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Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT)
NYSE:LMT

Lockheed Martin (LMT) AI Stock Analysis

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LMT

Lockheed Martin

(NYSE:LMT)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$697.00
▲(10.94% Upside)
The score is driven mainly by strong cash-flow durability and a constructive 2026 outlook supported by record backlog and profit guidance. Offsetting factors are recent margin compression and execution-related segment profit volatility, while technically the stock is in a strong uptrend but appears overextended. Valuation is on the higher side relative to the dividend yield, tempering the overall score.
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow Strength
Consistent, large free cash flow (FCF) underpins durable financial flexibility: it funds elevated CapEx and IRAD, supports production capacity ramps and R&D, and provides the ability to service debt or return capital without relying on equity raises over the medium term.
Backlog and Demand Visibility
A backlog ~2.5x annual sales provides multi-year revenue visibility that smooths demand risk and supports planned ramp-ups. This structural book-to-bill advantage enables more predictable production planning, supply-chain commitments, and long-term capital allocation decisions.
Missiles & Fire Control Momentum
Large framework awards and planned munitions capacity expansion translate to sustained, higher-margin revenue growth in MFC. Tripling PAC-3 output and multiyear agreements create scale, supply-chain investment justification, and durable competitive positioning in a structurally growing segment.
Negative Factors
Margin Compression
A multi-year decline in margins materially reduces operating leverage and free cash flow per dollar of sales. If structural (costs, mix, execution) rather than cyclical, sustained compression will pressure reinvestment capacity and shareholder returns absent enduring efficiency gains or pricing power improvements.
Program Execution and Segment Profit Volatility
Large, program-specific losses and booking-rate adjustments create recurring execution risk across complex, long-cycle defense programs. This volatility can erode margins, require unexpected cash or remedial spend, and complicate forecasting and contract pricing for future programs over multiple years.
Pension Accounting and Future Funding
While the pension buy-out reduces future benefit administration, the accelerated noncash charge and expected ~$1B+ cash contributions restarting in 2027 add recurring cash demands. This creates medium-term cash-flow volatility and reduces incremental capital available for buybacks or discretionary projects.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Lockheed Martin Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. The Aeronautics segment offers combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. The Missiles and Fire Control segment provides air and missile defense systems; tactical missiles and air-to-ground precision strike weapon systems; logistics; fire control systems; mission operations support, readiness, engineering support, and integration services; manned and unmanned ground vehicles; and energy management solutions. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment offers military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, radar systems, sea and air-based mission and combat systems, command and control mission solutions, cyber solutions, and simulation and training solutions. The Space segment offers satellites; space transportation systems; strategic, advanced strike, and defensive missile systems; and classified systems and services in support of national security systems. This segment also provides network-enabled situational awareness and integrates space and ground-based systems to help its customers gather, analyze, and securely distribute critical intelligence data. It serves primarily serves the U.S. government, as well as foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.
How the Company Makes MoneyLockheed Martin generates revenue through various key streams, primarily driven by government contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other international defense agencies. The Aeronautics sector contributes significantly through the production of military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and the C-130 Hercules, while the Missiles and Fire Control sector provides advanced missile systems and defense technologies. Revenue is also bolstered by contracts in the Space sector, which includes satellite systems and space exploration initiatives. Additionally, Lockheed Martin engages in partnerships with other defense contractors, government entities, and international organizations, further enhancing its revenue potential. The company also invests in research and development to innovate and expand its product offerings, which can lead to new contracts and revenue opportunities.

Lockheed Martin Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Total Backlog
Total Backlog
Indicates the total value of orders yet to be fulfilled, providing insight into future revenue streams and demand for the company's products.
Chart InsightsLockheed Martin's total backlog has reached a record high of $179 billion, driven by substantial contract wins, including the PAC-3 MSC and CH-53K helicopters. This growth underscores strong demand for advanced defense solutions. Despite supply chain challenges and specific program risks, the company projects mid-single-digit top-line growth and robust free cash flow for 2025. The positive financial outlook is further supported by increased dividends and share repurchases, reflecting confidence in sustained operational performance and shareholder value enhancement.
Data provided by:The Fly

