Scotiabank Exits Investment in Israeli Defense Firm Elbit Systems
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy ESLT?
Source: seekingalpha
- Investment Exit: Scotiabank's 1832 Asset Management has exited its investment in Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, reflecting a strategic shift in response to public backlash, despite the bank stating it does not directly own shares.
- Holding Status: The latest filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shows that 1832 Asset Management no longer holds Elbit shares, having previously reported ownership of approximately 165,000 shares valued at about $84 million in November, indicating a significant change in its investment portfolio.
- Market Reaction: Elbit Systems' performance in the defense sector remains under scrutiny, as it secures a $275 million five-year contract, suggesting strong market demand in the Asia-Pacific region, despite concerns over its stretched valuation.
- Industry Dynamics: The surge in defense stocks, driven by tensions in Venezuela and Greenland, has led to a 10% increase in European indices, highlighting ongoing global interest in defense investments, although Scotiabank's exit may impact market confidence in Elbit.
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Analyst Views on ESLT
Wall Street analysts forecast ESLT stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 677.270
Low
531.00
Averages
553.67
High
580.00
Current: 677.270
Low
531.00
Averages
553.67
High
580.00
About ESLT
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international technology company engaged in a range of programs across the world. The Company develops and supplies a portfolio of airborne, land and naval systems and products for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications. Its systems and products are installed on new platforms, and it also performs platform modernization programs. In addition, it provides a range of support services. The Company's activities include military aircraft and helicopter systems; helmet mounted systems; commercial aviation systems and aerostructures; unmanned aircraft and unmanned surface vessels; land vehicle systems; command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) systems; intelligence and cyber systems; electro-optic and countermeasures systems; electronic warfare and signal intelligence systems, and various commercial activities. It operates primarily in the defense and homeland security arenas.
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.
- Investment Exit: Scotiabank's 1832 Asset Management has exited its investment in Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, reflecting a strategic shift in response to public backlash, despite the bank stating it does not directly own shares.
- Holding Status: The latest filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shows that 1832 Asset Management no longer holds Elbit shares, having previously reported ownership of approximately 165,000 shares valued at about $84 million in November, indicating a significant change in its investment portfolio.
- Market Reaction: Elbit Systems' performance in the defense sector remains under scrutiny, as it secures a $275 million five-year contract, suggesting strong market demand in the Asia-Pacific region, despite concerns over its stretched valuation.
- Industry Dynamics: The surge in defense stocks, driven by tensions in Venezuela and Greenland, has led to a 10% increase in European indices, highlighting ongoing global interest in defense investments, although Scotiabank's exit may impact market confidence in Elbit.
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- Contract Value: Elbit Systems has secured multiple contracts worth approximately $435 million from an international customer, demonstrating its strong competitiveness and customer trust in the global defense market.
- Supply and Development: These contracts will involve the supply of advanced land systems and the development of an innovative defense solution, expected to be completed over the next six years, further enhancing the company's technological capabilities and market position.
- CEO Statement: CEO Bezhalel Machlis stated that these contracts reflect customer confidence in the company's proven systems and its ability to innovate for future challenges, emphasizing the company's adaptability and innovation in modern battlefield scenarios.
- Financial Context: As of September 30, 2025, Elbit Systems reported revenues of $1.922 billion and an order backlog of $25.2 billion, indicating strong market demand and ongoing business growth potential.
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- Contract Value: Elbit Systems has secured a $228 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide the Iron Fist Active Protection System for Bradley vehicles, with work scheduled over the next three years, further solidifying its position in the defense market.
- Technological Edge: The Iron Fist system offers full-surround protection, effectively intercepting modern battlefield threats such as anti-tank rockets, missiles, and drones, ensuring operational effectiveness in both urban and open terrain, thereby enhancing U.S. troop survivability.
- Strategic Partnership: Elbit's close collaboration with General Dynamics (GD-OTS) and the U.S. Army underscores its technological leadership in active protection systems, bolstering the company's competitiveness in the global defense market.
- Market Dynamics: Despite a 0.45% decline in premarket trading, Elbit's stock remains near its 52-week high, reflecting market confidence in its growth potential, particularly with new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.
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- Contract Value: Elbit Systems has been awarded a $228 million contract by GD-OTS to supply its advanced Iron Fist Active Protection System over three years, highlighting its capability to enhance survivability against modern battlefield threats.
- Technological Edge: The Iron Fist APS is an advanced hard-kill system designed to improve the self-defense and survivability of armored platforms, further solidifying Elbit's market position in defense electronics.
- Military Endorsement: This contract marks the third selection of Iron Fist APS by the U.S. Army, indicating growing recognition and trust in the system, which could lead to more similar contracts for Elbit in the future.
- Stock Performance: Elbit Systems' stock closed at $718.99 on Nasdaq, up 1.43%, although it dipped 0.97% in pre-market trading, reflecting a positive market reaction to the contract news.
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- Contract Value: Elbit Systems has secured a $228 million contract from General Dynamics to supply its Iron Fist Active Protection System over three years, further solidifying its position in the global defense market.
- System Features: The Iron Fist APS offers 360-degree protection against various modern battlefield threats, including anti-tank missiles and drones, enhancing the survivability and self-defense capabilities of armored platforms.
- Market Recognition: This system has been selected by the Israel Defense Forces and multiple NATO and global armies, marking its third selection by the U.S. Army, indicating sustained demand and technological superiority.
- Company Background: Elbit Systems reported revenues of $1.922 billion for Q3 2025, with a backlog of $25.2 billion, showcasing its strong growth potential in the defense technology sector.
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- Contract Value: Elbit Systems has secured a $228 million contract from General Dynamics to supply its Iron Fist Active Protection System over three years, indicating strong demand and technological leadership in the defense market.
- System Features: The Iron Fist APS offers 360-degree protection against various modern battlefield threats, including anti-tank missiles and drones, enhancing the survivability of armored platforms and meeting high standards set by the Israel Defense Forces.
- Market Recognition: This system has been selected by the Israel Defense Forces and multiple NATO and global armies, marking an increasing recognition in the international market and further solidifying Elbit's leadership in protection technology.
- Strategic Partnership: The close collaboration between Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, and the U.S. Army underscores its strategic importance in the global defense sector, laying the groundwork for future contracts and technological advancements.
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