S&P 500   4,191.98
DOW   33,426.63
QQQ   336.51
Mount Etna volcano erupts, raining ash on Catania, forcing flight suspension at local airport
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
China tells tech manufacturers to stop using Micron chips, stepping up feud with United States
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise despite worries about US debt talks
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
SpaceX launches two Saudi astronauts on private flight to space station
Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of 'hostile' laws
Central Bank: “Final stage” beginning now (Ad)
South Korean, German leaders agree to cooperate on supply chains, North Korea
Animal rights activists protest octopus farm plans in Spain
S&P 500   4,191.98
DOW   33,426.63
QQQ   336.51
Mount Etna volcano erupts, raining ash on Catania, forcing flight suspension at local airport
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
China tells tech manufacturers to stop using Micron chips, stepping up feud with United States
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise despite worries about US debt talks
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
SpaceX launches two Saudi astronauts on private flight to space station
Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of 'hostile' laws
Central Bank: “Final stage” beginning now (Ad)
South Korean, German leaders agree to cooperate on supply chains, North Korea
Animal rights activists protest octopus farm plans in Spain
S&P 500   4,191.98
DOW   33,426.63
QQQ   336.51
Mount Etna volcano erupts, raining ash on Catania, forcing flight suspension at local airport
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
China tells tech manufacturers to stop using Micron chips, stepping up feud with United States
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise despite worries about US debt talks
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
SpaceX launches two Saudi astronauts on private flight to space station
Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of 'hostile' laws
Central Bank: “Final stage” beginning now (Ad)
South Korean, German leaders agree to cooperate on supply chains, North Korea
Animal rights activists protest octopus farm plans in Spain
S&P 500   4,191.98
DOW   33,426.63
QQQ   336.51
Mount Etna volcano erupts, raining ash on Catania, forcing flight suspension at local airport
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
China tells tech manufacturers to stop using Micron chips, stepping up feud with United States
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise despite worries about US debt talks
This MMJ Stock Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Radar! (Ad)
SpaceX launches two Saudi astronauts on private flight to space station
Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of 'hostile' laws
Central Bank: “Final stage” beginning now (Ad)
South Korean, German leaders agree to cooperate on supply chains, North Korea
Animal rights activists protest octopus farm plans in Spain

Defense Stocks List

Compare defense stocks and their fundamentals, performance, price, and technicals. Use this free stock comparison tool to evaluate companies based on their analyst ratings, book value, debt, dividend, MarketRank, news sentiment, price performance, profitability, and more. Enter up to ten stock symbols separated by a comma or space (ex. BAC, JPM, WFC, C, GS).

Learn more about trading defense stocks.

Compare Stocks - Price & Volume

CompanyCurrent Price50-Day Moving Average52-Week RangeMarket CapBetaAvg. VolumeToday's Volume
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
$106.52
-2.5%
$99.87
$70.08
$110.00
$2.69 B0.59190,949 shs129,700 shs
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
$205.49
-0.8%
$205.03
$113.02
$221.33
$123.62 B1.435.94 million shs3.90 million shs
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$66.15
-0.6%
$63.78
$48.53
$67.50
$6.05 B0.81524,370 shs281,700 shs
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
$22.30
+1.3%
$22.31
$15.23
$27.91
$7.09 B1.69176,755 shs109,700 shs
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
$210.65
-0.1%
$220.42
$205.40
$256.86
$57.79 B0.841.22 million shs1.04 million shs
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
$200.64
-0.2%
$203.80
$188.51
$260.02
$8.00 B0.63395,714 shs1.18 million shs
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
$454.49
-0.3%
$472.29
$373.67
$508.10
$115.10 B0.671.34 million shs804,200 shs
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
$443.31
-0.1%
$456.98
$430.93
$556.27
$67.32 B0.5957,082 shs463,700 shs
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
$96.13
$98.47
$80.27
$108.84
$140.46 B0.993.64 million shs3.53 million shs
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
$64.47
-1.2%
$67.26
$57.11
$76.11
$13.00 B1.481.46 million shs1.25 million shs