Lockheed Martin Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 21, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong commercial momentum: record backlog ($194B), multi-percent revenue growth (full-year +6%, Q4 +9%), robust free cash flow ($6.9B), large production ramps and multiyear framework agreements (PAC-3 and THAAD) that materially expand missile capacity, and a bullish 2026 outlook (sales ~+5% and segment profit +25%+). Key positives include significant investments in capacity and R&D, record program deliveries, and attractive long-term demand visibility. Offsetting items include a modest decline in EPS (‑4%), meaningful program-related profitability hits in Aeronautics and RMS (FY operating profit down 17% and 31%, respectively), pension-related noncash charges and future pension funding requirements, and some near-term margin volatility from program timing. Overall, the positive operational and backlog-driven outlook and strong cash generation outweigh the near-term headwinds and one-time charges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Backlog and Strong Demand
Record backlog of $194.0 billion at year-end 2025 (about 2.5x annual sales), backlog grew $17.3 billion or 17% year-over-year, full-year book-to-bill of 1.2, demonstrating resilient and growing demand across core programs.
Revenue Growth
Full-year sales of $75.0 billion, up 6% year-over-year; fourth-quarter sales of $20.3 billion, up 9% year-over-year, with all four business areas contributing to growth.
Strong Free Cash Flow and Operating Cash Conversion
Generated $6.9 billion of free cash flow in 2025 (above prior expectation) and $2.8 billion of free cash flow in Q4; over $9 billion of underlying operating cash flow before $860 million discretionary pension contributions.
Record Program Deliveries and Production Ramps
Delivered a record 191 F-35 aircraft in 2025 and 120 PAC-3 MSE interceptors; announced framework agreements (PAC-3 and THAAD) enabling PAC-3 MSE annual production to increase from ~600 to 2,000 (more than triple).
Missiles & Fire Control Momentum
MFC full-year sales up 14% to $14.5 billion; Q4 sales up 18% year-over-year; full-year segment operating profit margin of 13.8% and significant production ramps (JASSM, LRASM, Precision Fires, PAC-3) with guidance for ~14% sales growth in 2026.
Capital Investment and Innovation Commitment
Invested $3.6 billion in 2025 (capital and IRAD); announced a significant increase in 2026 internal investment (~35% year-over-year) with capital + IRAD approaching $5.0 billion and free cash flow guidance of $6.5–$6.8 billion to support capacity and R&D.
Positive 2026 Financial Outlook
2026 guidance: sales $77.05–$80.0 billion (approx. 5% year-over-year at midpoint); segment operating profit expected to grow more than 25% year-over-year; EPS guidance $29.35–$30.25 (midpoint > $8 higher than 2025).
Technology and Program Highlights
Notable technology achievements: first flight of X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, over-the-air Aegis updates with AI, demonstration of F-22-controlled drone wingman, Helios shipboard laser neutralized 4 UAVs, SDA Tranche 3 award for 18 satellites (>$1B potential), autonomous Black Hawk and operational prototyping work.
Negative Updates
Earnings Per Share and Below-the-Line Pressure
Full-year EPS of $21.49, down 4% year-over-year; FY EPS impacted by increased interest expense, a higher tax rate, and higher operating FASCAS expense despite higher sales and segment profit.
Nonoperating Pension-Related and Noncash Charges
Fourth-quarter EPS included a noncash nonoperating charge of $479 million related to a follow-on pension transaction; the company prefunded pension in 2025 (~$860–$900 million) but will have required pension contributions reappearing in 2027 (at least ~$1 billion depending on pension performance).
Aeronautics Profitability Headwinds
Aeronautics full-year segment operating profit decreased 17% year-over-year (FY sales up 6% to $30.3 billion) driven by lower profit booking rate adjustments related to classified program reach-forward losses and unfavorable profit adjustments on C-130; full-year margin 6.9% (adjusted 9.9%).
Rotary & Mission Systems (RMS) Profit Decline
RMS operating profit decreased 31% for the year due to $610 million decrease in profit booking rate adjustments, primarily from losses on the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program (CMHP) and Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP); full-year sales flat at $17.3 billion and reported margin 7.6% (adjusted 11.3%).
Program Risk and Lifecycle Timing
Certain programs retain execution risk (e.g., ongoing risk on an Aeronautics classified program), and program milestone timing/life cycles produced a 'light quarter' of favorable profit rate adjustments; some performance and timing-driven margin volatility expected in near term.
Capital Allocation Uncertainty for Shareholders
Management indicated a dynamic approach to capital allocation to fund elevated CapEx and R&D, leaving uncertainty on the pace of buybacks/dividends in 2026 and beyond as investments are evaluated.
Company Guidance
Lockheed Martin guided 2026 sales of $77.05–$80.0 billion (≈5% organic growth at the midpoint), segment operating profit of $8.425–$8.675 billion (midpoint margin ~10.9% and reported segment operating profit growth >25% YoY), EPS of $29.35–$30.25 (midpoint ~+$8 vs. 2025, with ~$7 driven by pension-related accounting), and free cash flow of $6.5–$6.8 billion; planned capital expenditures are $2.5–$2.8 billion (with capital + IRAD approaching ~$5 billion, a ~35% YoY increase), business-area outlooks include Aeronautics low single‑digit growth (F‑35 production steady at 156/yr; Aero margin ~9.8%), MFC +14% sales at midpoint (double‑digit CAGR through the decade), RMS low single‑digit growth (margin ~10.5%), and Space ~+5% (margins slightly >10%), while the company prefunded the 2026 pension (~$860–$900M) so no required 2026 contribution and expects pension requirements to resume (~$1B+) in 2027; quarterly cadence for 2026 is 12/13/13/14 weeks (Q1–Q4).

