Leidos' extensive current AI-enabled cyber offerings arm users with the rapid capability and scale needed to automate vulnerability detection, enhance novel defenses, neutralize attacker advantages and evade adversary defenses. Acquiring Kudu Dynamics will accelerate Leidos' strategy for AI-enabled offensive cyber, electromagnetic spectrum operations and vulnerability research. Founded in 2013, Kudu Dynamics rapidly has grown its work across the Department of Defense, leading the industry in automated targe ...

Industry Overview - The aerospace defense industry is experiencing growth despite supply-chain challenges, driven by increased defense budgets and positive projections for global air passenger numbers in the second half of 2025 [1][3] - A White House report indicates a proposed 13% increase in U.S. defense spending to $1.01 trillion for fiscal year 2026, which is expected to benefit defense-focused companies [4] - The Zacks-defined Aerospace – Defense Industry ranks in the top 16% of Zacks Industry Rank, suggesting it will outperform the market in the next three to six months [5] Company Summaries GE Aerospace - GE Aerospace is seeing strong demand for commercial engines and propulsion technologies, supported by rising defense budgets and geopolitical tensions [8] - The company raised its dividend by 28.6% to 36 cents per share in February 2025, with expected organic revenue growth in the low-double-digit range for 2025 [9] - GE Aerospace has an expected revenue growth rate of -6.8% and an earnings growth rate of 19.6% for the current year [9] Howmet Aerospace Inc. - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from robust momentum in the commercial aerospace market and strength in its defense business due to rising defense budgets [10] - The company has a strong liquidity position and expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.5% and 28.6%, respectively, for the current year [11] Leidos Holdings Inc. - Leidos Holdings reported strong earnings and revenue growth, with increased contract wins from the Pentagon leading to a solid backlog of $46.30 billion [12][14] - The company is well-positioned to contribute to the development of a next-generation missile defense shield, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 2.7% and 4.3%, respectively, for the current year [14] Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. - Huntington Ingalls is a leading U.S. shipbuilder with a solid order backlog, driven by strong demand for its nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines [15][16] - The company expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively, for the current year [17] Vertical Aerospace Ltd. - Vertical Aerospace is focused on designing and manufacturing zero-emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with significant growth potential in the advanced air mobility market [18] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 1% and an earnings growth rate of over 100% for the current year [19]

Group 1 - Leidos and Saudi Arabia's National Security Services Company (SAFE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on security screening technology for airports and other ports of entry in Saudi Arabia [1][2] - The agreement aims to modernize Saudi Arabia's security screening infrastructure, enhancing threat detection capabilities including people and baggage scanners, explosive detection devices, and rapid screening of cargo and vehicles [1] - The partnership was announced during the U.S-Saudi Investment Forum, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia [2] Group 2 - Leidos is a leader in the industry and technology sector, serving government and commercial customers, with reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) presents a strong investment opportunity in the Aerospace Defense industry due to rising earnings estimates, robust return on equity (ROE), a solid backlog, and shareholder-friendly initiatives [1] Growth Forecast & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LDOS' 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 1.5%, while the estimate for 2026 EPS has risen by 0.7% over the past 30 days [2] - The total revenue estimate for 2025 is $17.11 billion, indicating a growth of 2.7% from 2024, and for 2026, the revenue estimate is $17.66 billion, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 3.3% [2] - LDOS has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.4% and has surpassed expectations in the last four quarters with an average earnings surprise of 23.71% [3] Rising Backlog - Contract wins from the Pentagon and other U.S. allies for cost-effective military technologies are key revenue sources for Leidos, enhancing its bookings and backlog [4] - The backlog at the end of March 2025 was $46.30 billion, up from $43.55 billion in the prior quarter, indicating improved revenue-generating potential [4] Return on Equity - LDOS has a return on equity (ROE) of 32.62%, significantly higher than the industry average of 9.66%, indicating effective fund utilization [5] Solvency & Liquidity - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio for Leidos at the end of Q1 2025 was 10.1, suggesting the company can meet its interest payment obligations without difficulty [6] - The current ratio was 1.54, indicating the company can meet its short-term liabilities effectively [6] Shareholder-Friendly Initiatives - Leidos has consistently paid dividends, with a current quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $1.60 [7] - In Q1 2025, the company paid dividends totaling $53 million, with a current dividend yield of 1.05%, surpassing the sector average of 0.95% [7] - The company repurchased $528 million worth of its shares in Q1, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 188.5% [8] Stock Price Performance - Over the past three months, LDOS shares have increased by 15.8%, outperforming the industry's rise of 7.6% [10]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry includes companies that design and manufacture military and commercial aircraft, combat vehicles, missiles, and space transportation vehicles [2] - It also encompasses cybersecurity firms providing IT services and C4ISR solutions, along with defense contractors offering spare parts and maintenance services [3] Key Trends - Improved air traffic outlook is boosting growth prospects, with global air passenger traffic revenue per kilometer increasing by 3.3% year over year to 738.8 billion [4] - The U.S. defense budget is projected to increase by 13% to $1.01 trillion for fiscal year 2026, which will benefit defense-focused companies [5] - Supply-chain disruptions continue to pose challenges, particularly affecting smaller suppliers in the commercial aerospace sector, with a projected drop in aircraft deliveries from 2,293 to 1,802 in 2025 due to these bottlenecks [6][7] Industry Performance - The Aerospace-Defense industry has underperformed compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite and its own sector, with a collective gain of 7.2% over the past year, while the Aerospace sector grew by 11.9% and the S&P 500 by 8.3% [12] - The industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, placing it in the top 37% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/Sales ratio of 2.82, compared to the S&P 500's 4.86 and the sector's 2.51 [15] Company Highlights - **Airbus Group**: Revenues improved by 6% year over year, with earnings per share increasing by 33%. The 2025 sales estimate is $82.57 billion, reflecting a 10.4% increase from the previous year [18][19] - **Leidos Holdings**: Revenues grew by 7% year over year to $4.25 billion, with adjusted earnings up by 30%. The 2025 sales estimate indicates a 2.7% improvement from 2024 [22][23] - **Huntington Ingalls Industries**: Received orders worth $2.1 billion in the first quarter, with a total backlog of $48 billion as of March 31, 2025. The 2025 sales estimate shows a 3.5% increase from 2024 [26][27]

