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10 best defense stocks to buy now for November 2023

Here are the best defense stocks for investors seeking steady growth and rising dividends.

During periods of economic uncertainty, defense stocks may offer reliability because a portion of their profits are often tied to long-term government contracts. Defense stocks also tend to get a boost during periods of war and conflict.

Our top picks for where to buy defense stocks

Best for beginners


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10 best defense stocks of 2023 and historic performance

The companies and stocks below comprise the top 10 defense stocks by year-to-date performance. Also included is each stock’s 2022 performance. We compiled this list by choosing only S&P 500 stocks in the Aerospace & Defense that have a Buy or better analyst recommendation.

LogoStock name and tickerStock descriptionYTD return
TransDigm Group Inc logoTransDigm Group Inc (TDG)TransDigm Group is an aerospace manufacturing company based in Cleveland, Ohio.31.51%Invest with SoFi

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Axon Enterprise IncAxon Enterprise Inc (AXON)Axon Enterprise Inc develops public safety technology and non-lethal weapons products for law enforcement, military and civilians.23.59%Invest with SoFi

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Howmet Aerospace IncHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)Howmet Aerospace Inc is a Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of jet engine components, engineered structures, fastening systems and forged wheels.12.58%Invest with SoFi

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Textron Inc logoTextron Inc (TXT)Textron Inc is an American industrial conglomerate based in Providence, Rhode Island, with operations spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.7.30%Invest with SoFi

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Beoing Co logoBeoing Co (BA)Boeing is a global aerospace company that develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems.-0.50%Invest with SoFi

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General Dynamics Corp logoGeneral Dynamics Corp (GD)General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company headquartered in Reston, Virginia.-2.28%Invest with SoFi

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Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc logoHuntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII)Huntington Ingalls Industries is a global defense provider and builder of the majority of the US navy fleet.-4.29%Invest with SoFi

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Northrop Grumman Corp logoNorthrop Grumman Corp (NOC)Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company for space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace.-13.34%Invest with SoFi

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L3Harris Technologies Inc logoL3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX)L3Harris Technologies is a global aerospace and defense company that develops advanced software, hardware and systems integration solutions for spac, air, land, sea and cyber domains.-14.11%Invest with SoFi

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Rtx Corp logoRtx Corp (RTX)RTX Corp is an aerospace and defense conglomerate headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.-18.52%Invest with SoFi

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How to invest in defense stocks

Follow these steps to invest in defense stocks:

  1. Choose a platform. Choose from our Top Picks above, our comparison table below or jump straight to the best stock trading apps of 2023.
  2. Open your account. Provide your personal information and sign up.
  3. Confirm your payment details. Fund your account with a bank transfer, debit card or credit card.
  4. Research stocks. The platform should provide the latest information available.
  5. Buy your stocks. Place a market order or limit order with your preferred number of shares. It’s that simple.

Compare more trading platforms to buy defense stocks

Narrow down top trading platforms by available asset types, minimum deposit and more to find the best for your budget and financial goals.

1 - 6 of 6
Name Product Ratings Available asset types Minimum deposit Signup bonus
SoFi Invest
Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5: ★★★★★
SoFi Invest
★★★★★
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
Get up to $1,000 in stock
when you fund a new account within 30 days.
tastytrade
Finder Rating: 4.75 / 5: ★★★★★
tastytrade
★★★★★
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures
$0
Get $100 - $5,000
when you you open and fund an account with $5,000 to $100,000+
Highly commended for Best Derivatives Trading Platform award.
eToro
Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
EXCLUSIVE
eToro
★★★★★
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $25 bonus
when you sign up and deposit $100
Not available in NY, NV, MN, TN, and HI.
Public.com
Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★
Public.com
★★★★★
Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Art, Treasury Bills, Collectibles
$0
Get up to $300 in either stocks or crypto
when you use code FINDERUS to sign up and fund a new account.
2.5% fee applies to all alternative asset transactions.
Robinhood
Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Robinhood
★★★★★
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
Get a free stock
when you successfully sign up and link your bank account.
Make unlimited commission-free trades, plus earn 5% interest on uninvested cash in your account with Robinhood Gold. Subscription fees apply.
Wealthfront
Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★
Wealthfront
★★★★★
Stocks, ETFs
$500
Get a $50 bonus
when you fund your first taxable Automated Investing Account.
Automated stock and bond ETF investing with the ability to trade individual stocks for as little as $1 apiece.
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Frequently asked questions about defense stocks

Bottom line

Defense stocks stand out for their steady growth and generous dividends that may provide reliability during periods of economic uncertainty. If you’re only getting started trading stocks or you’re looking to build a strong foundation for your portfolio, consider whether defense stocks should have a place in your portfolio.

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