Boeing vs Lockheed Martin (BA vs LMT)
Boeing (BA) vs Lockheed Martin (LMT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Boeing (BA) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are Boeing and Lockheed Martin 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 Boeing or Lockheed Martin.
Boeing vs Lockheed Martin: the figures
| Figure | Boeing | Lockheed Martin |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $177.00 (November 4, 2026) | $595.04 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $140.3 billion | $137.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 18.3x | 21.1x |
| Forward P/E | 81.8x | 17.9x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.9% | +11.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.1% | 8.2% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 13.8x | 1.5x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.25% |
| Beta | 1.33 | 0.08 |
Boeing and Lockheed Martin figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Boeing or Lockheed Martin figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Boeing and Lockheed Martin
- Debt: Boeing owes 13.8x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Lockheed Martin owes 1.5x its EBITDA.
- Volatility: Boeing stock moves more (beta 1.33) than Lockheed Martin (beta 0.08); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Dividend: Lockheed Martin pays a dividend yielding 2.25% and Boeing pays none.
Boeing or Lockheed Martin: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Lockheed Martin 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): Lockheed Martin pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Lockheed Martin has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Boeing trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Boeing nor Lockheed Martin 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 Boeing and Lockheed Martin make money
Boeing (BA)
Boeing reports three segments. Commercial Airplanes sells passenger and freight jets such as the MAX and Dreamliner families to airlines worldwide. Defense, Space & Security builds military aircraft, helicopters, satellites and space systems, largely for the U.S. government. Global Services sells spare parts, maintenance, upgrades and training. Full Boeing analysis.
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Lockheed Martin sells mainly to the U.S. government and allied nations. Aeronautics, its largest segment, builds fighter jets like the Lightning II and Hercules transport aircraft. Missiles and Fire Control makes missiles and missile defense systems, Rotary and Mission Systems includes Sikorsky helicopters and radars, and Space builds satellites and strategic missiles. Full Lockheed Martin analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Boeing vs Lockheed Martin
Is Boeing or Lockheed Martin the better stock?
Choosing between Boeing and Lockheed Martin depends on what you are looking for. Lockheed Martin is growing faster right now, and Boeing trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Boeing or Lockheed Martin: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Boeing or Lockheed Martin?
As of November 4, 2026, Lockheed Martin yields 2.25% and Boeing pays none. Also check how much of their profit Boeing and Lockheed Martin pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Boeing or Lockheed Martin?
On P/E, Lockheed Martin (21.1x) is more expensive than Boeing (18.3x) 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 Boeing and Lockheed Martin?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, 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 Boeing or Lockheed Martin.
More comparisons with Boeing or Lockheed Martin
- Boeing vs General Dynamics
- Boeing vs GE Aerospace
- General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin
- GE Aerospace vs Lockheed Martin
More companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about Boeing and Lockheed Martin, not investment advice.