Price Performance

Company1-Day Performance7-Day Performance30-Day Performance90-Day Performance1-Year Performance
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
0.00%-0.09%+3.69%+21.42%+26.00%
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
0.00%+2.39%+0.17%-2.92%+70.25%
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
0.00%-0.63%+3.47%+9.28%+34.18%
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
0.00%+3.72%-3.38%-4.41%-3.59%
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
0.00%+0.33%-6.39%-10.46%-1.33%
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
0.00%+2.75%-3.87%-10.64%+1.46%
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
0.00%+0.82%-5.81%-4.44%+7.15%
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
0.00%+1.04%-6.08%-5.80%0.00%
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
0.00%+0.15%-5.99%-5.30%+6.72%
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
0.00%+1.86%-5.09%-13.82%+3.17%

MarketRank™

CompanyOverall ScoreAnalyst's OpinionShort Interest ScoreDividend StrengthESG ScoreNews and Social Media SentimentCompany OwnershipEarnings & Valuation
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
1.9035 of 5 stars
1.64.00.00.02.12.51.9
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
1.3641 of 5 stars
1.35.00.00.01.81.70.6
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
2.1654 of 5 stars
1.34.03.30.03.71.72.5
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
2.2838 of 5 stars
3.41.00.00.01.92.52.5
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
2.6741 of 5 stars
2.43.04.20.02.73.33.1
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
2.4689 of 5 stars
2.03.04.20.03.23.32.5
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
2.1964 of 5 stars
2.13.04.20.02.73.31.3
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
2.3084 of 5 stars
2.23.04.20.01.82.52.5
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
2.3941 of 5 stars
2.33.04.20.92.92.51.9
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
2.5479 of 5 stars
3.34.01.70.02.62.52.5

Analyst Ratings

CompanyConsensus Rating ScoreConsensus RatingConsensus Price Target% Upside from Current Price
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
3.20
Buy$113.806.83% Upside
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
2.63
Moderate Buy$221.607.84% Upside
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
2.67
Moderate Buy$69.004.31% Upside
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
2.75
Moderate Buy$33.7551.35% Upside
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
2.88
Moderate Buy$261.6924.23% Upside
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
2.00
Hold$245.8622.54% Upside
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
2.20
Hold$494.798.87% Upside
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
2.40
Hold$509.0014.82% Upside
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
2.55
Moderate Buy$111.8816.38% Upside
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
2.50
Moderate Buy$81.6726.67% Upside

Current Analyst Ratings

Latest Defense Stocks Analyst Ratings

DateCompanyBrokerageActionRatingPrice TargetDetails
5/14/2023
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
Barclays
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Boost Price Target$64.00 ➝ $70.00
5/11/2023
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
Barclays
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
DowngradeOverweight ➝ Equal Weight$580.00 ➝ $450.00
5/4/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
Sanford C. Bernstein
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$251.00 ➝ $245.00
4/28/2023
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
22nd Century Group
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Reiterated RatingMaintains
4/27/2023
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
888
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Reiterated RatingMaintains
4/27/2023
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
Royal Bank of Canada
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$225.00 ➝ $220.00
4/27/2023
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
Wells Fargo & Company
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Boost Price Target$230.00 ➝ $237.00
4/27/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
Royal Bank of Canada
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$280.00 ➝ $270.00
4/27/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
Wells Fargo & Company
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$265.00 ➝ $251.00
4/27/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
Robert W. Baird
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$268.00 ➝ $242.00
4/27/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
Credit Suisse Group
Subscribe to MarketBeat All Access for the recommendation accuracy rating
Lower Price Target$239.00 ➝ $220.00
(Data available from 5/21/2020 forward. View 10+ years of historical ratings with our analyst ratings screener.)

Sales & Book Value

CompanyAnnual RevenuePrice/SalesCashflowPrice/CashBook ValuePrice/Book
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
$445.73M6.04$3.62 per share29.43$24.41 per share4.36
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
$66.61B1.86N/AN/A($25.74) per share-7.98
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$2.23B2.71$3.94 per share16.80$8.62 per share7.67
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
$2.69B2.64$1.46 per share15.29$10.28 per share2.17
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
$39.41B1.47$15.56 per share13.54$69.57 per share3.03
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
$10.68B0.75$23.63 per share8.49$89.32 per share2.25
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
$65.98B1.74$33.67 per share13.50$38.09 per share11.93
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
$36.60B1.84$34.71 per share12.77$99.67 per share4.45
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
$67.07B2.09$7.62 per share12.61$50.88 per share1.89
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
$12.87B1.01$5.96 per share10.82$34.75 per share1.86

