Best Military Stocks To Watch In 2023

Global political uncertainties often rekindle the discussion surrounding military contractors and their importance in national defense. The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by russia has prompted governments to increase military spending, which has dramatically impacted the demand for military systems and combat vehicles around the world. 

US military contractors are some of the largest corporations in the country, with specialized complex supply chains and a wide range of solutions and hardware.

The interest in combat-readiness of nations is unlikely to wane in the near future, which promises successful years for military stocks - at least in the short run. 

If you are curious about which military stocks may deserve a spot in your portfolio then you are sure to find one or two that might interest you in the following article. 

What to know about military stocks

Military corporations do not function as any other manufacturing or digital services companies. Most of these companies deal with governments and are heavily dependent on defense contracts. Once a contract has been posted, the companies compete with each other and present their solutions to win the contract as a prize. This makes military stocks heavily dependent on government policy, as a shift away from high defense spending could mean that the existing supply chains of these companies would have to be recalibrated to meet demand in allied countries. 

The peculiarities of global geopolitics also limit the available markets where these companies can sell their solutions, which is one of the reasons why military systems can be incredibly expensive. Research and development are key costs for military companies, as they need to be up to date in order to meet the demand of governments worldwide.

Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT)

The Lockheed Martin Corporation is an aerospace and security company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacture of military systems in the United States and worldwide.

The company produces:

• Combat and air mobility aircraft through its Aeronautics segment
• Air and missile defense systems through its Missiles and Fire Control segment
• Military and commercial helicopters through its Rotary and Mission Systems segment
• Satellites and space defense systems through its Space segment

The company frequently works with the US Department of Defense, NASA, and other government agencies and also sells its products through US government contracts overseas. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Stock performance 2022

Lockheed Martin has enjoyed a successful 2022, which saw the demand for defense systems increase drastically due to russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Governments across the world, and especially members of NATO, have increased their defense budgets, which prompted investors to bet heavily on defense giants, such as Lockheed Martin. 

While Lockheed’s growth throughout 2022 has been low, investors are anticipating a long-term net positive for the company, which is poised to possibly have an even more successful 2023. 

However, recession fears still keep most investors on their toes when maintaining large stocks in the long run, which may become an issue if a recession officially hits the US economy. 2022 has seen Lockheed’s stock climb from $354 to $481, which is a 35% increase since the start of the year. 

Financial results

Lockheed has a very solid balance sheet, with decent cash reserves in the off chance of a credit crunch. Total liabilities are considerably below total assets, which is also a plus for investors. Earnings have been strong in FY 2021 and while 2022 shows a decline in that regard, Lockheed seems to be ready for the upcoming demand-side boost for the defense market. While revenue growth has also been modest, this is to be expected from a mature corporation like Lockheed. 

Future plans

Lockheed Martin has had a busy 2022 with some important events including:

• Collaboration with Nvidia to build an AI-driven Earth Observation Digital Twin for global weather conditions, using Lockheed’s OpenRosetta3D platform
• The Royal Norwegian Air Force has selected the TPY-4 ground-based air surveillance radar from Lockheed to enhance homeland defense capabilities
• The US Army has used the Lockheed remote interceptor to intercept a cruise missile for the first time. The RIG-360 prototype has demonstrated its ability to successfully intercept cruise missile targets
• NASA has ordered three additional Orion spacecraft from Lockheed Martin, which are scheduled to participate in the Artemis VI-VIII missions
• Lockheed Martin and Ayar Labs have partnered to collaborate on advancing chip-to-chip connectivity for next-gen sensory systems

These important developments point to a healthy amount of new contracts and revenue streams for Lockheed Martin, which puts the company in a firm position to take advantage of the growing demand for military solutions and systems around the world. 

Boeing Co (NYSE:BA)

The Boeing Company develops, manufactures, and sells commercial and military aircraft, satellites, launch systems, and related services in the United States and worldwide. 

The company’s operations are divided into four segments:

• Commercial Airplanes - which provides commercial aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as support services for fleets
• Defense, Space & Security - which researches, develops, and manufactures manned and unmanned military aircraft and systems, including weapons systems, strategic intelligence and analytics solutions
• Global Services - which offers supply chain and logistics management services, pilot training, technical maintenance, spare part upgrades, and conversions and data analytics
• Boeing Capital - which manages equipment portfolios, administers leases and provides financing services

The Boeing Company was founded in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The company employs over 120,000 people across its four divisions. 

