Space Companies Traded on U.S. Markets

“Bank of America Merrill Lynch sees the size of the space industry octupling over the next three decades, to at least $2.7 trillion…As the cost of space access plummets, BofAML joined Morgan Stanley among Wall Street investment banks bullish on the extraterrestrial industry. Both put the space market today at around $350 billion, but BofAML’s outlook is nearly triple Morgan Stanley’s expectation of a $1.1 trillion market by 2040.” ~ Michael Sheetz @thesheetztweetz

The global commitment to become a multi-planetary civilization is significant. If a growing population and “peak everything” are primary trends, so are the management of a global telecommunications infrastructure from space. The push to dominate and control from space and the push to mine asteroids and access new resources in space. Consequently, expect the space industry to continue to grow.

We have updated our list of space-based companies below, initially published in our 2nd Quarter Wrap Up for 2017. This represents companies traded on the U.S. stock markets as well as foreign companies that have ADRs listed on U.S. exchanges. Below is a sortable table for further information on each company.

• Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (AJRD) – Aerojet Rocketdyne is a U.S.-based, technology manufacturer. Since the inception of the U.S. space program, ARH has powered rocket launches of the U.S. space program including the Apollo and Space Shuttle engines. The company’s propulsion systems have placed commercial, military, and government satellites into orbit. They have also powered space-probe missions to nearly every planet in the solar system and the movement of the Mars rover Curiosity.
• Airbus Group SE (AIR.PA) – Airbus Group SE is a European multinational aerospace and defense corporation headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands. Airbus is a commercial aircraft manufacturer with three other divisions focused on helicopters, defense and space. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol AIR on the Paris Stock Exchange. It also trades as AIR on the Xetra Exchange in Frankfort. In the U.S. and OTC equity (EADSF) and ADR (EADSY) show minimal trading activity domestically.
• Arconic (ARNC) – Arconic is the high-tech side of the aluminum manufacturer Alcoa, which it separated from in November 2016. Arconic’s high-strength and lightweight products are used in aerospace and defense products, and in the past helped land the Apollo spacecraft on the moon and launched the Shuttle program.
• Astrotech Corporation (ASTC) – Astrotech is a technology incubator headquartered in Austin, Texas that uses technology sourced internally and from research institutions, government laboratories, and universities to fund, manage and sell start-up companies. Astrotech Corporation’s subsidiaries provide commercial products and services to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, national space agencies, and global commercial customers. Although its projects are not specifically space-related, its Astrogenetix project is currently utilizing the gravity-free environment on the International Space Station to rapidly develop vaccines and other therapeutics.
• BAE Systems Plc (BA.L) – BAE Systems is the United Kingdom’s largest defense contractor; however; 75% of its revenue is derived outside of the U.K. BAE’s space products are primarily components for various types of spacecraft. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol BA on the London Stock Exchange. In the U.S., BAE trades in the form of an OTC equity (BAESF) and ADR (BAESY) with meaningful trading volume.
• Ball Corporation (BLL) – Initially a provider of glass jars for canning and now the world’s largest manufacturer of recyclable aluminum beverage cans, Ball has diversified into aerospace contracting. Ball Aerospace produces spacecraft, instruments and sensors, antennae systems, and aerospace products that enable deep space missions. It began building pointing controls for military rockets in 1956 and later won a contract to build one of NASA’s first spacecraft, the Orbiting Solar Observatory. Ball was also a leading provider of components for the Hubble Space Telescope, including the corrective optics replacement module that enabled Hubble to see clearly.
• The Boeing Company (BA) – Boeing is an aerospace company that operates in four principal segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. In December 2006, Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security segment, together with Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems, formed a joint venture known as the United Launch Alliance to provide spacecraft launch services to the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and other organizations. Boeing also develops a range of satellites used by government and commercial clients, and it is a prime contractor to NASA of development modules and parts for the International Space Station.
• CACI International (CACI) – CACI is a software development and systems integration firm which serves 12 markets: Business Systems, Command and Control, Communications, Cyber Security, Enterprise Information Technology, Health, Intelligence Services, Intelligence Systems and Support, Investigation and Litigation Support, Logistics and Material Readiness, and Surveillance and Reconnaissance. It recently added its twelfth market, Space Operations and Resiliency, in recognition of the growth of this market segment.