Profitability & Earnings

CompanyNet IncomeEPSTrailing P/E RatioForward P/E RatioP/E GrowthNet MarginsReturn on Equity (ROE)Return on Assets (ROA)Next Earnings Date
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
-$4.19M-$0.35N/A43.13N/A-1.74%2.21%1.48%6/27/2023 (Estimated)
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
-$4.94B-$6.92N/A36.11N/A-5.86%N/A-4.18%7/26/2023 (Estimated)
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$238.19M$2.6325.1520.114.5210.58%39.04%10.76%8/14/2023 (Estimated)
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
$113.05M$0.4351.8624.511.784.55%6.08%2.61%5/31/2023 (Confirmed)
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
$3.39B$12.2317.2214.191.868.50%18.66%6.61%7/26/2023 (Estimated)
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
$579M$14.1814.1512.09N/A5.27%17.41%5.30%8/3/2023 (Estimated)
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
$5.73B$21.8820.7716.162.778.60%67.75%13.57%7/18/2023 (Estimated)
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
$4.90B$30.9114.3417.995.1812.89%26.61%8.95%7/27/2023 (Estimated)
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
$5.20B$3.7525.6316.892.318.08%9.81%4.50%7/25/2023 (Estimated)
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
$861M$4.0515.9211.741.156.66%12.82%5.50%7/27/2023 (Estimated)

Latest Defense Stocks Earnings

DateQuarterCompanyConsensus EstimateReported EPSBeat/MissGap EPSRevenue EstimateActual RevenueDetails
5/31/2023N/A
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
$0.26N/A-$0.26N/AN/AN/A  
5/8/2023Q1 2023
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$0.65$0.70+$0.05$0.73$561.41 million$568.40 million      
5/4/2023Q1 23
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
$3.00$3.23+$0.23$3.23$2.60 billion$2.67 billion      
4/27/2023Q1 2023
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
$5.16$5.50+$0.34$5.50$9.19 billion$9.30 billion      
4/27/2023Q1 2023
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
$0.95$1.05+$0.10$1.18$3.11 billion$3.02 billion    
4/26/2023Q1 2023
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
-$0.98-$1.27-$0.29-$1.85$17.56 billion$17.92 billion      
4/26/2023Q1 2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
$2.56$2.64+$0.08$2.64$9.30 billion$9.88 billion      
4/25/2023Q1 23
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
$1.13$1.22+$0.09$1.47$16.98 billion$17.21 billion    
4/18/2023Q1 23
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
$6.08$6.43+$0.35$6.25$15.01 billion$15.13 billion      
3/6/2023Q3 2023
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
$0.34$0.33-$0.01$0.69$126.77 million$134.40 million    
2/23/2023Q4 2022
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$0.95$0.93-$0.02$1.39$641.18 million$624.20 million    

Dividends

CompanyAnnual PayoutDividend Yield3-Year Dividend GrowthPayout RatioYears of Consecutive Growth
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
$0.921.39%+8.97%34.98%8 Years
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
$5.282.51%+7.30%43.17%27 Years
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
$4.962.47%+9.81%34.98%11 Years
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
$12.002.64%+8.20%54.84%20 Years
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
$6.921.56%+9.42%22.39%20 Years
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
$2.362.46%-16.94%62.93%30 Years
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
$0.080.12%N/A1.98%N/A

Latest Defense Stocks Dividends

AnnouncementCompanyPeriodAmountYieldEx-Dividend DateRecord DatePayable Date
4/26/2023
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
quarterly$0.020.12%6/8/20236/9/20237/1/2023
4/26/2023
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
quarterly$3.002.6%5/31/20236/1/20236/23/2023
4/24/2023
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
quarterly$0.592.3%5/18/20235/19/20236/15/2023
5/16/2023
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
Quarterly$1.871.67%5/26/20235/30/20236/14/2023
5/2/2023
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
quarterly$1.242.52%5/25/20235/26/20236/9/2023
5/2/2023
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
quarterly$0.231.4%5/18/20235/19/20236/8/2023
3/8/2023
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
quarterly$1.322.33%4/13/20234/14/20235/12/2023
2/22/2023
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
quarterly$0.020.11%3/9/20233/10/20234/1/2023
2/23/2023
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
Quarterly$0.231.51%3/9/20233/10/20233/28/2023
(Data available from 1/1/2013 forward)

