There was plenty to like about Lockheed Martin's (LMT +2.42%) earnings report on Oct. 22. The aerospace and defense manufacturer raised its full-year guidance for the second quarter in a row while beating Wall Street's third-quarter estimates. While the stock has risen more than 20% year to date as of this writing, Lockheed remains a solid buy for long-term investors.
$604.18+$14.27 (+2.42%)
NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26
First and foremost, Lockheed's third-quarter sales grew 11% to $20.7 billion. Earnings per share beat analysts' expectations by nearly $0.50 at $7.97. All four of Lockheed's segments grew, with the Missiles and Fire Control business having the greatest gain, increasing 14% from this quarter last year.
Lockheed's management now expects sales to top $80 billion and free cash flow of $7.8 billion to $8 billion in 2026. The free cash flow number increased by $800 million from last quarter. Lockheed also increased its dividend again, marking 24 consecutive years of increases.
Image source: Getty Images.
The stock is really a buy because of the growth in backlog, which provides substantial revenue visibility. The backlog grew 27% to $292 billion this quarter. In particular, Lockheed signed multiyear deals for a PAC-3 interceptor and 850 F-35 jets.
Of course, Lockheed's success depends on its ability to execute efficiently and effectively, but for buy-and-hold investors, the backlog, rising guidance, and consistently growing dividend are excellent reasons to purchase the stock. Shares are still trading at a reasonable price. The company's forward and trailing price-to-earnings ratios are in the teens, and the dividend yield is respectable, currently around 2.5%.
Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Brookstone Capital Management reduced its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT – Free Report) by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 20,082 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after selling 852 shares during the quarter. Brookstone Capital Management’s holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $10,227,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of LMT. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 2.9% in the third quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,621 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $825,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. NBT Bank N.A. bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 3rd quarter valued at $4,194,000. Isthmus Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Isthmus Partners LLC now owns 24,384 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $12,418,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,673 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $2,889,000 after purchasing an additional 919 shares during the period. Finally, Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas now owns 88,708 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $48,975,000 after purchasing an additional 668 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.19% of the company’s stock.
Lockheed Martin Stock Performance Shares of LMT opened at $604.87 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.26. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a twelve month low of $437.25 and a twelve month high of $692.00. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $538.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $542.30. The firm has a market cap of $139.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.49, a PEG ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 0.09.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 22nd. The aerospace company reported $7.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $7.52 by $0.45. The firm had revenue of $20.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.48 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 8.23% and a return on equity of 83.41%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $6.95 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 30.49 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $3.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 1st. This represents a $14.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is an increase from Lockheed Martin’s previous quarterly dividend of $3.45. Lockheed Martin’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.15%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently issued reports on LMT shares. Wall Street Zen lowered Lockheed Martin from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, October 17th. Vertical Research upgraded Lockheed Martin from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $600.00 price objective for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Lockheed Martin from $653.00 to $690.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a “hold” rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Wednesday, September 2nd. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on Lockheed Martin from $691.00 to $706.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $632.33.
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Lockheed Martin News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week:
Positive Sentiment: Q3 beat and raised outlook: Lockheed reported adjusted EPS of $7.97 versus the $7.52 consensus, while revenue rose 11.3% year over year to $20.71 billion. Management now expects 2026 sales of $80 billion-$82 billion and EPS of $30.35-$30.75. Lockheed Martin Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results Positive Sentiment: Record backlog supports future revenue: Total backlog reached approximately $292 billion, up sharply from the prior quarter, with much of the increase coming from PAC-3 and THAAD missile-defense orders. Missiles and Fire Control sales grew 24% as production accelerated, strengthening visibility into long-term growth. Lockheed Martin’s Record $292 Billion Backlog Comes With a Delivery Test Positive Sentiment: Long-term F-35 commitment: The Pentagon and Lockheed announced an initial framework for producing 850 F-35 aircraft over 10 years. The agreement provides greater production visibility and could improve supply-chain efficiency, although Lockheed will invest about $7 billion in supporting projects. Pentagon, Lockheed announce agreement for 850 F-35 jets Positive Sentiment: Cash flow and shareholder returns: Lockheed raised its 2026 free-cash-flow outlook to roughly $7.8 billion-$8.0 billion and recently increased its quarterly dividend 4.4% to $3.60 per share. Lockheed Martin, Interactive Brokers, AEP Hike Dividends on Strong Growth Neutral Sentiment: Industry forecasts point to strong growth in defense electronics and land-based C4ISR, potentially expanding Lockheed Martin’s addressable market, but these reports are third-party projections rather than new company contracts. Negative Sentiment: Execution and funding risks remain: The backlog must be converted into deliveries and cash. F-35 deliveries fell year over year, and Lockheed said spending on the Lot 20 advance contract has exceeded currently authorized funding. Higher contract assets and supply-chain constraints could also delay cash collection or pressure margins. Lockheed is spending its own money before Washington signs off (Free Report)
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company develops and produces advanced defense, aerospace, and technology systems for government and commercial customers.
Its principal business areas include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Products and services include military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, and F-16 Fighting Falcon; missile-defense and precision-strike systems; helicopters and naval systems; command, control, communications, and intelligence technologies; satellites; space exploration systems; and other classified space and defense programs.
Lockheed Martin serves the U.S.
Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Lockheed Martin Spotify Soars After Earnings as the Company Touts AI Benefits and Moderating Costs Lockheed Martin’s Record $292 Billion Backlog Comes With a Delivery Test Palantir’s Next Big Test Isn’t a Partnership—It’s the Numbers Kinder Morgan’s $4.7 Billion Pipeline Bet Could Be Bigger Than Its Earnings Beat Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT – Free Report).
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Lockheed Martin NYSE: LMT reported third-quarter results on Thursday, Oct. 22, and on paper, there was little to complain about. Earnings came in at $7.97 per share, well ahead of the $7.52 analysts expected, while revenue climbed 11.3% over the prior year to $20.7 billion.
Management also raised its outlook for the second straight quarter. Lockheed now expects 2026 sales of about $80 billion to $82 billion, up from $79.75 billion to $81.75 billion, and earnings per share of roughly $30.35-$30.75, up from $29.95-$30.65. The immediate reaction following the stellar report? Shares closed up nearly 7% on the day, and trading back above the stock's key 200-day moving average.
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It's the latest in a busy week of defense earnings, following RTX NYSE: RTX and Northrop Grumman NYSE: NOC. But Lockheed's story isn’t just about beating the topline. The market, and many investors, will now be asking: with a record $292 billion backlog, how quickly can those orders turn into delivered products and, ultimately, cash?
Where the Backlog Growth Actually Came FromThe headline backlog figure of $292 billion is up 27% from the prior quarter. But the growth has been anything but even.
Almost all of it came from one segment. Missiles and Fire Control, home to the PAC-3 and THAAD interceptor programs, saw its backlog jump to about $142.5 billion from $46.7 billion at the start of the year. That figure includes $52.5 billion tied to a multi-year award to produce PAC-3 MSE interceptors. Aeronautics, which houses the F-35, actually moved the other way, with backlog slipping to $57.3 billion from $59.4 billion.
In other words, the record backlog is now largely a missile defense story. That matters for conversion. At the segment's current sales pace, Missiles and Fire Control has more than eight years of work, and those orders become revenue only as interceptors are built and delivered.
Production and Delivery TimingEncouraging signs are emerging on that front, though. Missiles and Fire Control sales rose 24% in the quarter, driven by production ramps on PAC-3 and THAAD, along with GMLRS and the Precision Strike Missile.
The aircraft side is a bit messier. Lockheed delivered 43 F-35s in the quarter, down from 46 a year earlier, and 94 through nine months versus 143 last year. More importantly, the company said its spending on the F-35 Lot 20 advance contract has now outrun what the government has authorized and funded so far. Talks on Lots 20 and beyond are ongoing, and Lockheed warned that results and cash flow will take a hit in future periods if that funding doesn't come through.
Cash Flow, Margins, and Capital ReturnsLockheed Martin MarketRank™ Stock Analysis4.42417787245 of 5 stars
88th Percentile
Moderate Buy
5.3% Upside
Healthy
Strong
0.68 N/A
8.48%
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Free cash flow came in at $3 billion for the quarter, down from $3.3 billion a year ago. But over nine months, free cash flow rose to $5.6 billion from $4.2 billion, and the full-year outlook rose to about $7.8 billion to $8.0 billion from $7.0 billion to $7.2 billion.
One line worth watching is contract assets, which climbed to about $16.9 billion from $13 billion at year-end. That's work Lockheed has already recognized as revenue but hasn't yet billed, a sign that cash is lagging behind reported sales as production ramps up.
Margins were fairly steady, with segment operating margin at 10.8% versus 10.9% a year ago. Still, Lockheed's own filing flags fixed-price contracts, where the company absorbs cost overruns, as a key risk, and the quarter showed that risk in small doses. Aeronautics margin slipped to 9.0% due to unfavorable profit adjustments on the F-16 and C-130, while Rotary and Mission Systems adjusted for its Heavy Lift and Seahawk programs. Importantly, it has had no reach-forward losses so far this year, compared with $1.6 billion in the same period of 2025.
What Could Speed Up or Slow Down ConversionThe supportive and bullish case for LMT is clear. A missile defense backlog this size, production ramps already lifting sales, higher cash flow guidance, and no major program losses give Lockheed unusual visibility. Suppliers like Karman NYSE: KRMN are already landing multi-year Lockheed contracts tied to missile defense, a sign the ramp is moving through the supply chain.
The risks now sit mostly in execution. Scaling interceptor output depends on suppliers keeping pace, and Lockheed's filing specifically names materials such as rare earth minerals and microelectronics as potential constraints. Rising contract assets could keep cash trailing sales, and the unresolved F-35 Lot 20 talks remain a clear overhang. The backlog is built. Turning it into cash is the part worth watching closely now.
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Key Takeaways Lockheed Martin raises 2026 sales guidance to $80-$82 billion and free cash flow outlook to $7.8-$8 billion.LMT's missile segment revenues and profit jump 24%, while a seven-year PAC-3 deal boosts its record backlog.LMT expects high-single-digit revenue growth in 2027 as missile expansion supports momentum. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT - Free Report) emphasized accelerating missile production, multiyear defense contracts and improved revenue visibility during its third-quarter 2026 earnings call. Management raised its annual outlook as demand strengthened across its portfolio.
Executives also discussed F-35 production stability, investments in autonomous systems and protections built into long-term contracts. Analyst questions centered on profitability, cash requirements and growth beyond 2027.
LMT Raises 2026 Outlook on Broad-Based GrowthChief financial officer Evan Scott raised Lockheed Martin's 2026 sales guidance to $80-$82 billion from the previous $79.75-$81.75 billion range. The revised midpoint represents approximately 8% annual growth.
Business segment operating profit is now projected at $8.575-$8.675 billion. Management also increased free cash flow guidance to $7.8-$8 billion from $7-$7.2 billion.
Quarterly earnings of $7.97 per share surpassed the consensus estimate of $7.49. Third-quarter revenues increased to $20.71 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.43 billion. Scott attributed the stronger outlook primarily to higher missile production volumes and improved program execution.
Lockheed's Missile Expansion Drives Backlog GrowthChairman, president and CEO James Taiclet highlighted accelerating production across the Missiles and Fire Control (“MFC”) business. Segment revenues and operating profit both increased 24% year over year.
Lockheed's backlog reached a record $292 billion, supported by a seven-year PAC-3 agreement valued at up to $58.6 billion. The company's quarterly book-to-bill ratio reached 4.
Scott expects MFC revenues to grow at a mid-teens compound annual rate over the next five years. Management is investing more than $8 billion through 2030 to expand production infrastructure, strengthen suppliers and increase manufacturing capacity.
LMT Details Contract Protections and Margin PotentialDuring the Q&A, a Goldman Sachs analyst questioned the financial risks associated with accelerated missile production and evolving contract structures.
Scott explained that customer agreements include cash-flow-neutrality provisions during production ramp-ups. However, final profit terms and delivery schedules remain under negotiation.
Taiclet emphasized that Lockheed intends to preserve or improve historical financial returns. Contract provisions include inflation-linked pricing adjustments, opportunities to retain efficiency-driven profits and mechanisms to recover investments if contracted production volumes decline.
Lockheed Addresses F-35 Timing and ProfitabilityAeronautics revenues increased 13% year over year, supported by higher F-35 production and sustainment activity. However, unfavorable adjustments on F-16 and C-130 programs weighed on profitability.
Management shifted its assumption for certain F-35 contract awards into 2027, lowering Aeronautics' annual outlook. Scott clarified that signing Lot 20 during 2026 would provide upside beyond current guidance.
Responding to a Jefferies analyst, Scott said F-35 production remains margin-accretive. Taiclet explained that the proposed 10-year procurement framework could improve supplier efficiency, sustainment economics and modernization investments.
LMT Accelerates Autonomous Systems DevelopmentTaiclet highlighted Vectis, Lockheed's autonomous aircraft initiative, as evidence of faster internal development. The company plans to build five aircraft using its own investment, with flight demonstrations scheduled for 2027.
During questioning from BofA Securities, Taiclet described Vectis as part of a broader strategy combining upgraded F-22 fighters, improved F-35 capabilities and collaborative combat aircraft.
Management also emphasized digital engineering, artificial intelligence and cross-segment technology integration. These efforts aim to shorten development cycles while positioning Lockheed for future defense programs.
Lockheed Sees Growth Extending Into 2027Responding to a Wolfe Research analyst, Scott indicated that all four business segments should generate revenue growth in 2027, supporting high-single-digit companywide growth.
Cash flow faces an anticipated pension contribution exceeding $1 billion next year. Management is evaluating whether to prefund that obligation during 2026.
Scott also expects continued tax benefits, although smaller than those realized this year. The planned Ultra Maritime acquisition remains on track for a fourth-quarter closing.
LMT Maintains Focus on Execution and CapacityManagement's overall message centered on converting contracted demand into sustained production growth while maintaining financial discipline.
Taiclet emphasized manufacturing expansion, supplier readiness and faster technology deployment. Near-term priorities remain contract execution, production scaling and preserving cash generation through the investment cycle.
What LMT's Zacks Rank and Style Scores IndicateLockheed currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating a neutral near-term earnings-revision outlook. Its Growth Score of A and Value Score of B reflect favorable growth and valuation characteristics, while its Momentum Score of F indicates weaker price momentum. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The company's VGM Score of B reflects a favorable combination of value, growth and momentum characteristics. However, the neutral Zacks Rank tempers these favorable style indicators. The Zacks Rank can change as analysts revise their earnings estimates following the third-quarter results.
