Defense Stocks Head Into Earnings At Record Highs — Is The Boom Just Beginning?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 16 2025
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Defense Sector Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has surged 33% in 2025, driven by a significant defense budget increase from the government, including $156.2 billion for the Pentagon, which is the largest boost in over a decade.
Earnings Expectations and Analyst Insights: As defense stocks reach record highs, analysts are cautious about future earnings, highlighting opportunities in non-traditional defense tech while warning of potential risks for legacy contractors like Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Hamilton due to funding cuts and contract scrutiny.
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Analyst Views on LMT
Wall Street analysts forecast LMT stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 637.430
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 637.430
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
About LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company. The Company is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Its segments include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) and Space. Aeronautics segment is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support and upgrade of advanced military aircraft. MFC segment provides air and missile defense systems, manned and unmanned ground vehicles, energy management solutions, and others. RMS segment designs, manufactures, services and supports various military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, and others. Its Space segment is engaged in the research and design, development, engineering and production of satellites, space transportation systems, and strategic, advanced strike, and defensive systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Lockheed Martin's Gains: Among these deals, Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles from Saudi Arabia, making it the largest beneficiary and further solidifying its leadership position in the global defense market.
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- Dividend Stock Advantages: According to Ned Davis Research, from 1973 to 2024, dividend growers and payers have an average annual total return of 10.24%, significantly outperforming non-payers at 4.31%, highlighting the compelling nature of dividend stocks for long-term investment.
- Microsoft's Growth Potential: Microsoft (MSFT) has averaged a 24% annual gain over the past decade, and despite a 17% decline year-to-date, its dividend yield has risen to 0.9%, with annual dividends increasing from $1.89 in 2019 to $3.64 in 2023, reflecting strong profitability and ongoing shareholder returns.
- Medtronic's Stable Returns: Medtronic (MDT) has raised its dividend by an average of 6% annually over the past decade and has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, currently yielding 2.8%, while its second-quarter revenue rose 7% year-over-year, demonstrating robust performance in the medical device sector.
- ETF Investment Opportunity: The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers a 3.5% dividend yield and tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which includes 100 stocks that have paid dividends for at least 10 years, with a low annual fee of just 0.06%, providing investors with a cost-effective diversified investment option.
See More
Surge in U.S. Defense Contracts in January 2026
- Total Defense Contracts: In January 2026, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted 11 arms deals to Congress, totaling $22.5 billion, indicating a robust growth in defense investments that could drive stock prices of involved companies higher.
- Lockheed Martin's Gains: Among these deals, Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles from Saudi Arabia, making it the largest beneficiary and further solidifying its leadership position in the global defense market.
- Boeing's Contract: Boeing won a $2.3 billion contract in Singapore for four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and their weapon systems, although RTX will not gain additional revenue, Boeing's defense division is expected to improve its financial performance.
- Israel's Order: Israel placed a $3.8 billion order for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, reflecting Israel's ongoing demand for advanced military equipment and further driving growth for both companies in the international market.
See More
US Defense Agency Proposes $22.5 Billion in Arms Sales
- Total Arms Sales: The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted 11 arms deals to Congress in January, totaling $22.5 billion, indicating a robust growth trend in defense investments that could further boost stock prices of involved companies.
- Major Contract Beneficiary: Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles and related equipment for Saudi Arabia on January 30, underscoring its dominant position in the international defense market and expected to significantly enhance the company's revenue and profits.
- Boeing's Contract: Boeing won a $2.3 billion contract on January 20 for Singapore's purchase of four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, which, despite its defense division still being unprofitable, will provide crucial cash flow that may improve its financial standing.
- Israeli Orders: Israel is ordering 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment from Lockheed and Boeing for a total of $3.8 billion, showcasing the strong competitive edge of both companies in the global defense market while laying a foundation for future growth.
See More
Lockheed Martin Secures Radar Order with Fujitsu
- Radar Order Secured: Lockheed Martin has signed its first purchase order with Fujitsu for a key component of Japan's Aegis System's SPY-7 radar antenna, building on a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2025, which signifies the company's further expansion in the international defense market.
- Successful Flight Test: The company completed a successful 112-kilometer flight test of its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) in New Mexico, demonstrating a range of 150 kilometers and compatibility with existing rocket launch platforms, thereby enhancing operational flexibility.
- Strong Financial Performance: Lockheed Martin reported a 9% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $20.3 billion, surpassing market expectations, although net earnings fell short due to significant losses tied to classified programs, indicating robust demand in the defense sector.
- Future Growth Outlook: The company projects approximately 5% sales growth and a 25% increase in operating profit for 2026, reflecting an optimistic outlook on future market demand, despite retail investor sentiment remaining cautious.
See More
Exxon, Walmart, and 9 Other Stocks Thriving as Cash Reigns Supreme Again
- Shift in Investment Focus: Wall Street is increasingly concerned that artificial intelligence may threaten white-collar jobs, leading to a renewed interest in hard-hat and "real economy" stocks.
- Market Trends: The fear of AI's impact on employment is influencing investment strategies, making traditional industries more appealing to investors.
See More
Trump Administration Secretly Smuggles Starlink Terminals into Iran
- Covert Operation: The Trump administration secretly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following the regime's crackdown on protesters, marking a significant escalation in U.S. support for anti-regime activists.
- Funding Redirection: The State Department redirected funds from other Iran internet freedom programs to acquire SpaceX devices after purchasing nearly 7,000 terminals, indicating a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards supporting dissent in Iran.
- Legal Risks and Usage: Possession of a Starlink terminal is illegal in Iran and punishable by years in prison; however, tens of thousands of Iranians are using these devices to bypass government censorship, highlighting a strong demand for information freedom among the populace.
- Rising Geopolitical Risks: As the U.S. engages in high-stakes nuclear negotiations with Iran, market predictions indicate a 44% chance of a U.S. strike on Iran by June, suggesting that defense contractors may benefit from the escalating tensions and the integration of commercial technology into national security operations.
See More