Stock performance 2022

Boeing’s stock has been struggling since issues with the 737 MAX started. The company is desperate for new orders and has been racking up debt to help transition from this rough period. This has had a visible effect on the stock price. The 2022 bear market has been rough on most stocks available and Boeing’s mountain of debt does not inspire much confidence in investors either. 

Investors are shying away from the major turbulence affecting the stock in 2022, most being weary of the company’s ability to turn things around and not let the debt burden spiral out of control. Boeing, on the other hand, has been trying to reduce costs and increase efficiency, which was the reason behind the company’s operational changes - reducing the number of divisions to 4. 

Increased competition from the likes of Airbus has long been a cause for concern for Boeing investors, and Boeing’s performance has only enforced those concerns. 

Financial results

Boeing’s financials show some major warning signs for investors. The company is failing to maintain profitability quarter-over-quarter. The overwhelming amount of liabilities are also heavily weighing down Boeing’s balance sheet. The company needs to recover from the 737 MAX issues and increase the number of new contracts to turn things around in the long run. 

The short-term financials show unresolved issues in debt and backlog management, which started even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and ongoing supply chain issues have only exacerbated the problem. 

Future plans

The Q3 report states that Boeing will be consolidating its eight Defense, Space, and Security divisions into four. The restructuring aims to streamline Boeing’s defense branches for greater operational efficiency.

Under the restructure, BDS will now consist of the following divisions:

• Vertical Lift, the division responsible for rotorcraft, which will be led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Cherry
• Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers, which will be led by Vice President and General Manager Dan Gillian and be responsible for Boeing’s bombers, components, and executive transport programs
• Air Dominance, which will be led by Vice President and General Manager, Steve Nordlund and the division will take over classified programs, as well as the non-space Phantom Works portfolio
• Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems, which will be led by Vice President and General Manager Kay Sears. This division will be responsible for space exploration and launch programs, satellites, munitions, missiles, weapon system deterrents, Phantom Works Space and subsidiaries 

The structural overhaul seeks to improve operational efficiency for the various divisions within the company and create a more flexible internal structure for Boeing's defense portfolio.

Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC)

The Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as a global aerospace and defense company. The corporation manufactures a wide variety of military systems and hardware, including, but not limited to:

• Unmanned autonomous aircraft systems
• Tactical fighter jets
• Propulsion and payload launch systems
• Command and control solutions
• Radars and multifunctional sensors

Over 35% of Northrop’s operations revolve around military aircraft and related solutions. The company employs approximately 90,000 people. Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in West Falls Church, Virginia, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

Northrop Grumman, much like Lockheed Martin, has enjoyed steady growth since the start of 2022. The stock rose from $385 to $518 - an approximately 35% increase. An already impressive backlog, coupled with the ongoing war and increased demand for military systems have affected investors' sentiment toward defense stocks. Many analysts advise buying Northrop and Lockheed stock at noticeable dips, as they expect the stocks of major defense contractors to soar higher in 2023. 

Northrop Grumman also has an impressive dividend yield sitting at 1.32%. The stock is a decent alternative for dividend investors as well. 

Financial results

Northrop’s EPS and shareholder’s equity are the highlights from the company’s financial statements. However, the cash position is far from stellar, which may prompt the company to increase its debt load to fund new investments without lowering dividends. Supply chain issues have also increased the cost of sales and operating expenses for the company, which may be a recurring issue throughout 2023 as well. 

Future plans

Some of the highlights from Northrop Grumman’s 2022 operations include:

• Successful launch of the Galaxy 33 and Galaxy 34 C-band satellites, which are based on Northrop’s GEOStar platform
• Delivery of the first GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters for the Vulcan Centaur rocket 
• Northrop Grumman Australia’s integration of a Dynamic Satellite Simulator and Spacecraft Command and Control system into the Parallax Labs visualization and demonstration facility
• Installation of the first Northrop Grumman MESA sensor by the UK’s Royal Air Force
• Final assessment of the Integrated Battle Command System for the US Army 
• Demonstration of the new pre-prototype ground system for the TITAN project
• Northrop’s rocket boosters used in the launch of the Artemis I system
• Enhancement of the UH-60V capabilities for the DoD

These are just a few of the ongoing projects undertaken by Northrop Grumman, which indicates that the company has a significant backlog heading into 2023. 

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (NYSE:HII)

Huntington Ingalls is a company that engages in the design, manufacturing, and repair of military naval vessels in the United States. The company operates through three distinct segments; Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Technical Solutions. 

Huntington Ingalls actively develops and manufactures nuclear-powered vessels, such as aircraft carriers and submarines, while also providing repair, overhaul, maintenance, and decommissioning of said vessels. 