Debt

CompanyDebt-to-Equity RatioCurrent RatioQuick Ratio
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
0.25
3.36
2.28
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
N/A
1.16
0.32
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
1.73
2.44
2.44
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
0.68
0.97
0.71
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
0.48
1.39
0.94
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
0.70
0.96
0.89
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
1.61
1.30
1.10
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
0.91
1.22
1.12
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
0.44
1.13
0.85
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
0.46
1.90
0.99

Ownership

Miscellaneous

CompanyEmployeesShares OutstandingFree FloatOptionable
AeroVironment, Inc. stock logo
AVAV
AeroVironment
1,22325.26 million24.81 millionOptionable
The Boeing Company stock logo
BA
Boeing
156,000601.59 million600.69 millionOptionable
BWX Technologies, Inc. stock logo
BWXT
BWX Technologies
7,00091.45 million91.10 millionOptionable
CAE Inc. stock logo
CAE
CAE
10,000317.95 million259.76 millionNot Optionable
General Dynamics Co. stock logo
GD
General Dynamics
106,500274.34 million270.17 millionOptionable
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. stock logo
HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries
43,00039.89 million38.97 millionOptionable
Lockheed Martin Co. stock logo
LMT
Lockheed Martin
116,000253.25 million252.82 millionOptionable
Northrop Grumman Co. stock logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman
95,000151.86 million151.46 millionOptionable
Raytheon Technologies Co. stock logo
RTX
Raytheon Technologies
182,0001.46 billion1.46 billionOptionable
Textron Inc. stock logo
TXT
Textron
34,000201.68 million198.25 millionOptionable

Defense Stocks Headlines

SourceHeadline
Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC Sells 9,089 Shares of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC Sells 9,089 Shares of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 21 at 6:43 AM
Textron (NYSE:TXT) Coverage Initiated at StockNews.comTextron (NYSE:TXT) Coverage Initiated at StockNews.com
americanbankingnews.com - May 21 at 5:42 AM
Cibc World Markets Corp Purchases Shares of 44,544 Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Cibc World Markets Corp Purchases Shares of 44,544 Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 19 at 7:46 AM
Analysts Set Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) Target Price at $81.67Analysts Set Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) Target Price at $81.67
americanbankingnews.com - May 19 at 4:54 AM
Textron Aviation’s Expansion Means Faster Parts Delivery, Officials SayTextron Aviation’s Expansion Means Faster Parts Delivery, Officials Say
aviationweek.com - May 18 at 4:11 PM
Textron (NYSE:TXT) Research Coverage Started at StockNews.comTextron (NYSE:TXT) Research Coverage Started at StockNews.com
marketbeat.com - May 18 at 2:15 AM
Citizens Financial Group Inc RI Buys New Shares in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Citizens Financial Group Inc RI Buys New Shares in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 17 at 9:26 AM
Zacks Research Brokers Raise Earnings Estimates for Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Zacks Research Brokers Raise Earnings Estimates for Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
americanbankingnews.com - May 17 at 3:42 AM
Textron Aviation Adding CJ Simulator in FarnboroughTextron Aviation Adding CJ Simulator in Farnborough
ainonline.com - May 16 at 4:23 PM
This Foreboding Sign Looms Over Textrons ChartThis Foreboding Sign Looms Over Textron's Chart
benzinga.com - May 16 at 4:23 PM
Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN Acquires New Stake in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN Acquires New Stake in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 16 at 9:42 AM
Textron Aviation To Add Citation CJ3+/M2 Simulator In EuropeTextron Aviation To Add Citation CJ3+/M2 Simulator In Europe
aviationweek.com - May 15 at 2:53 PM
Textron Aviation Brings Simulator Options to Customers in EuropeTextron Aviation Brings Simulator Options to Customers in Europe
finance.yahoo.com - May 15 at 2:53 PM
Royal London Asset Management Ltd. Trims Stake in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)Royal London Asset Management Ltd. Trims Stake in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 15 at 7:18 AM
Textron Inc. to Post FY2023 Earnings of $4.78 Per Share, Zacks Research Forecasts (NYSE:TXT)Textron Inc. to Post FY2023 Earnings of $4.78 Per Share, Zacks Research Forecasts (NYSE:TXT)
marketbeat.com - May 15 at 3:26 AM
Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) Receives Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from AnalystsTextron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) Receives Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from Analysts
marketbeat.com - May 14 at 1:20 AM
Down -5.75% in 4 Weeks, Heres Why You Should You Buy the Dip in Textron (TXT)Down -5.75% in 4 Weeks, Here's Why You Should You Buy the Dip in Textron (TXT)
finance.yahoo.com - May 12 at 3:19 PM
California Public Employees Retirement System Discloses Textron ... - Best StocksCalifornia Public Employees Retirement System Discloses Textron ... - Best Stocks
news.google.com - May 11 at 1:41 PM
Is Textron (TXT) a Great Value Stock Right Now? - NasdaqIs Textron (TXT) a Great Value Stock Right Now? - Nasdaq
news.google.com - May 11 at 1:41 PM
By the numbers: Textron Aviations southwest Wichita expansion - Wichita Business Journal - The Business JournalsBy the numbers: Textron Aviation's southwest Wichita expansion - Wichita Business Journal - The Business Journals
news.google.com - May 11 at 1:41 PM
Textron Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsTextron Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
marketwatch.com - May 10 at 8:56 PM
Textron Aviation’s new Beechcraft Denali will land itself in an emergencyTextron Aviation’s new Beechcraft Denali will land itself in an emergency
aerotime.aero - May 10 at 3:56 PM
Textron Aviation delays Denali’s certification until 2025Textron Aviation delays Denali’s certification until 2025
flightglobal.com - May 10 at 3:56 PM
Textron: Improved Growth Visibility Warrants A Higher MultipleTextron: Improved Growth Visibility Warrants A Higher Multiple
msn.com - May 10 at 3:56 PM

