Airbus vs Rheinmetall (AIR.PA vs RHM.DE)
Airbus (AIR.PA) vs Rheinmetall (RHM.DE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Airbus (AIR.PA) and Rheinmetall (RHM.DE) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are Airbus and Rheinmetall side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Airbus or Rheinmetall.
Airbus vs Rheinmetall: the figures
| Figure | Airbus | Rheinmetall |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €200.10 (November 4, 2026) | €1,003.40 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €157.9 billion | €46.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 25.7x | 39.0x |
| Forward P/E | 23.1x | 19.0x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -2.0% | +68.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.0% | 6.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.2x | 1.2x |
| Dividend yield | 1.66% | 1.15% |
| Beta | 0.86 | 0.45 |
Airbus and Rheinmetall figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Airbus or Rheinmetall figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Airbus and Rheinmetall
- Growth: Rheinmetall grew sales +68.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against -2.0% for Airbus.
- Valuation: Rheinmetall trades at 39.0x its annual earnings and Airbus at 25.7x; the market pays more for each dollar of Rheinmetall profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Volatility: Airbus stock moves more (beta 0.86) than Rheinmetall (beta 0.45); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Airbus or Rheinmetall: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Rheinmetall is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Airbus pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Airbus has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Airbus trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Airbus nor Rheinmetall wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Airbus and Rheinmetall make money
Airbus (AIR.PA)
Airbus makes most of its money selling commercial passenger jets, including its single-aisle family, to airlines and leasing companies, plus after-sales services. The group also includes Airbus Helicopters, for civil and military helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space, which builds military aircraft, satellites and defense systems. Full Airbus analysis.
Rheinmetall (RHM.DE)
Rheinmetall makes defense equipment for armed forces, mainly in Europe and other NATO countries. It reports segments including Weapon and Ammunition (artillery shells and guns), Vehicle Systems (Boxer and Lynx armored vehicles and military trucks), Electronic Solutions (air defense and digital systems) and Power Systems, its civilian auto parts business. Full Rheinmetall analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Airbus vs Rheinmetall
Is Airbus or Rheinmetall the better stock?
Choosing between Airbus and Rheinmetall depends on what you are looking for. Rheinmetall is growing faster right now, and Airbus trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Airbus or Rheinmetall: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Airbus or Rheinmetall?
As of November 4, 2026, Airbus yields 1.66% and Rheinmetall yields 1.15%. Also check how much of their profit Airbus and Rheinmetall pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Airbus or Rheinmetall?
On P/E, Rheinmetall (39.0x) is more expensive than Airbus (25.7x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Airbus and Rheinmetall?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Airbus and Rheinmetall, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Airbus or Rheinmetall.
More comparisons with Airbus or Rheinmetall
More companies like Airbus and Rheinmetall: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about Airbus and Rheinmetall, not investment advice.