Lockheed Martin is developing an advanced version of its F-35 stealth fighter jet that could potentially be uncrewed, the company's CEO said on Wednesday. Speaking at the Bernstein's 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference, CEO Jim Taiclet floated the possibility of an F-35 whose pilot could be "optional" within a "relatively modest time frame."He outlined what he called "fifth-gen-plus" aircraft, where within two or three years both the F-35 and the older F-22 Raptor would feature several capabilities, ...

Lockheed Martin (LMT) ended the recent trading session at $469.98, demonstrating a -1.44% swing from the preceding day's closing price. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.56%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.58%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.51%.Shares of the aerospace and defense company have appreciated by 0.2% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Aerospace sector's gain of 11.42% and the S&P 500's gain of 7.37%.The investment community w ...

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) Bernstein’s 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference May 28, 2025 1:30 PM ET Company Participants Jim Taiclet - Chairman, President & CEO Evan Scott - CFO Conference Call Participants Douglas Harned - Sanford Bernstein Douglas Harned Okay. Let's get started. I'm Doug Harned, Bernstein's senior global aerospace and defense analyst. I'm thrilled today to again have with us Jim Taiclet, Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin; and also Evan Scott, the new Chief Financial Of ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a backlog of 361 F-35 jets, with an additional 150 expected to be added soon, indicating a strong position in production [16] - The F-35 program accounts for approximately 30% of the company's revenues, with production rates expected to remain flat at 156 units per year [29][15] - The company anticipates low single-digit growth in F-35 production and sustainment, with high single-digit growth expected in sustainment as the number of deployed jets increases [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Aeronautics, the F-35 sustainment is the largest growth factor, alongside F-35 production [12] - The Space segment is seeing growth in strategic missile defense, including hypersonics and fleet ballistic missile programs [12][73] - The Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) segment is expected to experience high single-digit growth, with potential for double-digit growth in some years due to strong demand [49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales accounted for 29% of sales in the missiles and fire control segment, with Europe being the largest growth area [51] - The company sees significant opportunities in the Middle East, particularly in air superiority capabilities for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE [7][9] - The company is focusing on international co-production opportunities, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific [62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance air superiority capabilities and is exploring longer-term production and sustainment agreements to stabilize the supply chain [4][44] - The Golden Dome initiative is a strategic focus, with the company positioned to contribute across various areas, including space sensors and missile defense systems [5][66] - The company is advocating for a shift in government contracting to allow for more flexible and innovative approaches to defense procurement [79][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth of defense budgets and the strategic approach of the government, which is expected to benefit the company [11] - The operational challenges include managing legacy contracts and supply chain issues, but the management team is focused on cost, quality, and schedule [6] - The company is optimistic about the future, particularly regarding the integration of new technologies into existing platforms like the F-35 [39] Other Important Information - The company is working on the Tech Refresh 3 (TR3) for the F-35, which is expected to enhance the aircraft's capabilities [22][24] - The company has made commitments to co-produce components in India, demonstrating a long-term partnership strategy [37][38] - The company is exploring the potential for classified programs, which are seen as long-term growth opportunities despite current cost pressures [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the growth outlook for the F-35 program? - The F-35 program is expected to maintain a production rate of 156 units per year, with strong international demand supporting this level even if U.S. orders fluctuate [14][15] Question: How is the company addressing supply chain challenges? - The company is actively working to improve supply chain resilience and is exploring partnerships to mitigate bottlenecks, particularly in solid rocket motors [56][57] Question: What are the expectations for international sales growth? - International sales are expected to continue growing, with a focus on Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East as key regions for expansion [52][53]

Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) recently won a $214.4 million contract for the recapitalization of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) into the M270A2 configuration. The work related to this contract will be executed in Camden, AR, and Grand Prairie, as well as New Boston, TX.The contract is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2030. The deal has been given by the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, Redstone Arsenal, AL.Significance of LMT's MLRSLockheed’s M270 Multiple Launch Rocket ...