Lockheed Martin Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong cash generation is the standout (2025 OCF ~$8.6B; FCF ~$6.9B with solid cash conversion). Revenue has been steady with modest growth, but profitability has weakened with notable margin compression from 2023 to 2025. Balance-sheet risk looks improved in 2025, though prior years showed higher leverage and a thin equity cushion.
Income Statement
74
Positive
Revenue has been steady with modest growth over the last several years, culminating in ~2.3% growth in 2025. Profitability remains solid, but margins compressed notably from 2023 to 2025 (net margin ~10.2% in 2023 to ~6.7% in 2025; similar step-down in gross and operating margins), pointing to higher costs, mix shift, or execution headwinds. Overall, the business still produces healthy operating profit, but the recent margin trajectory is the main blemish.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage looks improved in 2025 versus prior years (debt-to-equity down sharply), which strengthens balance sheet flexibility. However, the historical profile shows meaningfully higher leverage in 2022–2024 (debt-to-equity well above 1x and peaking above 3x), indicating the capital structure has not been consistently conservative. Equity remains relatively small versus the asset base, and return on equity is extremely high—positive for efficiency, but also consistent with a thin equity cushion and/or heavy shareholder returns.
Cash Flow
86
Very Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: 2025 operating cash flow rose to ~$8.6B and free cash flow jumped to ~$6.9B with strong year-over-year growth. Free cash flow has consistently represented a large portion of earnings (roughly 75–83% across the period), suggesting earnings are backed by cash rather than accounting accruals. The main watch-out is variability in free cash flow growth (down in 2022 and 2024, then sharply up in 2025), which may reflect timing, working capital swings, or program cadence.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue75.06B71.04B67.57B65.98B67.04B
Gross Profit7.62B6.93B8.48B8.29B9.06B
EBITDA7.75B8.82B10.44B8.71B9.48B
Net Income5.02B5.34B6.92B5.73B6.32B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets59.84B55.62B52.46B52.88B50.87B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.12B2.48B1.44B2.55B3.60B
Total Debt21.70B21.42B17.46B15.55B11.68B
Total Liabilities53.12B49.28B45.62B43.61B39.91B
Stockholders Equity6.72B6.33B6.83B9.27B10.96B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow6.91B5.29B6.23B6.13B7.70B
Operating Cash Flow8.56B6.97B7.92B7.80B9.22B
Investing Cash Flow-1.98B-1.79B-1.69B-1.79B-1.16B
Financing Cash Flow-4.94B-4.14B-7.33B-7.07B-7.62B

Lockheed Martin Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price628.26
Price Trends
50DMA
513.14
Positive
100DMA
497.24
Positive
200DMA
474.13
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
33.67
Negative
RSI
76.19
Negative
STOCH
81.84
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LMT, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 628.26 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 578.24, above the 50-day MA of 513.14, and above the 200-day MA of 474.13, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 33.67 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 76.19 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 81.84 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for LMT.

Lockheed Martin Risk Analysis

Lockheed Martin disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Lockheed Martin reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Lockheed Martin Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$63.64B39.898.20%1.61%2.83%47.00%
75
Outperform
$97.22B23.5526.17%1.55%-0.14%72.35%
74
Outperform
$146.33B29.6076.87%2.77%2.88%-35.15%
74
Outperform
$93.65B22.4117.66%1.73%11.86%17.39%
70
Outperform
$323.78B37.9645.24%0.48%-19.21%31.83%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
56
Neutral
$183.00B122.98289.00%10.19%-6.03%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LMT
Lockheed Martin
628.26
187.57
42.56%
BA
Boeing
233.15
56.92
32.30%
GD
General Dynamics
355.31
102.75
40.69%
GE
GE Aerospace
309.93
108.90
54.17%
LHX
L3Harris Technologies
351.57
143.96
69.34%
NOC
Northrop Grumman
704.98
230.82
48.68%

Lockheed Martin Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Lockheed Martin Transfers Pension Obligations to Insurers
Negative
Dec 18, 2025

On December 16, 2025, Lockheed Martin executed buy-out conversions of previously purchased group annuity contracts, transferring approximately $900 million of gross defined benefit pension obligations from its pension plans to certain insurance companies at no additional cost or funding contribution to the company. Following the conversions, the insurers legally assumed responsibility for paying and administering retirement benefits for about 9,000 U.S. retirees and beneficiaries, with no change to the nature, amount, or timing of benefits, while Lockheed Martin expects to record a non-cash, non-operating pretax settlement charge of roughly $480 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, which represents accelerated recognition of actuarial losses and was not included in its prior 2025 financial outlook.

The most recent analyst rating on (LMT) stock is a Hold with a $543.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lockheed Martin stock, see the LMT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Lockheed Martin Secures New $3 Billion Credit Facility
Positive
Dec 9, 2025

On December 5, 2025, Lockheed Martin entered into a new 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement with a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility involving multiple banks. This agreement, which matures on December 4, 2026, supports the company’s financial flexibility for corporate purposes, including commercial paper borrowings, and reflects its strategic financial management to maintain liquidity and operational stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (LMT) stock is a Sell with a $430.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lockheed Martin stock, see the LMT Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 30, 2026