Karman Space & Defense Valuation Multiples

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and incorporated in Texas, alongside launch and manufacturing sites in Hawthorne, California, Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Vandenberg Space Force Base. The company designs, builds, and operates the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, the Dragon crew and cargo spacecraft, and the fully reusable Starship vehicle, and has accounted for the large majority of global mass launched to orbit in recent years on the strength of reusable-rocket economics and a high launch cadence. Its Starlink division operates a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation delivering broadband internet to more than ten million subscribers across roughly 160 countries, while the Starshield program supplies satellite and connectivity services to government and defense customers. In February 2026 SpaceX combined with Musk's artificial intelligence firm xAI, the developer of the Grok chatbot, which had itself absorbed the social platform X, consolidating space, connectivity, and AI operations under common ownership. The company completed an initial public offering on June 12, 2026, one of the largest in market history, and is led by Musk as CEO.

Palantir is an artificial intelligence, analytics, and automated decision-making company that leverages data to drive efficiency across its clients' organizations. The firm serves commercial and government clients via its Foundry and Gotham platforms, respectively. Palantir works only with entities in Western-allied nations and reserves the right not to work with anyone that is antithetical to Western values. The company was founded in 2003 and went public in 2020.

GE Aerospace is an American aircraft engine maker headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, that designs, builds and services engines for commercial and military aircraft. It is the sole remaining business of General Electric, founded in 1892, whose aircraft-engine operations date to 1917; after the spin-offs of GE HealthCare and, in April 2024, GE Vernova, the company took the GE Aerospace name and kept the NYSE ticker GE. Its products include the CFM LEAP, GE9X, GEnx and the T901 turboshaft, and it builds engines through 50/50 joint ventures including CFM International with Safran, Engine Alliance and GE Honda Aero Engines. CFM holds about 39% of the world commercial aircraft engine market and GE Aerospace a further 14%. With an installed base of close to 80,000 commercial and military engines, it earns most of its profit from services, spare parts and overhauls on engines that fly for decades, alongside sales of new engines to aircraft makers, airlines and defence customers. In 2025 it reported revenue of $45.86 billion and employed about 57,000 people. H. Lawrence Culp Jr. is chairman and chief executive.

RTX is an aerospace and defense manufacturer formed from the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, with roughly equal exposure across three segments, mostly as a supplier to commercial aerospace and to the defense market: Collins Aerospace, a diversified aerospace supplier; Pratt & Whitney, a commercial and military aircraft engine manufacturer; and Raytheon, a defense prime contractor providing a mix of missiles, missile defense systems, sensors, hardware, and communications technology to the military.

Airbus is a global aerospace and defense firm that designs, develops, and manufactures commercial and military jets and helicopters, as well as space launch vehicles and satellites. The company operates three divisions: commercial, defense and space, and helicopters. Commercial offers multiple configurations of aircraft ranging from the narrow-body (120-200 seats) A220 and A320 series to the much larger A330 and A350 wide-body models. The defense and space segment supplies governments with military hardware, including transport aircraft, aerial tankers, and the Eurofighter Typhoon multirole jet. The helicopter division manufactures turbine helicopters for the civil and public markets.

Boeing is a major aerospace and defense firm operating in three segments: commercial airplanes; defense, space, and security; and global services. Boeing's commercial airplanes segment competes with Airbus in the production of aircraft that can carry more than 130 passengers. Boeing's defense, space, and security segment competes with defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to create military aircraft, satellites, and weaponry. Global services provides aftermarket support to airlines.

Rolls-Royce operates three core business segments: civil aerospace, power systems, and defense. The civil aerospace segment builds engines powering wide-body aircraft, regional and business jets, and offers aftermarket services. Twenty years ago, the firm pioneered full-service flight hour contracts with the TotalCare package. Power systems provides power solutions to multiple end markets (defense, agriculture, marine, and power generation) while the defense business provides military, ground vehicle and naval propulsion solutions.

