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Boeing vs. Airbus: Which Stock Offers Greater Upside Potential?
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Key Takeaways
Boeing's Q3 commercial deliveries rose 0.6%, while defense shipments increased 3.1% year over year.
Boeing's 737-10 certification paves the way for deliveries, with 1,555 orders from more than 30 customers.
EADSY is targeting aviation services market growth from $209B in 2026 to more than $420B by 2045.
The Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) and Airbus SE (EADSY - Free Report) are the leading manufacturers in the global aerospace sector, commanding the majority of the commercial aircraft market. Their aircraft form the backbone of airline fleets worldwide, positioning them to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for air travel.
Beyond commercial aviation, Boeing and Airbus have established strong footholds in the defense, space and aviation services markets. Boeing supplies a broad range of military equipment and technologies to the U.S. armed forces, including combat aircraft, helicopters, satellites and autonomous systems. Airbus, meanwhile, serves governments and defense customers worldwide with military aircraft, helicopters, satellite systems and security-related solutions. Their presence across these diverse business segments provides multiple revenue streams and helps reduce reliance on commercial aircraft sales.
Looking ahead, both companies stand to benefit from increasing passenger traffic, the replacement of aging aircraft fleets, higher defense expenditures and rising demand for aviation-related services. A closer examination of their financial performance, growth prospects and valuation metrics can help identify which stock offers a more compelling investment opportunity at present.
Tailwinds for BA Stock
Boeing remains a leading global aircraft manufacturer, supported by its established relationships with airlines, aircraft lessors, governments and defense customers, as well as its extensive commercial aircraft portfolio. Its large installed fleet generates recurring revenues from maintenance, spare parts, training and upgrades. In the third quarter of 2026, Boeing’s commercial aircraft deliveries grew 0.6% year over year, reflecting continued recovery in production and delivery momentum. On the defense side, shipments increased 3.1% from the prior-year period’s level.
On Oct. 20, 2026, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) certified Boeing’s 737-10, the largest aircraft in its 737 MAX family, clearing the way for deliveries to begin in the coming months. The aircraft typically accommodates 185-210 passengers and offers enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs per seat and improved safety features. Boeing has received 1,555 orders from more than 30 customers for the 737-10, representing over 30% of the 737 MAX program’s outstanding order book. The certification is expected to support Boeing’s efforts to address its sizable order backlog, boost delivery revenues and strengthen cash flow as production gradually ramps up.
Tailwinds for EADSY Stock
On Oct. 14, 2026, Airbus announced that its Defence and Space division had successfully integrated German and Swedish air defense systems into a unified network during NATO’s SPARTAN ARROW 26 exercise in Crete, Greece. The demonstration connected Germany’s IRIS-T SLM and Sweden’s Patriot missile defense systems to Germany’s Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centre, while also incorporating Germany’s short-range air defense system to create a coordinated, multi-layered defense network against drones and cruise missiles. This development could benefit Airbus by strengthening its position as a provider of advanced defense integration and command-and-control technologies, creating opportunities for additional contracts as NATO members increase defense spending and modernize their air defense infrastructure.
Airbus forecasted that the global commercial aviation services market is expected to double from approximately $209 billion in 2026 to more than $420 billion by 2045, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. According to the company’s Global Services Forecast, growth will be driven by an expanding global aircraft fleet, rising passenger traffic, increased maintenance requirements, aircraft upgrades and greater adoption of digital connectivity solutions.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for BA & EADSY?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boeing’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates an increase of 89.85% year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Airbus' 2026 EPS indicates an increase of 9.09% year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation for BA & EADSY
Boeing shares trade at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S F12M) of 1.36X compared with Airbus' 1.64X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Liquidity of BA & EADSY
Boeing and Airbus' current ratio is 1.14 and 1.15, respectively. A current ratio greater than one indicates that the company has enough short-term assets to liquidate to cover all short-term liabilities, if necessary.
BA & EADSY’s Price Performance
In the past month, shares of Boeing have risen 2.1%, while those of Airbus have lost 2.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
BA or EADSY: Which Is a Better Choice Now?
Boeing is advancing its recovery through improving aircraft deliveries and FAA certification of the 737-10, which could accelerate backlog conversion, boost cash flow and strengthen its market position. Airbus is benefiting from growing defense demand and expanding aviation services opportunities, supporting revenue diversification and long-term growth prospects.