SummaryLockheed Martin reported strong Q3 2026 results, raising annual guidance and achieving a record $292B backlog, driven by a major Patriot missile contract.LMT’s only significant physical growth comes from the Missiles and Fire Control division, with expanded capacity expected to add $10B in annual revenue by 2031.Core Aeronautics, Rotary, and Space divisions face output ceilings, limiting organic growth to 4–6% annually, mostly from missile exports and inflation indexing.I rate LMT a Buy at $590, expecting 9–10% annual returns via modest profit growth, buybacks, and dividends, but cautioning against expectations for explosive expansion. Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
On October 22, the corporation Lockheed Martin (LMT) presented the report for the third quarter of 2026, which caused a stormy wave of optimism. The quotes jumped 7% and reached the mark of $590 per share. The
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Shares of Lockheed Martin (LMT +6.96%) climbed nearly 7% on Thursday after the aerospace and defense giant said its contract backlog rose to a whopping $292 billion.
The F-35. Image source: Lockheed Martin.
Broad-based gainsLockheed's sales jumped 11% year over year to $20.7 billion in the third quarter. The defense contractor saw growth in production and sustainment volumes across several of its major platforms, including the F-35 strike fighter, Patriot interceptor missile, and THAAD missile defense system.
$589.91+$38.40 (+6.96%)
NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/22/26
Lockheed's net earnings, in turn, leaped 14% to $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share. That surpassed Wall Street's projections, which had called for per-share profits of $7.52.
The aerospace titan also continues to crank out cash. Lockheed generated operating and free cash flow of $3.4 billion and $3 billion, respectively. It passes much of this cash on to its shareholders via a well-funded and steadily growing dividend. Lockheed's shares currently yield a solid 2.4%.
"Our strong third quarter performance underscores Lockheed Martin's continuing leadership in the development and delivery of advanced and reliable defense technology solutions," CEO Jim Taiclet said.
Record backlogThanks in part to the superiority of its technology, Lockheed is winning new contracts at an impressive pace. The company's backlog grew to a staggering $292 billion by the end of the third quarter.
The national security leader now expects full-year sales of roughly $81 billion and earnings per share of $30.35 to $30.75 in 2026.
Lockheed also announced a landmark 10-year deal with the Defense Department to expand production of the U.S. military's F-35 fleet.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Intercepting Growth: Karman Secures $218M Lockheed Martin DealLockheed Martin NYSE: LMT reported double-digit third-quarter growth in sales and profit, generated $3 billion in free cash flow and increased its backlog to a record $292 billion, prompting the defense contractor to raise its full-year 2026 outlook again.
Third-quarter sales rose 11% from a year earlier to $20.7 billion, while segment operating profit increased to $2.2 billion and operating margin was 10.8%, Chief Financial Officer Evan Scott said. Earnings per share were $7.97, up from $6.95 in the prior-year quarter.
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RTX Locks In a Decade of Defense Dominance“Lockheed Martin delivered another quarter of strong program performance, growing both sales and profit by double digits,” Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said. He cited performance across the company’s portfolio, including fighter aircraft, munitions, missile defense, autonomy, hypersonics and command-and-control systems.
Backlog Reaches Record as Munitions Demand Expands
Lockheed ended the quarter with backlog of $292 billion, up $113 billion from the third quarter of 2025, and reported a book-to-bill ratio of 4x. Scott said the largest contributor was a seven-year PAC-3 missile contract that brings the potential total value of that multiyear agreement to $58.6 billion.
L3Harris’ $6 Billion THAAD Win Comes at a Crucial Moment for the StockThe company also recorded awards for C-130J aircraft, GMLRS, JASSM and LRASM missiles, F-35 aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters and the Fleet Ballistic Missile program. Among international awards, Lockheed received a $439 million contract to produce Army Tactical Missile Systems for Taiwan’s HIMARS launchers. Its Rotary and Mission Systems unit was also selected to establish an Australian combat-systems integration capability for future Virginia-class submarines.
Taiclet said Lockheed signed a framework agreement with the Department of War to accelerate production of the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, or JATM, a next-generation air-dominance missile. Australia has committed to become the program’s first international customer, he said.
The company has also signed seven-year agreements for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. To support higher output, Lockheed plans to add 2 million square feet of facilities across eight sites during the next three years, with more than half of that expansion already under construction. The company is hiring and training more than 3,000 workers across its Missiles and Fire Control sites this year.
Lockheed has placed substantial supplier contracts as it expands missile production, including a $4.7 billion PAC-3 propulsion supply contract with L3Harris. Since quarter-end, it also awarded Boeing a $14.7 billion contract to triple PAC-3 seeker production and Northrop Grumman a $1.6 billion contract for propulsion and other missile components.
Guidance Raised Again for 2026
Scott said Lockheed now expects full-year sales of $80 billion to $82 billion, representing approximately 8% growth at the midpoint. The forecast was raised from the company’s prior guidance range, primarily reflecting higher Missiles and Fire Control volume tied to munitions production ramps.
Segment operating profit is expected to be $8.575 billion to $8.675 billion.
Cash from operations is projected at $10 billion to $10.2 billion.
Free cash flow is forecast at $7.8 billion to $8 billion.
Third-quarter cash from operations totaled $3.4 billion, bringing the year-to-date figure to $6.9 billion. Free cash flow was $3 billion for the quarter and $5.6 billion year to date. Scott attributed the quarterly cash performance largely to improved working capital and customer receipts in Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, and Space.
Year to date, Lockheed has invested $1.3 billion in capital expenditures and $1.6 billion in independent research and development. Much of the capital spending is being directed toward munitions capacity, Scott said.
The company increased its quarterly dividend by 15 cents to $3.60 per share, marking its 24th consecutive annual dividend increase. Scott also said the acquisition of Ultra Maritime remains on track to close in the fourth quarter after receiving required regulatory approvals. Lockheed expects to fund the transaction with cash on hand.
Segment Results Show Broad-Based Growth
Aeronautics sales increased 13% year over year, supported by higher F-35 volume and the recovery of C-130 pre-contract costs after contract awards. Segment operating profit rose 9%, although unfavorable profit adjustments on F-16 and C-130 programs partially offset the higher volume.
Lockheed lowered its Aeronautics sales outlook slightly to $31.1 billion to $32.5 billion and projected profit of $2.92 billion to $2.95 billion. The revision reflected a shift in expected timing for the next lots of F-35 awards, with the assumed sales benefit now expected in 2027 rather than 2026.
Missiles and Fire Control was the fastest-growing unit, with both sales and profit rising 24% in the quarter. Lockheed now expects the segment to produce 2026 sales of $17.25 billion to $17.45 billion and profit of $2.395 billion to $2.425 billion. The company said it expects the segment to grow both sales and profit about 20% this year.
Rotary and Mission Systems sales rose 3%, driven by radar and command-and-control programs, while operating profit increased 4% following a favorable resolution of a contracting matter. Space sales rose 4%, supported by the Next Generation Interceptor and Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, while profits were comparable with the prior-year quarter.
F-35 Agreement and Development Investments
Taiclet highlighted a recently announced F-35 multiyear agreement that establishes a path to 850 U.S. aircraft over 10 years and total annual production of 156 aircraft for a decade, including allied-country demand. He said the arrangement is intended to improve efficiency in production, sustainment and future modernization.
Scott said F-35 production is currently accretive to both Aeronautics and companywide margins. A Lot 20 agreement, if signed during 2026, would represent upside to Lockheed’s current guidance, he said, although it is not included in the forecast.
The company also continued to emphasize internally funded development. Taiclet said Lockheed will build five Vectis autonomous aircraft with company investment after the Skunk Works team moved from initial drawings to wind-tunnel testing in less than two months. Flight demonstrations are scheduled for next year.
Looking ahead, Scott said Lockheed sees all four segments growing on a revenue basis in 2027 and has a “clear line of sight” to high-single-digit company sales growth next year. Formal 2027 guidance is expected in January.
About Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company develops and produces advanced defense, aerospace, and technology systems for government and commercial customers.
Its principal business areas include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Products and services include military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, and F-16 Fighting Falcon; missile-defense and precision-strike systems; helicopters and naval systems; command, control, communications, and intelligence technologies; satellites; space exploration systems; and other classified space and defense programs.
Lockheed Martin serves the U.S.
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Key Takeaways Lockheed Martin's Q3 adjusted EPS rose 14.7% to $7.97, beating estimates, while sales climbed 11.3%.LMT's backlog surged to $291.98 billion, with Missiles and Fire Control sales jumping 24% year over year.LMT raised its 2026 sales guidance to $80-$82 billion and adjusted EPS outlook to $30.35-$30.75.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $7.97 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.49 by 6.4%. The bottom line increased 14.7% from the year-ago quarter's reported figure of $6.95.
Operational Highlights of LockheedNet sales were $20.71 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.44 billion by 1.4%. The top line inched up 11.3% from $18.61 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.
The year-over-year improvement was driven by higher sales growth registered by LMT’s business segments.
LMT’s BacklogLMT’s backlog as of Sept. 27, 2026, was $291.98 billion compared with $193.62 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025.
The Aeronautics segment accounted for $57.33 billion of the total backlog amount, while the Missiles and Fire Control segment contributed $142.52 billion. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment contributed $49.44 billion, while the Space unit accounted for $42.70 billion.
Lockheed’s Segmental PerformanceAeronautics: Sales increased 13% year over year to $8.21 billion. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales from the F-35 program, reflecting higher volume on production and sustainment contracts, as well as increased sales from the C-130 program.
The segment reported an operating profit of $743 million compared with $682 million in the year-ago quarter. The operating margin contracted 40 basis points (bps) to 9.0%.
Missiles and Fire Control: Quarterly sales improved 24% year over year to $4.50 billion. This was primarily attributable to higher sales from integrated air and missile defense programs, including PAC-3 and THAAD, as well as tactical and strike missile programs, including GMLRS and PrSM, driven by production ramps.
The segment’s operating profit increased to $631 million from $510 million in the prior-year quarter. The operating margin contracted 10 bps to 14.0%.
Space: The top line improved 4% year over year to $3.49 billion, driven primarily by higher sales from strategic and missile defense programs, reflecting increased volume on the Fleet Ballistic Missile and Next Generation Interceptor programs. This growth was partially offset by lower sales from national security space programs.
The segment’s operating profit remained unchanged at $331 million. The operating margin contracted 40 bps to 9.5%.
Rotary and Mission Systems: Quarterly revenues increased 3% year over year to $4.51 billion, driven by higher sales from Sensors, Effectors & Mission Systems programs due to increased volume on radar programs.
The segment reported an operating profit of $524 million compared with $506 million in the second quarter of 2025. The operating margin remained unchanged at 11.6%.
Financial Condition of LMTLockheed’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.96 billion as of Sept. 27, 2026, compared with $4.12 billion at the end of 2025.
Cash from operating activities amounted to $3.44 billion in the third quarter of 2026 compared with $3.73 billion in the year-ago quarter.
Long-term debt as of Sept. 27, 2026, totaled $20.50 billion compared with $20.53 billion at the end of 2025.
Lockheed’s 2026 GuidanceLockheed expects to generate sales in the range of $80.00-$82.00 billion in 2026 compared with its previous guidance of $79.75-$81.75 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $80.86 billion, which lies below the midpoint of the company’s sales guidance.
LMT expects to generate adjusted EPS in the range of $30.35-$30.75 compared with its previous guidance of $29.95-$30.65. The consensus estimate is currently pegged at $30.43 per share, which lies below the midpoint of the company’s guidance.
Lockheed expects to generate cash from operations in the range of $10.00-$10.20 billion.
It expects capital expenditures of approximately $2.10-$2.30 billion.
Lockheed expects to generate free cash flow of approximately $7.80-$8.00 billion.
LMT’s Zacks RankLMT currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Upcoming Defense ReleasesThe Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 27, 2026, before market open.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA’s loss is pegged at 14 cents per share. The consensus estimate for its sales is pegged at $24.53 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 5.4%.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 29, 2026, before market open.
The consensus estimate for HII’s earnings is pegged at $4.45 per share. The consensus estimate for its sales is pegged at $3.39 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 6.1%.
General Dynamics Corporation (GD - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 30, 2026, before market open.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GD’s earnings is pegged at $4.14 per share. The consensus estimate for its sales is pegged at $13.71 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 6.2%.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $7.97 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.49 per share. This compares to earnings of $6.95 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +6.41%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this aerospace and defense company would post earnings of $7.22 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.94, delivering a surprise of +9.97%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.
Lockheed, which belongs to the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry, posted revenues of $20.71 billion for the quarter ended September 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.35%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $18.61 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Lockheed shares have added about 14% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 13.3%.
What's Next for Lockheed?While Lockheed has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Lockheed was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $8.55 on $22.55 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $30.43 on $80.86 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Aerospace - Defense is currently in the top 37% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Draganfly Inc. (DPRO - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended September 2026.
This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.19 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -5.6%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Draganfly Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $3.16 million, up 101.3% from the year-ago quarter.
Should You Invest in Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)?
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Zacks Investment Research has been committed to providing investors with tools and independent research since 1978. For more than a quarter century, the Zacks Rank stock-rating system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +24.08% per year. (These returns cover a period from January 1, 1988 through May 6, 2024.)
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) stock went balistic on Thursday, October 22, after the company announced terrific third-quarter 2026 results, beating both revenue and earnings Street expectations.
The defense contractor posted quarterly revenue of $20.71 billion, up approximately 11% year over year, surpassing analyst expectations of around $20.46 billion. Net earnings rose to approximately $1.85 billion, or $7.97 per share, compared with $6.95 per share in the same period last year.
Growth was led by the Missiles and Fire Control division, where revenue increased 24%, driven by higher production of PAC-3 and THAAD missile defense systems. Aeronautics revenue climbed 13%, reflecting increased F-35 jet production.
Now, the company’s backlog sits at a record $292 billion, while free cash flow totaled $3 billion for the quarter. As a result, LMT stock rose 6.33%, trading at $583.12 at press time.
LMT stock price one-day chart. Source: Finbold
Lockheed Martin raises full-year 2026 outlook: Is the stock a buy?
Following its strong quarterly performance, Lockheed Martin raised its full-year 2026 financial guidance for the second consecutive quarter. More precisely, the company now expects revenue of $80 billion to $82 billion, compared with its previous forecast of $79.75 billion to $81.75 billion.
Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet attributed the improved outlook to sustained financial momentum across the company’s business portfolio, supported by strong demand for advanced defense technologies.
Likewise, the company announced a 10-year framework with the U.S. Department of War covering the production, spare parts, modification kits, and maintenance support of 850 U.S. F-35 fighter jets.
Investors immediately welcomed the news, as the company’s strong ties to U.S. government defense spending now provide an additional degree of business stability. Coupled with a dividend yield of around 2.6%, the setup appears to offer an attractive combination of relative value and income.
Potential risks with Lockheed Martin stock
Despite the appeal, however, contract execution risks are still present, as production challenges and delays have already been an issue earlier this year. Similarly, worries that the outlook might depend on the ongoing geopolitical tensions are likewise difficult to ignore.
Wall Street has also been split on the defense company. Over the past 90 days, analysts have collectively reted Lockheed a “Moderate Buy,” giving it a price target of $613.94, implying a modest 4.41% upside potential, per TipRanks.
