In recent years, the defense sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic and closely watched by financial markets.
Rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, have spotlighted companies that were until recently considered niche.
Today, these stocks are delivering extraordinary performances, but there are critical elements that raise questions about the sustainability of current trends.
Rheinmetall: the German Powerhouse
Among the most prominent European names stands out Rheinmetall, a German giant specializing in armored military vehicles and ammunition.
The company has experienced impressive growth: since the beginning of the year, the stock has recorded a return of 185%, a figure that surpasses the already brilliant German Dax, which stands at +30%.
Revenue has also followed this trajectory, rising from just over 7 billion euros to 9.75 billion, with a jump of about 30%. However, margins have remained stable, hovering around 8%, without signs of proportional improvement relative to revenues.
A figure concerning analysts is the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which has skyrocketed to 95: a value off the charts compared to market standards, raising doubts about the long-term sustainability of this rally.
Leonardo: the Italian Champion
In Italy, the standout stock is undoubtedly Leonardo, a key player both nationally and across Europe.
The company operates on multiple fronts, from combat helicopters to electronic defense systems, and has achieved a year-to-date return of 95%, significantly outperforming its benchmark, the Ftse Mib, and ranking among the top five stocks in the index.
Between 2023 and 2024, Leonardo saw its revenue grow by 15%, although maintaining relatively low margins, between 4% and 5%.
However, the growth appears solid and consistent over time. The P/E ratio at 27 is decidedly more sustainable compared to that of Rheinmetall, making the stock less exposed to overvaluation risks.
Thales: the French powerhouse in aerospace
On the French front, Thales stands as another benchmark in the aerospace defense sector.
Here too, there is a significant growth, albeit lower compared to previous cases: the year-to-date return is 73%, still well above the disappointing Cac40, which is stuck at +8.5%.
Thales’ revenue increased by 10% between 2023 and 2024, with margins in line with those of Leonardo. However, the P/E exceeds 70, a level that questions the sustainability of growth in the long term.
Lockheed Martin: American Stability in the Shadows
In the United States, the benchmark name remains Lockheed Martin, a giant in military aviation and defense. However, the stock is currently stagnant: since the beginning of the year, it has lost about 3%, marking a significantly lower performance compared to its European competitors.
The revenue growth is modest, well below 10% annually, and margins are declining: from a robust 9% in 2022, they have dropped to around 7%. The P/E ratio stands at approximately 25, in line with market averages, but not enough to make the stock particularly attractive compared to other players in the sector.
Palantir Technologies: Innovation and Risk
On the innovation front, the name Palantir Technologies stands out, an American company that has secured significant contracts with the US Defense. The stock has experienced a true surge, with a year-to-date return of 125%.
However, the real critical issue is the P/E ratio: over 600, an unprecedented value that makes the stock extremely risky for those aiming for long-term investments.
Out-of-Scale Valuations and Risks for Investors
The analysis of the main stocks in the defense sector highlights a reality characterized by explosive growth but also by stock market valuations that, in many cases, are difficult to sustain.
The price/earnings ratio of companies like Rheinmetall, Palantir, and Thales is well above traditional metrics, indicating a high risk for those who decide to include them in their portfolio with a long-term horizon.
These valuation levels are difficult to maintain, especially if revenue growth were to slow down or stabilize, as is already happening with some of the most capitalized companies in the tech sector.
The risk, therefore, is that a correction could bring prices back to levels more in line with fundamentals, penalizing those who entered at the peaks.
A Look at the Future of the Industry
The defense sector continues to be driven by geopolitical tensions and the demand for new technologies, but caution remains essential.
While on one hand the fundamentals appear solid, on the other hand, stock market valuations reflect very high expectations, which could be challenging to meet in the medium to long term.
For investors, the challenge will be to distinguish between companies with genuinely sustainable growth and stocks inflated by speculative dynamics.
In a still uncertain global context, the defense sector remains under close watch, but it requires careful analysis and particularly rigorous risk management.