blue-chip

One NYSE - Listed Aerospace & Defense Stock Under Radar - LMT

Jun 23, 2025 | Team Kalkine
One NYSE - Listed Aerospace & Defense Stock Under Radar - LMT
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LMT:NYSE
Investment Type
Large-cap
Risk Level
Action
Rec. Price (US$)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is a leading global company specializing in aerospace and defense. It focuses on the research, design, development, production, integration, and support of cutting-edge technology systems, products, and services. The company operates through four main business segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space.

Key Financial Updates:

  • Strong Revenue Growth Driven by Defense Programs: Lockheed Martin reported first-quarter 2025 sales of USD 18.0 billion, reflecting a solid 4% increase from USD 17.2 billion in the same period of 2024. This growth was primarily fueled by higher production volumes in key programs such as the F-35 and various missile systems, demonstrating the company’s ability to capitalize on strong demand for advanced defense capabilities.
  • Robust Profitability and EPS Expansion: The company delivered net earnings of USD 1.7 billion, or USD 7.28 per diluted share, representing meaningful growth from USD 1.5 billion, or USD 6.39 per share, in the prior year’s first quarter. Consolidated operating profit rose to USD 2.37 billion, compared to USD 2.03 billion a year earlier, highlighting improved margins and efficient execution across major business segments.
  • Resilient Cash Generation and Shareholder Returns: Lockheed Martin generated USD 1.4 billion in cash from operations and USD 955 million in free cash flow during the quarter. While these figures were slightly below the prior year’s levels due to timing of milestones, insurance costs, and increased software investment, the company maintained its strong commitment to shareholder value by returning USD 1.5 billion through dividends and share repurchases.
  • Solid Segment Contributions Across the Portfolio: The Aeronautics division recorded a 3% sales increase, driven by expanded production on the F-35 program. Missiles and Fire Control posted a notable 13% rise in sales on the back of higher tactical and strike missile deliveries. Rotary and Mission Systems achieved a 6% increase thanks to gains in integrated warfare systems and Black Hawk helicopter production. While Space sales were modestly lower, operating profit rose sharply due to favorable program performance and booking rate adjustments.
  • Focused Investment for Long-Term Innovation: Lockheed Martin sustained its commitment to innovation with over USD 850 million invested in research, development, and capital projects during the quarter. This focus aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance digital, interoperable systems and support evolving security needs. New awards, including key missile contracts and the Trident II D5 Life Extension, reflect customer trust and long-term growth opportunities.
  • Confidence in 2025 Outlook and Strategic Execution: Looking ahead, the company reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance, targeting annual sales between USD 73.75 billion and USD 74.75 billion, free cash flow of USD 6.6 to USD 6.8 billion, and earnings per share in the range of USD 27.00 to USD 27.30. Backed by a robust USD 173 billion backlog and a disciplined focus on operational excellence, Lockheed Martin remains well positioned to navigate dynamic geopolitical and technological landscapes while delivering sustained value to stakeholders.

Technical Observation (on the daily chart):

LMT is expected to show signs of a potential bullish reversal, with the 21-day moving average can cross above the 50-day, indicating upward momentum. The stock has been consolidating in a tight range between USD 460–USD 485, and a breakout above this zone could signal the start of a new upward trend. RSI is neutral at 49.82, suggesting room for upside.

Lockheed Martin delivered a strong start to 2025, achieving 4% sales growth to USD 18.0 billion and solid earnings of USD 1.7 billion, driven by robust demand across key defense programs. Despite slightly lower free cash flow due to timing factors and strategic investments, the company demonstrated resilience with substantial shareholder returns of USD 1.5 billion and reaffirmed confidence in its full-year outlook. With a healthy backlog, ongoing innovation, and disciplined execution, Lockheed Martin is well positioned to sustain growth and meet evolving global security needs.

As per the above-mentioned price action, recent key business and financial updates, momentum in the stock over the last month, and technical indicators analysis, a ‘Buy’ rating has been given to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) at the current market price of USD 472.52 as of June 23,2025 at 07:05 AM PDT. 

Individuals can evaluate the stock based on the support and resistance levels provided in the report in case of keen interest taking into consideration the risk-reward scenario. 

Markets are trading in a highly volatile zone currently due to certain macro-economic issues and prevailing geopolitical tensions. Therefore, it is prudent to follow a cautious approach while investing.

Related Risk: This report may be looked at from a high-risk perspective and a recommendation is provided for a short duration. This report is solely based on technical parameters, and the fundamental performance of the stocks has not been considered in the decision-making process. Other factors which could impact the stock prices include market risks, regulatory risks, interest rates risks, currency risks, social and political instability risks etc. 

Note 1: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Note 2: The reference date for all price data, currency, technical indicators, support, and resistance level is June 23,2025. The reference data in this report has been partly sourced from REFINITIV.

Note 3: Investment decisions should be made depending on an individual's appetite for upside potential, risks, holding duration, and any previous holdings. An 'Exit' from the stock can be considered if the Target Price mentioned as per the Valuation and or the technical levels provided has been achieved and is subject to the factors discussed above.

Note 4: Target Price refers to a price level that the stock is expected to reach as per the relative valuation method and or technical analysis taking into consideration both short-term and long-term scenarios.

Note 5: ‘Kalkine reports are prepared based on the stock prices captured either from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ Capital Markets (NASDAQ), and or REFINITIV. Typically, all sources (NYSE, NASDAQ, or REFINITIV) may reflect stock prices with a delay which could be a lag of 15-20 minutes. There can be no assurance that future results or events will be consistent with the information provided in the report. The information is subject to change without any prior notice.


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Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.