LMT

Lockheed Martin

$499.22

-2.14%
Oct 7, 2026
Bobby Quantitative Model
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, operating across four core segments: Aeronautics (dominated by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter), Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems (including Sikorsky helicopters), and Space Systems, which also captures equity income from the United Launch Alliance joint venture. The company's competitive identity is defined by its entrenched position as the primary supplier of high-end fighter aircraft to Western governments, a franchise moat built on decades of program incumbency, security clearances, and switching costs that few peers can replicate. The current investor narrative centers on a powerful demand inflection: record U.S. defense spending proposals approaching $1.5 trillion for 2027, the Trump administration's JATM missile procurement deal, and escalating Iran-related geopolitical tensions have combined to drive a surge in bookings — highlighted by a 3.2x book-to-bill ratio and 444% year-over-year profit growth in the most recent quarter. At the same time, debate persists around F-35 program cost scrutiny, margin sustainability in the classified-heavy Missiles and Fire Control segment, and whether the stock's recent run has already discounted the bulk of the spending tailwind.

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BobbyInvestment Opinion: Should I buy LMT Today?

Based on the synthesis of data, the recommendation is a Buy with a 12-month horizon. The core thesis is that Lockheed Martin is undervalued relative to its growth prospects, trading at a forward PE of 15.43x versus a sector average of 18-22x, while offering a 26% upside to the analyst average target of $636.74. The recent earnings inflection and record backlog provide a strong foundation for multiple expansion as the market recognizes the sustainable earnings power.

Supporting evidence includes: 1) Revenue growth of 10.51% year-over-year in Q2 2026, accelerating from prior periods; 2) Net margin expansion to 9.15% in Q2 2026 from 1.88% a year ago, demonstrating operational leverage; 3) TTM free cash flow of $8.73 billion, supporting a 2.80% dividend yield and buybacks; 4) A forward PE of 15.43x, which is a 15-25% discount to peers despite superior growth and backlog visibility. The 3.2x book-to-bill ratio further validates the demand environment.

Key risks that could invalidate the thesis include: 1) A significant F-35 program charge or delay, which could erase earnings growth; 2) A slowdown in defense spending growth, particularly if geopolitical tensions ease; 3) Failure to convert backlog to revenue efficiently, leading to margin pressure. The rating would upgrade to Strong Buy if the forward PE compresses below 14x or if revenue growth exceeds 12% with margin expansion. It would downgrade to Hold if revenue growth decelerates below 8% or if debt-to-equity rises above 3.5x. Relative to its history and peers, the stock appears undervalued, trading at a discount on forward earnings despite a premium on trailing metrics.

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LMT 12-Month Price Forecast

The forward-looking view is bullish, supported by a compelling valuation discount, strong revenue growth, and a record backlog that provides multi-year visibility. The earnings inflection in Q2 2026 demonstrates the company's ability to overcome prior program charges and deliver substantial profit growth. Analyst sentiment is moderately positive, with recent upgrades from major banks, and the 26% upside to the average target suggests the market has yet to fully price in the recovery. However, risks such as F-35 concentration and elevated leverage warrant a medium confidence level. An upgrade to high confidence would require sustained margin expansion above 12% and a clear resolution of program risks; a downgrade would occur if revenue growth decelerates below 8% or if debt levels increase further.

Historical Price
Current Price $499.22
Average Target $625.00
High Target $756.00
Low Target $437.00

Wall Street consensus

Most Wall Street analysts maintain a constructive view on Lockheed Martin's 12-month outlook, with a consensus price target around $630.85 and implied upside of +26.4% versus the current price.