Safran is a Paris-listed aerospace and defence group formed in 2005 from the merger of Snecma and Sagem. Its propulsion division produces aircraft and helicopter engines and provides parts and maintenance over their operating lives. Other businesses supply landing gear, nacelles, electrical systems, avionics, defence equipment and aircraft interiors. Safran participates with GE Aerospace in CFM International, a major supplier of engines for narrow-body commercial aircraft. Airlines, airframers, armed forces and government customers buy the group’s products and services worldwide. Revenue comes from original equipment, aftermarket parts, maintenance and long-term service contracts. Safran acquired Indian test-systems specialist Captronic from Axon Partners in August 2022.

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor and has dominated the Western market for high-end fighter aircraft since it won the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2001. Aeronautics is Lockheed’s largest segment, which derives upward of two-thirds of its revenue from the F-35. Lockheed’s remaining segments are rotary and mission systems, mainly encompassing the Sikorsky helicopter business; missiles and fire control, which creates missiles and missile defense systems; and space systems, which produces satellites and receives equity income from the United Launch Alliance joint venture.

Parker Hannifin started out in 1917 as Parker Appliance, selling pneumatic brakes. Through the acquisition of branded components, the firm has expanded into aerospace engines, agricultural and construction machinery, freight and passenger vehicles, and industrial automation equipment. Within these larger systems, Parker sells a wide array of small, critical pieces such as hydraulic, electromechanical, climate control, and filtration components. Many of its products are designed to work together, resulting in a high rate of cross-selling.

Mitsubishi Corp. is Japan’s largest general trading house, or sogo shosha, a type of conglomerate unique to Japan. Its core role is that of a trading intermediary in a variety of industrial sectors, including resources businesses like energy and metals as well as non-resources businesses, both industrial ones like automotive and non-industrial ones like food, healthcare, and retail. In addition to acting as a trading intermediary (including midstream processing functions to convert inputs into final products), Mitsubishi also participates in upstream production businesses and downstream distribution businesses.

General Dynamics is a defense contractor and business jet manufacturer. The firm’s segments are aerospace, marine, combat systems, and technologies. General Dynamics' aerospace segment manufactures Gulfstream business jets and operates a global aircraft servicing operation. Combat systems produces land-based combat vehicles such as the M1 Abrams tank and Stryker armored personnel carrier, as well as munitions. The marine segment builds and services nuclear-powered submarines, destroyers, and Navy support ships. The technologies segment contains two main units: an IT business that primarily serves the government market and a mission systems business focusing on electronics that provide command, control, computing, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to the military.

Howmet Aerospace Inc offers engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The company's products and solutions include investment castings for jet engines and industrial gas turbines; seamless rolled rings for jet engines; fastening systems for aerospace, industrial and commercial transportation applications; forged jet engine components (e.g., jet engine disks); machined and forged aircraft parts; and forged aluminum commercial vehicle wheels, all of which are sold directly to customers or through distributors. It has four reportable segments: Engine Products, which derives key revenue, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. Geographically, the company derives maximum revenue from the USA, followed by France, Japan, Germany, and other markets.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of ships, industrial machinery, and aircraft. The segments of the company are Energy; Plants and Infrastructure Systems; Logistics, Thermal and Drive Systems; and Aircraft, Defense, and Space. The company earns maximum revenue from the energy segment, which handles clean gas, steam power systems, nuclear power systems, compressors, and marine machinery. The Plants and Infrastructure Systems segment of the company deals with commercial ships, engineering, machine tools, and machinery systems; Logistics, Thermal, and Drive Systems provide material handling systems, engines, HVAC systems, and automotive air-conditioners; and the Aircraft, Defense, and Space cover commercial aircraft, defense aircraft, and others. The group also develops nuclear reactor technology and associated engineering capabilities. Its United States advanced pressurised water reactor design was selected for the proposed Comanche Peak expansion in Texas. A subsidiary participated in the development joint venture with Luminant, separately from the existing operating nuclear units.

