investorscraft@gmail.com

Stock Analysis & ValuationAirbus SE (AIR.DE)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
193.46
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)90.02-53
Intrinsic value (DCF)73.59-62
Graham-Dodd Methodn/a
Graham Formula73.28-62

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Airbus SE (AIR.DE) is a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry, headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands. The company operates through three key segments: Airbus (commercial aircraft), Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space. Airbus is renowned for its commercial jetliners, including the A320 family, A350, and A380, competing directly with Boeing in the global aviation market. Its Helicopters division is a major player in civil and military rotorcraft, while the Defence and Space segment focuses on military aircraft, unmanned systems, and advanced space technologies. With a market capitalization exceeding €123 billion, Airbus is a cornerstone of the European aerospace sector, driving innovation in sustainable aviation through initiatives like hydrogen-powered aircraft and next-gen aerodynamics. The company's diversified portfolio across commercial, defense, and space markets provides resilience against cyclical downturns in any single segment.

Investment Summary

Airbus presents a compelling investment case as the world's second-largest aircraft manufacturer with a strong order backlog and exposure to growing global air travel demand. The company benefits from the duopoly structure of the large commercial aircraft market, where it holds approximately 50% market share against Boeing. Recent financials show robust performance with €69.2 billion revenue and €4.2 billion net income in the latest fiscal year. However, investors should note the inherent cyclicality of aerospace orders, supply chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical risks affecting defense contracts. The stock's beta of 1.2 indicates higher volatility than the broader market. Airbus's commitment to decarbonization through next-generation aircraft development could position it well for long-term sustainability trends, but execution risks remain on ambitious technological roadmaps.

Competitive Analysis

Airbus maintains its competitive advantage through technological leadership in fuel-efficient aircraft design, a geographically diversified supply chain, and strong government relationships in its home markets. The company's A320neo family has been particularly successful, capturing significant market share in the crucial single-aisle segment. In defense, Airbus leverages European partnerships for programs like the Eurofighter and A400M, though it trails US competitors in pure defense spending. The space division benefits from ESA contracts and Galileo navigation system participation. Airbus's primary strength lies in its balanced commercial/defense portfolio and European government support, though this can also create inefficiencies compared to more commercial-focused peers. The company faces ongoing challenges in production ramp-ups and managing the transition to sustainable aviation technologies. Its competitive position is strongest in commercial aviation where product differentiation matters most, while in defense it competes more on political ties than pure technological edge against American giants.

Major Competitors

  • Boeing Company (BA): Boeing is Airbus's primary competitor in commercial aircraft, with intense competition in narrow-body (737 MAX vs A320neo) and wide-body segments. Boeing retains strength in US defense contracts and has deeper penetration in Asian markets, but has suffered from the 737 MAX crises and production quality issues. The company maintains technological leadership in certain areas like composite manufacturing but lags Airbus in recent order momentum.
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Lockheed dominates the defense aerospace sector where Airbus competes through its Eurofighter and other programs. Lockheed's F-35 program gives it unparalleled scale in combat aircraft, though Airbus has strengths in military transport (A400M) and European collaborative programs. Lockheed benefits from higher US defense spending but has less commercial aerospace exposure than Airbus.
  • RTX Corporation (RTX): Formerly Raytheon Technologies, RTX competes with Airbus in defense systems, missiles, and space through its Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney segments. RTX has superior engine technology (competing with Airbus's joint venture engines) and strong US government ties, but lacks Airbus's commercial aircraft manufacturing capabilities.
  • AM.PA (Dassault Aviation): Dassault is a key competitor in business jets (Falcon series vs Airbus ACJ) and military aircraft (Rafale vs Eurofighter). The company is more niche-focused than Airbus with superior profitability in its segments but lacks Airbus's scale and commercial aircraft presence.
  • Safran SA (SAFR.PA): Safran competes indirectly as a major supplier (through CFM International JV with GE) while also collaborating with Airbus on engine programs. Safran has best-in-class engine technology but depends on Airbus and Boeing for platform decisions, creating a complex supplier-customer relationship.
HomeMenuAccount