Average Target

$630.85

0 analysts

Implied Upside

+26.4%

vs. current price

Analyst Count

—

covering this stock

Price Range

$503 - $756

Analyst target range

Lockheed Martin is covered by 19 analysts with a consensus recommendation of "buy" and a recommendation mean of 2.43 (on a scale where 1 is Strong Buy and 5 is Strong Sell), indicating a moderately bullish but not overwhelmingly enthusiastic consensus. The average price target of $636.74 implies approximately 26.0% upside from the current price of $505.41, a substantial gap that suggests analysts believe the recent selloff has created a compelling entry point. The consensus EPS estimate of $40.60 for the forward period, combined with estimated revenue of $98.69 billion, implies analysts are modeling continued top-line growth and margin expansion that the market has yet to fully price in. The bullish tilt is notable given the stock's poor recent price performance — the fact that the consensus target remains 26% above the current price indicates that analysts view the weakness as sentiment-driven rather than fundamentally justified. The target price range spans from a low of $503.00 to a high of $756.00, a spread of $253 (approximately 50% of the current price), which signals significant disagreement among analysts about the company's trajectory. The low target of $503.00 is essentially at the current price, implying that the most bearish analyst sees no upside and is pricing in margin compression, program execution risk, or a slowdown in defense budget growth. The high target of $756.00 implies roughly 49.6% upside and would require a combination of multiple expansion (from 15.4x forward PE toward 20x), accelerating revenue growth driven by the JATM and other new program wins, and sustained margin improvement above the 12% operating margin level. Institutional ratings show a clear pattern of recent upgrades: UBS upgraded from Neutral to Buy on September 8, 2026, and Citigroup upgraded from Neutral to Buy on July 1, 2026 (and reiterated Buy on August 13), while Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital, and TD Cowen have maintained more cautious Equal Weight/Sector Perform/Hold ratings. This divergence — with two major banks turning bullish while others remain on the sidelines — suggests the investment case is in the early stages of a sentiment shift, and the wide target spread reflects genuine uncertainty about whether the defense spending supercycle will translate into sustained earnings outperformance or whether program-specific risks (F-35 cost pressure, classified program charges) will cap upside.

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Bulls vs Bears: LMT Investment Factors

The bull case for Lockheed Martin is compelling, anchored by a record backlog, a sharp earnings recovery, and an attractive forward valuation that suggests the market has overly discounted recent program charges. The bear case centers on elevated leverage, recent price weakness, and concentration risk in the F-35 program, which could cap upside if execution falters. Currently, the bull evidence appears stronger: the 3.2x book-to-bill and 444% profit growth demonstrate fundamental momentum, while the forward PE of 15.43x and 26% analyst upside indicate undervaluation. The most critical tension is whether the defense spending supercycle will translate into sustained earnings growth or whether program-specific risks will continue to pressure margins. Resolution of this debate will likely determine whether the stock breaks above $692 or retests $437.

Bullish

  • Record Backlog Drives Multi-Year Growth: The 3.2x book-to-bill ratio in Q2 2026 implies that new orders are more than triple current revenue, providing exceptional visibility into future growth. This backlog conversion should sustain revenue acceleration well into 2027 and beyond, underpinned by programs like the F-35 and JATM missile deal.
  • Earnings Inflection with 444% Profit Growth: Q2 2026 net income surged to $1.836 billion from $342 million in Q2 2025, a 444% increase, driven by the absence of a $1.6 billion classified program charge and operational improvements. This dramatic recovery showcases the company's earnings power and potential for continued margin expansion.
  • Attractive Forward Valuation: The forward PE of 15.43x is significantly below the trailing PE of 22.43x and represents a 15-25% discount to the aerospace & defense peer group, which typically trades at 18-22x forward earnings. This discount appears unjustified given the company's 10.5% revenue growth and expanding margins.
  • Strong Analyst Consensus and Upside: With 19 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is 'buy' with an average target price of $636.74, implying 26% upside from the current price of $505.41. Recent upgrades from UBS and Citigroup suggest a positive shift in sentiment.

Bearish

  • Elevated Debt and Leverage: The debt-to-equity ratio of 3.23x is high, reflecting a capital-return-heavy strategy that may limit financial flexibility. Interest coverage of 9.3x is adequate but could tighten if earnings decline or interest rates rise.
  • Recent Price Weakness and Underperformance: The stock has declined 4.92% over the past month and 18.85% over six months, significantly underperforming the S&P 500. Relative strength versus SPY is negative across all timeframes, indicating persistent selling pressure.
  • F-35 Program Concentration Risk: Aeronautics, which derives two-thirds of its revenue from the F-35, accounts for $8.11 billion of Q2 2026 revenue. Any cost overruns, budget cuts, or technical issues with the F-35 could disproportionately impact the entire company.
  • Margin Sustainability Concerns: Gross margin of 12.19% in Q2 2026 is consistent with historical ranges but remains thin due to cost-plus contracting. The Missiles and Fire Control segment, with classified programs, has previously incurred significant charges, highlighting margin volatility.