BAE Systems is a British global defense, security, and aerospace company and Europe’s largest defense contractor. It is one of six prime contractors to the US Defense Department. It reports in five segments: Electronic systems provides electronic warfare, avionics, precision weapons, and space systems; cyber and intelligence supplies intelligence, cyber, and security services; platforms and services produces combat vehicles, artillery, munitions, and US ship repair services; air covers combat air production and support, Saudi operations, and interests in Eurofighter, MBDA, and GCAP; and maritime comprises UK warships, submarines, land activities, and the Australian business. From 2027, cyber and intelligence will be integrated into the other segments.

Northrop Grumman is a diversified defense contractor providing aeronautics, defense, and space systems. The company’s aerospace segment produces autonomous and piloted aircraft such as Global Hawk drones and the B-21 bomber, creates the fuselage for the massive F-35 program, and maintains and upgrades numerous other military aircraft. Defense systems makes artillery and missile ammunition and guidance systems, long-range missiles, and missile defense systems. Mission systems creates and integrates a variety of radar, navigation, and communication systems for avionics, weapons control, and countermeasures on a range of platforms from helicopters to destroyers. Space systems produces satellites, sensors, space structures, and rocket motors.

Based in Toronto, Barrick is one of the world's largest gold miners. In 2025, the firm sold about 3.3 million attributable ounces of gold and about 220,000 metric tons of copper. At end-2025, Barrick had about two decades of gold reserves along with significant copper reserves. After buying Randgold in 2019 and combining its Nevada mines in a joint venture with competitor Newmont later that year, it operates mines in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company also has growing copper exposure, driven by the expansion of its Lumwana mine in Zambia and the development of its Reko Diq copper and gold project in Pakistan. It intends to undertake an IPO of its joint venture stakes in Nevada Gold Mines and Pueblo Viejo along with its Fourmile deposit later in 2026.

Honeywell traces its roots to 1885 with Albert Butz’s firm, Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator, which produced a predecessor to the modern thermostat. Other inventions by Honeywell include biodegradable detergent and autopilot. Today, Honeywell is a global multi-industry behemoth with one of the largest installed bases of equipment. It operates through four business segments: aerospace technologies, industrial automation, energy and sustainability solutions, and building automation. Recently, Honeywell has made several portfolio changes to focus on fewer end markets and align with a set of secular growth trends. The firm is working diligently to expand its installed base, deriving around one third of its revenue from recurring aftermarket services.

TransDigm manufactures and services a broad set of specialized parts for commercial and military aircraft. The firm has three segments: power and control, airframes, and a small nonaviation segment, which serves mostly off-road vehicles and mining equipment. It is an acquisitive holding company focused on buying up smaller firms that make proprietary aerospace products with substantial aftermarket revenue. TransDigm regularly employs financial leverage to amplify its operating results.

Rheinmetall is an international defense group supplying military vehicles, weapons and ammunition, air-defense systems, digital military solutions and naval platforms. Following the classification of power systems as discontinued operations in December 2025, all continuing-operation sales are generated by defense activities. The group reports through five segments: vehicle systems; weapons and ammunition; air defense; digital systems; and naval systems. The portfolio spans combat, support and logistics vehicles; weapons, ammunition and propellants; ground-based air and drone defense; military communications, soldier systems, aviation and simulation; and military surface vessels, maintenance and autonomous maritime systems.

Thales is a French aerospace and defense industrial and one of Europe’s largest defense contractors. The company has three segments: defense and security provides sensors, mission systems, communications, and control systems to European and export defense customers; aerospace sells avionics and satellites to the civil, defense, and governmental markets; and digital identity and security provides biometric, data, and identity security solutions, payments services, and the manufacturing of SIM cards.

Honeywell Aerospace Inc operates as an aerospace and defense supplier of systems and technologies that enable the production, maintenance, and safe operation of aerospace and defense platforms. Its products support original equipment manufacturer (OEM), government, defense prime contractor, and aircraft operator customers across the Commercial Air Transport, Business Aviation, and Defense and Space end markets. The company has three operating segments: Electronic Solutions (ES), Engines & Power Systems (E&PS), and Control Systems (CS ). The majority of revenue is derived from the Electronic Solutions segment, which offers Avionics, Navigation and Sensors, Electromagnetic Defensive Solutions, and Space systems. Geographically, the maximum revenue is generated from the United States.