The company also provides life-cycle management for US Navy nuclear ships. Huntington Ingalls Industries was founded in 1886 and is based in Newport News, Virginia, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

Similarly to other major defense contractors on this list, Huntington Ingalls enjoyed a fruitful year in 2022. The stock has increased 22% since the start of the year. The supply chain issues and the importance of naval defense caused governments to invest more in the acquisition of military ships. The re-emergence of nuclear energy as an important fuel source also causes the technology used by Huntington Ingalls in the development of nuclear warships to remain relevant. 

Huntington Ingalls is also a viable dividend stock, with the company increasing its dividend to $1.24 per share as of Q3 2022.

However, the company has not been able to rapidly meet the growing demand, which may be an issue in the long run if Huntington Ingalls fails to capitalize on the growing defense spending trend. 

Financial results

Huntington Ingalls has an overall healthy balance sheet, however, the cash reserves are limited and this could stifle growth in 2023. While the company is profitable, net income and cash will need to increase if the company is to increase production without increasing its debt burden in the long run. 

Future plans

Huntington Ingalls has acquired new contracts in 2022, as well as unveiling important new developments:

• The Mission Technologies division of HII has been awarded a contract from the US Air Force to support distributed mission operations
• Combat Systems Availability contract was awarded to Ingalls Shipbuilding 
• Ingalls Shipbuilding has started work on an amphibious transport dock in Pittsburgh
• Three REMUS 100 unmanned underwater vehicles have been acquired by the UK Royal Navy
• Ingalls Shipbuilding has successfully completed the trial for the Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee guided missile destroyer
• HII has won the $76.7 million electronic warfare task order from the US Air Force
• The company has been awarded $2.4 billion to build an amphibious assault ship - LHA9

Parsons Corp (NYSE:PSN)

Parsons Corporation provides integrated solutions for the defense and intelligence markets in the United States and internationally. The company frequently collaborates with the Department of Defense in providing defensive and offensive cybersecurity solutions.

Parsons also offers transport system management and engineering services.

The company was founded in 1944 and is based in Centreville, Virginia, United States.

Stock performance 2022

Parsons’ stock has been steadily increasing since the start of 2022. The stock price reached $48 in November, which is a year-to-date increase of over 38%. The rising demand, coupled with the company’s admirable financial performance has convinced investors to bet on the stock’s long-term success. Parsons is still a relatively smaller player in the defense industry, which gives the company ample room for growth in the long run. 

A number of important government contracts have added to the growth of the stock, which currently sits at a $5 billion market capitalization. 

Financial results

While Parsons maintains impressive QoQ revenue growth, net income is still rather limited, which places more pressure on the company’s cash reserves. The total cash position has seen a significant decline compared to Q3 of 2021. Parsons has a relatively healthy balance sheet and could tap into debt financing to fuel growth in 2023. 

Profit margins remain a challenge for the company, which can be problematic in the long run, unless operating costs shrink. 

Future plans

Parsons has managed to acquire some significant contracts in 2022, while actively working on developing its existing suite of defense systems:

• The company was awarded a $104 million contract by the Missile Defense Agency to continue engineering advisory and support services
• Parsons has been selected as the lead designer for the New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded a $16 million contract to Parsons for engineering services for its satellites
• Parsons has invested in their capabilities in providing zero-emission transit
• The company has been awarded a $28 million task order for a PFAS investigation at the US Army’s facilities 

AeroVironment Inc (NASDAQ:AVAV)

AeroVironment Inc designs, develops, and manufactures robotic systems and software solutions for the US government and overseas partners. The company develops and sells a broad range of military systems, such as:

• Unmanned aircraft systems
• Tactical missile systems
• High-altitude pseudo satellite systems (HAPS)
• Ground control solutions and systems
• Payload integration systems

The company supplies a range of drones, including the Puma, T-20, Jump 20, and Raven models. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

The increasing use of drones and other unmanned vehicles in warfare has revealed the massive potential of the UAV industry. The ongoing war has increased the demand for AeroVironment’s drones and investors were quick to notice the trend. 

Many analysts advise buying the stock after any significant stumble, as they expect AVAV to keep rising in 2023. 

The stock has seen gains of just under 45% since the start of 2022 and while the company remains unprofitable, the losses have been decreasing in the long run, which makes investors hopeful of profitability in the near future. 

Financial results

As a growth-oriented company, AeroVironment has been largely unprofitable for most of its history, but the losses have been considerably reduced. The company also maintains a decent amount of cash and limited amounts of liabilities. 

The cost of revenue and operating expenses are relatively high, which is to be expected considering the supply chain issues brought about by the war. 