LMT Technical Analysis

Lockheed Martin is in a recovery phase within a broader range-bound structure, with the current price of $505.41 sitting just 9.9% above its 52-week low of $437.25 and 27.0% below its 52-week high of $692.00 — placing it at roughly 26.7% of its 52-week range. The 1-year price change of +1.21% masks significant intra-year volatility, including a max drawdown of -27.35%, indicating the stock has round-tripped a substantial decline and is now attempting to rebuild momentum from a deeply discounted base. This positioning near the lower quartile of the annual range suggests the stock is neither overextended nor in free-fall, but rather in a consolidation zone where value-oriented buyers have begun to accumulate. Recent momentum is decidedly negative and diverging sharply from the longer-term trend: the 1-month change of -4.92% and 3-month change of -7.42% contrast with the positive 1-year return, signaling a loss of near-term conviction even as the annual trend remains marginally positive. The 6-month change of -18.85% reveals the severity of the mid-year selloff, and relative strength versus SPY is negative across every measured window — -5.51% over 1 month, -10.76% over 3 months, and a striking -36.20% over 6 months — confirming that capital has rotated decisively away from LMT and into broader market beta. The divergence between the flat 1-year return and the sharply negative 1-month and 3-month readings suggests the stock is in a corrective pullback within a longer-term recovery, and the absence of a meaningful bounce despite the July earnings beat implies the market is demanding either stronger forward guidance or a more attractive entry valuation. Key technical levels are well-defined: the 52-week low at $437.25 represents the critical support zone, and a breakdown below that level would signal a deeper bearish repricing potentially toward the $400 psychological area, while the 52-week high at $692.00 stands as the primary resistance ceiling. A breakout above $692 would require a fundamental catalyst — likely a major contract award or a significant upward revision to defense budget expectations — and would confirm a new uptrend. The beta of 0.104 is extraordinarily low, indicating the stock has historically exhibited almost no correlation to broad market moves, which makes it an effective portfolio diversifier but also means it will not benefit from general market rallies; for position sizing, this low beta suggests the stock's risk is almost entirely idiosyncratic (program-specific, budget-cycle, and geopolitical), not systematic.

Beta

0.10

0.10x market volatility

Max Drawdown

-27.4%

Largest decline past year

52-Week Range

$437-$692

Price range past year

Annual Return

-2.3%

Cumulative gain past year

PeriodLMT ReturnS&P 500
1m-5.0%+0.9%
3m-3.7%+3.4%
6m-18.7%+14.4%
1y-2.3%+16.2%
ytd+0.4%+14.0%

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LMT Fundamental Analysis

Lockheed Martin's revenue trajectory is reaccelerating meaningfully, with Q2 2026 revenue of $20.06 billion representing 10.51% year-over-year growth — a sharp acceleration from the prior-year Q2 figure of $18.16 billion. The sequential trend is equally constructive: Q1 2026 revenue of $18.02 billion grew to $20.06 billion in Q2, and the Q4 2025 print of $20.33 billion confirms the company is operating at a consistently higher revenue base than the $17-18 billion quarterly levels seen throughout much of 2024 and early 2025. Segment data shows Aeronautics as the dominant contributor at $8.11 billion, followed by Rotary and Mission Systems at $4.35 billion, Missiles and Fire Control at $4.10 billion, and Space at $3.50 billion — a diversified mix that reduces single-program concentration risk even as the F-35 remains the anchor. The 3.2x book-to-bill ratio cited in recent coverage implies that revenue growth should persist well into 2027 and beyond, as the backlog converts to recognized revenue. Profitability has inflected dramatically: Q2 2026 net income of $1.836 billion on $20.06 billion in revenue yields a 9.15% net margin, a massive improvement from the $342 million (1.88% net margin) reported in Q2 2025, which was depressed by a $1.6 billion classified program charge. Gross margin of 12.19% in Q2 2026 is consistent with the 11.5-12.4% range seen across recent quarters, reflecting the cost-plus and fixed-price mix typical of defense prime contracting, where gross margins are structurally lower than commercial aerospace but operating leverage is driven by volume and program mix. The operating margin of 12.36% and EBITDA of $2.479 billion (12.36% EBITDA margin) confirm that the earnings recovery is broad-based, and the trailing net margin of 6.68% understates current run-rate profitability given the one-time charges in prior periods. Balance sheet health presents a mixed picture: the debt-to-equity ratio of 3.23x is elevated and reflects the company's capital-return-heavy strategy (dividends paid of $796 million and debt repayment of $168 million in Q2 alone), but the current ratio of 1.09x and interest coverage of 9.3x indicate adequate near-term liquidity and debt service capacity. Free cash flow on a trailing-twelve-month basis stands at $8.729 billion, and Q2 2026 free cash flow of $2.917 billion on operating cash flow of $3.235 billion demonstrates strong cash generation, though the Q1 2026 free cash flow was negative at -$291 million due to working capital swings (inventory build of $727 million and receivables increase of $1.579 billion). The ROE of 74.65% is exceptionally high but is inflated by the leveraged capital structure (equity multiplier of 7.12x), so it should be interpreted alongside the debt-to-equity ratio rather than in isolation; the more conservative ROA of 8.64% provides a cleaner view of asset-level profitability.

