Lockheed Martin Misses Q1 Earnings Expectations Amid Defense Budget Changes
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Should l Buy LMT?
Source: Fool
- Revenue and Profit Decline: Lockheed Martin reported Q1 2026 revenue of $18 billion, missing analyst expectations of $18.3 billion, with earnings per share at $6.44, below the forecast of $6.74, resulting in a nearly 5% drop in stock price during trading.
- Increased Capital Expenditures: The company's capital expenditures rose over 12% year-over-year to $511 million, pushing free cash flow into negative territory, while operating profit margin declined by 160 basis points to 11.7% and net profit margin fell by 110 basis points to 8.3%.
- Long-term Contracts Signed: Despite the poor short-term performance, Lockheed signed several long-term framework agreements with the U.S. government in Q1 to accelerate and scale munitions production, including advanced Patriot missiles and THAAD systems, with expected annual production increases of three to four times.
- Future Earnings Outlook: The company forecasts full-year 2026 earnings between $29.35 and $30.25 per share, representing a potential 37% growth compared to 2025, and with the recent stock sell-off, it is trading below 26 times earnings, making it attractive for long-term investors.
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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: 529.790
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 529.790
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.

- Sales Comparison: Lockheed Martin reported Q1 sales of USD 18,000 million, slightly lower than the estimated USD 18,244 million by Ibes.
- Financial Performance: The sales figures indicate a close match between actual performance and analyst expectations, reflecting stability in Lockheed Martin's financial outlook.
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Company Overview: Lockheed Martin reported a Q1 share value of $6.72, reflecting its performance in the aerospace and defense sector.
Financial Insights: The earnings report includes key data and insights that highlight the company's financial health and market position.
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Profit Decline: Lockheed Martin's total business segment profit has decreased by 13% in the first quarter.
Net Profit Adjustments: The decline is attributed to adjustments in the lower net profit booking rate at Aeronautics.
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