Evaluating LMT Stock's Actual Performance

Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor, has experienced significant stock underperformance in recent years despite its strong market position and revenue growth [1][2]. Group 1: Recent Stock Performance - Over the past year, Lockheed Martin's share price has decreased by 13.7%, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500, which has increased by 13.1% during the same period [2]. - The current share price is $452.20, with a market capitalization of $105 billion and a gross margin of 8.16% [2]. - Including dividend reinvestments, the total return for Lockheed's shares is down 11% for the year, while the S&P 500's total return is 14.7% [2]. Group 2: Three-Year Performance - Over the last three years, Lockheed's shares are down 9.8% on an absolute basis, with a total three-year return of negative 2.3% [4]. - In comparison, the S&P 500 has surged 68.1% on an absolute basis and 75.7% on a total return basis, indicating a significant underperformance by Lockheed [5]. Group 3: Long-Term Performance - Lockheed Martin's shares have underperformed the market over the last five and ten years, with only investors who purchased shares in 2013 or earlier seeing market-beating returns [7]. - Historically, Lockheed's shares tracked or outperformed the market for much of the last 20 years, but a 30% decline in late 2024 has led to a significant drop in long-term returns [8].