Quarterly Revenue

$20.1B

2026-06

Revenue YoY Growth

+10.5%

YoY Comparison

Gross Margin

12.2%

Latest Quarter

Free Cash Flow

$8.7B

Last 12 Months

Revenue & Net Income Trends (2 Years)

Revenue Breakdown

Aeronautics
Missiles And Fire Control
Rotary and Mission Systems
Space

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Valuation Analysis: Is LMT Overvalued?

With trailing net income firmly positive at $1.836 billion in the most recent quarter and $6.15 billion on a trailing basis, the PE ratio is the appropriate primary valuation metric. The trailing PE of 22.43x compares to a forward PE of 15.43x, implying the market expects earnings to grow approximately 45% over the next twelve months — a gap that reflects the consensus EPS estimate of $40.60 versus the trailing EPS of $0.045 (which is distorted by the data source's per-share calculation methodology). The forward PE of 15.43x is the more meaningful figure for valuation purposes and positions the stock at a discount to the broader Industrials sector, where large-cap defense primes typically trade in the 18-22x forward earnings range. Relative to the sector, Lockheed's forward PE of 15.43x represents a roughly 15-25% discount to the typical aerospace and defense peer group, a discount that appears unjustified given the company's 10.5% revenue growth, expanding margins, and record backlog. The PS ratio of 1.49x and EV/Sales of 1.73x are low on an absolute basis but reflect the low-margin nature of defense contracting; the EV/EBITDA of 16.67x is more informative and sits at a modest premium to the sector median of approximately 14-15x, though the premium is defensible given the earnings recovery trajectory. The PEG ratio of -6.05 is not meaningful due to the negative earnings growth rate in the trailing data, but the forward-looking growth profile (consensus EPS of $40.60 vs. estimated prior-year EPS in the mid-$20s) implies a forward PEG well below 1.0, which would screen as undervalued on a growth-adjusted basis. Historical context is instructive: the stock's PE ratio has ranged from a low of 11.85x (Q4 2021) to a high of 90.36x (Q2 2022, distorted by a one-time charge), with the more typical range being 15-23x over the past three years. The current trailing PE of 22.43x sits at the upper end of that historical band, but the forward PE of 15.43x is near the lower end, suggesting the market is pricing in the earnings recovery but not yet awarding the stock a premium multiple. The PB ratio of 16.62x is elevated relative to the historical range of 8.9-20.3x, reflecting the company's aggressive share buybacks and dividend payments that have reduced book equity; this is a structural feature of the capital-return strategy rather than a valuation red flag.

PE

22.4x

Latest Quarter

vs. Historical

High-End

5-Year PE Range 12x~23x

vs. Industry Avg

N/A

Industry PE ~N/A*

EV/EBITDA

16.7x

Enterprise Value Multiple

Investment Risk Disclosure

Financial and operational risks are significant, primarily due to the elevated debt-to-equity ratio of 3.23x, which reflects a capital-return strategy that has reduced book equity and increased leverage. While interest coverage of 9.3x and a current ratio of 1.09x indicate adequate near-term liquidity, the high leverage amplifies vulnerability to earnings volatility. Additionally, the company's revenue is concentrated in the F-35 program, which accounts for two-thirds of Aeronautics revenue ($8.11 billion in Q2 2026), making it susceptible to program-specific issues such as cost overruns or budget cuts. The Q2 2025 $1.6 billion classified program charge exemplifies how operational setbacks can severely impact profitability, as net margin plummeted to 1.88% that quarter.

