Is Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) 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 LVHD ETF: The Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD), launched in 2015, focuses on large-cap value stocks with high dividend yields and low volatility, managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, and has a current asset size of over $588 million.
Performance and Comparison: LVHD has shown a 14.05% increase this year and a 24.53% rise over the past year, but investors may also consider other ETFs like Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF and Vanguard Value ETF for potentially lower expense ratios and risks.
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Analyst Views on LMT
Wall Street analysts forecast LMT stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 512.250
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 512.250
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.
Lockheed Martin Secures $212.74M Contract Modification for PATRIOT Support
- Contract Value Increase: Lockheed Martin's contract modification worth $212.74 million raises the total contract value to $875.63 million, indicating sustained demand and market confidence in the defense sector.
- Comprehensive Services: The modification includes logistics support, missile repair, and launcher repair/return services, showcasing the company's capability in providing integrated solutions and further solidifying its position in the defense market.
- Project Completion Timeline: All work is expected to be completed by February 24, 2027, providing the company with a clear project management and resource allocation plan within the specified timeframe.
- Strengthened Military Collaboration: Awarded by the Army Contracting Command, this contract reflects Lockheed Martin's close partnership with the U.S. military, enhancing the company's prospects for securing similar contracts in the future.
See More
Lockheed Martin Announces Q2 2026 Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Lockheed Martin's board has authorized a Q2 2026 dividend of $3.45 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns amidst strong profitability, which is expected to boost investor confidence.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on June 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2026, ensuring timely returns for shareholders and reinforcing the company's value proposition.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: The company is significantly increasing investments while maintaining its historical disciplined capital allocation practices, indicating confidence in future growth and a commitment to innovation aimed at enhancing technological advancement and market competitiveness.
- Consistency with Full-Year Guidance: The announcement of this dividend aligns with the company's full-year guidance, reflecting Lockheed Martin's balance between dynamic capital management and shareholder returns, signaling its continued leadership in the defense technology sector.
See More
Trump to Discuss Arms Sales to Taiwan and Jimmy Lai's Imprisonment
- Taiwan Arms Sales Controversy: Trump stated he would address U.S. arms sales to Taiwan at the upcoming Beijing summit, a move that could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, especially given China's accusations of violating the 'one-China principle'.
- Taiwan's Special Defense Budget: Taiwanese lawmakers approved a $25 billion special defense budget, significantly lower than the $40 billion requested by the government, indicating a funding shortfall that may undermine Taiwan's defense capabilities against increasing Chinese military threats.
- Focus on Jimmy Lai's Case: Trump reiterated his call for the release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who was sentenced to 20 years for colluding with foreign forces, a stance likely to provoke strong opposition from Beijing and further complicate U.S.-China relations.
- Risks in U.S.-China Relations: Experts warn that any perceived softening of Trump's stance on Taiwan during the summit could be interpreted as a concession to China, potentially emboldening Beijing to take more aggressive actions that threaten Taiwan's autonomy.
See More
Trump Upgrades Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative
- Golden Dome Initiative Launched: President Trump’s Executive Order 14186, published on January 27, 2025, inaugurated the Golden Dome program aimed at constructing a next-generation missile defense system to deter any foreign aerial attacks, reflecting the U.S. strategic commitment to national defense.
- Massive Contract Value: The U.S. Space Force announced awarding $3.2 billion in defense contracts to 12 companies to develop space-based interceptors, which are expected to significantly enhance the country's missile defense capabilities by filling existing gaps in the system.
- Diverse Participation: The contract includes well-known defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, alongside emerging space technology companies such as Gitai and True Anomaly, showcasing the Space Force's strategy to attract both traditional and non-traditional vendors for this initiative.
- Investment Opportunities Arise: Lockheed Martin stands out with a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.8 and a projected earnings growth rate of 18.5%, making it a focal point for investors looking to capitalize on the Golden Dome initiative, as it is expected to benefit from future contracts and solidify its leadership in the defense market.
See More
Embraer in Talks with Colombia and Chile for C-390 Orders
- International Order Talks: Brazilian planemaker Embraer is negotiating potential orders for its C-390 military transport aircraft with Colombia and Chile, aiming to boost foreign sales and enhance competitiveness against Lockheed Martin's C-130 in the Latin American market.
- Production Capacity Increase: The company plans to produce 10 C-390s by 2030, with six jets expected to be delivered this year, as supply chains recover from post-pandemic constraints, thereby supporting its ongoing sales campaigns.
- Market Demand Analysis: Colombian President has criticized bureaucratic obstacles delaying military modernization plans, indicating a pressing need for the C-390, which may lead to a quicker deal than with Chile, reflecting strong regional interest in the aircraft.
- Regional Showcase Activities: Embraer showcased the C-390 at the FIDAE air show in Chile, further promoting collaboration with Chile, demonstrating the company's strategic focus on the Latin American market to enhance brand influence and market share.
See More
U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Arms Sales Growth
- Cost of War: The Pentagon reported that the U.S. war against Iran has cost taxpayers $25 billion, significantly lower than the previously estimated $80-$100 billion, indicating a potential shift in military budget priorities moving forward.
- HIMARS Sales Surge: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for HIMARS launchers, which could generate an additional $143 million in operating profit, reflecting strong global demand for this system amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.
