Core Viewpoint - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions' stock experienced a 12% decline this week due to geopolitical tensions related to the Greenland dispute between the United States and Europe, despite being up 234% over the past year, indicating strong overall performance [1][4][9]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions fell 12% this week, influenced by geopolitical events [1][4]. - Despite the recent downturn, the stock has increased by 234% over the past year, making it one of the best performers in that timeframe [1][6]. Group 2: Geopolitical Impact - The dispute over Greenland, a strategic area for missile defense, has led to concerns that European leaders might retaliate by halting purchases of U.S. defense equipment [3][4]. - Although the dispute has been resolved for now, the stock did not fully recover from the initial negative impact [4]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings - Piper Sandler set a price target of $99 for Kratos, initiating a neutral rating, which was perceived as a downgrade by the investment community [4][7]. - The current trading price of Kratos is around $115, which is significantly above the analyst's target [4]. Group 4: Valuation Metrics - Kratos has a market capitalization of $19 billion and a price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of over 14, which is much higher than its long-term average and the average for defense stocks [6][7]. - The company reported a 24% organic revenue growth last quarter, indicating faster growth compared to typical defense companies, but the current valuation is considered expensive [7].

Core Insights - Leidos Holdings Inc. (LDOS) has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to implement advanced AI solutions for government and high assurance customers, focusing on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in mission-critical environments [1][9] Company Strategy - The partnership aims to integrate OpenAI's generative and agentic AI capabilities into Leidos' core workflows across various markets, including digital modernization, health services, national security, infrastructure, and defense, aligning with Leidos' NorthStar 2030 growth strategy [2][3] Operational Impact - The collaboration will embed AI as a core capability within operational systems, enhancing complex knowledge-based activities such as threat analysis and supply-chain monitoring while ensuring high security and reliability standards for government and defense clients [3][4] Internal Efficiency - The use of OpenAI platforms is expected to improve Leidos' internal operations by enhancing automation, streamlining workflows, and accelerating product design and delivery, thereby increasing productivity and fostering innovation [4] Industry Trends - The AI market is rapidly expanding, driven by advancements in machine learning and computer vision, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of over 41.95% for the global AI market from 2026 to 2031 [5][6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross revenue for the third quarter totaled $2.6 billion, representing a roughly 10% decline year-over-year and a 7% decline on a revenue ex-billable basis [20][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $285 million, translating to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.9% [23] - Net income for the third quarter was $200 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, while adjusted net income was $215 million, an increase of about 9% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The national security portfolio declined about 1% year-over-year, but grew about 4% when adjusting for the impact of the government shutdown [21] - The civil business experienced a significant decline of about 28% year-over-year, with expectations for stability in the remainder of the fiscal year [21][54] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net bookings for the third quarter totaled $888 million, resulting in a quarterly book-to-bill ratio of 0.3 times and a trailing 12-month book-to-bill of 1.1 times [21] - Funded backlog fell 10% year-over-year, but ended the calendar year with a record backlog of over $38 billion, up about 2% from the prior year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three priorities: reducing costs, accelerating the transition to outcome-based contracting and product sales, and concentrating investments on growth vectors like cyber, national security, partnerships, and AI [7][12] - A new partnership with Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) aims to co-create technology solutions for national security and public safety, with Booz Allen committing to deploy up to $400 million in A16Z's late-stage venture fund [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, anticipating improved funding in the fourth quarter and a tightening of revenue guidance to between $11.3 billion and $11.4 billion for the fiscal year [29] - The company expects to generate free cash flow between $825 million and $900 million, indicating a strong operational outlook despite challenges [29] Other Important Information - The company recognized a $7 million pre-tax gain from the divestiture of DARPA's Cedar work, which is excluded from non-GAAP adjusted income [24] - The company ended the quarter with $882 million in cash and a net leverage ratio of 2.5x adjusted EBITDA for the trailing 12 months [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the end market expectations for FY27? - Management indicated that defense and intelligence are expected to grow, while civil is anticipated to remain flat, with signs of improvement in the civil sector [34][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction plan? - Management confirmed that the cost reduction actions were completed during the quarter, with some impact expected in Q4 but primarily setting up for next fiscal year [44][46] Question: How is the pace of contract award activity? - Management noted that December saw a significant increase in funding activity, with January starting strong, indicating a positive trend in awards [47][49] Question: What is the outlook for funded backlog? - Management expressed optimism about the funded backlog, with strong funding in December and a positive demand environment for the upcoming fiscal year [79][80] Question: How does the company prepare for potential changes in the defense budget? - Management stated that they have been preparing to support key priorities and are positioned to respond to changes in funding, emphasizing agility in operations [71][73]