LMT stock 12-month forecast. Source: TipRanks
However, the Wall Street consensus and the price target do not as of yet take into consideration the newly released quarterly earnings, meaning the data might tell a different story once the market has had time to digest the news.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) reported $20.71 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 11.3%. EPS of $7.97 for the same period compares to $6.95 a year ago.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.43 billion, representing a surprise of +1.35%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +6.41%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $7.49.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.
Here is how Lockheed performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Sales- Aeronautics: $8.21 billion versus $8 billion estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +13.2% change.Sales- Rotary and Mission Systems: $4.51 billion compared to the $4.55 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +3.2% year over year.Sales- Missiles and Fire Control: $4.5 billion versus the three-analyst average estimate of $4.3 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +24.2%.Sales- Space: $3.49 billion versus $3.55 billion estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +3.8% change.Operating profit (loss)- Aeronautics: $743 million compared to the $741.8 million average estimate based on three analysts.Operating profit (loss)- Space: $331 million compared to the $347.63 million average estimate based on three analysts.Operating profit (loss)- Rotary and Mission Systems: $524 million versus $467.52 million estimated by three analysts on average.Operating profit (loss)- Missiles and Fire Control: $631 million compared to the $594.39 million average estimate based on three analysts.View all Key Company Metrics for Lockheed here>>>
Shares of Lockheed have returned +5.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's no change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Multiyear F-35 production and sustainment strengthens the supply chain, saves billions in taxpayer dollars and improves fleet readiness.
, /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of War and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) unveiled a transformative framework agreement for multiyear F-35 Lightning II production and sustainment. This framework includes 850 U.S. aircraft over 10 years with associated initial spares, 10 years of modification kits and sustainment, and international customer orders across Lots 21-30, at a continued production rate of 156 aircraft per year.
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tiffany A. Emery
"This multiyear framework strengthens the way we can plan and invest in the F-35 enterprise," said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet. "With the greater certainty that comes from the U.S. government's transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain. That's good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies."
If granted multiyear authority and associated appropriations in the coming months, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will work to finalize contract terms, pricing, and schedules through a formal contract award, which will fulfill the government's imperative for a predictable, affordable, and resilient fighter jet enterprise. This effort is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars over F-35's lifecycle through long-term pricing and industry volume discounts.
The framework agreement directly addresses Department of War and Congressional priorities to improve F-35 readiness by:
Providing predictable, multiyear procurement planning that eliminates the need for supplemental appropriations for, obsolescence management and production tooling.
Delivering high-volume procurement efficiencies and discounts that translate into tangible taxpayer savings.
Ensuring transparent, data driven decision-making through integrated analytics that link budget inputs to readiness outcomes.
Providing real-time visibility into parts inventory and readiness metrics through integrated analytics.
Highlights
Supply Chain Stability – Predictable demand from long-term contracts with suppliers will enable bulk procurement of raw materials and critical parts, slashing turnaround times and reducing logistics bottlenecks. This will result in better mission capable rates by eliminating the annual contracting cycle that has historically strained the industrial base.
Affordability – The integrated procurement model that pairs aircraft production with purchases of spare and modification parts will deliver high-volume procurement discounts, drive down unit prices and provide the U.S. government the cost predictability it requires.
Economic Impact – The program will support 317,000 U.S. jobs and generate approximately $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade, strengthening the nation's industrial base and providing long-term stability for suppliers who have struggled to plan under the previous resourcing model.
Readiness – This framework adds investments in industry capacity and logistics that build upon Lockheed Martin's existing investments that inject parts into the global spares pool and will further improve fleet readiness and rapid repair turnaround for operations.
International Benefits – The multiyear procurement model enables economies of scale that lower costs and enhance readiness for all F‑35 customers, reinforcing confidence in the global sustainment network and enhancing interoperability across allied fleets.
"Our new multiyear framework gives suppliers stability to plan for the future and invest with confidence, improving readiness across the F-35 fleet," said OJ Sanchez, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This, in addition to the investments Lockheed Martin is making to the global spares pool, will directly translate into higher mission capable rates and a more resilient supply chain – critical capabilities the warfighter needs to meet today's mission and prepare for tomorrow's threats."
About the F-35 Lightning II
More than 1,375 F-35s are currently fielded around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed a million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 42 bases worldwide, including 13 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance into the future.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) has entered an initial production and sustainment agreement with the Department of Defense for at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over the next 10 years, they said on Thursday.
The defense contractor will self-fund at least $7 billion in initiatives that support the F-35 program, the department said in a statement.
The F-35, built with stealth technology that allows it to evade enemy detection, is considered the world's most advanced fighter jet and is at the core of Lockheed's aeronautics division that forms close to 40% of its quarterly revenue.
Under the agreement with the Department of Defense, which US President Donald Trump calls the Department of War, Lockheed aims to maintain annual production at 156 aircraft.
The agreement does not constitute an order but is counted as a prearranged long-term contract.
"If granted multi-year authority in the coming months, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will work to finalize contract terms, pricing and schedules through a formal contract award," the company said.
The agreement also covers international orders for the F-35, as well as initial spares and modification kits, Arlington-based Lockheed said in a statement.
"We have fundamentally changed how we stabilize the American defense industrial base to produce at speed and scale," said Under Secretary of Defense Michael Duffey.
"This agreement with Lockheed Martin proves it. By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win."
Lockheed and its peers across the US have benefited from increased global defense spending as geopolitical conflicts remain unabated.
Lockheed estimates the agreement will support 317,000 US jobs and generate nearly $79 billion in annual economic activity over the next decade.
It also expects the arrangement to lower production costs and ease supply-chain constraints from raw materials to finished parts.
Sales increased 11% to $20.7 billion
Net earnings increased 14% to $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share
Cash from operations of $3.4 billion and free cash flow of $3.0 billion
Record backlog of $292.0 billion, including $52.5 billion associated with the multi-year award to produce PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors
Updates 2026 financial outlook
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] today reported third quarter 2026 sales of $20.7 billion, compared to $18.6 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2026 were $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share, compared to $1.6 billion, or $6.95 per share. Cash from operations was $3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to $3.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Free cash flow was $3.0 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to $3.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Backlog grew 27% since the second quarter of 2026, setting another new record at $292.0 billion.
"Our strong third quarter performance underscores Lockheed Martin's continuing leadership in the development and delivery of advanced and reliable defense technology solutions. Every day, our research, engineering and production teams are putting highly effective and scalable capabilities in the field. We strive to improve mission performance on a continuous basis by combining proven systems like Aegis, F-35, and Hellfire with the latest digital technologies including AI and Autonomy. We are doing this by integrating our internal innovative solutions with those of start-ups, new entrants into our industry, and commercial technology leaders." said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet.
"By pulling through our existing platforms and systems using innovations from multiple sources and with newly available digital technology, we can drive elevated growth in our financial performance as well. In the third quarter each of our four segments posted growth year-over-year, sales topped $20.7 billion and net earnings exceeded $1.8 billion, increases of 11% and 14% respectively. We delivered $3 billion of free cash flow in the quarter, and increased our backlog to a record $292 billion, allowing us to raise our dividend for the 24th year in a row. The sustained financial momentum across our portfolio gives us confidence to increase our outlook for sales, earnings per share and free cash flow, the second consecutive quarter we have raised our financial guidance."
Summary Financial Results
(in millions, except per share data)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 20,711
$ 18,609
$ 58,795
$ 54,727
Business segment operating profit1
$ 2,229
$ 2,029
$ 6,214
$ 4,685
Unallocated items
FAS/CAS pension operating adjustment
421
380
1,264
1,138
Impairment and other charges
—
—
—
(66)
Intangible asset amortization expense
(49)
(70)
(149)
(197)
Other, net
(158)
(59)
(344)
(160)
Total unallocated items
214
251
771
715
Consolidated operating profit
$ 2,443
$ 2,280
$ 6,985
$ 5,400
Net earnings
$ 1,845
$ 1,619
$ 5,169
$ 3,673
Diluted earnings per share
$ 7.97
$ 6.95
$ 22.36
$ 15.69
Cash from operations
$ 3,438
$ 3,728
$ 6,893
$ 5,338
Capital expenditures
(439)
(381)
(1,268)
(1,186)
Free cash flow1
$ 2,999
$ 3,347
$ 5,625
$ 4,152
1
Business segment operating profit and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. See the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of
this news release for more information.
Sales: Third quarter 2026 sales increased $2.1 billion, or 11%, driven by growth in each of the company's four business segments.
Business Segment Operating Profit1: Third quarter 2026 business segment operating profit increased $200 million due to munition ramps at Missiles and Fire Control and higher volume at Aeronautics.
Net Earnings and Diluted EPS: Third quarter 2026 net earnings increased $226 million and diluted earnings per share increased $1.02 primarily due to higher consolidated operating profit of $163 million described above.
Cash Flows: Third quarter 2026 cash from operations decreased $290 million and free cash flows decreased $348 million primarily due to the higher customer receipts in the third quarter of 2025. The company's cash activities during the third quarter of 2026 included capital expenditures of $439 million and independent research and development of $599 million.
2026 Financial Outlook
The following guidance table contains forward-looking statements, which are based on the company's expectations at the time of this news release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. It is the company's practice not to incorporate adjustments in its financial outlook for proposed acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, changes in tax laws, or special items until such items have been consummated or enacted. Refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" section contained in this press release and Form 10-Q for factors that may impact the company's ability to achieve guidance or meet expectations.
(in millions, except per share data)
Current Update
July 2026
Sales
~$80,000 - $82,000
$79,750 - $81,750
Business segment operating profit1
~$8,575 - $8,675
$8,500 - $8,700
Total FAS/CAS pension adjustment
~$1,365
~$1,365
Diluted earnings per share
~$30.35 - $30.75
$29.95 - $30.65
Cash from operations
~$10,000 - $10,200
$9,200 - $9,400
Capital expenditures
~$2,100 - $2,300
$2,000 - $2,400
Free cash flow1
~$7,800 - $8,000
$7,000 - $7,200
1
Business segment operating profit and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. See the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of
this news release for more information.
F-35 Lots 20-22 Contract Update
The company remains in negotiations with the U.S. Government on the production contracts for F-35 lots 20 and higher. The company's costs incurred began to exceed the current contractual authorization and funding on the Lot 20 advance acquisition contract during the third quarter of 2026. Without additional contractual authorization and funding from the U.S. Government, the company's results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition will be negatively impacted in future periods.
Segment Results
(in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
Aeronautics
$ 8,214
$ 7,256
$ 23,279
$ 21,733
Missiles and Fire Control
4,501
3,624
12,251
10,430
Rotary and Mission Systems
4,511
4,373
12,856
12,696
Space
3,485
3,356
10,409
9,868
Total sales
$ 20,711
$ 18,609
$ 58,795
$ 54,727
Operating profit
Aeronautics
$ 743
$ 682
$ 2,122
$ 1,304
Missiles and Fire Control
631
510
1,725
1,454
Rotary and Mission Systems
524
506
1,384
855
Space
331
331
983
1,072
Total business segment operating profit
2,229
2,029
6,214
4,685
Unallocated items
FAS/CAS operating adjustment
421
380
1,264
1,138
Impairment and other charges
—
—
—
(66)
Intangible asset amortization expense
(49)
(70)
(149)
(197)
Other, net
(158)
(59)
(344)
(160)
Total unallocated items
214
251
771
715
Total consolidated operating profit
$ 2,443
$ 2,280
$ 6,985
$ 5,400
Aeronautics
(in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 8,214
$ 7,256
$ 23,279
$ 21,733
Operating profit
743
682
2,122
1,304
Operating margin
9.0 %
9.4 %
9.1 %
6.0 %
Third quarter 2026 sales increased $958 million, or 13%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher sales of $710 million on the F‑35 program as a result of higher volume on production and sustainment contracts and $270 million on the C-130 program due to the liquidation of pre-contract costs incurred in anticipation of a contract award in the third quarter of 2026. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of $130 million on the F-16 program due to lower production volume and the sales impact of unfavorable profit adjustments recognized.
Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $61 million, or 9%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to the higher sales volume previously described, partially offset by higher unfavorable profit adjustments of $40 million on the F-16 program and $40 million on the C-130 program.
Missiles and Fire Control
(in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 4,501
$ 3,624
$ 12,251
$ 10,430
Operating profit
631
510
1,725
1,454
Operating margin
14.0 %
14.1 %
14.1 %
13.9 %
Third quarter 2026 sales increased $877 million, or 24%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales of $480 million on integrated air and missile defense programs due to production ramps (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)), and $330 million on tactical and strike missile programs due to production ramps (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)).
Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $121 million, or 24%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales volume previously described.
Rotary and Mission Systems
(in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 4,511
$ 4,373
$ 12,856
$ 12,696
Operating profit
524
506
1,384
855
Operating margin
11.6 %
11.6 %
10.8 %
6.7 %
Third quarter 2026 sales increased $138 million, or 3%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was attributable to higher sales of $140 million on Sensors, Effectors & Mission Systems (SEMS) programs due to higher volume on radar programs.
Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $18 million, or 4%, compared to the third quarter of 2025 primarily due to a $40 million favorable profit adjustment upon the resolution of a contracting matter, offset by unfavorable profit adjustments of $45 million on Heavy Lift and Seahawk programs in the third quarter of 2026.
Space
(in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 3,485
$ 3,356
$ 10,409
$ 9,868
Operating profit
331
331
983
1,072
Operating margin
9.5 %
9.9 %
9.4 %
10.9 %
Third quarter 2026 sales increased $129 million, or 4%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales of $185 million on strategic and missile defense programs due to higher volume on the Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) and Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) programs, partially offset by lower sales of $115 million for national security space programs due to the program lifecycle on the OPIR mission.
Third quarter 2026 operating profit was comparable to the third quarter of 2025.
Income Taxes
The company's effective income tax rates were 15.1% and 16.5% for the quarters ended September 27, 2026 and September 28, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to increased tax deductions for foreign derived deduction eligible income (FDDEI), partially offset by the absence of the favorable resolution of certain federal income tax audit items as compared to the prior year.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This news release contains the following non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measures (as defined by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation G). While management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in evaluating the financial performance of the company, this information should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the company's definitions for non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies or analysts.
Business segment operating profit
Business segment operating profit represents operating profit from the company's business segments before unallocated income and expense. This measure is used by the company's senior management in evaluating the performance of its business segments and is a performance goal in the company's annual incentive plan. Business segment operating margin is calculated by dividing business segment operating profit by sales. The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measure business segment operating profit with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, consolidated operating profit.
(in millions)
Current Update
July 2026
Business segment operating profit (non-GAAP)
~$8,575 - $8,675
$8,500 - $8,700
FAS/CAS operating adjustment1
~1,685
~1,685
Intangible asset amortization expense
~(200)
~(200)
Other, net
~(540)
~(490)
Consolidated operating profit (GAAP)
~$9,520 - $9,620
$9,495 - $9,695
1
Reflects the amount by which total CAS pension cost of $1.7 billion exceeds FAS pension service cost and excludes non-service FAS pension
expense. Refer to the supplemental table "Selected Financial Data" included in this news release for a detail of the FAS/CAS operating
adjustment.