It's a dangerous world, and this is driving up defense stock prices. For new investors looking to buy, this is not a good thing.It's not always fun being right -- especially when you write about defense stocks, and you have to tell people that defense stocks are too expensive to invest in right now.After reviewing the skyrocketing prices of large defense aerospace and contractors last year, I concluded that defense stocks cost too much. Checking back on valuations after prices had fallen in January, I had t ...

Core Viewpoint - Leidos Holdings, Inc. reported strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings per share significantly exceeding expectations and showing substantial year-over-year growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $2.97, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.47 by 20.2% and increasing 29.7% from $2.29 in the prior-year quarter [1] - GAAP earnings were $2.77 per share, up from $2.07 in the same quarter last year [1] - Total revenues reached $4.25 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.08 billion by 4% and reflecting a 6.8% year-over-year increase [3] Operational Statistics - Cost of revenues increased by 4.5% year over year to $3.49 billion [5] - Adjusted operating income rose to $565 million from $456 million in the previous year [5] - Adjusted operating margin improved to 13.3% compared to 11.5% in the prior-year period [5] Backlog and Segment Performance - Total backlog increased to $46.30 billion from $43.56 billion at the end of Q4 2024, with $7.33 billion funded [4] - National Security and Digital segment revenues grew 4.7% year over year to $1.88 billion, while adjusted operating income slightly declined to $190 million [6] - Health & Civil segment revenues rose 7.7% to $1.29 billion, with adjusted operating income increasing to $305 million [7] - Commercial & International segment revenues reached $568 million, up 11.6% year over year, with adjusted operating income at $48 million [8] - Defense Systems segment revenues were $508 million, up 7.2%, with adjusted operating income increasing to $46 million [10] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $842 million, a slight decrease from $849 million at the beginning of the year [11] - Long-term debt increased to $5.01 billion from $4.05 billion [11] - Net cash flow from operating activities was $58 million, down from $113 million a year ago [11] 2025 Guidance - Leidos reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting adjusted earnings in the range of $10.35-$10.75 per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $10.51 [12] - The company anticipates revenues between $16.90-$17.30 billion, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $17.09 billion [12] - Expected cash flow from operating activities for 2025 is approximately $1.45 billion [13]

Financial Performance - Leidos reported revenues of $4,245 million for the three months ended April 4, 2025, representing a 6.8% increase from $3,975 million for the same period in 2024[93]. - Operating income increased by 27.7% to $530 million for the three months ended April 4, 2025, compared to $415 million for the same period in 2024[93]. - Net income attributable to Leidos common stockholders was $363 million, a 27.8% increase from $284 million in the prior year[93]. - The Health & Civil segment saw a revenue increase of 7.7% to $1,291 million, with operating income rising by 34.7% to $299 million[96]. - The Defense Systems segment reported revenues of $508 million, a 7.2% increase, with operating income up 61.9% to $34 million[98]. - Revenues for the three months ended April 4, 2025, were $2,698 million, with an operating income of $235 million and a net income attributable to common stockholders of $32 million[126]. Government Contracts - The company generated approximately 87% of total revenues from U.S. government contracts, indicating a strong reliance on government spending[88]. Bookings and Backlog - Net bookings for the three months ended April 4, 2025, were estimated at $2.1 billion, down from $3.8 billion in the same period in 2024[106]. - Total backlog as of April 4, 2025, was $46,296 million, which includes $7,329 million in funded backlog[106]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - During the three months ended April 4, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $58 million, a decrease of $55 million compared to $113 million in the prior year quarter[117]. - Net cash used in investing activities increased by $10 million to $22 million for the three months ended April 4, 2025, primarily due to higher capital expenditures of $5 million[118]. - Net cash used in financing activities decreased by $118 million to $110 million for the three months ended April 4, 2025, mainly due to a net increase of $465 million in cash inflows from debt issuance[119]. - The company anticipates meeting liquidity needs for the next 12 months through cash generated from operations and available cash balances[116]. Debt and Liabilities - As of April 4, 2025, Leidos had $842 million in cash and cash equivalents and outstanding debt of $5.1 billion[108][109]. - Long-term debt, net of current portion, increased to $5,014 million as of April 4, 2025, compared to $4,052 million on January 3, 2025[125]. - Total liabilities increased to $11,416 million as of April 4, 2025, from $10,868 million on January 3, 2025[125]. Tax and Market Risk - The effective tax rate for the three months ended April 4, 2025, was 23.6%, an increase from 23.1% in the prior year[103]. - There were no material changes in market risk exposure compared to the previous annual report[131]. Stock Repurchase - The company made open market repurchases of common stock totaling $150 million during the three months ended March 29, 2024[115].

Leidos (LDOS) reported $4.25 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.8%. EPS of $2.97 for the same period compares to $2.29 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +4.03% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.08 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $2.47, the EPS surprise was +20.24%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expec ...

Leidos (LDOS) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.97 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.47 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.29 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 20.24%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this security and engineering company would post earnings of $2.18 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.37, delivering a surprise of 8.72%.Over the last four quarter ...