• CGI Group Inc. (GIB) – CGI is a software integration consulting firm headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. CGI focuses on a variety of vertical markets, and within its Government division focuses on Space-related development activities. CGI develops customized software used primarily in satellites and by ground control stations that communicate with them; including more than 200 satellites and the European Union Galileo satellite constellation control facility which controls all of Galileo’s 30 navigation satellites.
• Ducommun, Incorporated (DCO) – Ducommun designs, engineers and manufactures electronic and structural components and assemblies for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications.
• EchoStar Corporation (SATS) – EchoStar operates two divisions: EchoStar Satellite Services a fleet of 24 data and broadcast satellite communications (including the DISH Network); and Hughes Network Systems, which delivers satellite Internet services to more than 1.3 million subscribers worldwide.
• Eutelsat Communications S.A. (ETL.PA) – Eutelsat is a European satellite operator providing communications coverage over the entire European continent, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. It currently operates 38 satellites that provide video, data and broadband to up to 150 countries, and is one of the world’s three leading satellite operators in terms of revenues. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol ETL on the Paris Stock Exchange, but also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (EUTLF), as well as a U.S.-listed ADR (ETCMY) which has less trading activity domestically.
• General Dynamics Corporation (GD) – Known for its Gulfstream business jet and its Aerospace Division, General Dynamics also has divisions focused on Combat Systems (primarily armored vehicles and tanks), Information Systems and Technology, and Marine Systems (which builds large ships for the U.S. Navy). GD’s space-related activity is primarily located in its Information Systems and Technology Division which designs, integrates, and runs large ,complicated satellite and non-satellite based networks engaged in command and control, communications, imagery, and signals intelligence.
• General Electric (GE) – General Electric is a highly diversified company which conducts its businesses through 11 segments: Advanced Materials, Commercial Finance, Consumer Finance, Consumer and Industrial, Energy, Equipment and Other Services, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Insurance, NBC Universal, and Transportation. NASA’s past space-related activities involve rocket engine command computers for Voyager 1 and Voyager 2; spacecraft, design, integration and testing of the Landsat 4 and Landsat 5 earth reconnaissance satellites; and the Hexagon and Gambit top secret spy satellites (since declassified).
• Harris Corp (HRS) – Harris is organized by three operating segments. Its Communications Systems Division offers tactical and airborne communications systems, night vision technology, and public safety networks. Its Electronic Systems Division provides systems for electronic warfare; “C4ISR” solutions (command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and air traffic control solutions. And, according to its latest annual SEC filing, its Space and Intelligence Systems division “provides intelligence, space protection, geospatial, complete Earth observation, universe exploration, positioning, navigation and timing (“PNT”), and environmental solutions for national security, defense, civil and commercial customers, using advanced sensors, antennas and payloads, as well as ground processing and information analytics.”
• Hexcel Corporation (HXL) – Hexcel develops, manufactures, and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials, including carbon fibers, specialty reinforcements, prepregs, and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, adhesives, engineered honeycomb, and composite structures. Hexcel’s primary markets are commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial markets.
• Honeywell (HON) – Honeywell is a highly diversified technology and manufacturing company, serving a wide variety of customers worldwide. It offers aerospace products and services; control, sensing, and security technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; specialty chemicals; fibers; and electronic and advanced materials. Honeywell’s space-related products include avionics, thermal control mechanisms, environmental control, and life support systems; as well as guidance, propulsion, steering and utility control systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft. It also produces integrated circuits which are hardened to withstand radiation, and satellite products and systems.
• IHI Corporation (7013.T) – IHI Corp produces power systems and plants, large steel structures, marine machinery, aerospace engines, and other industrial solutions. Its space offerings include launcher rockets, propulsion systems, satellite components, space station modules, and ground test facilities. In addition to trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, an OTC equity (IHICF) and an ADR (IHICY) trade in the U.S.