Free cash flow
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as cash from operations less capital expenditures. The company's capital expenditures are comprised of equipment and facilities infrastructure and information technology (inclusive of costs for the development or purchase of internal-use software that are capitalized). The company uses free cash flow to evaluate its business performance and overall liquidity. While management believes that free cash flow as a non-GAAP financial measure may be useful in evaluating the company's financial performance, it should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Webcast and Conference Call Information
Lockheed Martin Corporation will webcast live the earnings results conference call (listen-only mode) on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET on the Lockheed Martin Investor Relations website at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor. The accompanying presentation slides and relevant financial charts are also available at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor.
For additional information, visit the company's website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and are based on Lockheed Martin's current expectations and assumptions. The words "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "intend," "expect," "plan," "outlook," "scheduled," "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to factors such as:
the company's reliance on contracts with the U.S. Government, which are dependent on U.S. Government funding and can be terminated for convenience, and the company's ability to negotiate favorable contract terms;
budget uncertainty, the risk of future budget cuts, the impact of continuing resolution funding mechanisms, the debt ceiling and government shutdowns, and changing funding and acquisition priorities;
risks related to the development, production, sustainment, performance, schedule, cost and requirements of complex and technologically advanced programs, including the F-35 program;
the timing of contract awards or contract definitization, the outcome of contract negotiations, decisions by government customers to impose contract terms following undefinitized contract actions, achievement of performance milestones, customer acceptance of product deliveries, and receipt of customer payments;
the company's ability to recover costs under U.S. Government contracts, the mix of fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts and the risks inherent in preparing estimates for fixed-price contracts (particularly for complex and technologically advanced programs);
customer procurement and other policies, laws, regulations and executive actions that affect the company and its industry, programs, future opportunities, and financial performance, including those relating to mission priorities, competing domestic and international spending, contracting terms (such as fixed-price requirements), acquisition process reforms, treatment of contractor performance issues, and contractor access to competitive opportunities;
planned production rates and orders for significant programs, compliance with stringent performance and reliability standards, and materials availability, including government furnished equipment, rare earth minerals and microelectronics;
performance and/or financial viability of key suppliers, teammates, joint ventures (including United Launch Alliance, for which the company has provided guarantees and expects to provide additional financial support), joint venture partners, subcontractors and customers;
changes in economic, capital market and political conditions in the U.S. and globally;
the impact of inflation and other cost pressures;
government actions that restrict or prevent the sale or delivery of the company's products (such as delays in approvals for exports requiring Congressional notification);
foreign policy and international trade actions taken by governments such as tariffs, sanctions, embargoes, export and import controls, buying preferences, and other trade restrictions;
the company's success expanding into and doing business in adjacent markets and internationally and the risks posed by international sales, including potential effects from fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
changes in non-U.S. national priorities and government budgets and planned orders;
the competitive environment for the company's products and services;
the company's ability to develop and commercialize new technologies and products, including emerging digital and network technologies and capabilities;
the company's ability to develop and integrate artificial intelligence and autonomy technologies into its products and operations, its use of third-party AI providers, unintended performance of AI-enabled systems, and evolving laws, regulations and contract requirements governing AI and autonomous weapon systems;
the company's ability to benefit fully from or adequately protect its intellectual property rights;
the company's ability to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce and the impact of work stoppages or other labor disruptions;
cyber or other security threats or other disruptions faced by the company or its suppliers;
the company's ability to implement and continue, and the timing and impact of, capitalization changes such as share repurchases, dividend payments and financing transactions, including as a result of presidential executive orders;
the accuracy of the company's estimates and projections;
changes in pension plan assumptions and actual returns on pension assets; cash funding requirements and pension annuity contracts and associated charges;
realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or divestitures, investments, joint ventures, teaming arrangements or internal reorganizations, and market volatility affecting the fair value of investments that are marked to market;
the company's ability to successfully integrate the Ultra Maritime business and realize synergies and other expected benefits of the transaction and the potential for disruption to its or Ultra Maritime's business, customer and supplier relationships;
the company's efforts to fund and increase production capabilities and the efficiency of its operations and improve the affordability of its products and services, including through digital transformation and cost reduction initiatives;
the risk of an impairment of the company's assets, including the potential impairment of goodwill and intangibles;
the availability and adequacy of the company's insurance and indemnities;
compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and customer requirements relating to environmental matters;
the impact of public health crises, natural disasters and other severe weather conditions on the company's business and financial results, including supply chain disruptions and delays, employee absences, and program delays;
changes in accounting, U.S. or foreign tax, export or other laws, regulations, and policies and their interpretation or application, and changes in the amount or reevaluation of uncertain tax positions; and
the outcome of legal proceedings, bid protests, environmental remediation efforts, audits, administrative reviews, government investigations or government allegations that the company has failed to comply with law, other contingencies and U.S. Government identification of deficiencies in its business systems.
These are only some of the factors that may affect the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. For a discussion identifying additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The company's filings may be accessed through the Investor Relations page of its website, www.lockheedmartin.com/investor, or through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The company's actual financial results likely will be different from those projected due to the inherent nature of projections. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of its issuance. Except where required by applicable law, the company expressly disclaims a duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to reflect subsequent events, changed circumstances, changes in expectations, or the estimates and assumptions associated with them. The forward-looking statements in this news release are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Earnings1
(unaudited; in millions, except per share data)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sales
$ 20,711
$ 18,609
$ 58,795
$ 54,727
Operating costs and expenses
(18,275)
(16,369)
(51,835)
(49,430)
Gross profit
2,436
2,240
6,960
5,297
Other income, net
7
40
25
103
Operating profit
2,443
2,280
6,985
5,400
Interest expense
(264)
(286)
(799)
(828)
Non-service FAS pension expense
(81)
(99)
(241)
(296)
Other non-operating income, net
74
43
179
115
Earnings before income taxes
2,172
1,938
6,124
4,391
Income tax expense
(327)
(319)
(955)
(718)
Net earnings
$ 1,845
$ 1,619
$ 5,169
$ 3,673
Effective tax rate
15.1 %
16.5 %
15.6 %
16.4 %
Earnings per common share
Basic
$ 8.00
$ 6.98
$ 22.45
$ 15.74
Diluted
$ 7.97
$ 6.95
$ 22.36
$ 15.69
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
230.5
231.9
230.2
233.3
Diluted
231.5
232.8
231.2
234.1
Common shares reported in stockholders'
equity at end of period
230
230
1
The company closes its books and records on the last Sunday of the calendar quarter to align its financial closing with its business processes,
which was on September 27, for the third quarter of 2026 and September 28, for the third quarter of 2025. The consolidated financial
statements and tables of financial information included herein are labeled based on that convention. This practice only affects interim periods,
as the company's fiscal year ends on Dec. 31.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Business Segment Summary Operating Results
(unaudited; in millions)
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
%
Change
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
%
Change
Sales
Aeronautics
$ 8,214
$ 7,256
13 %
$ 23,279
$ 21,733
7 %
Missiles and Fire Control
4,501
3,624
24 %
12,251
10,430
17 %
Rotary and Mission Systems
4,511
4,373
3 %
12,856
12,696
1 %
Space
3,485
3,356
4 %
10,409
9,868
5 %
Total sales
$ 20,711
$ 18,609
11 %
$ 58,795
$ 54,727
7 %
Operating profit
Aeronautics
$ 743
$ 682
9 %
$ 2,122
$ 1,304
63 %
Missiles and Fire Control
631
510
24 %
1,725
1,454
19 %
Rotary and Mission Systems
524
506
4 %
1,384
855
62 %
Space
331
331
— %
983
1,072
(8 %)
Total business segment operating profit
2,229
2,029
10 %
6,214
4,685
33 %
Unallocated items
FAS/CAS operating adjustment
421
380
1,264
1,138
Impairment and other charges
—
—
—
(66)
Intangible asset amortization expense
(49)
(70)
(149)
(197)
Other, net
(158)
(59)
(344)
(160)
Total unallocated items
214
251
(15 %)
771
715
8 %
Total consolidated operating profit
$ 2,443
$ 2,280
7 %
$ 6,985
$ 5,400
29 %
Operating margin
Aeronautics
9.0 %
9.4 %
9.1 %
6.0 %
Missiles and Fire Control
14.0 %
14.1 %
14.1 %
13.9 %
Rotary and Mission Systems
11.6 %
11.6 %
10.8 %
6.7 %
Space
9.5 %
9.9 %
9.4 %
10.9 %
Total business segment operating
margin
10.8 %
10.9 %
10.6 %
8.6 %
Total consolidated operating margin
11.8 %
12.3 %
11.9 %
9.9 %
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except par value)
Sept. 27,
2026
Dec. 31,
2025
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 5,960
$ 4,121
Receivables, net
3,096
3,901
Contract assets
16,899
13,001
Inventories
3,987
3,524
Other current assets
1,059
815
Total current assets
31,001
25,362
Property, plant and equipment, net
11,524
11,292
Goodwill
11,299
11,314
Intangible assets, net
1,737
1,887
Deferred income taxes
1,819
2,975
Other noncurrent assets
7,130
7,010
Total assets
$ 64,510
$ 59,840
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 5,005
$ 3,630
Salaries, benefits and payroll taxes
3,349
3,184
Contract liabilities
12,644
11,440
Current maturities of long-term debt
—
1,168
Other current liabilities
3,542
3,913
Total current liabilities
24,540
23,335
Long-term debt, net
20,498
20,532
Accrued pension liabilities
3,938
3,915
Other noncurrent liabilities
5,471
5,337
Total liabilities
54,447
53,119
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $1 par value per share
230
229
Additional paid-in capital
451
—
Retained earnings
16,802
14,034
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(7,420)
(7,542)
Total stockholders' equity
10,063
6,721
Total liabilities and equity
$ 64,510
$ 59,840
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited; in millions)
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Operating activities
Net earnings
$ 5,169
$ 3,673
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
1,223
1,224
Stock-based compensation
269
215
Deferred income taxes
1,114
72
Impairment and other charges
—
66
Reach-forward losses on select programs
—
1,615
Qualified defined benefit pension plans
277
334
Changes in assets and liabilities
Receivables, net
805
(1,493)
Contract assets
(3,898)
(1,231)
Inventories
(463)
(511)
Accounts payable
1,488
1,644
Contract liabilities
1,204
38
Income taxes
(244)
(100)
Other, net
(51)
(208)
Net cash provided by operating activities
6,893
5,338
Investing activities
Capital expenditures
(1,268)
(1,186)
Other, net
(92)
(278)
Net cash used for investing activities
(1,360)
(1,464)
Financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt, net of related costs
—
1,985
Repayments of long-term debt
(1,168)
(142)
Repurchases of common stock
—
(2,250)
Dividends paid
(2,408)
(2,332)
Other, net
(118)
(148)
Net cash used for financing activities
(3,694)
(2,887)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
1,839
987
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
4,121
2,483
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 5,960
$ 3,470
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Selected Financial Data
(unaudited; in millions)
2026
Outlook
2025
Actual
Total FAS pension expense and CAS cost
FAS pension expense
$ (370)
$ (924)
Less: CAS pension cost
1,735
1,568
Total FAS/CAS pension adjustment
$ 1,365
$ 644
Less: pension settlement charge
—
479
Total FAS/CAS pension adjustment - adjusted1
$ 1,365
$ 1,123
Service and non-service cost reconciliation
FAS pension service cost
$ (50)
$ (50)
Less: CAS pension cost
1,735
1,568
FAS/CAS pension operating adjustment
1,685
1,518
Non-service FAS pension expense
(320)
(874)
Total FAS/CAS pension adjustment
$ 1,365
$ 644
Less: pension settlement charge
—
479
Total FAS/CAS pension adjustment - adjusted1
$ 1,365
$ 1,123
1
The cost components in the table above relate only to the company's qualified defined benefit pension plans. The company recognized a
noncash, non-operating pretax settlement charge of $479 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Other Financial and Operating Information
(unaudited; in millions, except for aircraft deliveries and weeks)
Backlog
Sept. 27,
2026
Dec. 31,
2025
Aeronautics
$ 57,331
$ 59,435
Missiles and Fire Control
142,517
46,650
Rotary and Mission Systems
49,435
47,715
Space
42,701
39,822
Total backlog
$ 291,984
$ 193,622
Quarters Ended
Nine Months Ended
Aircraft Deliveries
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
Sept. 27,
2026
Sept. 28,
2025
F-35
43
46
94
143
F-16
4
5
6
12
C-130J
2
—
10
2
Government helicopter programs
16
22
51
55
Commercial helicopter programs
—
1
—
2
International military helicopter programs
7
6
7
6
Number of Weeks in Reporting Period1
2026
2025
First quarter
12
13
Second quarter
13
13
Third quarter
13
13
Fourth quarter
14
13
1
Calendar quarters are typically comprised of 13 weeks. However, the company closes its books and records on the last Sunday of each month,
except for the month of Dec., as its fiscal year ends on Dec. 31. As a result, the number of weeks in a reporting quarter may vary slightly during
the year and for comparable prior year periods.
Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) raised its annual sales and profit forecasts on Thursday after beating Wall Street estimates for third-quarter results, as ongoing geopolitical conflicts drove demand for its missile defense systems and fighter jets.
Shares of the company rose nearly 5% in premarket trading.
The company, a key supplier of missile-defense systems such as PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors, joined RTX (RTX.N) and Northrop Grumman (NOC.N) in raising forecasts this week on strong demand for munitions, air-defense systems and military aircraft.
Lockheed now expects 2026 sales of about $80 billion to $82 billion, up from its prior forecast of $79.75 billion to $81.75 billion.
The US defense contractor also lifted its annual earnings-per-share forecast to range between $30.35 and $30.75 from its previous view of $29.95 to $30.65.
The company's backlog rose 27% sequentially to a record $292 billion, boosted by a $52.5 billion multi-year award for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, stockpiles of which were heavily used by US and allied forces in the Iran war.
Lockheed also raised its 2026 free cash flow forecast to about $7.8 billion to $8 billion, from $7 billion to $7.2 billion earlier.
However, the company warned it remains in negotiations with the US government over production contracts for F-35 Lots 20 and higher, and said future operations and cash flow could be affected if additional contractual authorization and funding are not received.
Separately on Thursday, Lockheed and the Department of Defense, which US President Donald Trump calls the Department of War, said they had finalized a 10-year framework agreement for at least 850 US F-35 aircraft and $7 billion in industrial-base investments.
Sales for the quarter ended on September 27 rose 11% to $20.71 billion, driven by 24% growth in its missiles unit on higher PAC-3 and THAAD production and a 13% increase in aeronautics revenue from F-35 and C-130 programs.
Analysts estimated $20.51 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
In an interview with Reuters, CFO Evan Scott said a fourth-quarter increase in capital spending would be driven primarily by investments to expand munitions production capacity.
Third-quarter profit of $7.97 per share came in above analysts' estimate of $7.43 per share.
Lockheed Martin reports third-quarter earnings per share of $7.97 from sales of $20.7 billion. Wall Street was looking for profit of $7.52 from sales of $20.5 billion.