Larsen & Toubro Ltd is a technology, engineering, manufacturing, and financial services conglomerate operating globally. It enters into contracts to construct various facilities, develop solutions for offshore and onshore hydrocarbon projects, serve power plants, build ships, and perform other engineering projects. Its integrated capabilities help customers throughout the entire value chain, from design to delivering a project. The company's operating segments are: Infrastructure projects, Energy projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, IT & Technology services, Financial services, Development projects, and other segments. A majority of its revenue is generated from the Infrastructure projects segment. Geographically, the group generates maximum revenue from its operations in India.

In addition to its legacy software-defined radio franchise, L3Harris Technologies has through a series of acquisitions established franchises producing uncrewed aerial vehicles, sensors, avionics, space-based systems, missiles, and solid rocket motors. It also adapts civilian aircraft for military use and provides military and commercial training services, and maintains the US Federal Aviation Administration's communications infrastructure.

Heico is an aerospace and defense supplier that focuses on creating replacement parts for commercial aircraft and components for defense products. In commercial aerospace, Heico is the largest independent producer of replacement aircraft parts. In the defense market, the company produces niche subcomponents used in targeting technology as well as simulation equipment, among other categories. It operates two segments: the flight support group and the electronic technologies group. Both supply the aerospace and defense sectors to different degrees. Heico is persistently acquisitive, focusing on companies in similar or adjacent markets that offer strong cash flow and profitable growth potential.

Saab supplies products and services for military, defense, and civil security. The company operates in four segments: aeronautics, dynamics, surveillance, and Kockums. Aeronautics involves the manufacturing and support of defense and commercial aerial systems. Dynamics produces combat weapons and defense training and management systems. Surveillance supplies security services, and creates traffic management technology and aviation parts. Kockums offers solutions for naval missions. Over three fourths of Saab’s sales are from the defense sector. The company sells to multiple geographic regions, but over half of its sales come from Europe.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd operates in the aerospace and defense sector. The company is engaged in the design, manufacturing, and development of products like aircraft, helicopters, systems and accessories, power plants, avionics, materials like castings, rolled rings, rubber products, and aerospace which include structures, tanks, and cryogenic engines. Geographically the company derives revenue from India and other countries, of which a majority of revenue is generated from India.

Elbit Systems Ltd is a technology company involved in producing a portfolio of systems and products for aircraft, land, and naval applications. The company's products are used for defense, homeland security and commercial flight capabilities. Its systems and solutions may be installed on new platforms or it may perform a comprehensive modernization program to transform a platform. Elbit Systems gives instructions to its customers on the proper maintenance of its products and will provide support team specialists when the customer cannot fix a problem. The company operates in five segments: Aerospace; C4I and Cyber; ISTAR and EW; Land; and ESA. It derives maximum revenue from Land Segment. Geographically, it operates in Israel; North America; Europe; Asia-Pacific; Latin America; and Others.

Hanwha Aerospace Co Ltd is engaged in the manufacturing and technology businesses spanning aerospace, aviation, defense, industrial equipment, IT services, marine operations, and security solutions. Its Aerospace segment handles satellite system manufacturing; the Aviation segment covers aircraft engines and parts; the Defense industry segment produces self-propelled howitzers and armored vehicles; the Industrial equipment segment focuses on SMT machinery; the IT service segment provides consulting, SI, ITO, and logistics services; the Security department manufactures CCTVs and related peripherals; and the Marine segment includes merchant marine activities, marine and special vessel manufacturing, as well as plant and wind power operations.

Leonardo is one of the largest European defense firms, with 30% of its shares owned by the Italian government. The group’s divisions include helicopters; defense, electronics, and security systems; and aeronautics. The helicopter division serves both military and civil markets through AgustaWestland. DES has access to the US defense market through the DRS subsidiary. The aeronautics division cooperates in international programs, such as Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35, and the new Tempest, and supplies aerostructures to large commercial aircraft programs.