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Company Descriptions

AeroVironment logo

AeroVironment

NASDAQ:AVAV
AeroVironment, Inc. engages in the design, development, production, support and operation of unmanned aircraft systems and electric transportation solutions. The company was founded by Paul B. MacCready, Jr. in July 1971 and is headquartered in Arlington, VA.
Boeing logo

Boeing

NYSE:BA
The Boeing Co. is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes (BCA), Defense, Space and Security (BDS), Global Services (BGS), and Boeing Capital (BCC). The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Defense, Space and Security segment refers to the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for global strike, including fighter and combat rotorcraft aircraft and missile systems, global mobility, including tanker, rotorcraft and tilt-rotor aircraft, and airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, including command and control, battle management and airborne anti-submarine aircraft. The Global Services segment provides services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Capital segment seeks to ensure that Boeing customers have the financing they need to buy and take delivery of their Boeing product and manages over
BWX Technologies logo

BWX Technologies

NYSE:BWXT
BWX Technologies, Inc. engages in the supply and provision of nuclear components and products. It operates through the Government Operations and Commercial Operations segments. The Government Operations segment manufactures naval nuclear reactors, including the related nuclear fuel, for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program for use in submarines and aircraft carriers. The Commercial Operations segment fabricates commercial nuclear steam generators, nuclear fuel, fuel handling systems, pressure vessels, reactor components, heat exchangers, tooling delivery systems, and other auxiliary equipment, including containers for the storage of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste and supplies nuclear-grade materials and precisely machined components for nuclear utility customers. The company was founded by Stephen Wilcox and George Babcock in 1867 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, VA.
CAE logo

CAE

NYSE:CAE
CAE, Inc. engages in the provision of digital immersion and training services for the civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. It operates through the following segments: Civil Aviation Training Solutions, Defence and Security, and Healthcare. The Civil Aviation Training Solutions segment focuses on aviation professionals, airlines, business aviation operators, and aircraft manufacturers. The Defence and Security segment offers a portfolio of training centers, training services, and simulation products across the air, land, naval, and public safety market. The Healthcare segment includes patient simulation, interventional and imaging simulation, center management solutions, and learning modules. The company was founded by Kenneth R. Patrick in 1947 and is headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Canada.
General Dynamics logo