Lockheed Martin Corp LMT released its 8-K filing on October 22, 2026, revealing robust financial results for the third quarter. The company reported sales of $20.7 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of approximately $20.5 billion. Additionally, net earnings increased to $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share, surpassing the expected earnings per share (EPS) of $7.42.
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, deriving the substantial majority of its revenue from the U.S. government. Its Aeronautics segment builds the F-35 Lightning II, the largest defense program in history, with a global fleet exceeding 1,000 jets across allied air forces, alongside the F-16, C-130 transport, and classified Skunk Works programs. The Missiles and Fire Control division produces precision strike weapons including HIMARS and Javelin, with wartime demand driving industry expansion. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment includes Sikorsky helicopters and the Aegis combat system, while the Space segment develops satellites and missile warning systems. Lockheed Martin was formed by the 1995 merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta, with its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
Lockheed Martin experienced substantial year-over-year growth, driven by increased sales across all four business segments. However, the company faces challenges related to production contracts and negotiations regarding the F-35 program, which may impact future operational results if not properly addressed. The significant backlog of $292 billion, including $52.5 billion linked to the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement program, provides an encouraging outlook for continued revenue generation.
Financial MetricsQ3 2026Q3 2025Revenue$20.7 billion$18.6 billionNet Earnings$1.8 billion$1.6 billionDiluted EPS$7.97$6.95Free Cash Flow$3.0 billion$3.3 billionLockheed Martin's third quarter income statement reflects significant achievements. Revenue increased by 11% year-over-year, primarily driven by growth in the Aeronautics and Missiles and Fire Control segments, with net earnings rising by 14%. Cash from operations totaled $3.4 billion. Although there was a slight decline in free cash flow compared to the prior year, the company continues to maintain a strong cash generation profile.
As noted by Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President, and CEO:
“Our strong third quarter performance underscores Lockheed Martin’s continuing leadership in the development and delivery of advanced and reliable defense technology solutions.”This emphasis on innovation and proven systems highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining growth momentum.
GuruFocus Valuation CheckLockheed Martin Corp LMT shows a GF Score of 86/100, indicating a strong rating according to GuruFocus’s proprietary analytics. Based on the current price of $551.51, the stock appears to be undervalued relative to its GF Value of $569.38, suggesting a potential upside of approximately 3.1%. This valuation insight encourages investors to consider LMT as a strong candidate for growth given its market position and capabilities.
Lockheed Martin's financial strength is assessed at 5/10, revealing moderate stability, while its profitability rank is notably high at 9/10. The company's consistent performance alongside a growth rank of 7/10 enhances its attractiveness to value investors. Furthermore, the moat score of 8/10 signifies a strong competitive advantage within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
Overall, the insider selling activity of $4.0 million over the past 12 months may suggest some caution among executives, but it is not necessarily a definitive bearish signal. Investors are encouraged to closely monitor insider transactions as part of their investment analysis. For a deeper dive, visit the Lockheed Martin Corp stock page on GuruFocus.
Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Lockheed Martin Corp for further details.
GuruFocus context: GuruFocus’ GF Value™ estimates fair value near $569.38 (3.1% undervalued); its GF Score™ is 86/100; 21 gurus currently hold the stock, with 10 adding and 5 trimming positions in recent quarters — guru 13F data Simply Wall St and Morningstar don’t have. See the full Lockheed Martin Corp LMT research.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
The defense contractor's third-quarter profit came in at $1.85 billion, or $7.97 a share, compared with $1.62 billion, or $6.95 a share, a year earlier.
Defense company Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) looks to win investors back over with shares down more than 20% from all-time highs set in March when the company reports third-quarter financial results Thursday before market close.
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$29.34▼
$118.38120.27
$87.33
Geopolitical friction across Eastern Europe and the Middle East has rapidly depleted allied defense inventories. Replenishing these advanced systems is a fully funded, bipartisan priority within Western defense budgets.
While prime contractors usually grab the headlines, compelling opportunities often hide deeper in the defense supply chain. Karman Space & Defense NYSE: KRMN recently announced a seven-year, $218 million manufacturing contract with Lockheed Martin NYSE: LMT, embedding the tier-one supplier directly into the Pentagon's urgent missile defense scale-up.
Get Karman alerts:
After a steep drawdown accompanied by acquisition-related debt concerns and a leadership transition, this agreement adds critical revenue visibility when Karman needs it most. The deal follows substantial insider purchases in September, adding to the developments investors will weigh ahead of an upcoming third-quarter earnings report.
Securing the Payload: Inside the 7-Year AgreementLockheed Martin awarded Karman Space & Defense an agreement to manufacture aerodynamic shrouds for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense program. These highly engineered structures protect crucial interceptor components during launch and flight before executing precise separation. Formalized in late September 2026 and announced on Oct. 20, 2026, the contract provides Karman with solid revenue visibility through about 2033.
This agreement aligns with broader industry shifts. Lockheed Martin recently awarded a concurrent $6 billion propulsion contract to L3Harris Technologies Inc. NYSE: LHX. The Pentagon is orchestrating a coordinated scale-up of its missile defense architecture. By securing a long-term role in this ecosystem, Karman validates its technical moat in deployable shroud systems.
Defense contracts of this duration offer improved long-term revenue visibility, although the timing of revenue and cash flow depends on production and deliveries. Supplying components for prioritized ballistic interception programs positions Karman to capture sustained cash flow as allied nations aggressively rebuild their arsenals.
The defense supercycle is shifting from procuring experimental technologies to mass-producing proven systems. Specialized suppliers with established manufacturing capacity stand to benefit heavily as prime contractors outsource highly specialized structural engineering tasks to trusted partners. This level of institutional trust creates high barriers to entry for potential competitors, helping secure long-term market share for existing suppliers.
Clearing the Air: How Forward Revenue Fixes LeverageTo understand this contract's significance, investors should assess the fundamental pressures that pushed Karman Space & Defense's stock price down more than 50% year-to-date. The manufacturer is currently navigating the financial friction of its recent Walker acquisition and the transition to new Chief Financial Officer Chris Boynton, who assumed the role in September.
The Walker deal was strategically designed to establish a platform for growth in the European defense market. This expansion required taking on noticeable leverage, leaving Karman with a debt-to-equity ratio sitting near 2.0.
When a mid-cap manufacturer absorbs elevated debt, Wall Street demands flawless execution. Investors aggressively sold shares throughout 2026, with concerns that margin compression and debt-servicing costs would outpace top-line growth. A trailing price-to-earnings ratio above 73 shows growth expectations remain high. A forward price-to-earnings ratio closer to 59 suggests that analysts expect earnings to catch up to the valuation over the next 12 months.
The Lockheed Martin agreement provides further support for Karman's broader manufacturing-capacity investments, although it is separate from the Walker acquisition and does not immediately resolve its debt burden. Predictable cash flow is the fundamental metric needed to service leverage and eventually compress valuation multiples over time.
This contract resolves only one piece of a larger operational overhang. Management disclosed during the August earnings call that three long-term agreements were under negotiation. With the shroud contract finalized, the prospect of two additional contract announcements provides a potential source of future catalysts. Currently trading at approximately 48 times cash flow, Karman may attract investors seeking a turnaround supported by longer-term defense contracts.
Intercepting Value: Wall Street Eyes a Crucial Clearing EventCorporate insiders demonstrated heavy conviction near 52-week lows in mid-September. Most notably, director David Stinnett purchased 27,000 shares for about $1 million, while fellow directors Mary Petryszyn and Stephen Twitty also made smaller open-market purchases on Sept. 16. When board members allocate personal capital aggressively at technical support levels, investors may interpret the activity as a vote of confidence, although the purchases do not establish what the directors expect from future earnings or contracts.
Current Price$35.44High Forecast$135.00Average Forecast$87.33Low Forecast$37.00Karman Stock Forecast Details
Institutional positioning shows a split consensus following the year-to-date decline. Funds like Congress Asset Management and Bouvel Investment Partners recently initiated or expanded their stakes. These buyers absorbed shares from exiting entities like Zevenbergen Capital Investments, signaling a rotation from growth-focused institutions to value-oriented funds.
Short interest remains elevated, which introduces an interesting fundamental dynamic. Unusually large options volume detected in mid-October indicates shifting institutional hedging strategies. Elevated short interest in a mid-cap manufacturer can create rapid upward momentum if underlying fundamentals improve unexpectedly, forcing short sellers to buy shares to cover their positions. This activity hints at a potential short-covering dynamic as the broader market absorbs the reality of the new contract.
Wall Street analysts appear to share a cautiously optimistic outlook. RBC Capital recently lowered its price target for Karman Space & Defense from $85 to $70 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm specifically cited the upcoming third-quarter earnings report as a critical clearing event.
Earnings calls often help ease lingering bearish sentiment, especially when management can point to newly secured backlogs and resolve uncertainties around leadership transitions. The consensus 12-month price target currently sits around $87, implying nearly 150% upside from recent trading levels in the mid-$30s.
Mission Control: Repricing a Vital Defense SupplierKarman Space & Defense operates as a higher-beta derivative play compared to diversified prime contractors. Karman's balance sheet carries real debt, and margin execution over the coming quarters remains critical to repairing shareholder trust. Integration into the Lockheed Martin supply chain helps reduce some of that downside risk by securing the cash flow needed to stabilize operations.
The market punished Karman for the upfront financial costs of its capacity expansion. New contracts are beginning to provide evidence that those investments could support future revenue growth. Investors seeking pure-play exposure to global missile defense backlogs might consider adding Karman to a watchlist as the manufacturer transitions into a more established tier-one supplier. Those with a higher risk tolerance may prefer to monitor the upcoming earnings report to see if management successfully shifts the narrative back toward long-term cash generation.
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Lockheed Martin stock is struggling this year as concerns about US politics and competition rise. After peaking at $683 in March, LMT dropped to the current $548.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday he had discussed ways of speeding up supplies of the Patriot system, vital to countering Russia ballistic missiles, with representatives of the US company Lockheed Martin.
"It is their Patriot systems and F-16 planes that play an important role in defending against Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones," Zelenskiy said on Telegram.
"And things are not easy on both fronts right now. We talked about how we can expand and increase supplies."
For investors seeking out a relatively safe stock to own this year, one investment that can withstand a lot of market volatility is Lockheed Martin (LMT -0.04%). It has risen by around 15% this year, and yet it still offers good value. Plus, it offers a terrific dividend and was a solid stock to own during the last big market crash.
Here's a closer look at the business and why it may prove to be an underrated investment right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
Back in 2022, when the market crashed, Lockheed Martin soaredWhen interest rates were on the rise and many growth stocks were struggling in 2022, Lockheed Martin's stock did far better than the S&P 500. That year, the broad index's total return, which included dividends, was negative 18%. Lockheed Martin's stock, by comparison, was up over 40% when including its payout.
It was a terrific performance for the business, which has a close relationship with the U.S. government and benefits from strong spending on defense, so much so that last year, there were even reports of the U.S. government considering taking a stake in the business.
While it may not generate strong returns if there's another downturn in the markets, the nature of its operations makes it a fairly resilient defense stock to own. In its most recent quarterly results, which ended June 28, revenue totaled $20.1 billion, up 11% year over year.
$551.85-$0.24 (-0.04%)
NYSE · As of 3:31 PM ET 10/19/26
The stock remains an attractive low-value, high-dividend investmentLockheed Martin's stock has been rallying this year, but it may still have plenty of upside at its current price point. Based on analysts' earnings expectations for the year ahead, it's trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of just 16. By comparison, the average stock on the S&P 500 trades at a forward P/E of more than 19.
It's a cheap stock to own, and what makes it even more compelling as an investment is its dividend, which yields 2.6%, which is far higher than the 1% that the S&P 500 averages right now. The company has also increased its dividend for 24 consecutive years. Given its strong, resilient business, it's highly likely there will be more dividend increases to come in the future, giving investors plenty of reason to buy and hold the stock for the long haul.
Lockheed Martin may be one of the better all-around stocks to own right now, offering investors an excellent mix of value, safety, dividends, and growth potential.
Key Takeaways BAESY unveiled MDACS and HPM at AUSA 2026 to strengthen U.S. Army missile and drone defense capabilities.HPM uses more than 99% commercial off-the-shelf components to provide sustained defense against drone swarms.BAESY's 35-plus years of missile seeker expertise bolster precision interceptor guidance. BAE Systems plc (BAESY - Free Report) recently unveiled two next-generation defense technologies, the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (“MDACS”) and High Power Microwave (“HPM”), at the Association of the United States Army (“AUSA”) 2026 exhibition. These systems are designed to strengthen the U.S. Army's counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and counter-missile capabilities.
The newly introduced technologies combine precision-guided kinetic weapons with directed-energy capabilities to counter increasingly sophisticated aerial threats, including coordinated drone swarms. These systems are designed to provide sustained, cost-efficient protection for critical installations and military forces.
MDACS is an air-transportable artillery system capable of engaging aerial and ground targets using precision-guided munitions. For air defense, it fires the Hypervelocity Projectile (“HVP”), while its Scorpio-XR munition offers twice the range of existing 155mm cannon-launched projectiles.
Meanwhile, HPM uses directed energy to defeat drone swarms without relying on conventional ammunition. Built with more than 99% commercial off-the-shelf components, the system can provide continuous defensive capability as long as power remains available.
An Overview of BAESY’s Missile Seeker TechnologyBAE Systems' missile seeker technology plays an important role in ballistic missile defense by providing advanced guidance capabilities for precision interceptors. With more than 35 years of experience in developing missile seekers, the company supports defense programs through seeker development, prototyping, manufacturing, integration and testing.
The company's 14,000-square-foot production facility in Nashua, NH, supports high-rate missile seeker manufacturing. Its advanced testing capabilities include optical alignment, sensor performance evaluation and environmental stress screening. These technologies help enhance the accuracy and reliability of missile defense systems against sophisticated ballistic threats. Such capabilities are likely to support sustained demand for BAE Systems' missile defense technologies.
Growth Potential for BAESYRising geopolitical tensions and increasingly sophisticated aerial threats are encouraging countries worldwide to strengthen their air and missile defense capabilities. The growing use of unmanned aircraft, ballistic missiles and precision-guided weapons is accelerating demand for advanced interception technologies and layered defense systems.
The Mordor Intelligence firm predicts that the global market for missiles and missile defense systems will witness a CAGR of 5.58% between 2026 and 2031. This outlook bodes well for BAE Systems, which boasts a diversified portfolio of advanced defense technologies, including MDACS, HPM, HVP and precision-guided munitions.
Opportunities for Other Defense CompaniesOther defense contractors poised to benefit from the growth opportunities in the missiles and missile defense systems market include the following:
RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) : The company's Raytheon business offers advanced air and missile defense solutions, including Global Patriot, NASAMS, LTAMDS, Coyote C-UAS and HELWS. These systems provide layered protection against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic threats.
