L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) is included among the 12 Must-Buy Dividend Stocks to Invest in. L3Harris’ (LHX) Strong Financials and Steady Payouts Make it a Must-Buy Dividend Stock Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) is a​ major defense⁠ contra‍ctor that develops advanc‌ed communication, surveillance, space, and missile defense systems. Its‍ primary customers include US government agencies, allied military fo‌rces⁠, and select comme‌rcial cli​ents, with most o ...

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) is one of the 12 Stocks with Consistent Growth to Invest In. Following a positive second quarter, the company announces its inclusion in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Kratos Defense Delivers Q2 Growth and Joins S&P MidCap 400 Index On August 7, 2025, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) reported an Adjusted EPS of $0.11 for the second quarter of 2025, a decline compared to $0.14 for the second quarter of 2024. Revenues for Q2 2025 re ...

Company Overview - HEICO Corporation is a leading manufacturer of FAA-approved jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, as well as electronic equipment for various industries including aviation, defense, and telecommunications [11] - The company targets large commercial aircraft, military aircraft, and industrial turbines, among other applications [11] Investment Ratings - HEICO is currently rated as 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong upward price trends, with shares increasing by 3.2% over the past four weeks [12] Earnings Estimates - For fiscal 2025, seven analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.13 to $4.70 per share [12] - HEICO has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +13.4%, suggesting strong performance relative to expectations [12] Investment Potential - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, HEICO is recommended for investors looking for potential opportunities [13]

Core Insights - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) shares increased by 8.1% to $63.88 following the release of its Q2 2025 results, which showed adjusted earnings of 11 cents per share, a 21.4% decline from the previous year but exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 22.2% [1][9] Financial Performance - The company reported GAAP earnings of 2 cents per share, down from 5 cents in Q2 2024, primarily due to higher costs and operating expenses [2] - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were $351.5 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $307 million by 14.6% and reflecting a 17.1% increase from $300.1 million in the same quarter last year [3][9] - Operating income decreased to $3.7 million from $12.5 million in the prior-year quarter, with selling, general and administrative expenses rising by 9.1% year over year [4] Segment Performance - Unmanned Systems segment saw a revenue decline of 14.7% year over year to $73.2 million, attributed to the absence of $17.4 million from an international drone shipment in the prior year [6] - Kratos Government Solutions segment experienced a revenue increase of 29.9% to $278.3 million, driven by growth across various business units and synergies from the acquisition of assets from Norden Millimeter, Inc. [7] Operational Metrics - The consolidated book-to-bill ratio was reported at 0.7-1.0, with bookings totaling $257 million and a total backlog of $1.41 billion, down from $1.51 billion at the end of Q1 2025 [5] Guidance and Outlook - For Q3 2025, the company projects revenues between $315-$325 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $323 million [11] - Full-year 2025 revenue guidance has been raised to $1.29-$1.31 billion from the previous range of $1.26-$1.29 billion, while operating cash flows are expected to be between $50-$60 million [12] Financial Position - As of June 29, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $783.6 million, significantly up from $329.3 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt decreased to $233 million [10]