Rocket Lab Corp is engaged in space, building rockets, and spacecraft. It provides end-to-end mission services that provide frequent and reliable access to space for civil, defense, and commercial markets. It designs and manufactures the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles and Photon satellite platform. Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has delivered multiple satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. The business operates in two segments Launch Services and Space Systems. Geographically it serves Japan, and rest of the world and earns key revenue from the United States.

Axon was founded in 1993, but its roots trace back to the invention of the Taser in 1974 by Jack Cover. Over the decades, Axon has expanded its product suite to include police body-worn cameras, a cloud-based evidence repository, AI-driven report-drafting software, drones and counter-drone sensors, and 911 dispatching software. The firm sells its products to end markets such as local and federal law enforcement, enterprise, corrections, and healthcare. It derives around four-fifths of its revenue from the US, with the remainder from international countries.

Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS provides defense technologies to the Turkish armed forces. Additionally, it exports systems and solutions to clients in other countries and has taken on civil projects. Its products may help with communications, radars, sensing, or other defense systems to enhance proficiencies within the industrials sector. Marketing efforts may be geared toward a specific customer or specific segment in the market, and plans are implemented to showcase product capabilities.

Kongsberg Gruppen is an international technology company that supplies products and services to the defense, maritime, oil, gas, and aerospace industries. The company is divided into two business segments: the maritime segment and defense and aerospace systems. Maritime, which earns most of the firm's revenue, creates navigation, automation, monitoring, and positioning products for commercial ships and offshore industry. The defense and aerospace segment provides defense and space-related products and systems. Outside of the two main segments, the firm operates Kongsberg Digital, which produces digital solutions for oil, gas, wind, and merchant marine markets. Products are delivered globally, with North America accounting for about one third of total revenue.

Bharat Electronics Ltd is an aerospace and defense company predominantly owned by the Indian government. It manufactures a wide range of specialized electronics and equipment for defense and civilian use. Its investments are made in research and development to meet the ever-changing needs of customers and to test products in its pipeline. Its product portfolio includes unmanned systems, land-based radars, batteries, weapon systems, fuzes, simulators, and jammers, among others. It also provides cybersecurity and software products. A majority of the company's revenue is derived from the defense sector. Geographically, the company's key revenue is derived from India, and it also has international customers from countries like the United Kingdom, Israel, and others.

Teledyne Technologies Inc provides enabling technologies to sense, analyze and distribute information for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. The firm operates in four segments: Digital Imaging, Instrumentation, Aerospace and Defense Electronics, and Engineered Systems. The Digital Imaging segment, that derives maximum revenue, includes high-performance sensors, cameras and systems, within the visible, infrared and X-ray spectra for use in industrial, government and medical applications, as well as MEMS and high-performance, high-reliability semiconductors including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. Geographically, the company operates in United States, Europe, Asia, and All other.

AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Co Ltd is engaged in the research and production of complete aviation weapons and equipment and their accessories and mainly focuses on the aviation industry.

Dassault Aviation, controlled by the French Dassault Group, designs, builds, and maintains military fighter jets and is one of the largest manufacturers of business jets. It holds a 26.6% stake in defense electronics group Thales, whose earnings contribution accounts for roughly half of Dassault's adjusted net income. In 2025, Dassault Aviation generated EUR 7.4 billion in revenue with over 15,000 employees. About 63% of revenue comes from defense aircraft and services, while Falcon business jets generate the remaining 37%.

ST Engineering is a Singaporean government-linked commercial and defense engineering group. Its key businesses include aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, in which it is the world’s largest independent third-party provider. The company’s fastest-growing activities involve applications to defense and smart city solutions where it provides tolling solutions, traffic control systems, command-and-control dashboards, cybersecurity tools, and other related components. Around two-thirds of the company’s revenue comes from commercial clients, while the remainder is defense.