The company's LTAMDS is a next-generation radar designed to detect advanced threats, including hypersonic weapons. Equipped with three antenna arrays, it provides 360-degree coverage to track multiple threats simultaneously. Its advanced capabilities position RTX to benefit from growing demand for integrated air and missile defense systems.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT - Free Report) : The company develops advanced missile defense systems, including THAAD, PAC-3 interceptors and the Aegis Combat System. Its portfolio combines sensors, interceptors and command-and-control technologies to counter evolving aerial threats.
LMT's THAAD system protects against short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It is the only U.S. system capable of intercepting targets both inside and outside the atmosphere. THAAD undergoes continuous capability enhancements to improve its effectiveness against existing and emerging threats.
The Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) : The company provides advanced air and missile defense solutions, including Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense components, directed-energy technologies and PAC-3 seekers. Its portfolio helps counter drones, cruise missiles and long-range ballistic threats.
Boeing's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system supports U.S. homeland security by intercepting long-range ballistic missiles during midcourse flight. The company oversees system integration, testing and operational readiness, positioning it to benefit from continued missile defense modernization.
Wall Street analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $7.49 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 7.8%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $20.43 billion, exhibiting an increase of 9.8% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, there has been a downward revision of 0.2% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Lockheed metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Sales- Aeronautics' will reach $8.00 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +10.3%.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Sales- Rotary and Mission Systems' should come in at $4.55 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +4% year over year.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Sales- Missiles and Fire Control' will reach $4.30 billion. The estimate indicates a change of +18.6% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts forecast 'Sales- Space' to reach $3.55 billion. The estimate points to a change of +5.8% from the year-ago quarter.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Operating profit (loss)- Aeronautics' should arrive at $741.80 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $682.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
Analysts predict that the 'Operating profit (loss)- Space' will reach $347.63 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $331.00 million.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Operating profit (loss)- Rotary and Mission Systems' of $467.52 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $506.00 million in the same quarter last year.
The consensus estimate for 'Operating profit (loss)- Missiles and Fire Control' stands at $594.39 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $510.00 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Lockheed here>>>
Over the past month, shares of Lockheed have returned +3.5% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.5% change. Currently, LMT carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that its performance may align with the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Key Takeaways Lockheed Martin wins a $117.1M contract for Apache radar support services, with work running through 2031.The contract supports Apache radar threat detection and situational awareness.Geopolitical tensions and military modernization boost demand for Lockheed Martin's defense technologies.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) recently secured a $117.1 million contract to provide post-production support services for Generation II radar frequency interferometers for Apache attack helicopters. The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL.
Work locations and funding will be determined with each order placed under the contract. The work is expected to be completed by Oct. 12, 2031.
Importance of LMT’s Apache Radar ContractThe Generation II radar frequency interferometer supports the Apache attack helicopter’s electronic warfare capabilities by helping detect and identify radar emissions from potential threats. Such systems support threat awareness and situational awareness, enabling crews to respond to hostile radar activity in complex operational environments.
The contract’s focus on post-production support highlights the importance of maintaining and sustaining existing defense systems throughout their operational lives. Continued support services can help preserve equipment readiness and reliability as the U.S. Army operates its Apache helicopter fleet.
Lockheed Martin’s Growth OpportunitiesRising geopolitical tensions, military modernization initiatives and sustained demand for advanced combat capabilities are supporting growth opportunities for defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. The company’s broad portfolio of aerospace and defense technologies, coupled with long-term relationships with the U.S. military and international customers, positions it to benefit from ongoing defense procurement and sustainment requirements.
Lockheed Martin’s defense portfolio includes the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile defense system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, the F-35 fighter jet and the Apache helicopter. Contracts involving equipment support and sustainment also provide opportunities to maintain customer relationships beyond the initial delivery of defense platforms.
Opportunities for Other Defense StocksOther defense contractors that provide electronic warfare, radar and related defense technologies may also benefit from continued investment in military modernization and equipment sustainment.
RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) : RTX develops advanced radar and electronic warfare systems for air and missile defense, aircraft and naval platforms. Its portfolio includes the AN/SPY-6 family of naval radars and the AN/TPY-2 radar, which supports ballistic missile defense missions.
The company’s radar and sensor technologies address evolving military requirements for threat detection, tracking and situational awareness.
Northrop Grumman (NOC - Free Report) : Northrop Grumman develops advanced radar, electronic warfare and surveillance technologies for military applications. Its portfolio includes the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) and other systems designed to support air defense, surveillance and battlefield awareness.
These capabilities position the company to address defense requirements for detecting and tracking threats across multiple operational environments.
L3Harris Technologies (LHX - Free Report) : L3Harris provides electronic warfare, surveillance and radar technologies for military platforms. Its offerings include tactical air surveillance and long-range surveillance radar systems, along with solutions designed to support threat detection and situational awareness.
Continued demand for advanced sensing and electronic warfare capabilities may create opportunities for the company as military forces modernize their defense systems.
Defense companies are traditionally known for their resilience across a range of economic conditions. The main customer of Lockheed Martin (LMT +3.65%) and others is the U.S. government and its defense agencies, closely followed by the governments of U.S. allies. They are highly reliable payers, and demand for defense tends to remain stable across economic cycles.
As such, analyzing Lockheed Martin's backlog tells you a lot about where the company is heading, and it's good news.
Image source: Getty Images.
Lockheed Martin's current backlog stands at $230 billion, a figure nearly $37 billion higher than at the end of 2025. To put that figure into context, the midpoint of management's 2026 revenue guidance is $80.75 billion, so the backlog represents 2.8 times estimated 2026 revenue. It clearly implies strong growth ahead.
LMT Lockheed Martin$552.09+$19.45 (+3.65%)
NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26
I've broken out the backlog at the end of 2025 and the end of June. The table shows how the backlog increase is nearly entirely in the missiles and fire control (MFC) segment. This matters for two reasons, which I will outline below.
Segment
End of 2025 Backlog
End of June 2026 Backlog
Operating Profit 2025
Operating Margin 2025
Aeronautics
$59.44 billion
$54.36 billion
$2.09 billion
6.9%
Missiles and Fire Control
$46.65 billion
$87.89 billion
$1.99 billion
13.8%
Rotary and Mission Systems
$47.72 billion
$48.45 billion
$1.32 billion
7.6%
Space
$39.82 billion
$39.72 billion
$1.36 billion
10.3%
Data source: Lockheed Martin presentations.
Why the increase in the missiles and fire control backlog matters
First, as the table indicates, the segment carries the highest profit margin for the company, and a relative increase in the backlog from MFC implies an improving backlog profit margin. Second, and arguably more importantly, it's worth noting that many defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, have suffered from delays, cost overruns, and multibillion-dollar charges on highly complex fixed-price development programs in recent years.
These issues led Lockheed's management to say at the start of 2024 that "we just are employing a lot more pricing discipline than we have more recently" regarding contracts.
That appears to be the case, because the increase in the MFC backlog has been driven by orders for mature systems where the main risk is manufacturing at scale rather than research and development. For example, the $35 billion award for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors in June and the $4.7 billion contract for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors.
Moreover, the $230 billion backlog figure doesn't include the $53.86 billion PAC-3 order made after the second quarter ended.
Lockheed Martin's backlog is a plus
Not only is the company's backlog improving, but it's arguably lower-risk than in previous years and potentially higher-margin, too. These factors help support the investment case for the stock.
B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT – Free Report) by 52.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,804 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after acquiring an additional 960 shares during the period. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc.’s holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,428,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. IAG Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 4,800.0% in the 1st quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 49 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Burnham & Co LLC acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Basso Capital Management L.P. acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin in the fourth quarter worth approximately $25,000. Field & Main Bank bought a new position in Lockheed Martin during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Finally, TD Capital Management LLC raised its position in Lockheed Martin by 450.0% during the fourth quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. 74.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently commented on LMT shares. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $641.00 to $691.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 13th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Lockheed Martin from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research note on Friday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $600.00 price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Monday, July 27th. TD Cowen decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $600.00 to $570.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 9th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $629.00 to $564.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $628.10.
View Our Latest Research Report on LMT More Lockheed Martin News Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week:
Positive Sentiment: Lockheed Martin announced a $300 million expansion of its Grand Prairie, Texas, advanced-munitions facility and plans to create approximately 6,000 U.S. jobs. The investment is intended to increase production of critical missile systems, including PAC-3 MSE interceptors, supporting longer-term revenue visibility as governments replenish inventories. Lockheed Martin Expands Advanced Munitions Manufacturing in Texas Positive Sentiment: The company raised its quarterly dividend 4.3% to $3.60 per share, or $14.40 annualized, extending its dividend-growth streak to 24 years. The increase reinforces the investment case for income-focused shareholders. This Defense Stock Just Raised Its Dividend by 4.3% Positive Sentiment: Lockheed Martin is expanding technology cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre and discussing F-16 upgrades with Ukraine’s air force. The initiatives could support international defense relationships and future program opportunities. Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre Expand Strategic Collaboration Positive Sentiment: Analysts and market commentary point to potential earnings strength next week, supported by recent contract activity, missile-production expansion and sustained defense spending. Lockheed’s current fiscal-year EPS guidance is $29.95 to $30.65. Lockheed Martin Earnings Expected to Grow Neutral Sentiment: Bernstein maintained a Hold rating, while RBC reduced its price target from $600 to $550 and assigned a Sector Perform rating. The revised target still implies limited potential upside but signals caution after the recent rebound. Negative Sentiment: Investors remain focused on valuation, cash-flow conversion and the risk of cost overruns on fixed-price programs. Comparisons with RTX also highlight concerns about Lockheed’s leverage and exposure to individual defense programs. Lockheed Martin Trading Up 2.2% Shares of Lockheed Martin stock opened at $533.65 on Friday. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $542.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is $543.79. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a 1 year low of $437.25 and a 1 year high of $692.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.34. The company has a market cap of $123.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.16, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.09.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.22 by $0.72. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 91.42% and a net margin of 8.16%. The firm had revenue of $20.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.34 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.46 earnings per share. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.950-30.650 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 30.44 EPS for the current year.
Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $3.60 per share. This represents a $14.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 1st. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martin’s previous quarterly dividend of $3.45. Lockheed Martin’s payout ratio is 50.87%.
Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report)
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace, defense and technology company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company develops and produces advanced systems for government and commercial customers, with the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. government agencies representing its primary customers.
Its principal activities include the design and manufacture of military aircraft, missiles, air and missile defense systems, radar and sensor technologies, naval and rotary-wing systems, satellites, space exploration systems, and cybersecurity and information technology solutions.
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It's been a little over a month since UBS analyst Gavin Parsons upgraded Lockheed Martin (LMT +2.93%) stock to "buy" with a $674 price target, predicting "26% upside" as sales of missiles, munitions, F-35 stealth fighters, helicopters, and... Trident nuclear missiles (!) drive 9% sales growth for the defense giant over the next few years.
Lockheed stock is up a couple of percentage points since that Sept. 8 upgrade. Today, Lockheed's gaining another 2.5% through 1:10 p.m. ET -- its third straight day of gains.
And once again, UBS is the reason.
Image source: Lockheed Martin.
UBS still loves Lockheed Martin stockBack in September, Parsons argued that Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) division alone would grow a total of 150% in size over the next five years. In a note covered on StreetInsider.com this morning, the analyst reiterated this prediction, further detailing that he expects sales to grow 20% annually through 2030.
In dollars and cents, he says this works out to sales of PAC-3 Patriot and THAAD air defense missiles and JASSM/LRASM attack missiles, "adding $7bn / $5bn / and $3bn respectively, to topline" revenue. But according to UBS, few investors are expecting such growth -- meaning Lockheed Martin could deliver positive earnings surprises for years.
$548.23+$15.59 (+2.93%)
NYSE · As of 1:48 PM ET 10/16/26
How to value Lockheed Martin stockNow here's why this is important for investors: Beyond just the revenue growth, you need to realize that MFC is currently Lockheed Martin's most profitable division, delivering 13% operating profit margins on its revenue, versus an overall profitability of 10.7%.
This implies that if Lockheed grows sales 20% annually, its profits could grow even faster -- specifically, faster than the 17% growth the rest of Wall Street predicts.
At a share price below 20 times earnings, Lockheed Martin stock looks like a buy to me.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Key Takeaways Lockheed Martin is expected to post Q3 2026 earnings of $7.48 per share and revenues of $20.35 billion.Record backlog, rising missile defense demand and higher F-35 production are expected to drive growth.ULA-related earnings pressure, high debt and program execution risks could constrain profitability.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) is expected to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 22, before market open.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $7.48 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 7.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pinned at $20.35 billion, indicating growth of 9.4% from the year-ago reported figure.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LMT’s Earnings Surprise HistoryThe company beat on earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, delivering an average surprise of 8.85%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
What Our Quantitative Model PredictsOur proven model predicts an earnings beat for Lockheed Martin this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is the case here as you will see below.
Earnings ESP: The company’s Earnings ESP is +0.27%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: Currently, Lockheed Martin carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Other Stocks Worth a LookSome other industry stocks with a combination of factors indicating an earnings beat are RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) and Howmet Aerospace (HWM - Free Report) . RTX and Howmet Aerospace have an Earnings ESP of +0.15% and +0.21%, respectively. RTX has a Zacks Rank #2 and HWM sports a Zacks Rank #1 at present.
Factors That Might Have Impacted LMT’s Q3 PerformanceLockheed Martin’s record order backlog provides a solid foundation for revenue growth, supported by demand for missile defense systems, precision munitions, fighter aircraft and space-based defense technologies. The company’s expanding production agreements for THAAD, PAC-3 and GMLRS, alongside new radar and strategic space awards, should support higher production volumes and revenue visibility.
Missiles and Fire Control is positioned to remain a major growth driver as production ramps up for PAC-3, THAAD and PrSM. Aeronautics should benefit from stronger F-35 production and sustainment activity, while Rotary and Mission Systems is expected to gain from new radar contracts and higher Sikorsky helicopter production. Space revenues should have been supported by the Next Generation Interceptor, Fleet Ballistic Missile and classified national security programs. Management expects growth to accelerate across all four business segments in the second half of 2026, providing a favorable backdrop for the third quarter.
The company’s third-quarter results are expected to benefit from continued U.S. government and allied support for defense spending — particularly in missile defense, air dominance and space systems.
Management highlighted progress in improving production efficiency through robotics, AI-enabled manufacturing and partnerships with suppliers and international allies. These initiatives could help the company meet rising customer demand, improve delivery schedules and support profitability.
The company’s Space business faces pressure from reduced equity earnings associated with United Launch Alliance (“ULA”) following the technical investigation into the Vulcan launch anomaly. Although higher volumes in strategic missile defense and national security programs are expected to support sales, weaker contributions from ULA could limit profit growth. This creates a potential headwind to consolidated earnings even if the segment continues to record higher revenues.
LMT Stock Price PerformanceIn the past three months, the stock has risen 3.7% against the industry’s decline of 11.5%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LMT Stock Trading at a DiscountLockheed Martin is currently trading at a discount compared to its industry on a forward 12-month P/S basis.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RTX and Howmet Aerospace are trading at a premium compared to its industry on a forward 12-month P/S basis.
