Key Takeaways:L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX) trades at lower valuation multiples despite delivering steady contract growth and strong positioning in modern defense segments.Behind the scenes, LHX is building strength in areas the market increasingly cares about: space tech, secure communications, and classified defense systems.With a growing backlog and steady cash flow, it's the kind of stock that quietly builds momentum, until the market eventually catches up.A Quiet Climb in a Defensive SectorDef ...

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been going through a rough patch, its stock is down 6.82% in the past six months and currently trading at around $480.However, a positive change might be on the horizon in light of President Trump’s new defense proposals recently outlined during the aerospace summit in Doha, Qatar.LMT 5-day stock performance. Source: Finbold.comDespite a rocky performance over the last six months, Lockheed Martin continues to offer a generous dividend payment of $3.30 per share, with the next ...

Global Defense Spending - Global defense spending reached an all-time high of $2.72 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4% year-over-year increase, the sharpest rise since the Cold War era [1] - The top five spenders—United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India—accounted for 60% of the global defense budget, with U.S. military expenditure growing by 5.7% to $997 billion, representing 37% of total global defense spending [2] European Union Defense Spending - EU member states are expected to increase annual defense spending by around €80 billion ($84 billion) by 2027, equivalent to roughly 0.5% of GDP [6] - Defense expenditures in the euro area accounted for 1.8% of GDP in 2024, projected to rise to 2.4% by 2027, with Germany's military spending jumping 28% to $88.5 billion [7] Factors Driving Increased Spending - Global defense spending has been rising since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Europe significantly increasing military equipment purchases from non-EU suppliers [8] - All 32 NATO members increased defense budgets in 2024, with 18 countries meeting or exceeding the bloc's 2% of GDP target [9] Aerospace and Defense Sector Performance - The aerospace sector saw earnings grow by 23.2% in Q1, with an 85.7% beat ratio, while revenues increased by 0.2% with a 71.4% beat ratio [5] - The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry ranks in the top 20% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating strong investor interest in defense and aerospace stocks [10] Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in Aerospace and Defense - Several ETFs focus on the aerospace and defense sector, including iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA), and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR), each with varying fee structures [12][13][14] - The Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) provides exposure to defense technology companies, with a significant allocation to the U.S. [15]

"Delivering our eBee TAC Public Safety solutions to global customers, with Brigantes' support, is a strategically vital sale that expands AgEagle's Nordic defense market presence," said Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle. "This drone's rapid deployment, precise mapping, and cyber-secure operations empower Sweden to counter regional threats, strengthen NATO deterrence, and enhance public safety across diverse terrains." Brigantes is a trusted regional distributor specializing in defense and security solutions and has ...

Key Takeaways Leidos Holdings is up 3.1% YTD, outperforming the SLeidos Holdings Inc. (LDOS) shares have rallied an impressive 3.1% in the year-to-date period, outperforming the S&P 500’s return of 0.1%. The company, however, underperformed the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry’s growth of 17.5% and the broader Zacks Aerospace sector’s appreciation of 18.6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchOther industry players, such as RTX Corp. (RTX) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) , also performed impressively, w ...

Core Viewpoint - Silo Wellness Inc. is transitioning to "Born Defense," focusing on defense and national security investments, guided by the Just War Doctrine, aiming to end "forever wars" and promote responsible national self-defense [1][4]. Company Transition and Strategic Focus - Born Defense will invest in advanced defense technologies, including cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing, supporting Canada's defense sector growth in line with NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target by 2027 [2][6]. - The company plans to explore high-potential investments across North America and Europe, delivering ethical and scalable defense solutions [2]. Investment Strategy - The global defense market is projected to reach $676.64 billion by 2029, growing at a 6.4% CAGR, positioning Born Defense to capitalize on growth opportunities [5][6]. - The company aims to leverage strategic capital and deep industry networks to support innovative companies addressing modern security threats [5]. Geopolitical Context - Rising global tensions, including conflicts in Eastern Europe and cybersecurity threats, are driving demand for innovative defense solutions [6][7]. - Born Defense's commitment to ending "forever wars" aligns with the increasing investor interest in socially responsible opportunities [7]. Proposed Changes and Governance - The company will hold a shareholder meeting to approve the name change and elect a board with defense and national security expertise, resulting in a change of control [9]. - The completion of the proposed transaction is subject to various approvals, including financing and regulatory [10]. Divestment and Future Focus - The company plans to divest its psychedelic assets to focus resources on the defense industry, which is seen as having greater growth potential [11][13]. - There is an openness to explore investments in psychedelic therapy aligned with Department of Defense research for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries [11]. Funding and Compliance - Funding for necessary audits and listing statements has been secured, and the company is working to revoke a Cease Trade Order issued due to delayed financial filings [15].

Core Insights - A new arms race is emerging in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space-based defense, with the U.S. developing a next-generation missile shield called the "Golden Dome" [1][4] - The Golden Dome initiative is backed by a coalition of public and private companies, including SpaceX, Anduril Industries, and Palantir Technologies, highlighting a shift in defense innovation outside traditional public markets [1][14] - The initiative is expected to command over $175 billion in long-term defense spending, emphasizing rapid procurement and modernization [4] Group 1: Golden Dome Initiative - The Golden Dome is designed for mobility, scale, and rapid response, utilizing hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites and AI systems for real-time threat neutralization [3] - The initiative represents a significant shift from legacy missile defense systems, which relied on ground-based radars and static platforms [3] Group 2: Key Companies Involved - Anduril Industries, founded by Palmer Luckey, is a major player in defense tech, utilizing its Lattice OS platform for real-time sensor data integration [5] - Palantir Technologies has become critical in providing AI models for defense initiatives, with its platforms embedded across various military and intelligence agencies [9] - SpaceX is positioned to deliver the orbital backbone of the Golden Dome, transforming from a private aerospace firm to a core U.S. defense asset [11][12] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Retail investors have historically been excluded from private companies driving defense innovation, but new investment vehicles like the XOVR ETF are emerging to bridge this gap [2][15] - The convergence of public and private firms in defense reflects a broader shift in U.S. industrial policy, with innovation now running through a hybrid pipeline of startups and growth-stage firms [14]

Noah Poponak, CFA +1(212)357-0954 | 28 May 2025 | 8:44AM EDT Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (HII): Management meeting takeaways: substantially increased support of US Navy shipbuilding is We hosted a group investor meeting with Huntington Ingalls management, including CEO Christopher Kastner, CFO Thomas Stiehle, and VP Investor Relations Christie Thomas. Investor conversation focused on the proposed defense reconciliation legislation and recent Navy contract modifications, how HII is navigating labor an ...

Company Overview - Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) is a prominent manufacturer of purpose-built trucks, defense-grade vehicles, and machinery, playing a crucial role in supplying tactical wheeled vehicles to the U.S. Army and allied militaries [2]. Industry Context - The aerospace, defense, and airline industry presents significant growth prospects, with a focus on discovering investment opportunities within this sector [2]. Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by an individual with a background in aerospace engineering, providing context to developments in the industry and their potential impact on investment theses [2].

- The Golden Dome for America is game changer. - President Trump's Golden Dome plan might look simple here, but if the $175 billion missile defense shield is going to work the way he wants it to, the US will need to put technology into space that is incredibly complex. In some cases, we're talking about satellites that don't even exist yet.- The only time that I can think of in the history of the United States where we have gone after something this complex was the Manhattan Project. - In the short term, ex ...