut ties.
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.”
1. Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON)
Market cap as at 11 November 2023 (in millions): $123,089
Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) tops the list of the top 20 most valuable defense companies in the world. Nearly 40% of Honeywell International Inc.’s (NASDAQ:HON) revenue is derived from defense and space and in 2022, made sales of nearly $3.4 billion to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on 20 Truly Extraordinary Whiskeys Under $75 and 15 Largest Troop Contributors to UN Peacekeeping.