The company seems to be on a solid path toward growth and profitability. If they manage to become profitable in 2023, this could be an added boost for the company’s cash reserves to fuel further growth in the long run.

Future plans

AeroVironment’s drones have been instrumental in the United States’ support of the Ukrainian war effort. Amid the growing interest toward AVAV’s drone arsenal, the company was also able to acquire some important contracts in 2022 - while increasing production capacity:

• AeroVironment was awarded a $20.6 million contract by the US Army for the ongoing provision of Switchblade drones
• The company has also secured a $20.86 million contract for the Puma 3 AE UAVs for the US and allied forces
• AVAV has introduced the next-gen electric Vapor 55 MX helicopter UA systems for heavier payloads
• AVAV’s Jump 20 selected for use in the US Army’s FTUAS Increment 1

Raytheon Technologies Corp (NYSE:RTX)

Raytheon Technologies is a defense and aerospace company that provides military systems and solutions to commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and worldwide.

Raytheon operates through four segments:

• Collins Aerospace Systems - which offers aerospace and defense solutions to airlines and aircraft manufacturers
• Pratt & Whitney - which supplies aircraft engines and power units to customers
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space - which provides space, communication, and cybersecurity solutions and sensor systems to intelligence, defense, and commercial customers
• Raytheon Missiles & Defense - which designs, develops and manufactures air and missile defense systems

The original Raytheon Company was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

Raytheon's stock has had a turbulent 2022. While the stock is up 11% since the start of the year, the company cratered in October, before bouncing back from the start of November. Lower ROE figures raised concerns regarding Raytheon’s future growth. However, the Q3 earnings helped the stock regain its position. The Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney segments have been the growth drivers for Raytheon, while the company slightly lowered its annual revenue guidance to the $67-$67.3 billion range, compared to the $67.75 - $68.75 billion stated in prior periods. While Raytheon’s growth may not be stellar, the company still generates considerable amounts of cash, which puts it in an advantageous position heading into 2023. 

Financial results

Raytheon is a mature company with limited revenue growth to be expected. The company is consistently profitable quarter after quarter. However, the EPS figures lag behind competitors such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. 

Future plans

Raytheon has been awarded an OTA to participate in the US Army’s Tactical Intelligent Targeting AccessNode (TITAN) program. 

The Raytheon Technologies team is designing TITAN to serve as the Army’s prime solution to enable multi-domain data-gathering operations.

TITAN will ingest data from space and high-altitude, aerial and terrestrial sensors to gather data for defense systems. The Raytheon-developed solution will also include targeting, analytics, and situational awareness tools for commanders. The DoD’s plan is to connect all aspects of combat data into one system. Raytheon is working on providing secure communications, advanced sensors, software solutions, and smart effectors to enable DoD’s JADC2 architecture to be operational. 

BWX Technologies Inc (NYSE:BWXT)

BWX Technologies is a company that manufactures and sells nuclear components in the United States and worldwide. The company operates through three segments:

• Nuclear Operations Group - which provides precision naval and nuclear components, nuclear fuel, and reactors 
• Nuclear Power Group - which provides nuclear fuel, reactors, fuel handling systems, and material handling services
• Nuclear Services Group - which provides auxiliary nuclear services, such as materials handling and waste management

The company was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

BWX shares have risen from $48.5 to $60.3 since the start of 2022. The stock’s growth has been fueled by the rising demand for nuclear naval vessels and the general rhetoric toward the importance of nuclear energy on the path to net zero emissions. 

The company’s financial results have also shown slight improvement over the year, which has prompted investors to add BWX to their defense stock portfolios. 

Financial results

While BWX has not shown explosive growth, it remains stable in the short term with a healthy balance sheet. The company is profitable, which is good news for investors in the long run. 

Future plans

BWXT has had a busy 2022, with several important projects and milestones reached this year, including:

• Agreement to build the first advanced nuclear microreactor as part of Project Pele. The reactor prototype is scheduled to be delivered in 2024
• BWXT Medial struck a deal with Bayer to deliver high-purity actinium-225 products
• BWXT Canada has been awarded a CA$130 million contract to manufacture components for Bruce Power’s MCR project
• BWXT medical has submitted the Tc-99m generator drug application to the FDA

General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:GD)

General Dynamics is an aerospace and defense company that designs, develops, manufactures, and sells military systems in the United States and worldwide. The company operates through four segments:

• Aerospace - which designs and manufactures aircraft, including business jets, while also offering maintenance services
• Marine Systems - which designs and manufactures nuclear-powered submarines and auxiliary ships
• Combat Systems - which manufactures land combat solutions, such as tanks and armored vehicles
• Technologies - which provides mission support services and software solutions 

Stock performance 2022

All major US defense contractors have had a year of growth in 2022. General Dynamics stock has risen by 21% since the start of the year. The stock also maintains a 2% annual dividend yield, which is higher than most military stocks on the market. 