General Dynamics

NYSE:GD
General Dynamics Corp. is a global aerospace and defense company, which engages in design, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver state-of-the-art solutions. It operates through the following business segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment designs, manufactures, and sells business jets. The Marine Systems segment designs and builds nuclear-powered submarines. The Combat Systems segment manufactures land combat solutions. The Technologies segment provides information technology solutions and mission support services. The company was founded on February 21, 1952 and is headquartered in Reston, VA.
Huntington Ingalls Industries logo

Huntington Ingalls Industries

NYSE:HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. engages in the shipbuilding business. It operates through the following business segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies. The Ingalls segment designs and constructs non-nuclear ships, including amphibious assault ships, expeditionary warfare ships, surface combatants, and national security cutters (NSC). The Newport News segment designs and builds nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, and the refueling and overhaul and the inactivation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The Mission Technologies segment includes business groups focused on high-end information technology (IT) and mission-based solutions for DoD, intelligence, and federal civilian customers, life-cycle sustainment services to the U.S. Navy fleet and other maritime customers, unmanned, autonomous systems, and nuclear management and operations and environmental management services for the Department of Energy (DoE), DoD, state and local governments, and private sector companies. The company was founded on August 4, 2010, and is headquartered in Newport News, VA.
Lockheed Martin logo

Lockheed Martin

NYSE:LMT
Lockheed Martin Corp. is a global security and aerospace company, which engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services. It operates through the following business segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space. The Aeronautics segment researches, designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, sustains, supports, and upgrades advanced military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. The MFC segment is involved in air and missile defense systems, tactical missiles and air-to-ground precision strike weapon systems, logistics, fire control systems, mission operations support, readiness, engineering support and integration services, manned and unmanned ground vehicles, and energy management solutions. The RMS segment designs, manufactures, services, and supports various military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, radar systems, sea and air-based mission and combat systems, command and control mission solutions, cyber solutions, and simula
Northrop Grumman logo

Northrop Grumman

NYSE:NOC
Northrop Grumman Corp. engages in the provision of advanced aircraft systems. It operates through the following segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics Systems segment is involved in the design, development, production, integration, sustainment, and modernization of advanced aircraft systems for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, other U.S. government agencies, and international customers. The Defense Systems segment includes integrated battle management systems, weapons systems and aircraft, and mission systems sustainment and modernization. The Mission Systems segment offers advanced mission solutions and multifunction systems, primarily for the U.S. defense and intelligence community, and international customers. The Space Systems segment delivers end-to-end mission solutions through the design, development, integration, production and operation of space, missile defense, launch and strategic missile systems for national security, civil government, commercial, and international customers. The company was founded by John K. Northrop, Thomas V. Jones, and Kent Kresa in 1939 and is headquartered in Falls Church, VA.
Raytheon Technologies logo

Raytheon Technologies

NYSE:RTX
Raytheon Technologies Corp. is an aerospace and defense company, which engages in the provision of aerospace and defense systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers. It operates through the following segments: Collins Aerospace Systems (Collins), Pratt and Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence and Space (RIS), and Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD). The Collins segment manufactures and sells aero structures, avionics, interiors, mechanical systems, mission systems, and power controls. The Pratt and Whitney segment includes the design and manufacture of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems for commercial, military, and business aircraft. The RIS segment is involved in the development of sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions. The RMD segment offers end-to-end solutions to detect, track, and engage threats. The company was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Arlington, VA.
Textron logo

Textron

NYSE:TXT
Textron, Inc. is a multi-industry company, which leverages a global network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses to provide customers innovative solutions and services. The company operates its business through the following segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, and Textron eAviation. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft. The Bell segment supplies military and commercial helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, and related spare parts. The Textron Systems segment product lines consist of unmanned aircraft systems, land and marine systems, weapons and sensors, and a variety of defense and aviation mission support products and services. The Industrial segment designs and manufactures a variety of products under the Golf, Turf Care and Light Transportation Vehicles, Fuel Systems and Functional Components and Powered Tools, and Testing and Measurement Equipment product lines. The Textron eAviation segment covers pipistrel along with other research and development initiatives related to sustainable aviation solutions. The company was founded by Royal Little in 1923 and is headquartered in Provi

Recent defense Headlines

More defense Headlines

Key Points

  • Defense stocks are companies that provide products and/or services to the U.S. military or sanctioned governments to secure, maintain and promote national security.
  • To get broad exposure to the defense sector, a defense-themed ETF can help diversify investment in defense contractors. 
  • Like healthcare and utility stocks, defense stocks are generally recession-proof, as defense is a national priority. 