- International Orders Expansion: Countries including Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan have shown significant interest in acquiring HIMARS systems, highlighting their proactive measures to bolster defense capabilities against potential geopolitical threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: With increasing HIMARS sales, Lockheed Martin's stock appears attractive under a 25 P/E ratio and an 18.5% long-term earnings growth forecast, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation as demand continues to rise.
See More
Lockheed Martin Secures $212.74M Contract Modification for PATRIOT Support
- Contract Value Increase: Lockheed Martin's contract modification worth $212.74 million raises the total contract value to $875.63 million, indicating sustained demand and market confidence in the defense sector.
- Comprehensive Services: The modification includes logistics support, missile repair, and launcher repair/return services, showcasing the company's capability in providing integrated solutions and further solidifying its position in the defense market.
- Project Completion Timeline: All work is expected to be completed by February 24, 2027, providing the company with a clear project management and resource allocation plan within the specified timeframe.
- Strengthened Military Collaboration: Awarded by the Army Contracting Command, this contract reflects Lockheed Martin's close partnership with the U.S. military, enhancing the company's prospects for securing similar contracts in the future.
See More
Lockheed Martin Announces Q2 2026 Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Lockheed Martin's board has authorized a Q2 2026 dividend of $3.45 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns amidst strong profitability, which is expected to boost investor confidence.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on June 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2026, ensuring timely returns for shareholders and reinforcing the company's value proposition.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: The company is significantly increasing investments while maintaining its historical disciplined capital allocation practices, indicating confidence in future growth and a commitment to innovation aimed at enhancing technological advancement and market competitiveness.
- Consistency with Full-Year Guidance: The announcement of this dividend aligns with the company's full-year guidance, reflecting Lockheed Martin's balance between dynamic capital management and shareholder returns, signaling its continued leadership in the defense technology sector.
See More
Trump to Discuss Arms Sales to Taiwan and Jimmy Lai's Imprisonment
- Taiwan Arms Sales Controversy: Trump stated he would address U.S. arms sales to Taiwan at the upcoming Beijing summit, a move that could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, especially given China's accusations of violating the 'one-China principle'.
- Taiwan's Special Defense Budget: Taiwanese lawmakers approved a $25 billion special defense budget, significantly lower than the $40 billion requested by the government, indicating a funding shortfall that may undermine Taiwan's defense capabilities against increasing Chinese military threats.
- Focus on Jimmy Lai's Case: Trump reiterated his call for the release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who was sentenced to 20 years for colluding with foreign forces, a stance likely to provoke strong opposition from Beijing and further complicate U.S.-China relations.
- Risks in U.S.-China Relations: Experts warn that any perceived softening of Trump's stance on Taiwan during the summit could be interpreted as a concession to China, potentially emboldening Beijing to take more aggressive actions that threaten Taiwan's autonomy.
See More
Trump Upgrades Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative
- Golden Dome Initiative Launched: President Trump’s Executive Order 14186, published on January 27, 2025, inaugurated the Golden Dome program aimed at constructing a next-generation missile defense system to deter any foreign aerial attacks, reflecting the U.S. strategic commitment to national defense.
- Massive Contract Value: The U.S. Space Force announced awarding $3.2 billion in defense contracts to 12 companies to develop space-based interceptors, which are expected to significantly enhance the country's missile defense capabilities by filling existing gaps in the system.
- Diverse Participation: The contract includes well-known defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, alongside emerging space technology companies such as Gitai and True Anomaly, showcasing the Space Force's strategy to attract both traditional and non-traditional vendors for this initiative.
- Investment Opportunities Arise: Lockheed Martin stands out with a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.8 and a projected earnings growth rate of 18.5%, making it a focal point for investors looking to capitalize on the Golden Dome initiative, as it is expected to benefit from future contracts and solidify its leadership in the defense market.
See More
Embraer in Talks with Colombia and Chile for C-390 Orders
- International Order Talks: Brazilian planemaker Embraer is negotiating potential orders for its C-390 military transport aircraft with Colombia and Chile, aiming to boost foreign sales and enhance competitiveness against Lockheed Martin's C-130 in the Latin American market.
- Production Capacity Increase: The company plans to produce 10 C-390s by 2030, with six jets expected to be delivered this year, as supply chains recover from post-pandemic constraints, thereby supporting its ongoing sales campaigns.
- Market Demand Analysis: Colombian President has criticized bureaucratic obstacles delaying military modernization plans, indicating a pressing need for the C-390, which may lead to a quicker deal than with Chile, reflecting strong regional interest in the aircraft.
- Regional Showcase Activities: Embraer showcased the C-390 at the FIDAE air show in Chile, further promoting collaboration with Chile, demonstrating the company's strategic focus on the Latin American market to enhance brand influence and market share.
See More
U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Arms Sales Growth
- Cost of War: The Pentagon reported that the U.S. war against Iran has cost taxpayers $25 billion, significantly lower than the previously estimated $80-$100 billion, indicating a potential shift in military budget priorities moving forward.
- HIMARS Sales Surge: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for HIMARS launchers, which could generate an additional $143 million in operating profit, reflecting strong global demand for this system amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.
- International Orders Expansion: Countries including Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan have shown significant interest in acquiring HIMARS systems, highlighting their proactive measures to bolster defense capabilities against potential geopolitical threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: With increasing HIMARS sales, Lockheed Martin's stock appears attractive under a 25 P/E ratio and an 18.5% long-term earnings growth forecast, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation as demand continues to rise.
See More