The growing demand for military aircraft, tanks, and solutions has been priced in by the market and investors are hopeful of GD’s ability to meet growing demand in 2023. 

Financial results

Similarly to major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics has a high cost of revenue, but an impressive EPS nonetheless. The company also has a solid cash position and positive free cash flow, which allows it to upscale operations without incurring unsustainable amounts of debt. Revenues have also shown growth compared to Q3 2021, which is a positive sign for investors. 

Future plans

General Dynamics maintains a host of active government and commercial contracts, which include some additions in 2022, such as:

• The $22.9 million contract awarded to the Mission Systems segment to protect classified mission data
• The Containerized Tethered Elevated Mass contract awarded to the Mission Systems segment, valued at $39.4 million
• The $533 million contract awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat to aid in the development of Virginia-class attack submarines
• The $24 million contract won by Mission Systems Canada to aid the Portuguese Air Force to modernize aircraft and to help in reconnaissance activities
• Start of construction of the fifth ship in the T-AO Fleet Oiler Program for the US Navy by General Dynamics NASSCO

This is only a portion of General Dynamic’s ongoing contracts heading into 2023, which put the company in solid standing to take advantage of the growing military spending globally.

Textron Inc (NYSE:TXT)

Textron is a company that operates in the defense, industrial and financial sectors. The company divides its business into segments, such as:

• Textron Aviation - which manufactures and sells business jets and military aircraft
• Textron Systems - which offers electronic and unmanned systems
• Finance - which handles the procurement of pre-owned aircraft and helicopters

Textron serves the US and international markets. The company was founded in 1923 and is based in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. 

Stock performance 2022

Unlike other major defense stocks, Textron has had a mixed 2022. The stock has not seen much decline or growth since the start of the year. However, this underperformance could indicate a discount for Textron in the long run. While the company’s revenue growth is not overwhelming, the company is relatively stable, profitable, and has the capacity to upscale production to meet growing demand. 

Investors are also optimistic about the insider ownership of Textron, which indicates the management’s positive expectations regarding the long-term performance of the company. Insiders own around $60 million worth of Textron shares. 

Financial results

Textron’s revenue growth has been stagnant in 2022, however, the company’s profitability is increasing, which is important for Textron’s cash reserves. 

Many analysts have touted Textron as a value investment due to its growing net income and overall solid cash position. 

Future plans

• With the US Department of Defense seeking to replace some of their existing runway drones with VTOLs, Textron has unveiled updates for its Shadow drones, while also unveiling the Aerosonde to compete for the spot in the VTOL roster
• Textron has been awarded a $22 million contract for the operational support of the USS Miguel Keith
• Textron Systems Aerosonde has started operational flights in Nigeria. The Aerosonde is the first UAS of its capability in the country
• The company has been awarded a $353 million contract to support the terrain shaping capabilities of the US Army
• Textron subsidiary ATAC has been awarded the contract to provide chase flight services for the F-35 program
• The Royal Jordanian Air Force has agreed to purchase 10 Bell 505s to bolster training capabilities

Key takeaways from military stocks in 2023

Military stocks have had a stellar 2022 so far and the tendency for governments to increase defense spending is not likely to subside just yet. Defense companies are trying to rise to the challenge and meet the increasing demand, while recovering from the numerous supply chain issues brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

From giants such as Lockheed and Boeing, to smaller players like AeroVironment, military stocks offer a diverse set of solutions that are also fit for civilian applications. 

With the defense industry set to grow substantially in the coming decades, some key areas, such as space defense and tactical drones will be important growth drivers for the industry.

FAQs on military stocks in 2023

Will military stocks go up in 2023?

Military stocks could continue their growth momentum well into 2023 and beyond. With the ongoing war between Ukraine and russia prompting governments to spend more on defense, the increased demand is likely to be sustained through 2023. 

Why are military stocks rising?

The ongoing war between Ukraine and russia has prompted governments to allocate larger portions of their national budgets to defense spending, which has increased the demand for goods and services provided by military companies. This rise has contributed to the rapid increase in share price for most defense stocks in the US. 

Which military stocks to buy in 2023?

Most military stocks are poised to take advantage of the growth in demand for military systems and equipment. Stocks, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Textron are likely to enter the new year with a healthy balance sheet and the capacity to meet growing demand.