Core Insights - The Alger Weatherbie Specialized Fund focuses on investing in a portfolio of 50 small and mid-cap companies with promising growth potential, highlighting a strong performance in the US equity market during Q4 2025 with the S&P rising 2.7% [1] - The fund's Class A shares underperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index in Q4 2025, with contributions from Real Estate and Consumer Staples sectors, while Information Technology and Health Care sectors detracted from performance [1] Company Highlights - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) is a defense technology company focused on affordable unmanned systems, hypersonics, rocket systems, and satellite command-and-control, aligning with U.S. and allied priorities [3] - Kratos experienced a one-month return of 46.53% and a 52-week gain of 233.58%, with a market capitalization of $19.223 billion as of January 22, 2026 [2] - Despite strong fiscal third-quarter operating results, Kratos' shares faced pressure due to a lower-than-expected revenue outlook and cash flow expectations for the fiscal fourth quarter, compounded by delays in cash receipts from the U.S. government shutdown [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $2.2 billion for the second quarter, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 5.7%, with 4.5% being organic growth [26] - EBITDA margin increased to 11.8%, a rise of 70 basis points year-over-year [26] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $138 million, driven by strong profitability and effective working capital management [26][28] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $6.81, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The technology segment has grown to represent nearly 60% of total revenue, with significant contributions from electronic warfare and agile software development [9][13] - Electronic warfare alone generated approximately $2 billion in revenue, showcasing the company's leadership in this area [13] - The company won $1.4 billion in awards during the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.65 for the quarter and 1.3 on a trailing 12-month basis [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 90% of the company's revenue is derived from national security customers, with increasing visibility into funding streams from reconciliation funds [22][23] - The backlog increased by 3% year-over-year to $33 billion, with a funded backlog growth of 7% [34] - The company expects 95% of its revenue for fiscal year 2026 to come from existing programs, indicating strong operational performance [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a strategy focused on expanding national security capabilities and investing ahead of customer needs [7][8] - Recent acquisitions, including ARKA, are part of a strategy to enhance technology-driven growth and expand into critical markets like space [13][39] - The company aims to maintain a flexible capital deployment strategy to support long-term growth and shareholder value [30][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a dynamic operating environment and achieve long-term shareholder value [11][39] - The macro environment remains constructive, with good demand signals from customers despite some unevenness post-government shutdown [22] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting revenue growth of 8%-10% and free cash flow of at least $725 million [23][31] Other Important Information - The company is strategically positioned to benefit from ongoing acquisition reforms and the shift towards firm-fixed-price contracts [72] - The acquisition of ARKA is expected to increase leverage to 4.3 times net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA, but management is confident in returning to lower leverage levels post-acquisition [28][30] - The company is actively engaging in the counter-UAS market, which is expected to see significant growth due to increased funding and demand [90][92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of higher U.S. military OPTEMPO on CACI - Management indicated that the current OPTEMPO is favorable for CACI, as it aligns with the demand for mission technology and software-defined solutions [45][46] Question: Pipeline and bid conversion expectations - Management acknowledged a slower ramp-up post-shutdown but expressed confidence in filling the pipeline and returning to pace [49][50] Question: Update on recent protest win - The JTMS protest was denied, allowing the company to ramp up on the program, which is expected to contribute to growth in 2027 and 2028 [58][59] Question: Reconciliation funding impact - Management noted that reconciliation funds are starting to flow, positively impacting border security programs and other areas [62][65] Question: Federal Acquisition Regulation reform - Management stated that the company is well-aligned with acquisition reforms and is positioned to support the government's shift towards more