Three-year-old Castelion is worth $2.8 billion after raising $350 million to fund its ambition to supply thousands of weapons to the U.S. government.Read more:https://t.co/sG0JcTyvUV (Photo: Castelion) https://t.co/exOQP1BPvh ...

Core Insights - Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company, competing with major contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies [1] - Alembic Global has set a price target of $662 for Northrop Grumman, indicating a potential upside of 16.13% from its current trading price of $570.06 [1][6] Contract Awards - Northrop Grumman has secured a $100 million contract from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center for the development of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) programs, expected to continue through December 31, 2034 [2] - The company has also been awarded a contract valued at over $200 million to produce XM1211 High Explosive Proximity-fuzed rounds, enhancing short-range air defense capabilities against small unmanned aerial systems [3] Technological Advancements - Northrop Grumman has unveiled Project Talon, an autonomous combat drone, representing a significant advancement in aerospace and military technology [4][6] Stock Performance - Northrop Grumman's current stock price is $571.24, with a market capitalization of approximately $81.53 billion, reflecting its significant position in the defense industry [5]

Germany plans to deepen its defense cooperation with Ukraine, including for the first time the possibility of acquiring weapons and battlefield data from Kyiv https://t.co/XXPlrD6knV ...

Group 1 - The US has a larger upside from AI but also faces bigger risks, with sharper sell-offs compared to Europe [1][2] - Europe is considered a safer investment environment, with Germany being the most favorable market due to a recent constitutional amendment shifting from austerity to fiscal expansion [3][4] - There is a significant opportunity in Germany as global investors have lost patience, leading to net outflows, while the government is expected to increase spending [5] Group 2 - The German market is expected to benefit from fiscal spending, particularly in midcap companies that have higher domestic exposure [6][7] - Companies involved in construction and infrastructure are likely to see substantial upside, as the government plans to invest heavily in these areas alongside defense spending [8]

Core Viewpoint - RTX has shown significant stock performance over the past year and five years, outperforming the S&P 500 index, but it has underperformed compared to GE Aerospace, prompting investors to consider key factors before making investment decisions [1][2]. Performance Comparison - RTX's returns over different periods are as follows: 49% for 1 year, 77% for 3 years, and 137% for 5 years, while GE Aerospace achieved 65% for 1 year, 457% for 5 years, and the S&P 500 had returns of 13% for 1 year, 74% for 3 years, and 86% for 5 years [2]. Recent Issues - In 2023, RTX faced a contamination issue in powder coating used at Pratt & Whitney, affecting engines on the Airbus A320 neo family, which impacted earnings and cash flow, contributing to its underperformance relative to GE Aerospace [3]. Market Dynamics - Both RTX and GE Aerospace have benefited from the recovery in commercial aircraft departures post-lockdowns, but RTX has faced challenges in restoring engine production due to supply chain issues [5][6]. Defense Segment Challenges - RTX's significant exposure to the defense sector, particularly through its Raytheon segment, has led to difficulties in delivering on fixed-price development programs, resulting in a reported 9% increase in operating profit for 2024 compared to 2023, from $2.379 billion to $2.594 billion [8]. Financial Adjustments - The 2024 operating profit figure was positively impacted by a $375 million gain from a business sale, while a $575 million charge was reported due to the termination of a fixed-price development program with a foreign government, indicating potential ongoing issues in the defense sector [9]. Industry Outlook - The defense industry may be entering a phase of lower margins as governments negotiate more aggressively over complex and costly technology, which could affect RTX's future performance [10]. Investment Considerations - Despite RTX's stock outperforming the S&P 500 index, investors might have achieved better returns by focusing on companies with greater exposure to commercial aerospace, such as GE Aerospace [12].

Procurement Strategy - Switzerland will reduce the number of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets purchased from the US [1] - The decision aims to maintain procurement costs within the budget approved by voters [1]

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Materion Corporation (NYSE: MTRN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Edman to the Company's Board of Directors, expanding the Board to 10 members. Mr. Edman joins as the ninth independent director, effective January 21, 2026. "We are thrilled to welcome Tom to our Board," said Vinod M. Khilnani, Chairman of the Board. "With his extensive background in global electronics manufacturing, particularly for the semiconductor, aerospace, and defense industries. ...

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Company Overview - Leidos Holdings, Inc. is a major U.S. defense, aviation, and technology solutions provider with a market cap of $23.6 billion, serving government and commercial clients across national security, digital modernization, healthcare systems, and advanced engineering [1] - The company is recognized for its large federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, positioning it as a key contractor in cybersecurity and next-generation defense technologies [2] Stock Performance - Leidos reached a 52-week high of $205.77 on November 4 and is currently trading 8.5% below that peak, with a 4.4% increase over the past three months, compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLK) 10.1% surge [3] - Year-to-date, the stock has gained 30.7% and 17.6% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming XLK's 27.9% gains in 2025 but lagging behind its 26.1% surge over the past year [4] - The stock has traded above its 200-day moving average since late June but dipped below its 50-day moving average in recent trading sessions [4] Recent Contracts and Achievements - On December 4, Leidos shares rose 2.1% after securing a new three-year, $127 million contract to manage Hawai'i's Energy and EV Charging Station Rebate programs, contributing to clean energy adoption and efficiency in the state [5] - Since 2009, the company has managed the Hawai'i Energy program, achieving over $7 billion in energy savings and issuing more than 18,000 rebates in the latest program year [5] Competitive Position - Compared to its peer, Leidos has significantly outperformed Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation, which has seen a 27.7% decline year-to-date and a 34.4% plunge over the past 52 weeks [6]

In industry, women manage the infrastructure governments rely on but cannot run themselves. SpaceX’s Gwynne Shotwell (No. 20) keeps the systems behind defense and global connectivity functioning. #PowerWomen https://t.co/sTf06505ydIllustration: Oriana Fenwick for Forbes https://t.co/PHfwu9GuvX ...