• Indra Sistemas, SA (IDR.MC) – Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, Indra Sistemas is a global consulting and technology company focused on industries such as Energy, Financial Services, Telecom and Media, Public Sector and Healthcare, Transport and Traffic, and Security and Defense. Indra’s space activities are largely centered around satellite communications systems used to support armed forces and the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol IDR on the Madrid Stock Exchange, but also under a U.S.-listed ADR (ISMAY) which has less trading activity domestically.
• Inmarsat Plc (ISAT.L) – Inmarsat is a British satellite telecommunications company, offering global mobile services. It provides telephone and data services to users worldwide, via portable or mobile terminals which communicate with ground stations through twelve geostationary telecommunications satellites. Inmarsat’s network provides communications services to a range of governments, aid agencies, media outlets and businesses with a need to communicate in remote regions or where there is no reliable terrestrial network. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol ISAT on the London Stock Exchange, but also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (IMASF) as well as a U.S.-listed ADR (IMASY) which has less trading activity domestically.
• Intelsat SA (I) – Intelsat is a Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications company. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
• Iridium Communications Inc.(IRDM) – Iridium operates a network of 66 operation satellites and related ground infrastructure to provide businesses, the U.S. and foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and consumers with communications services on a truly global basis. Iridium is in the process of replacing its first-generation constellation with its Iridium NEXT satellite constellation, which will support more bandwidth and higher speeds for new products.
• Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (JEC) Jacobs Engineering is one of the largest global providers of engineering and construction services to industrial, commercial, and government clients. It provides engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, and maintenance services to a wide range of industries, including energy, manufacturing, pharma, technology, and mining, along with the U.S. federal government. Jacobs is NASA’s largest professional and technical services provider.
• Global Kawasaki (7012.T) – is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of motorcycles, heavy equipment, aerospace and defense equipment, rolling stock and ships. It is also active in the production of industrial robots, gas turbines, boilers and other industrial products. The company is named after its founder Shōzō Kawasaki, and has dual headquarters in Chūō-ku, Kobe and Minato, Tokyo. In addition to trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, an OTC equity (KWHIY)is traded in the U.S.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) – Kratos provides a wide range of combat and warfighting technologies, including unmanned air, ground and seaborne systems; satellite communications; RF interference detection and mitigation; microwave electronics assemblies for use in missile, radar, and communication systems; ballistic missile defense systems; command, control and combat systems; and other training and engineering. Kratos claims its products are utilized in 85% of all U.S. space missions and 75% of all commercial satellite operations.
• L3 Technologies, Inc. (LLL) – L3 is a prime contractor in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, aircraft sustainment (including modifications and fleet management of special mission aircraft), simulation and training, night vision and image intensification equipment, and security and detection systems. L3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of communication, electronic, and sensor systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms.
• Leonardo S.p.A. (LDO.MI) – Leonardo S.p.A. is defense contractor headquartered in Rome, Italy. It produces helicopters, aircraft components, electrical systems, artillery and weapons, security and information systems, and products for use in space. Its space related activities are conducted through two joint ventures with Thales. Leonardo S.p.A. owns 33% of each: Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. Through these JVs and its own Airborne & Space Systems Division, Leonardo provides everything from individual components and sensors all the way up to complete satellites and the management and operations of orbiting infrastructures. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol LDO on the Milan Stock Exchange, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (FINMF), as well as a U.S.-listed ADR (FINMY) which has less trading activity domestically.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) – Lockheed Martin is among the largest U.S. defense contractors involved in aeronautics; missiles and fire control systems; rotary and mission systems; and space. It products and services relating to space are so large that Lockheed Martin considers itself to be one of four reporting segments. In 2017, Lockheed Martin generated $9.5 billion in sales from space-related activities involving space launch, commercial satellites, government satellites, and strategic missiles.