Core Viewpoint - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on August 7, 2025, with projected revenues of $306.8 million, reflecting a 2.2% increase year-over-year, while earnings per share are anticipated to decline by 35.7% to nine cents [1][2][5]. Revenue Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KTOS' second-quarter revenues is $306.8 million, indicating a 2.2% rise from the previous year [2][5]. - The Unmanned Systems segment is projected to generate revenues of $79.1 million, representing a 7.8% decline from the prior year due to supply chain disruptions [6]. - The Government Solutions segment is expected to report revenues of $228.7 million, which is a 6.7% increase from the year-ago quarter, driven by growth in C5ISR, Defense Rocket Support, and other product lines [7][8]. Earnings Outlook - The company has a strong earnings surprise history, having outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 47.57% [3]. - KTOS has an Earnings ESP of +5.56% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a favorable outlook for an earnings beat this quarter [4][16]. - Despite positive revenue projections, earnings may be pressured by downtime at the Microwave Products facility in Israel and rising costs associated with subcontractors [9][16]. Stock Performance and Valuation - KTOS shares have increased by 193.8% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks aerospace-defense Equipment industry's growth of 58.1% [10]. - The current forward 12-month price/sales multiple for KTOS is 6.50X, which is lower than the industry average of 10.51X, but higher than its five-year median of 2.68X, suggesting a stretched valuation [12]. Industry Context - Rising global tensions have led to increased defense spending, benefiting companies like Kratos Defense through strong contract wins [14]. - The company’s return-on-equity (ROE) stands at 5.67%, lower than the industry average of 8.29%, indicating less efficiency in generating profits compared to peers [15].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, total revenue increased approximately 23.2% year on year to $222 million, reflecting a 23.4% benefit from recent acquisitions and a 1.2% benefit from foreign currency, partially offset by an organic revenue decline of 1.4% [18] - Adjusted operating margin increased 350 basis points year on year to a record 20.6% [18] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 20.6% year on year to a record $2.28 [19] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $33.4 million compared to $28.7 million a year ago [19] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $24.9 million compared to $22.2 million a year ago [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Electronics Segment**: Revenue increased 43.2% year on year to $115.2 million, driven by a 41% benefit from acquisitions and organic growth of 0.3% [19] - **Engineering Technologies Segment**: Revenue increased 26.8% to $32 million, driven by a 25% benefit from the recent NexStarlight acquisition and organic growth of 0.9% [22] - **Scientific Segment**: Revenue increased 2.3% to $17.9 million, due to a 16.1% benefit from recent acquisition, partially offset by an organic decline of 13.9% [23] - **Engraving Segment**: Revenue increased 0.6% to $33 million, driven by a 1.2% benefit from foreign currency, partially offset by an organic decline of 0.6% [24] - **Specialty Solutions Segment**: Revenue decreased 1.2% year on year to $23.9 million, primarily due to general market softness [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into fast growth markets were approximately $184 million, exceeding the fiscal year expectation of $170 million, driven by growth in data center demand and grid modernization [29] - In fiscal year 2026, sales into fast growth markets are expected to grow approximately 45% year on year and exceed $265 million [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four sources of growth: new product sales, presence in fast growth markets, support for recent acquisitions, and winning new awards through commercial excellence [11][17] - The company plans to launch more than 15 new products in fiscal year 2026, which are expected to contribute over 300 basis points of incremental sales growth [10][29] - The company aims to achieve fiscal year 2028 targets of sales greater than $1.15 billion and adjusted operating margin greater than 23% [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving over $100 million in incremental sales for fiscal year 2026, driven by acquisitions, new products, and fast growth markets [9][29] - The company remains well-positioned in a fluid economic environment due to strong customer relationships and disciplined pricing strategies [30] - Management noted that the company has successfully navigated challenges in the past and is prepared for future uncertainties [76] Other Important Information - The company declared its 244th consecutive cash dividend of 32¢ per share, representing a 6.7% increase year on year [26] - The company paid down approximately $27 million in debt during the fiscal fourth quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the $100 million revenue increase in fiscal year 2026? - Management indicated that the full year impact of acquisitions could bring over $60 million, with new products contributing around $20 million, and fast growth markets adding approximately $38 million, suggesting potential upside to the $100 million estimate [35][37] Question: How is the EV business performing amid market challenges? - Management noted that while EV sales dipped slightly in 2025, they anticipate growth in 2026 due to new model introductions and a shift towards electric vehicles [38][39] Question: What is the expected ramp-up for the new facility in Croatia? - Management expects to ship single-digit millions in fiscal year 2026, with potential growth to over $30 million in three years as customer commitments are fulfilled [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for the electronics segment's demand? - Management reported a 16% year-on-year increase in orders, primarily driven by OEMs, indicating a sustainable demand trend [51][54] Question: How are scientific segment margins expected to perform? - Management expects scientific margins to hold steady due to pricing and productivity actions, despite the lower margin from recent acquisitions [102] Question: What is the company's approach to managing working capital and cash flow? - Management is focused on improving collections and working capital efficiency, aiming to reduce days sales outstanding (DSO) back to the low 60s [106]