LMT’s Debt PositionCurrently, the company’s total debt to capital is 70.08%, higher than the industry’s average of 46.68%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Investment ThesisLockheed Martin is benefiting from a favorable macro backdrop of higher U.S. and allied defense spending, inventory replenishment and growing demand for missile defense, munitions, advanced aircraft and space systems. LMT’s portfolio is concentrated in areas receiving increasing funding and procurement priority, including munitions, integrated air and missile defense, hypersonics, space-based interceptors and counter-drone systems.
Lockheed Martin remains exposed to cost overruns and schedule delays on complex programs, particularly under fixed-price contracts. Production challenges, lower initial profitability on new contracts and unfavorable adjustments across several defense programs continue to pressure margins. Ongoing execution risks in classified and helicopter programs could lead to further charges if costs, project scope or delivery timelines deteriorate.
End NoteLockheed Martin’s diversified defense offerings strengthen its competitive position in securing large-scale government contracts and sustaining robust future demand. Its presence across aerospace, space technologies and maritime defense provides multiple avenues for continued business expansion.
However, considering its high debt levels and execution risks, new investors should wait and look for a better entry point.
Key Takeaways Defense stocks fell nearly 19% from early August highs through Oct. 15, 2026, amid rising yields.Aerospace sector is expected to report 11.8% earnings growth, supported by resilient demand.Four defense ETFs offer diversified exposure, with assets ranging from $5.36 billion to $11.96 billion. The U.S. defense sector faces an unusually turbulent third-quarter earnings season, a development rarely seen over the past decade. Caused by uncertainty over U.S. military spending ahead of November midterms, slowing airline traffic growth, and lingering supply-chain constraints, the S&P 1500 Aerospace and Defense Index fell nearly 19% from its early-August high through Oct. 15, 2026.
As the sector gears up for the third-quarter 2026 earnings next week, investors must be shifting focus from geopolitical headlines to hard balance sheets, particularly for stocks like Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) and RTX Corp. (RTX - Free Report) , both scheduled to post results early next week.
This reporting cycle should serve as a critical stress test, revealing whether record-breaking backlogs from prior spending pledges are converting into meaningful bottom-line growth amid a skeptical market environment.
Factors Likely to Have Shaped Defense Stocks in Q3Heading into third-quarter earnings, prominent defense stocks are caught between two opposing forces: robust spending commitments and a punishing interest-rate environment that has fundamentally altered how the market values growth.
The single most important factor has been the recent surge in U.S. Treasury yields, with the 10-year rate breaking above 5% for the first time since 2007. This has hit defense stocks harder than most sectors because their earnings are heavily weighted toward future backlogs.
This is because, despite delivering healthy revenue growth and backlogs, these defense stocks are now being valued at a higher cost of capital, thanks to sticky inflation and a higher interest rate environment.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical backdrop has been a double-edged sword. Escalation risks in Ukraine and the Middle East are real, but geopolitical headlines alone are no longer expected to boost defense stocks’ quarterly results. As the market has shifted from pricing the probability of conflict to pricing the execution of contracts and the cost of capital, close scrutiny will remain on the cash flow generation capacity of the prominent defense stocks this time.
Despite these valuation headwinds, several underlying factors are expected to have supported the sector's quarterly performance. Sustained NATO spending commitments, a steady flow of awarded contracts, and resilient demand for defense electronics and munitions should have translated into solid top-line growth. Diversified players with exposure to cybersecurity and sensor systems have likely benefited from AI-driven demand. These drivers, combined with cost discipline and favorable program mix, are expected to have offset some of the margin pressure from higher interest rates.
Defense Momentum Ahead of Q3 ResultsAs the third-quarter earnings season approaches, Defense ETFs might have benefited from the tailwinds highlighted earlier, potentially boosting quarterly results, despite the headwinds.
To this end, we focus on the Zacks Earnings Trend report, issued on Oct. 14, 2026. This shows that the Aerospace sector, housing the defense stocks, is expected to report earnings growth of 11.8% on 159.8% revenue growth. Total S&P 500 earnings for the July-September quarter are expected to increase 11.8% year over year, while revenues are projected to grow 24.6%.
Defense ETFs in SpotlightWith defense companies expected to report strong third-quarter results, investors may turn their attention to the following defense ETFs, which offer diversified exposure to prominent defense contractors.
Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD - Free Report)
This fund, with net assets worth $6.35 billion, offers exposure to 50 defense technology companies. Its top three holdings constitute major defense contractors: Palantir Technologies (PLTR - Free Report) (12.57%), RTX (9.07%) and LMT (8.57%).
SHLD charges 50 basis points (bps) in fees and traded at a volume of 0.90 million shares in the last trading session.
This fund, with net assets under management (AUM) worth $5.36 billion, includes 50 U.S.-listed aerospace and defense companies. Honeywell Aerospace holds the first spot in this fund, with 3.26% weight. LMT holds the third position with 3.14% weight, while RTX holds the 10th spot with 2.98% weight.
XAR charges 35 bps in fees and traded at a volume of 0.34 million shares in the last trading session.
iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA - Free Report)
This fund, with net assets worth $11.96 billion, includes 50 U.S. companies that manufacture commercial and military aircraft and other defense equipment. Its top holdings include GE Aerospace (GE - Free Report) , with a 20.96% weighting, followed by RTX at 16.31% and Lockheed Martin (in the fourth place) at 4.82%.
ITA charges 37 bps in fees and traded at a volume of 0.71 million shares in the last trading session.
This fund, with a market value worth $7.26 billion, includes 68 companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of U.S. defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. RTX holds the first position with 9.15% weight, while LMT holds the fourth spot with 8.29% weight.
PPA charges 58 bps in fees and traded at a volume of 0.38 million shares in the last trading session.
, /PRNewswire/ -- A new era of strategic airborne command and control capability for the U.S. Navy has officially begun with Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) delivering a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft destined to become the future of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission, at the company's Marietta, Georgia, facility on Oct. 15.
Lockheed Martin delivered a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to the U.S. Navy at the company’s Marietta, Georgia, facility on Oct. 15. The Super Hercules is destined to become the future of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO is the U.S. Navy’s airborne nuclear command and control support mission. Photo by: Damien Guarnieri/Lockheed Martin.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules will be modified into the E-130J Phoenix II, the Navy's next‑generation TACAMO mission platform, fulfilling an added mission for the Super Hercules. TACAMO is the U.S. Navy's airborne nuclear command‑and‑control support mission.
The Super Hercules provides the Navy with a domestically produced, reliable, long-endurance, four-engine platform with the proven performance to successfully carry out the TACAMO mission. With advanced avionics, increased power, greater range, fuel efficiency and payload capacity, the C‑130J‑30 delivers the capabilities and endurance this critical mission demands.
"This delivery marks a historic milestone for the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, and the nation's strategic communications network," said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions. "The C-130J-30 Super Hercules continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of our customers, carrying the proven reliability of its lineage while transforming into a new, strategic mission set. It is built to deliver the capabilities our joint force demands and built to last through any operational challenge."
The delivery re-establishes the link between the TACAMO mission and the Hercules family. For three decades, the EC-130Q variant served as the Navy's TACAMO platform, flying the mission successfully from 1963 until 1993. The new Super Hercules builds on that legacy while adding advanced avionics, communications and survivability enhancements.
"The C-130J platform has a storied history supporting our strategic communications mission, and accepting this first C-130J-30 marks an exciting new chapter," said U.S. Navy Capt. Roger Davis, Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications program manager (PMA-271). "Lockheed Martin's delivery of this battle-proven airframe provides the structural and performance backbone our mission requires as we transition into mission systems integration to field the E-130J Phoenix II."
As part of the Super Hercules' transformation, the aircraft will be transferred to Northrop Grumman, the mission systems integrator, where the E-130J TACAMO industry team will complete the conversion that will see the airframe enter service as the E‑130J Phoenix II.
About the C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest generation of the legendary C-130 Hercules. Built with advanced avionics, increased range and speed, and enhanced survivability, the C-130J is certified across 20 different mission sets — including airdrop, search and rescue, firefighting, medevac, ISR, special operations, among others. It is the only tactical airlifter with a global fleet of more than 570 aircraft and continues to serve as the backbone of air mobility worldwide.
For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130.html.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
In the latest close session, Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) was up +1.99% at $532.64. This move outpaced the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.33%. At the same time, the Dow added 1.08%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.08%.
Coming into today, shares of the aerospace and defense company had lost 2.8% in the past month. In that same time, the Aerospace sector lost 6.81%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.41%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Lockheed Martin in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on October 22, 2026. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $7.48, indicating a 7.63% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $20.35 billion, indicating a 9.36% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
LMT's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $30.44 per share and revenue of $80.82 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +31.66% and +7.69%, respectively.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for Lockheed Martin. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.02% lower. At present, Lockheed Martin boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Looking at its valuation, Lockheed Martin is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 17.16. This denotes a discount relative to the industry average Forward P/E of 21.07.
It's also important to note that LMT currently trades at a PEG ratio of 1.13. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. LMT's industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.58 as of yesterday's close.
The Aerospace - Defense industry is part of the Aerospace sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 85, putting it in the top 35% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
Tim Cahill, president of missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin, said that the new generation of Patriot interceptor is designed to take on threats the US military will face in next three to five years and give the military and allies a 'much broader range of options' for missile defense. Cahill said that when it comes to cost, its important to find a 'sweet spot' between making systems affordable and still capable to withstand a launch environment.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) today announced a broadening of their strategic partnership at NL-US Defense Industry Days. What began two years ago as an exploratory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has matured into a high-impact collaboration, rapidly transitioning advanced technologies from the research lab into operational solutions that directly support the mission readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
This agreement between the two like-minded organizations highlights the power of combined world-class expertise with global industry leadership to accelerate critical technological breakthroughs. Skunk Works has a more than 80-year history of developing groundbreaking aerospace systems and continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions globally for America and allied nations. Skunk Works' visionary focus on innovation aligns with NLR's mission of making aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective.
Proven results driving future innovation
Since the inception of this MOU, the two organizations have successfully navigated complex operational and security environments inherent to confidential high-tech development. By establishing robust joint frameworks, workshops, and specialized working groups, NLR and Skunk Works have bridged distinct organizational cultures. This operational success has unlocked more opportunities, paving the way for a deeper and more ambitious roadmap.
"We believe that modern aerospace development relies on global integration rather than isolation, making cross-border partnerships essential to deliver systems that no single nation can build alone," said Tineke van der Veen, CEO at Royal NLR. "Referring to the Dutch Defence White Paper 2026, NATO is the cornerstone of our defense, with the United States as our most important ally. Together with Skunk Works, we're committed to cooperate to solve the highest priorities of the air force for the challenges ahead of us."
"Lockheed Martin is excited about continued partnership with NLR through expansion of this MOU," said Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works. "We have matured specific projects with cutting-edge technologies, such as Thermoplastics, and through our continued collaboration, we will develop new solutions to address pressing aerospace and defense challenges."
In this next phase, we'll focus on four key pillars. These include connectivity to the Dutch industrial base, coordination on military operational analysis, alignment on technology roadmaps, and collaboration on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). We'll position the Dutch defense industrial base within the international supply chain, bridge the gap between mission needs and capability requirements, and work together on enabling technologies.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
About Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre
Royal NLR operates as an objective and independent research centre, making aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient and more effective. As part of this, NLR offers innovative solutions and technical expertise, creating a strong competitive position for the commercial sector. More information at www.nlr.org.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skunk-works-and-the-royal-netherlands-aerospace-centre-expand-strategic-collaboration-302910323.html
Lockheed Martin and RTX both raised full-year guidance on the same July morning, but their balance sheets and business mixes tell two very different stories about which dividend survives a budget freeze or a single bad program charge.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.
The earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 22, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis aerospace and defense company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $7.48 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +7.6%.
Revenues are expected to be $20.35 billion, up 9.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.23% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Lockheed?For Lockheed, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.27%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination indicates that Lockheed will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Lockheed would post earnings of $7.22 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.94, delivering a surprise of +9.97%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Lockheed appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry, RTX (RTX - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.76 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +3.5%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $23.84 billion, up 6.1% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for RTX has been revised 0.1% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.15%.
When combined with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), this Earnings ESP indicates that RTX will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) today announced a broadening of their strategic partnership at NL-US Defense Industry Days. What began two years ago as an exploratory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has matured into a high-impact collaboration, rapidly transitioning advanced technologies from the research lab into operational solutions that directly support the mission readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre
Tineke van der Veen, CEO of NLR, and Ron Fehlen, Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works, sign an MOU to continue collaborating on advancing new defense technologies. This agreement between the two like-minded organizations highlights the power of combined world-class expertise with global industry leadership to accelerate critical technological breakthroughs. Skunk Works has a more than 80-year history of developing groundbreaking aerospace systems and continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions globally for America and allied nations. Skunk Works' visionary focus on innovation aligns with NLR's mission of making aerospace technology more sustainable, safer, more efficient, and more effective.
Proven results driving future innovation
Since the inception of this MOU, the two organizations have successfully navigated complex operational and security environments inherent to confidential high-tech development. By establishing robust joint frameworks, workshops, and specialized working groups, NLR and Skunk Works have bridged distinct organizational cultures. This operational success has unlocked more opportunities, paving the way for a deeper and more ambitious roadmap.
"We believe that modern aerospace development relies on global integration rather than isolation, making cross-border partnerships essential to deliver systems that no single nation can build alone," said Tineke van der Veen, CEO at Royal NLR. "Referring to the Dutch Defence White Paper 2026, NATO is the cornerstone of our defense, with the United States as our most important ally. Together with Skunk Works, we're committed to cooperate to solve the highest priorities of the air force for the challenges ahead of us."
"Lockheed Martin is excited about continued partnership with NLR through expansion of this MOU," said Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works. "We have matured specific projects with cutting-edge technologies, such as Thermoplastics, and through our continued collaboration, we will develop new solutions to address pressing aerospace and defense challenges."
In this next phase, we'll focus on four key pillars. These include connectivity to the Dutch industrial base, coordination on military operational analysis, alignment on technology roadmaps, and collaboration on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). We'll position the Dutch defense industrial base within the international supply chain, bridge the gap between mission needs and capability requirements, and work together on enabling technologies.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
About Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre
Royal NLR operates as an objective and independent research centre, making aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient and more effective. As part of this, NLR offers innovative solutions and technical expertise, creating a strong competitive position for the commercial sector. More information at www.nlr.org.
New Hadrian partnership bringing world-class, commercial-style manufacturing technology to accelerate production of critical munitions
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced plans to create 6,000 jobs across the United States including 2,000 in Texas, as the company expands advanced manufacturing capacity to accelerate production of critical munitions.
Lockheed Martin celebrated a ribbon cutting for a nearly 200,000-square-foot expansion of a new advanced manufacturing facility that will expand the company‘s manufacturing footprint in Grand Prairie, Texas, to more than 735,000 square feet.
Hadrian will bring innovative, highly automated machining cells to the Grand Prairie facility, operated by the world-class Lockheed Martin production workforce.