Group 1 - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which includes significant changes advocated by President Trump, creating potential investment opportunities, particularly for Lockheed Martin [1][3] - The bill aims to make individual tax cuts permanent and includes controversial Medicaid changes, but the most relevant aspect for Lockheed Martin is the funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system [3][4] - The Golden Dome is designed to be a missile defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome, with President Trump stating it could be completed within three years and capable of intercepting missiles globally [4][5] Group 2 - Lockheed Martin is positioning itself as a key contractor for the Golden Dome project, highlighting its expertise in missile defense systems, particularly through its work on the Command Control Battle Management Communications (C2BMC) [5][6] - The company emphasizes the need for proven technology and capabilities in missile defense, stating that it is prepared to collaborate with other industry leaders to ensure the project's success [6] - While Lockheed Martin presents a strong case for involvement, the passage of the bill in the Senate remains uncertain, and even if passed, there is no guarantee of a federal contract for the Golden Dome system [7][8] Group 3 - The initial funding allocated for the Golden Dome system is $25 billion, with the total estimated cost projected to be around $175 billion, although some experts suggest it could be higher [8][9] - If Lockheed Martin secures a major contract for the Golden Dome, it could serve as a significant catalyst for the company's stock performance [9]

Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin's shares have increased by approximately 1.5% since the last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the sustainability of this trend leading up to the next earnings release [1]. Group 1: Earnings and Estimates - Estimates for Lockheed Martin have trended downward over the past month, indicating a negative shift in expectations [2][4]. - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the catalysts affecting the stock's performance [1]. Group 2: VGM Scores - Lockheed Martin currently holds a Growth Score of B, but has a low Momentum Score of F, while maintaining a Value Score of B, placing it in the second quintile for this investment strategy [3]. - The aggregate VGM Score for Lockheed Martin is B, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3]. Group 3: Outlook - The downward trend in estimates suggests a potential for an in-line return from Lockheed Martin in the coming months, as indicated by its Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4].

Core Insights - The aerospace and defense industries have experienced volatility this year due to concerns over potential significant cuts to the US defense budget, although President Trump is now considering a $175 billion budget [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - The aerospace and defense sectors are currently facing challenges related to budgetary uncertainties, impacting market stability [1] - The industry is characterized by significant growth prospects, which are analyzed through data-informed insights [1] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The Aerospace Forum aims to identify investment opportunities within the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors, leveraging in-house developed data analytics [1] - Analysts within the group maintain long positions in key companies such as Northrop Grumman (NOC), Lockheed Martin (LMT), and Raytheon Technologies (RTX), indicating confidence in these stocks [1]

Group 1 - Lockheed Martin's Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet, along with CFO Evan Scott, will participate in a fireside chat at Bernstein's 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on May 28, 2025 [1] - The event is scheduled to take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. ET [1] - Live access to the webcast will be available on Lockheed Martin's investor relations website, with a replay accessible for two weeks post-presentation [1] Group 2 - Lockheed Martin is recognized as a global defense technology company focused on innovation and scientific discovery [2] - The company emphasizes its all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision to deliver transformative technologies [2] - Lockheed Martin aims to ensure that its clients remain ahead of potential threats [2]

Core Insights - Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works and the Danish Ministry of Defence successfully demonstrated F-35 interoperability, showcasing the aircraft's role as a force multiplier in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) [1][4] - The demonstration involved a Danish F-35 sharing classified data with a command center in Denmark using open systems technology, highlighting advancements in real-time data sharing capabilities [2][3] - The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the Danish MOD emphasizes the importance of Open Systems Architecture for seamless integration across various platforms and systems [4] Company Overview - Lockheed Martin operates over 1,170 F-35s globally, which have collectively surpassed 1 million flight hours, underscoring the aircraft's operational significance [5] - The F-35 is deployed from 50 bases worldwide, with 10 nations operating the aircraft on their home soil, indicating its widespread adoption and critical role in maintaining air dominance [5] - Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative open architecture solutions that enhance multi-domain integration capabilities among allied forces [4][6]