When a geopolitical event or threat makes headlines, some of the first mover stocks are defense contractor stocks. These stocks fluctuate on any geopolitical or national security news. Incidents don't have to conflict with the United States but can happen anywhere in the world. These can be lucrative investments, so it pays to know defense stocks.

But what are defense stocks, and which type of military stock should you invest in? We will review how to invest in defense stocks in this article to bring you up to speed. 

how to invest in defense stocks

What Are Defense Stocks? 

First, refrain from confusing "defense" stocks with "defensive" stocks. Defensive stocks are low-volatility, stable stocks that usually provide dividends to weather a market downturn better. 

Defense industry stocks or defense contractors stocks are companies that provide products and/or services to the U.S. military or sanctioned governments to secure, maintain and promote national security. These can range from weapons, aircraft, ammunition, intelligence, data analysis and logistics services. Defense contractors have always been involved in every U.S. conflict or war and are the weapons suppliers to the U.S. government, usually contracted through the Department of Defense. Defense companies are banned from dealing with nations deemed hostile and must be approved by the U.S. government. 

Ways to Invest in Defense Stocks 

Since there are no actual war stocks since the U.S. military is not publicly traded, investors have only to invest in defense contractors that are publicly listed. There are many ways to approach investing in defense stocks. While many large defense contractors offer services throughout many segments of the defense industry, you can invest in companies specializing in various segments. Some defense contractors are so large that they have many divisions specializing in the following areas, thereby making the investment in the stock a diversified one.

Defense ETFs

If you want broad exposure to the defense sector, then a defense-themed ETF would be the best way to diversify investment in defense contractors. ETFs trade like stocks, so they can be conveniently bought and sold without the delay you would have in a mutual fund. ETFs are professionally managed, so you don't have to worry about researching and staying up to date on the happenings of any individual defense contractor.  

Aerospace

You can also select a segment of specialization for defense contractors. The aerospace defense contractors focus on companies that make aircraft for military and commercial use. They may manufacture airplanes, fighter jets, air carriers, drones, satellites, and advanced combat aircraft. These stocks also tend to make aircraft for airlines for commercial use. 

Components

These companies supply military equipment components like jet engines that go into fighter jets. Component companies are often subsidiaries of defense contractors, making them vertically integrated conglomerate organizations. Often, defense contractors are formed through a merger of companies providing complementary products and services, like a company that makes components for jet fighters, with a company that constructs the actual aircraft. 

Services

This segment focuses on providing services from meal supplies to contracting special contractors for private armies and protection. It could include special contractors to provide assistance and backup for military operations involving ex-military members. Many of these contracts are classified and require high levels of clearance from the Department of Defense.  

Logistics

This segment focuses on helping to transport military equipment and personnel. These companies secure the delivery of machines and people to and from war zones or military operations worldwide. 

Information Technology 

These companies provide the hardware and software to perform intelligence operations and data analysis. This includes data storage, analysis, management and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. The information is highly sensitive and classified, often associating these companies with covert operations. While these companies are publicly traded, they access highly private and sensitive data and information that can be crucial for national security. These technology companies may also specialize in other enterprise data management functions for commercial clients. 

How to Invest in Defense Stocks

Like any form of investment, there are specific steps to take to make sound investment decisions. If you decide to invest in a defense stock, it pays to research and plan ahead to ensure a positive experience. The best defense stocks may be wrong for your investment or risk profile, so consult an investment professional if you have any questions or concerns. 

Step 1: Determine which segment to invest in.