At the center of that growth is Lockheed Martin's Grand Prairie operation, where the company is investing $300 million and expanding its manufacturing footprint to more than 735,000 square feet. The expansion includes 100,000 square feet of new space and 85,000 square feet of office space being transformed for advanced manufacturing, creating additional capacity for automation, digital manufacturing and high-precision machining.
The company also announced today that Hadrian will bring an innovative, highly automated machining cell to the Grand Prairie facility, operated by the world-class Lockheed Martin production workforce. Expected to be operational in early 2027, the 24-machine cell will bring commercial-style manufacturing technology directly into Lockheed Martin's production environment and add dedicated capacity for critical defense components.
THE BIG PICTURE
Lockheed Martin is building a manufacturing model designed for speed, scale and sustained production, bringing together the best of defense and commercial manufacturing to build a more resilient, automated and digitally integrated production model designed to deliver critical capabilities faster. The new Hadrian cell is the latest example of that strategy. It follows Lockheed Martin's recently announced collaboration with GM Defense to apply commercial automotive manufacturing expertise to defense production.
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
"This expansion is more than just a new facility; it is a stronger supply chain and a more resilient industrial base," said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "Today in Grand Prairie, American industry is answering the call to support our warfighters."
"Lockheed Martin has brought together commercial speed and combat-proven performance because America needs both," said Jim Taiclet, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin. "By combining advanced technology with the expertise of our American workforce, we're transforming manufacturing to deliver critical munitions at speed and scale."
"The warfighter can't wait on peacetime timelines. Hadrian is bringing the automation, software and workforce training from our own factories directly inside Lockheed Martin, so we can produce more, faster. Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom at the scale America needs will take partnerships that combine expertise and speed, and this is what that looks like," said Chris Power, CEO of Hadrian.
WHY IT MATTERS
Delivering critical munitions: Lockheed Martin's Grand Prairie facility supports all Missiles and Fire Control programs, including PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM. The expansion and partnership announced today will help Grand Prairie reach record production levels and deliver components to final-assembly sites including Camden, Arkansas, and Troy, Alabama.
Investing ahead of demand: The $300 million investment in this expansion is part of the company's broader commitment to invest $8–9 billion through 2030 to scale munitions production and modernize or expand more than 20 facilities across the United States.
Building a manufacturing model that can scale: Lockheed Martin is combining a highly skilled workforce with automation, digital manufacturing, precision machining and commercial manufacturing practices to increase capacity and strengthen the defense industrial base.
Creating greater predictability: Working with Department of War leadership, Lockheed Martin is applying commercially inspired contracting approaches through landmark agreements for PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM. These agreements provide greater predictability to invest in people, equipment and supply chains while accelerating production and delivery.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
The Grand Prairie facility is already home to hundreds of critical machining and advanced manufacturing assets, and Lockheed Martin is rapidly adding even more capacity. In just a few months, the company has transformed former office space into advanced manufacturing areas and installed more than 30 additional high-precision machines now producing thousands of critical components each week.
By the end of 2026, Lockheed Martin expects to have added nearly 100 new advanced machines across the facility.
Nearly 800 production employees currently work at the facility which manufactured 250,000 parts in 2025.
Today's announcement with Hadrian follows the signing of a seven-year agreement signed by both companies in 2025.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
About Hadrian
Hadrian is rebuilding America's industrial base with highly automated factories that combine process engineering, AI, and robotics. Its mission is to help space and defense manufacturers produce full programs at scale in the U.S. while giving American workers the tools to compete globally.
The company operates four facilities covering just under 3 million square feet: two in Torrance, California, and newly launched sites in Arizona and Alabama, with additional sites in development across the country. More information at https://www.hadrian.co/.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) stock jumped 3.3% through 1:55 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
You can thank Vertical Research for that.
Image source: Lockheed Martin.
Vertical Research loves Lockheed Martin stockTwo separate research notes came out on Lockheed Martin this morning. Investment bank Bernstein took the under, cutting its price target on the defense stock to $564 amid worries about potential delays in defense funding in Congress this year and concerns that "the path to a budget remains uncertain," as TheFly.com reports.
Not to worry, though, says Vertical Research analyst Robert Stallard. "While there is much uncertainty about the outlook for the U.S. defense budget," one place where funding seems secure is spending to acquire missiles for air defense after the Iran war severely eroded stockpiles of Patriot missiles.
And Lockheed Martin, of course, builds the Patriot.
Premium Feature
Moneyball Superscore
76/100
Today's Change
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3.41
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17.18
Current Price
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What's next for Lockheed stock?The need to buy new missiles to replace those that have been used up means a large part of Lockheed Martin's revenue pipeline is probably secure, whatever happens to the rest of the defense budget. And with Lockheed stock down 23% since its highs earlier this year -- and down 14% over just the last two months-- now may be a good time to get in and buy some Lockheed stock.
In fact, that's exactly what Stallard recommends -- initiating coverage of Lockheed stock with a buy rating and a $600 price target.
With Lockheed stock priced below 20 times earnings today, paying a 2.9% dividend, and expected to grow earnings better than 17% annually over the next five years, the price looks right to me, too.
Lockheed Martin stock is a buy.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
CNBC's Morgan Brennan joins 'Halftime Report' to sit down with Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey. They discuss the ramp-up in missile production at Lockheed Martin and what it means for the broader market.
Ben Watson of @CharlesSchwab has his eye on Lockheed Martin (LMT) forming a head and shoulders pattern in its stock chart. He explains how price action can fall back in favors of the bulls.
Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) closed at $504.02 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.54% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.02% loss on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.35%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.15%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the aerospace and defense company had lost 3.31% was narrower than the Aerospace sector's loss of 6.85% and lagged the S&P 500's gain of 2.05%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Lockheed Martin in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on October 22, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $7.48, reflecting a 7.63% increase from the same quarter last year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $20.35 billion, indicating a 9.36% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.
Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $30.45 per share and revenue of $80.82 billion. These totals would mark changes of +31.7% and +7.69%, respectively, from last year.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Lockheed Martin. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 0.19% increase. Right now, Lockheed Martin possesses a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
From a valuation perspective, Lockheed Martin is currently exchanging hands at a Forward P/E ratio of 16.81. This expresses a discount compared to the average Forward P/E of 21.16 of its industry.
It is also worth noting that LMT currently has a PEG ratio of 1.11. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. The average PEG ratio for the Aerospace - Defense industry stood at 1.59 at the close of the market yesterday.
The Aerospace - Defense industry is part of the Aerospace sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 61, putting it in the top 25% of all 250+ industries.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
Lockheed Martin and Avio Announce Strategic Cooperation Agreement for Solid Rocket Motor Production
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Avio announced a strategic cooperation agreement for the production of solid rocket motors (SRMs). This collaboration will accelerate and expand the SRM industrial base with key manufacturing capabilities, bringing resiliency to a vital U.S. supply chain.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261013766935/en/
Avio USA CEO James Syring (L) and Lockheed Martin MFC President Tim Cahill announce a strategic cooperation agreement for the production of solid rocket motors at AUSA Annual Meeting 2026.
THE BIG PICTURE
After qualification, initial work will focus on the production of solid rocket motors for the Extended Range GMLRS® (ER GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). SRM production for these essential programs will be performed at Avio USA’s new state-of-the-art facility in Hurt, Virgina, drawing on the longstanding solid propulsion expertise of its parent company, Avio S.p.A. (EXM: AVIO).
WHY IT MATTERS
SRM supply chain resiliency: This agreement provides Lockheed Martin access to a share of Avio’s merchant supply capacity for ER GMLRS and PrSM production, ensuring flexibility and creating surety of supply in the crucial SRM supply chain to meet accelerating customer demand and guarantee uninterrupted mission readiness across global operations.Increased production capacity: By augmenting the defense industrial base, this effort demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s agile response to heightened production requirements, supporting the expansion of dedicated lines and resources to fulfill emerging operational needs for SRM production.Accelerated ER GMLRS and PrSM manufacturing capabilities: By leveraging expanded SRM production capacity, Lockheed Martin is creating the opportunity to accelerate ER GMLRS and PrSM output to deliver increased munition volumes faster to support warfighters and combatant commands.EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
“A reliable and diverse supply chain for solid rocket motors is fundamental to our strategy for a stronger defense industrial base. This strategic cooperation agreement with Avio enables us to speed up production of essential capabilities, ensuring our customers maintain their competitive edge against emerging threats,” said Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.“This agreement is a major milestone for Avio USA and for the facility and team we are building in Virginia,” said James Syring, CEO of Avio USA. “The Lockheed Martin programs contribute to a strong foundation for the factory operations. It gives us tremendous momentum as we continue construction, grow our U.S. workforce and prepare to begin manufacturing.”“Avio has launched an investment of over $500M in new production capacity for SRMs in the United States with a view to become a merchant supplier to the various defense customers. In this context, Avio is excited to be able to support Lockheed Martin in their effort to increase production volumes and resiliency and will put all its expertise at work to accelerate towards this goal,” said Giulio Ranzo, Chief Executive Officer of Avio.ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This strategic cooperation agreement between Lockheed Martin and Avio USA will strengthen the U.S. SRM industrial base, bolstering the defense supply chain and enabling our troops to have access to reliable, high-performance munitions to defend our nation and its allies.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
About Avio USA
Avio USA Inc., headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a subsidiary of Avio S.p.A. structured to operate in compliance with U.S. security and export-control regulations. The company is governed by a U.S.-based board of directors and led by CEO James Syring, a retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and former Director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Avio USA is building a growing U.S. engineering, manufacturing and operations presence, leveraging Avio’s global propulsion expertise to expand domestic production and serve as an independent supplier to U.S. defense customers and industry partners. Learn more at AvioUSA.com.
About Avio
Avio S.p.A. (EXM: AVIO) is a leading international group engaged in the manufacturing and development of space launchers and solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems. The experience and know-how built up over more than 50 years puts Avio at the cutting edge of the space launcher sector and defense programs. Avio is present in Italy, France, the United States and French Guiana, employing more than 1,500 highly qualified personnel. Avio is the prime contractor for the Vega program and a subcontractor for the Ariane program, as well as a leading solid rocket motor subcontractor for the design and manufacturing of major European tactical missile programs. Learn more at Avio.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261013766935/en/
Disclosures
I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
The aerospace market is at a crossroads between commercial recovery and defense modernization. Investors must decide if The Boeing Co. (BA -1.59%) or Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT -1.54%) offers the better path for long-term growth today.
Boeing dominates commercial aviation and defense, while Lockheed Martin is a premier pure-play defense contractor. Comparing them reveals a choice between a high-stakes turnaround and a steady, dividend-paying stalwart. Both are essential to global infrastructure but offer very different risk and reward profiles for your portfolio.
The case for Boeing Co.Boeing serves a global market, providing commercial airplanes and defense systems as one of the largest industrial stocks in the world. The company relies heavily on the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Defense and NASA, while also maintaining critical relationships with commercial airlines in China. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, especially given its recent acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, which forced Boeing to support competitors like Airbus (EADSF -0.12%).
In FY 2025, revenue reached about $89.5 billion, representing a significant 34.5% increase over the previous year. This growth helped the company achieve a net income of approximately $2.2 billion, a sharp recovery from the net loss of around $11.8 billion reported in FY 2024. The turnaround highlights a significant improvement in delivery volumes across its commercial segments.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 10.0x, comparing total debt to shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures the ability to cover short-term debts with short-term assets, is close to 1.2x. Free cash flow was roughly negative $1.9 billion; note that stock-based compensation (SBC) represented roughly 40% of operating cash flow, which inflates reported cash generation since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.
The case for Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin is a premier name among defense stocks, focusing on high-tech security and aerospace solutions. The U.S. government accounted for roughly 72% of its 2025 sales, and customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business. The F-35 program alone represented approximately 27% of total revenue, involving commitments from seven international partner countries and twelve foreign military sales customers.
In FY 2025, revenue reached about $75.1 billion, reflecting a steady 5.7% growth compared to the prior year. Net income for the period was nearly $5.0 billion, which remains robustly profitable despite being a slight decline from previous years. The company continues to benefit from its dominant position in stealth fighter technology and missile defense systems.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 3.2x, indicating the level of debt relative to the value of shareholder equity. Its current ratio is nearly 1.1x, which measures a company's ability to pay off short-term obligations. Free cash flow was roughly $6.9 billion, a metric representing cash from operations minus capital expenditures.
Risk profile comparisonBoeing continues to face hurdles regarding production and certification schedules for several aircraft models, including the 777X and 737 variants. These delays are often exacerbated by complex supply chain dependencies and strict regulatory oversight. The company also navigates risks from losses on fixed-price defense contracts and the integration of Spirit AeroSystems, which brought unexpected liabilities.
Lockheed Martin faces its own set of challenges, particularly its high revenue concentration within the F-35 program. Any future budget cuts or technical performance issues with this platform could significantly impact its financial health. The company also manages risks from a $4.25 billion lawsuit regarding proprietary business models while competing with rivals like RTX Corp. (RTX -1.95%) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC -0.75%).
Valuation comparisonLockheed Martin appears cheaper than Boeing because its Forward P/E against future earnings estimates and P/S ratio against sales over the past twelve months are lower.
MetricBoeingLockheed MartinForward P/E52.2x16.9xP/S ratio1.6x1.5xValuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Boeing is still working to recover from safety and supply chain issues that have recently dogged the business. While revenue will rise about 9% to $97.7 billion this year, the company's net income will fall dramatically to around $85 million, according to consensus Wall Street analyst forecasts, hence its high forward P/E ratio.
But don't count Boeing out. It is among the largest aerospace and defense companies, giving it excellent long-term prospects due to its leading position in the growing commercial aerospace industry. In the first quarter of its current fiscal year, the order backlog rose in the double digits, setting a new record. Backlogs mean future sales are strong and show the industry believes in the business. Boeing can expect long-term growth from the air superiority fighter, the F-47, which it is developing to replace the F-22.
Like Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corp. is a core company in U.S. aerospace and defense. In particular, the F-35 fighter program remains a pillar of Lockheed's business, with the Defense Department planning to continue to buy the jet into the 2040s. Having more than a quarter of revenue essentially guaranteed for 15 years or more is unheard of and quite appealing to a long-term investor.In addition to jet fighters, the company has a handful of drone systems it says can integrate into U.S. defense systems to provide a blanket of security systems to complement the jets.
Lockheed's revenue should rise 8% this year to $81 billion, with a much healthier 40% jump in net income to more than $7 billion.
Either one of these businesses is likely a good long-term buy. But under the adage of buying good companies at good prices, Lockheed's lower forward P/E and P/S ratios make it the better buy in 2026.
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #Avio--Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Avio announced a strategic cooperation agreement for the production of solid rocket motors (SRMs). This collaboration will accelerate and expand the SRM industrial base with key manufacturing capabilities, bringing resiliency to a vital U.S. supply chain.THE BIG PICTUREAfter qualification, initial work will focus on the production of solid rocket motors for the Extended Range GMLRS® (ER GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). S.