Is First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) a Strong ETF Right Now?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 30 2024
0mins
Should l Buy LMT?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Overview of First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS): Launched in 2006, FTCS is a smart beta ETF focusing on large-cap blend stocks, utilizing an equal-dollar weighted strategy to target well-capitalized companies with strong financials, and has amassed over $9 billion in assets.
Performance and Comparison: FTCS has shown a return of approximately 14.15% and a year-to-date increase of about 24.30%, but investors may also consider lower-cost traditional market cap weighted ETFs like Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), which have significantly lower expense ratios.
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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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- 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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Expansion Plans: ULA is building additional facilities and launch pads at Kennedy Space Center to increase flight cadence, facing pressure from competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, while needing to secure its market share.
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