As aforementioned in the previous section, there are many segments in the defense industry. Determine which segment or segments you want to include in your investment. You can select companies specializing in one or more interest segments ranging from aerospace and components to services, logistics and information technology. Some companies are conglomerates that include parts of all the segments. It's best to narrow it down to the segment you understand best. 

Step 2: Select potential stocks.

You can run a scan on defense stocks through any broker platform or Google to compile a list of potential defense stocks to invest in. Make sure you have a familiar group of stocks — you will need to filter them to narrow the list down to the one or few that meet your criteria. 

Step 3: Research fundamental factors.

Consider reading through several annual and most recent quarterly earnings reports to gauge the company's performance. This means knowing the top and bottom line growth rate, its debt structure and any recent news or material events such as large contracts. Be aware of what the company is known for and its operations. The fundamentals are the qualitative factors of the company and stock valuation. It also pays to compare various metrics with its peers and industry to determine if the valuation is low or high. Compare price-earnings, price-book, debt-equity, price-sales and year-over-year (YOY) revenue and earnings per share growth. For example, if the average price-earnings multiple is 25x and your stock is trading at 15x earnings, the stock may be undervalued and provide more upside potential. This is one way to find undervalued stocks to invest in.

Step 4: Research technical factors. 

Technical research involves analyzing the underlying stock price history on a chart. While you don't have to be a chart expert, it does help to be able to identify if the current price is in an uptrend or downtrend, as well as support and resistance levels. If you plan to invest long term, you can look for weekly and monthly trends, support and resistance levels. Daily and hourly charts can be used for those with shorter-term investment horizons. 

Stocks in an uptrend usually command a premium as more buyers than sellers create more robust demand over supply, which drives up the stock price. Consider an entry if the fundamentals are strong enough to justify more upside. Otherwise, it might be better to wait for a pullback. 

Downtrending stocks have more sellers than buyers, but it can be due to a bear market, not the individual company. Downtrending stocks are cheaper because you take on more risk with a falling stock price, but the rewards can be better when the trend reverses.

Step 5: Determine your entry and exit price levels.

When you can identify the trend, support and resistance on any stock, you can use them to determine your entry points. For an uptrending stock, you may buy it on a pullback to a trend support price level. You may also sell the position at a price resistance level and thereby sell into strength rather than in a panic when prices drop. For downtrending stocks, you might wait for the stock to reverse its trend before entering a position. You can also predetermine an entry based on a price support level and place a limit order in case it triggers when you aren't watching. Either way, it pays to prepare and predetermine your investment entry and exit price.

Will Conflict Move Defense Stocks?

Conflicts that make headlines tend to move defense stocks depending on the specifics of the news. Wars tend to immediately bolster stocks in the defense sector in anticipation of the vast sums of money expected to be spent buying military equipment such as weapons systems, ammunition, devices, and vehicles. However, be careful not to chase prices when these stocks shoot up rapidly. 

Remember that you are not the first to spot these stocks and professional money managers are miles ahead of you. In many cases, defense stocks may actually tumble on news of war because they already ran up in anticipation of the event that a "sell the news" reaction happens. This is why it pays to do both fundamental and technical analysis before jumping into a defense stock. Never impulsively jump in head first with any stock, especially in the defense industry.

Future Performance of Defense Stocks

The defense industry is considered to be recession-proof. National security is a top priority for the U.S. government; when conflict arises, it spares no expense to protect the nation. The stability of the U.S. government and its spending on defense provides stability for defense stocks. 

Most defense stocks pay a dividend and the larger defense contractors are the definition of blue chip stocks that have stood the test of many bear markets and economic recessions. Defense stocks can be conservative lower-risk investments compared to biotech stocks that generate income through dividends, especially during market downturns.  

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Defense stocks generate most of their revenues from the U.S. government through military contracts through economic expansion and tightening cycles. Like healthcare and utility stocks, defense stocks are generally recession-proof, as defense is a national priority. 

These are consumer staples, not consumer discretionary stocks, to invest in. They aren't nearly as volatile as the FAANG stocks. While everyone tends to focus on defense stocks when a war or global conflict breaks out, it pays to play offense during peace and low geopolitical conflicts to get positioned before things erupt. 

Once war or conflict break out, defense stocks will have already spiked to premium levels. It pays to be early or wait for pullbacks to enter defense stocks. 

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