commercial models [68][72] Question: Scalability of ARCA acquisition - The acquisition of ARCA is expected to enhance the company's capabilities in intelligence services and align with long-term growth funding streams [78][82] Question: Addressable market from reconciliation bill - Management highlighted that reconciliation funding will significantly expand the addressable market, particularly in electronic warfare and counter-UAS [89][90] Question: Defense spending growth in 2027 - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding defense spending growth, emphasizing the company's strong market position regardless of budget fluctuations [114][116] Question: Margins and indirect costs - Management attributed strong margins to favorable technology mix and effective management of indirect costs during growth [126][129] Question: Pentagon's reaction to acquisition scale - Management indicated that there have been no barriers to smart acquisitions that support national security, and the company remains focused on driving shareholder value [131][132]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CACI reported revenue of $2.2 billion for Q2 2026, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 5.7%, with organic growth of 4.5% [15] - EBITDA margin increased by 70 basis points year-over-year to 11.8% [15] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by 14% to $6.81 compared to the previous year [15] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $138 million, driven by strong profitability and effective working capital management [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The technology segment has grown to represent nearly 60% of total revenue, with significant contributions from electronic warfare and agile software development [5][7] - Electronic warfare alone generated approximately $2 billion in revenue [7] - The company won $1.4 billion in awards during the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.65 for the quarter and 1.3 on a trailing 12-month basis [6][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 90% of CACI's revenue comes from national security customers, with a backlog of $33 billion, which increased by 3% year-over-year [12][19] - Funded backlog grew by 7% over the same period [19] - The company expects 95% of its revenue for FY 2026 to come from existing programs, with 3% from recompetes and 2% from new business [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CACI's strategy focuses on expanding national security capabilities and investing in technology to meet customer needs [4][5] - The company aims to differentiate itself through software-defined technology and agile development methodologies [11][22] - The recent acquisition of ARCA is part of CACI's strategy to enhance its technology portfolio and position in the space market [13][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a dynamic operating environment and drive long-term shareholder value [6][23] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting revenue growth of 8%-10% and free cash flow of at least $725 million [12][18] - Management noted that reconciliation funds are beginning to flow, positively impacting border security programs and other areas [42] Other Important Information - CACI's leverage at the end of Q2 was 2.4 times net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA, expected to rise to 4.3 times post-ARCA acquisition [16][17] - The company has a strong track record of quickly deleveraging after acquisitions [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does higher U.S. military op tempo mean for CACI? - Management indicated that the current operational tempo is favorable for CACI, as it aligns with the demand for mission technology that traditional companies may not provide [27][28] Question: How is the pipeline of submitted bids expected to flow? - Management acknowledged that the protracted government shutdown affected the pace of acquisition processes but noted that the pipeline is filling back up [32] Question: Can you provide an update on the recent protest win? - Management confirmed that the JTMS protest was denied, allowing the company to ramp up on the program, which is expected to benefit growth in 2027 and 2028 [40] Question: How does reconciliation funding impact CACI? - Management stated that reconciliation funding is expected to positively impact various programs, including border security and modernization efforts [42] Question: What is the status of the Federal Acquisition Regulation reform? - Management noted that CACI is aligned with the ongoing acquisition reform and is well-positioned to support the government's shift towards more commercial models [48] Question: How does CACI view the competitive landscape with L3Harris? - Management emphasized that CACI continues to see strong demand for its technology and is focused on delivering value, regardless of competitors' actions [66] Question: What is the outlook for defense spending growth in 2027? - Management expressed caution regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget but remains confident in CACI's growth potential within its $300 billion total addressable market [75] Question: What are the drivers behind the strong margins this quarter? - Management attributed the strong margins to favorable technology revenue acceleration and effective management of indirect costs [86]

CACI International Inc Q2 FY26 Earnings Conference Call January 22, 2026 Forward-looking statements There are statements made herein that do not address historical facts and, therefore, could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risk factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from anticipated results. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, the follow ...

CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) will release earnings results for the fourth quarter, after the closing bell on Wednesday, Jan. 21.Analysts expect the Reston, Virginia-based company to report quarterly earnings at $6.49 per share, up from $5.95 per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for CACI International's quarterly revenue is $2.28 billion, up from $2.1 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.On Jan. 12, CACI was awarded a $416 million task order to sustain and mod ...

Core Insights - L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) is recognized as one of the top 10 defense stocks to buy in the S&P 500, with recent price target increases from UBS and RBC Capital [1][2] Price Target Adjustments - UBS raised its price target for L3Harris from $323 to $349 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1] - RBC Capital increased its price target from $315 to $360 and reiterated a Sector Perform rating, highlighting a recent partnership with the Department of War (DoW) [2] Partnership and Investment - The partnership with the DoW involves a $1 billion convertible preferred security investment in L3Harris's rocket motor business, aligning with the DoW's 'Arsenal of Freedom' initiative [3] - This investment aims to ensure a stable supply of motors for missile programs and is part of a broader trend of U.S. government investments in corporate entities during President Trump's second term [3] Future Plans - L3Harris plans to conduct an IPO for its Missile Solutions business in the latter half of 2026, at which point the $1 billion security will convert to common equity [3] Recent Contracts - On January 14, L3Harris was awarded a multi-year contract by the U.S. Navy and Marines to deliver 34 T7 Robots, enhancing explosive ordnance disposal capabilities, with deliveries expected to start this year [4] Market Outlook - Wall Street has a positive outlook on L3Harris, with a consensus Strong Buy rating and a one-year average share price target of $361, indicating an upside potential of 4.20% as of January 19 [4]

Core Insights - Ondas Inc (ONDS) has shown strong performance in 2025 and continues to maintain momentum into 2026, positioning itself well within the defense and industrial sectors undergoing transformation [1][2] - The company is exploring whether it can sustain long-term growth and potentially increase its stock value significantly [1] Industry Overview - The defense and industrial sectors are shifting from traditional manned systems to connected, autonomous, and swarming technologies, creating opportunities for startups to disrupt established manufacturers [2] - Ondas Inc is strategically positioned at the intersection of these trends, evolving from a niche provider of specialized radios to a diversified holding company focused on autonomous drones for security needs [3] Business Model - Ondas operates on a "Three-Legged Stool" model, consisting of Ondas Networks, Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS), and Ondas Capital [4][5][6] - Ondas Networks provides a federally mandated wireless standard for the North American rail network, generating high-margin recurring revenue [4] - OAS is a rapidly growing defense technology division that offers a comprehensive defense solution through various acquisitions, capitalizing on the demand for counter-UAS technology [5] - Ondas Capital utilizes a significant cash reserve to consolidate in a fragmented industry, allowing for strategic acquisitions [6] Financial Performance and Valuation - As of the latest data, Ondas trades at approximately $13.83 per share with a market cap of nearly $5.5 billion, reflecting a valuation of about 31 times its projected 2026 revenue of $180 million [7] - The company is projected to experience substantial revenue growth, with estimates for 2026 ranging from $170 million to $180 million, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 260% [42] - Ondas has a backlog of $65.3 million, which has increased by 180% in just two months, indicating a strong conversion of contracts from pilot to production [43] Historical Context - Ondas has evolved through distinct phases: the "Rail Connectivity" era focused on broadband connectivity for industrial assets, and the "Autonomous Expansion" era pivoting towards drone technology [10][14] - The company has made significant acquisitions, including American Robotics and Airobotics, to enhance its capabilities in the autonomous systems market [14][15] Technology and Competitive Advantage - Ondas Networks' core product, the FullMAX software-defined radio platform, complies with the IEEE 802.16t standard, ensuring reliability and performance in rail communications [20][26] - The partnership with Siemens Mobility provides a strategic advantage, allowing Ondas to leverage Siemens' sales force and customer relationships, significantly reducing customer acquisition costs [22][23] Market Potential - The total addressable market (TAM) for Ondas is estimated at 70,000 units, with a focus on transitioning customers to a recurring revenue model through maintenance and licensing [24][30] - The autonomous systems division targets the growing demand for automated security solutions, driven by the need for cost-effective and reliable surveillance [27]