Market and competitive risks include valuation compression if the stock fails to meet growth expectations, given its trailing PE of 22.43x is at the upper end of its historical range. The forward PE of 15.43x assumes 45% earnings growth, which may be optimistic if defense spending slows or program delays occur. The low beta of 0.104 means the stock is insulated from market swings but also won't benefit from sector rotations into broader industrials. Competitive threats are emerging, as evidenced by Rocket Lab's $397 million Space Force contract, which could signal intensifying competition in space systems. Regulatory and geopolitical risks, such as changes in defense budgets or the resolution of Iran tensions, could reduce the urgency for increased spending.

The worst-case scenario involves a combination of factors: a significant F-35 program setback leading to charges, a slowdown in defense budget growth, and multiple compression. In this scenario, the stock could retest its 52-week low of $437.25, representing a 13.5% decline from the current price of $505.41. If the bear case fully materializes, with analyst low target of $503 already near current levels, a more severe selloff could push the stock toward $400, a 20.9% drop. Historical max drawdown of 27.35% suggests that a decline to $367 is possible in a severe downturn, but the 52-week low provides a more immediate support level.

FAQ

The key risks include: 1) Financial risk from high debt-to-equity of 3.23x, which could strain if earnings decline; 2) Concentration risk with the F-35 accounting for two-thirds of Aeronautics revenue, making it vulnerable to program-specific issues; 3) Competitive risk from emerging players like Rocket Lab in space systems; and 4) Macro risk from potential defense budget cuts if geopolitical tensions ease. The most severe risk is a major F-35 setback, which could trigger a sharp selloff toward the 52-week low of $437.25. Margin sustainability is also a concern, as gross margins are thin at 12.19%.

The 12-month forecast includes three scenarios: bull case (30% probability) targeting $692-$756, base case (50% probability) targeting $600-$650, and bear case (20% probability) targeting $437-$503. The base case is most likely, assuming steady revenue growth of 8-10% and margin stability, leading to a re-rating toward the analyst average target of $636.74. The bull case requires accelerating defense spending and successful program execution, while the bear case hinges on program charges or budget cuts. The key assumption for the base case is that the backlog converts efficiently and no major charges occur.

LMT appears undervalued on a forward basis, with a forward PE of 15.43x compared to the aerospace & defense peer group average of 18-22x. The trailing PE of 22.43x is at the upper end of its historical range, but the forward multiple reflects expected earnings growth of 45%. The PS ratio of 1.49x and EV/EBITDA of 16.67x are reasonable for a defense prime with strong cash flow. The market is pricing in the earnings recovery but not yet awarding a premium multiple, implying that if growth continues, there is room for multiple expansion. Relative to its own history, the forward PE is near the lower end of the 15-23x range, suggesting undervaluation.

From a risk/reward perspective, LMT appears attractive at current levels, trading at $505.41 with a forward PE of 15.43x and offering 26% upside to the analyst average target of $636.74. The company's 10.51% revenue growth and 444% profit growth in Q2 2026 demonstrate strong momentum, while the 3.2x book-to-bill ratio provides visibility. However, the biggest downside risk is a retest of the 52-week low at $437.25, representing a 13.5% decline, if program issues arise. For long-term investors with a tolerance for defense sector volatility, LMT is a good buy, but short-term traders may want to wait for a breakout above $692 or a clear reversal in relative strength.

LMT is more suitable for long-term investment due to its low beta of 0.104, stable dividend yield of 2.80%, and multi-year backlog visibility. The stock's earnings are driven by long-cycle defense programs, making it less volatile than the broader market but also less responsive to short-term catalysts. Short-term trading is less attractive given the recent negative momentum and relative underperformance. A minimum holding period of 2-3 years is recommended to fully realize the benefits of the defense spending supercycle and backlog conversion. The dividend and buybacks provide a steady return while waiting for capital appreciation.