Arxis Inc designs and manufactures proprietary electronic and mechanical components used in applications that require performance in extreme environments. The company operates in two reportable segments: i) Electronic Components: It provides specialized, engineered electronic components and interconnect solutions, including connectors, cable assemblies, microelectronic packaging, RF and microwave products, power products, sensors, capacitors and resistors. and ii) Mechanical Components: It provides precision and self-lubricating bearings, seals, springs, gaskets and ducting, and radar absorbing materials. The majority of the company's revenue is derived from the Mechanical Components segment. Geographically, it generates the maximum revenue from the United States.

MTU Aero Engines is a German aerospace company that develops and manufactures aircraft engine components and provides engine maintenance services. Its original equipment business participates in commercial and military engine programs, often alongside other engine manufacturers through long-term program partnerships. Products include components for new engines and spare parts required during their operating lives. The company also maintains, repairs and overhauls commercial aircraft engines through its maintenance organization. Military activities include work on engines used by the German armed forces and multinational European aircraft programs. Customers include engine manufacturers, airlines, other aircraft operators and defense organizations. Revenue is generated from equipment and spare-part sales as well as maintenance and repair work. MTU's two principal operating areas distinguish engine development and production from commercial maintenance services.

Avic Shenyang Aircraft Co Ltd is engaged in manufacturing aviation product. Its products offerings include aviation defense equipment and civil aviation products. Civil aviation products include domestic and foreign civil aircraft parts.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation delivers engineered products and services to commercial, defence, power generation, and other industrial markets. It offers industrial vehicle components, control systems, weapons handling systems, pumps, valves, and other solutions. The company has three reportable segments based on the markets serviced: Naval & Power, which provides coolant pumps, power-dense compact motors, generators, secondary propulsion systems, pumps, pump seals, valves, control rod drive mechanisms, and fastening systems that also generate maximum revenue for the company; its other segments are Aerospace & Industrial and Defense Electronics. Geographically, the company generates its key revenue from the United States of America, followed by the United Kingdom and other countries.

CSG NV is a defence group in terms of medium, large- and small-calibre ammunition sales based in Prague, Czech Republic, operating in Europe, the United States and in other regions including Asia Pacific. The company's business is divided into two segments: CSG Defence Systems and CSG Ammo.

IHI is a Japanese engineering and industrial group with operations across aero engines, defense equipment, space systems, energy equipment, nuclear energy, social infrastructure, industrial systems, general-purpose machinery, and urban development. The company has been reshaping its portfolio through business exits and capital reallocation, with growing emphasis on civil aero engines, defense, nuclear energy, and lifecycle businesses. Its key value driver is aero engines, space, and defense, where IHI participates in major global engine programs and benefits from long-cycle aftermarket economics.

AECC Aviation Power Co Ltd is a China-based manufacturer of aeronautical engines. It engaged in the design, development, production, maintenance, marketing, and after-sales service of military aircraft and civil aircraft power devices, second power devices, gas turbines, helicopter transmission systems, and aero-engine technology derivative products; customers involved in aviation, aerospace, ships, weapons, Energy, and airspace and other fields. The company designs and produces products such as turbojets, turbofans, turboshafts, turboprops, and pistons, such as aero engines, gas turbines, and helicopter transmission systems.

Leidos Holdings Inc is a technology, engineering, and science company that provides services and solutions in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health management, both domestically and internationally. The customers of the company includes the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), the U.S. Intelligence Community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ("DHS"), the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA"), the Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA"), and many other U.S. civilian, state and local government agencies, etc. The company is engaged in four reportable segments; National Security & Digital, Health & Civil, Commercial & International and Defense Systems. It provides a wide array of scientific, engineering and technical services and solutions across these reportable segments.

Textron is a conglomerate that designs, manufactures, and services a range of specialty aircraft, including small jets, propeller-driven airplanes, helicopters, and tilt-rotor aircraft. Textron Aviation manufactures and services Cessna and Beechcraft planes. Bell is a helicopter and tilt-rotor manufacturer and servicer for both commercial and military customers. Textron Systems produces uncrewed aircraft and armored vehicles for the military market as well as aircraft simulators and training for the commercial and military markets. Textron is in the process of divesting its industrial subsidiaries, which manufacture plastic fuel tanks for conventional and hybrid motor vehicles, specialized vehicles such as golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles.