BAE Share Price Today – Live Price, Dividend & Analyst Forecast

The BAE Systems share price is trading around 1,950p to 1,995p per share on the London Stock Exchange, with a market capitalisation of approximately £58.5 billion and a dividend yield near 1.8%. As a FTSE 100 defence heavyweight, the stock benefits from sustained global defence spending, a visible order book, and a Moderate Buy analyst consensus. This article provides a live price snapshot, key metrics, dividend details, analyst forecasts, recent news drivers, and historical context.

What is the live BAE share price today?

• Current price sits near the upper end of the day range, indicating intraday strength.
• The 52-week high of £23.60 was reached in October 2025, with the stock now 16% below that peak.
• Volume today exceeds 4.4 million shares, reflecting active trading interest.
• Recent defence contract wins, including a £4bn UK warship order, support positive sentiment.
• Dividend yield of 1.8% is competitive within the FTSE 100, where the average yield is around 3.5% but many defence peers pay less.
• Analyst consensus of Moderate Buy suggests the stock is well regarded but not overbought.
• The P/E ratio of roughly 26x confirms a premium valuation consistent with a high-quality, recurring-revenue business.

What is the latest BAE Systems news affecting the share price?

Defence contracts and government spending

BAE Systems’ share price is closely tied to announcements from the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies. In May 2025, the company secured a £4 billion contract for new Royal Navy warships, which pushed the stock up 3% in a single session. Global defence budget increases, particularly the UK’s commitment to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, provide a long-term tailwind for order intake.

Earnings and trading updates

Half-year results in August 2025 showed revenue growth of 8% year-on-year, with strong cash conversion. The company’s backlog stands at record levels, giving investors visibility on future revenue. No major profit warnings or downgrades have emerged recently. For a deeper dive, see our BAE Systems share price research summary.

Geopolitical drivers

Heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific continue to drive demand for BAE’s combat aircraft, naval systems, and cyber capabilities. The stock tends to rally when defence spending headlines intensify.

What is the BAE Systems dividend and yield?

Current dividend per share and yield

The latest annual dividend per share is £0.135, giving a yield of approximately 1.8% based on the current price. This is sourced from the official BAE Systems investor page and confirmed by broker platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown. The dividend is paid semi-annually, with an interim payment in December and a final payment in June.

Key dates

According to Hargreaves Lansdown, the next ex-dividend date is 23 October 2025, with payment on 3 December 2025. Investors must hold shares before the ex-date to qualify for that payout.

Dividend history and coverage

BAE Systems has a consistent record of dividend growth, supported by strong free cash flow. The payout ratio remains below 50% of earnings, leaving room for future increases. The UK government is a major customer, and the long-term nature of defence contracts provides a stable backdrop for dividend payments.

What are analysts predicting for BAE Systems share price?

Consensus rating and price target

The current analyst consensus for BAE Systems is Moderate Buy, with an average rating score of 2.50 out of 5 on MarketBeat. Among the analysts tracked, three rate the stock as Buy, three as Hold, and none as Strong Buy or Sell. No precise consensus price target is available in the latest data, but the range of individual targets is believed to be between £20.00 and £24.00 per share.

Is BAE Systems a good buy today?

At a P/E of 26x, the stock is not cheap. However, its defensive qualities, recurring revenue from government contracts, and exposure to growing defence budgets make it attractive for long-term investors. Short-term traders may find the stock overbought after recent gains.

Forecast context

Analysts expect revenue growth of 5–8% annually, supported by the record backlog and new contract wins. Risks include potential US budget cuts, export licence delays, and cost overruns on fixed-price contracts. The stock’s performance will largely depend on execution and geopolitical developments.

Key events affecting BAE Systems share price over the past 12 months

1. April 2025 – Ex-dividend date and annual results beat expectations.
2. May 2025 – Announcement of £4bn UK warship contract; share price jumps 3%.
3. August 2025 – Half-year results show revenue growth of 8% – price stabilises.
4. October 2025 – Global defence budget increases boost sector; BAE hits 52-week high of £23.60.
5. January 2026 – Pullback on profit-taking; price settles around £19.80.
6. May 2026 – Recent trading range £19.45–£19.96; no major catalysts.

What is certain and what remains uncertain about BAE Systems shares?

How does BAE Systems fit into the wider market context?

BAE Systems plc is the UK’s largest defence contractor and a core FTSE 100 holding. Its share price is influenced by global defence budgets, geopolitical tensions, and contract wins. Recent performance has been strong thanks to increased NATO spending and the UK government’s commitment to 2.5% GDP on defence as outlined in UK Government data.

Compared to peers like Rolls-Royce and Babcock, BAE offers a more stable dividend and lower volatility. The company’s diversification across air, land, sea, and cyber reduces reliance on any single programme. Key risks include reliance on government contracts, export restrictions, and potential cost overruns. Opportunities lie in expansion into cyber and space domains, where BAE is investing heavily.

Where does the data come from?

The share price data in this article is sourced from official market feeds. The London Stock Exchange company page provides the primary reference for bid/ask, open, previous close, and range. Hargreaves Lansdown confirms dividend details and trading metrics. Yahoo Finance offers supplementary news and historical data. The BAE Systems Investor Centre provides an official dividend history. UK defence spending statistics are available from the UK Government.

BAE Systems plc (BA.) is currently showing an intraday range of 1,945p to 1,995p, with a market cap of approximately £58.5bn.

The dividend per share stands at £0.135, with an ex-dividend date of 23 October 2025 and a payment date of 3 December 2025.

Summary: What should investors take away about BAE Systems share price today?

BAE Systems shares trade around 1,950p–1,995p with a dividend yield of roughly 1.8%, a P/E of 26x, and a Moderate Buy consensus from analysts. The stock offers a defensive profile with long-term growth driven by global defence spending, but its premium valuation leaves little room for error. For a deeper dive into the company’s fundamentals and peer comparisons, see our BAE Systems share price research summary.

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