• Loral Space & Communications, Inc. (LORL) – Loral owns 63% of Telesat and 56% of XTAR, both of which are satellite communications operators. Telesat, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, operates a constellation of 14 satellites focused on broadcast, telecom, corporate and government clients. XTAR’s satellite communications services are delivered solely to government and military clients.
• Maxar Technologies Ltd. (MAXR.TO) – Maxar is a holding company that owns four space-related companies: MDA, SSL, Digital Globe, and Radiant Solutions. Across these four companies, Maxar builds, operates, and repairs satellites which monitor the earth and provide communications services; operates ground communications stations; analyzes the data and geospatial images received from satellites; and designs and builds robots for use in space. Its SSL business claims to have built more geostationary satellites in orbit today than any other satellite manufacturer. The four companies have 31 offices worldwide. Although the holding company is officially domiciled in Canada for SEC reporting purposes, it lists its principal executive office as being located in Westminster, Colorado. Its stock is primarily traded on both the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (7011.T) – Mitsubishi’s product offerings include aerospace components, air conditioners, aircraft, automotive components, forklift trucks, hydraulic equipment, machine tools, missiles, power generation equipment, ships, and space launch vehicles. In addition to trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, an OTC equity (MHVYF) trades in the U.S.
• Moog Inc. (MOG-A) – Moog designs, manufactures, and integrates high performance precision motion and fluid controls and control systems for a broad range of applications in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Its products include avionics, actuators, shock and vibration controllers, power controllers, orbital maneuvering vehicles, and propulsion systems and structures.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) – Northrop Grumman is a large defense contractor with capabilities in commercial and military aviation, naval systems, unmanned systems, navigation systems, missile defense, directed energy, space, IT/enterprise solutions, and health benefits administration. Its space products and services include propulsion systems, sensors, earth observations, metrology and testing equipment, satellites, and satellite communications, among others.
• Oceaneering International, Inc.(OII) – With a history of providing undersea, remotely operated vehicles for the offshore drilling industry, Oceaneering has expanded over time to provide innovative solutions, to the defense, space, and theme park industries; often times for use in harsh environments. Its automated robots and remotely operated vehicles service satellites and enable astronauts to work extravehicularly, it designs and manufactures space suits and trains astronauts, and it manufactures heat shields and other thermal protective products.
• OHB SE (OHB.DE) – Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, OHB operates two business segments. Its Space Systems segment develops and produces low earth orbit and geostationary satellites for navigation, scientific, communication, and earth observation purposes. Its Aerospace and Industrial Products segment manufactures products for aviation, space travel, and electronic data transmission. It produces approximately 10% of the hardware for Europe’s ARIANE 5 rocket program, including booster casings and tank domes for the central and upper stages. Its equity is primarily traded under the symbol OHB on the Xetra Exchange in Frankfurt, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (OHBTF), which has less trading activity domestically.
• ORBCOMM Inc. (ORBC) – A leading provider of global satellite and cellular data communications solutions for asset tracking, management, and remote control. Maintains a global low-Earth-orbit satellite network which remotely tracks, monitors and controls fixed and mobile assets such as trucks, rail cars, sea containers, marine vessels and oil and gas wells.
• Orbital ATK, Inc. (OA) – Orbital ATK designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and as a merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; satellites and associated components and services; composite aerospace structures; tactical missiles, subsystems and defense electronics; and precision weapons, armament systems, and ammunition. It was formed in 2015 from the merger of Orbital Sciences Corporation and parts of Alliant Techsystems.
• QinetiQ Group plc (QQ.L) – QinetiQ is a science and engineering company headquartered in Farnborough, UK, focused on the defense, security, and aerospace markets. Its space activities include systems integration for satellites, developing technologies for docking and berthing of space vehicles and modules, providing computerized security systems, and developing custom avionics for space missions. QinetiQ’s equity is primarily traded under the symbol QQ on the London Stock Exchange, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (QNTQF) as well as a US-listed ADR (QNTQY) which have less trading activity domestically.