Our choice at the moment is Boeing, given its better price performance, stronger earnings growth and better valuation than Airbus. Both stocks have a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Boeing vs. Airbus: Which Stock Offers Greater Upside Potential?
Key Takeaways
The Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) and Airbus SE (EADSY - Free Report) are the leading manufacturers in the global aerospace sector, commanding the majority of the commercial aircraft market. Their aircraft form the backbone of airline fleets worldwide, positioning them to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for air travel.
Beyond commercial aviation, Boeing and Airbus have established strong footholds in the defense, space and aviation services markets. Boeing supplies a broad range of military equipment and technologies to the U.S. armed forces, including combat aircraft, helicopters, satellites and autonomous systems. Airbus, meanwhile, serves governments and defense customers worldwide with military aircraft, helicopters, satellite systems and security-related solutions. Their presence across these diverse business segments provides multiple revenue streams and helps reduce reliance on commercial aircraft sales.
Looking ahead, both companies stand to benefit from increasing passenger traffic, the replacement of aging aircraft fleets, higher defense expenditures and rising demand for aviation-related services. A closer examination of their financial performance, growth prospects and valuation metrics can help identify which stock offers a more compelling investment opportunity at present.
Tailwinds for BA Stock
Boeing remains a leading global aircraft manufacturer, supported by its established relationships with airlines, aircraft lessors, governments and defense customers, as well as its extensive commercial aircraft portfolio. Its large installed fleet generates recurring revenues from maintenance, spare parts, training and upgrades. In the third quarter of 2026, Boeing’s commercial aircraft deliveries grew 0.6% year over year, reflecting continued recovery in production and delivery momentum. On the defense side, shipments increased 3.1% from the prior-year period’s level.
On Oct. 20, 2026, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) certified Boeing’s 737-10, the largest aircraft in its 737 MAX family, clearing the way for deliveries to begin in the coming months. The aircraft typically accommodates 185-210 passengers and offers enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs per seat and improved safety features. Boeing has received 1,555 orders from more than 30 customers for the 737-10, representing over 30% of the 737 MAX program’s outstanding order book. The certification is expected to support Boeing’s efforts to address its sizable order backlog, boost delivery revenues and strengthen cash flow as production gradually ramps up.
Tailwinds for EADSY Stock
On Oct. 14, 2026, Airbus announced that its Defence and Space division had successfully integrated German and Swedish air defense systems into a unified network during NATO’s SPARTAN ARROW 26 exercise in Crete, Greece. The demonstration connected Germany’s IRIS-T SLM and Sweden’s Patriot missile defense systems to Germany’s Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centre, while also incorporating Germany’s short-range air defense system to create a coordinated, multi-layered defense network against drones and cruise missiles. This development could benefit Airbus by strengthening its position as a provider of advanced defense integration and command-and-control technologies, creating opportunities for additional contracts as NATO members increase defense spending and modernize their air defense infrastructure.
Airbus forecasted that the global commercial aviation services market is expected to double from approximately $209 billion in 2026 to more than $420 billion by 2045, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. According to the company’s Global Services Forecast, growth will be driven by an expanding global aircraft fleet, rising passenger traffic, increased maintenance requirements, aircraft upgrades and greater adoption of digital connectivity solutions.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for BA & EADSY?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boeing’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates an increase of 89.85% year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Airbus' 2026 EPS indicates an increase of 9.09% year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation for BA & EADSY
Boeing shares trade at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S F12M) of 1.36X compared with Airbus' 1.64X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Liquidity of BA & EADSY
Boeing and Airbus' current ratio is 1.14 and 1.15, respectively. A current ratio greater than one indicates that the company has enough short-term assets to liquidate to cover all short-term liabilities, if necessary.
BA & EADSY’s Price Performance
In the past month, shares of Boeing have risen 2.1%, while those of Airbus have lost 2.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
BA or EADSY: Which Is a Better Choice Now?
Boeing is advancing its recovery through improving aircraft deliveries and FAA certification of the 737-10, which could accelerate backlog conversion, boost cash flow and strengthen its market position. Airbus is benefiting from growing defense demand and expanding aviation services opportunities, supporting revenue diversification and long-term growth prospects.
Our choice at the moment is Boeing, given its better price performance, stronger earnings growth and better valuation than Airbus. Both stocks have a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.