Bull case
LMT would need investors to value it at roughly 35x earnings — about 18x more generous than today's 17x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where LMT stock could go
LMT would need investors to value it at roughly 35x earnings — about 18x more generous than today's 17x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 23x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
The bear case assumes sentiment or fundamentals disappoint enough to push LMT down roughly 3% from the current price.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace and defense contractor that designs, manufactures, and sustains advanced technology systems for military and government customers. It generates revenue primarily through long-term government contracts across four segments: Aeronautics (~40%), Missiles and Fire Control (~20%), Rotary and Mission Systems (~25%), and Space (~15%). The company's moat stems from its deep expertise in classified defense technologies, entrenched relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense, and the high barriers to entry in the defense contracting industry.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $7.29/$6.52 | +11.8% | $18.2B/$18.6B | -2.2% |
| Q4 2025 | $6.95/$6.38 | +8.9% | $18.6B/$18.6B | +0.3% |
| Q1 2026 | $5.80/$7.07 | -18.0% | $20.3B/$18.7B | +8.6% |
| Q2 2026 | $6.44/$6.74 | -4.5% | $18.0B/$18.2B | -1.1% |
LMT beat EPS estimates in 2 of 4 tracked quarters. Mixed delivery makes the upcoming report a key data point for re-rating.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $643 — implies +25.5% from today's price.
| Metric | LMT | S&P 500 | Industrials | 5Y Avg LMT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 17.0x | 19.1x-11% | 20.7x-18% | — |
| Trailing PE | 23.7x | 25.1x | 25.7x | 19.8x+20% |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.72x | 1.64x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 16.0x | 15.2x | 13.7x+17% | 13.8x+16% |
| Price/FCF | 17.0x | 21.1x-19% | 21.2x-20% | 18.1x |
| Price/Sales | 1.6x | 3.1x-50% | 1.6x | 1.6x |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.87% | 1.27% | 2.69% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolLMT 23.9% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage — returns 5.2% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~3.1 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (23.9%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Lockheed Martin derives about 72% of its 2025 revenue from U.S. government contracts. A shift in federal defense policy, budget cuts, or a contract termination—especially a termination for convenience—could materially depress earnings and cash flow.
The F‑35 fighter jet program accounts for roughly 27% of total consolidated sales in 2025. Funding reductions, production delays, or performance issues in this program could significantly erode revenue and margin.
While rising global tensions can boost demand, sudden geopolitical de-escalation—such as a U.S.–Iran ceasefire—could cut defense budgets and delay procurement, reducing future contract flow.
Lockheed Martin relies on a global supply chain that is exposed to semiconductor shortages, cost spikes, and geopolitical disruptions. Counterfeit parts or supply gaps could delay production and increase costs.
The company’s fixed‑price development and production contracts expose it to cost overruns and margin compression. Past “reach‑forward” losses illustrate the potential for unexpected losses on such contracts.
Rapid tech evolution and competition in advanced fighter programs pose a threat. The loss of the NGAD contract to Boeing highlights the risk of falling behind in next‑generation defense platforms.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Lockheed Martin's backlog exceeds $179 B, providing clear visibility for future sales across multi‑year aircraft orders, missile programs, and sustainment contracts. This robust pipeline supports consistent revenue generation and cushions against market volatility.
The F‑35 fighter jet is entering a significant upgrade cycle, expected to enhance capabilities and generate additional revenue. Other key programs such as PAC‑3, THAAD, and hypersonic systems also contribute to growth.
Analysts project margin expansion as Lockheed Martin tightens risk management, implements cost controls, and leverages digital transformation. Higher‑volume programs and operating leverage are expected to further lift profitability.
The company has shown robust revenue growth with recent quarterly increases and a high return on equity, reflecting effective capital management. Lockheed Martin also delivers shareholder value through dividends and stock repurchases.
As a critical defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is deemed strategically indispensable, making it less vulnerable to broader market sentiment or economic downturns. This strategic positioning supports long‑term stability.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LMT LMT Lockheed Martin Corporation | $117.3B | 17.0x | +5.1% | 6.4% | Buy | +24.8% |
RTX RTX RTX Corporation | $232.8B | 25.0x | +7.0% | 8.0% | Buy | +30.1% |
NOC NOC Northrop Grumman Corporation | $79.3B | 20.0x | +3.4% | 10.8% | Buy | +30.9% |
GD GD General Dynamics Corporation | $94.4B | 21.2x | +6.1% | 8.1% | Buy | +17.1% |
BA BA The Boeing Company | $176.9B | 4835.8x | +14.0% | 2.5% | Buy | +17.5% |
LHX LHX L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | $56.5B | 26.1x | +4.6% | 7.7% | Buy | +16.4% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
LMT returns 5.2% total yield, led by a 2.65% dividend, raised 23 consecutive years. Buybacks add another 2.6%.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $3.45 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $13.35 | +4.7% | 2.7% | 5.5% |
| 2024 | $12.75 | +4.9% | 3.2% | 5.8% |
| 2023 | $12.15 | +6.6% | 5.3% | 8.0% |
| 2022 | $11.40 | +7.5% | 6.1% | 8.5% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 37 analysts covering the stock, 20 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 16 rate it Hold, and 1 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $635, implying +24.8% from the current price of $509. The bear case scenario is $522 and the bull case is $1044.
The Wall Street consensus price target for LMT is $635 based on 37 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $700 (+37.5% from today), and the low-end target is $517 (+1.6%). The base case model target is $679.
LMT trades at 17.0x times forward earnings. The stock's valuation is broadly in line with the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals undervalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for LMT in 2026 are: (1) U.S. Government Contract Dependence — Lockheed Martin derives about 72% of its 2025 revenue from U. (2) F‑35 Program Concentration — The F‑35 fighter jet program accounts for roughly 27% of total consolidated sales in 2025. (3) Geopolitical & Defense Spending Risk — While rising global tensions can boost demand, sudden geopolitical de-escalation—such as a U. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates LMT will report consensus revenue of $78.9B (+5.1% year-over-year) and EPS of $26.92 (+29.8% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $82.8B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for LMT is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) generated $5.7B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 7.5%. LMT returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.7% yield) and share repurchases ($3.0B TTM).