• Raytheon Company (RTN) – Raytheon is engaged in a wide array of development and manufacturing related to air and missile defense; electronic warfare and cyber security; command, control and surveillance systems; and space and airborne systems. The company primarily serves as a prime contractor or subcontractor for government-funded projects. Raytheon’s guidance computers steered some of the first space capsules, including Apollo 11; and its microwave amplifiers beamed back the first images from the lunar surface and Neil Armstrong’s famous words. Today, Raytheon operates training and support facilities for astronauts, provides launch support and mission management for space projects, and engages in space-based earth monitoring, among other things.
• Safran SA (SAF.PA) – Safran is a defense contractor headquartered in Paris, with a focus on aircraft propulsion, defense, security and space. Its space activities are on rocket and propulsion systems as well as satellites. Safran and Airbus Group formed a 50/50 joint venture, called ArianeGroup, which is the prime contractor for the cryogenic propulsion system on Europe’s Ariane 5 launch rocket. Safran’s equity is primarily traded under the symbol SAF on the Euronext Stock Exchange in Paris, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (SAFRF) as well as a U.S.-listed ADR (SAFRY) which has less trading activity domestically.
• SES S.A. (SESG.PA) – SES owns and operates communications satellites used primarily to transmit television broadcasts. The majority of SES’ revenues are from the delivery of TV broadcasting to homes, but it also provides data transmission services for commercial enterprises and government agencies. SES is headquartered in Luxembourg and generates the majority of its revenue from Germany. SES’ equity is primarily traded under the symbol SESG on the Paris Stock Exchange, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (SGBAF) which has less trading activity domestically.
• Teledyne Technologies, Incorporated (TDY) – Teledyne provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets such as aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research. Through its Teledyne Brown Engineering subsidiary, it has provided engineering services, and engineered products and mission support services to NASA’s Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and Space Launch System programs.
• Thales S.A. (HO.PA) – Thales Group is a French-based defense contractor focused on products and applications for aerospace, space, transportation, defense, security, and other market-specific applications. Its space-related work is delivered primarily through its majority-owned Thales Alenia Space joint venture with Leonardo S.p.A. Thales’ equity is primarily traded under the symbol HO on the Paris Stock Exchange, but it also has an OTC-listed equity in the U.S. (THLEF) which has less trading activity domestically.
• Trimble (TRMB) – Trimble operates a network of global positioning satellites and provides technology systems which together measure, track and monitor items on earth. These systems are used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction and operations, geospatial, natural resources, utilities, and government, transportation, and logistics. With its experience and history of automating farming equipment to optimizing crop yields, Trimble will likely be a major participant in the tracking and control of driverless automobiles.
• United Technologies Corporation (UTX) – Provides high-technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its product offerings include elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks (under the Otis brand), building automation and climate controls (under the United Technologies brand), aircraft engines (under the Pratt & Whitney brand), and aerospace products and services (under the UTC Aerospace Systems brand). UTC Aerospace Systems space products include space suits and life support technologies.

Footnotes

Sources:  Morningstar, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and company financial filings and annual reports.
Financial data is as of the most recent quarter available.  For most, but not all, companies shown, this is December 31, 2017.
“LTM” stands for “Last Twelve Months” and represents one full year of results of operations.
Market capitalization, price/earnings ratios, dividend yield and stock market returns are as of the close of business on April 24, 2018.
All amounts shown are in U.S. dollars.  If it was necessary to convert any foreign company’s’ results to U.S. dollars, the conversion rate as of April 25, 2018 was applied.

Disclaimer

Inclusion of companies on this list does not imply that Solari recommends these stocks for investment.  Please consult your financial advisor and invest in a manner appropriate for your personal situation.

See Also:

• List of Top 100 NASA Contractors On-Site at Facilities
• List of Spacecraft Manufacturers

[Note from Catherine: This is a work in progress. We welcome edits and additions as well as companies from Asian and global markets. Please send to space@solari.com or post in subscriber comments at Solari.com.]