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Lockheed Beats Market in a Month: How to Play the Stock Now?
Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin(US:LMT) ZACKS·2025-09-15 14:15

Core Insights - Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) shares have increased by 7% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry's growth of 1.6% and the S&P 500's return of 2.9% during the same period [1][10] - In contrast, industry peers Boeing Company (BA) and Embraer S.A. (ERJ) have seen declines of 7.1% and 0.9%, respectively [2] Recent Developments - Positive news announcements have contributed to the rise in LMT's stock, indicating strong demand and growth prospects for its products [3] - Notable contracts include a mid-August agreement with Poland to modernize its F-16 fleet, delivery of Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippines, and a $720 million contract for Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles from the U.S. Army [4][5] - LMT's order book for September includes a $900 million contract for Javelin missiles and a $9.8 billion award for 1,970 Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors [6] Financial Outlook - The contracts are expected to drive revenue growth in the coming quarters, with a backlog totaling $166.5 billion as of June 29, 2025, and management anticipating recognition of approximately 38% of this backlog over the next 12 months [7][8][11] - LMT's international business accounts for 27.1% of total sales, with strong demand for tactical missiles, Black Hawk helicopters, and F-35 jets from various countries [12] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 sales indicates year-over-year improvements of 4.5% and 4.3%, respectively, while 2025 earnings estimates suggest a decline of 23.2% [14] - Near-term earnings estimates have decreased over the past 60 days, reflecting analysts' declining confidence in LMT's earnings potential [14] Valuation - LMT's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 17.34X, which is lower than the peer group's average of 20.37X, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [17] - Embraer is trading at a premium with a forward P/E of 22.36X [18]