Lockheed Martin Corporation $LMT Stock: Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Cuts Position

Key Points

• Jefferies Financial Group cut its Lockheed Martin stake by 92% in the third quarter, selling 77,544 shares and retaining 6,750 shares valued at about $3.44 million.
• Lockheed Martin beat quarterly earnings and revenue estimates: EPS was $7.97 versus $7.52 expected, while revenue rose 11.3% year over year to $20.71 billion.
• The company raised its quarterly dividend to $3.60 per share ($14.40 annualized, a 2.4% yield). Analysts’ consensus rating was “Moderate Buy,” with an average price target of $647.

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. lowered its stake in Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT - Free Report) by 92.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,750 shares of the aerospace company's stock after selling 77,544 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc.'s holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $3,437,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Burnham & Co LLC acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Field & Main Bank acquired a new position in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Kelleher Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Highland Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Allied Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the company's stock.

Lockheed Martin Stock Down 1.1%

Shares of NYSE:LMT opened at $603.53 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $139.42 billion, a PE ratio of 21.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.07. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a twelve month low of $437.25 and a twelve month high of $692.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $552.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $569.92.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 22nd. The aerospace company reported $7.97 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $7.52 by $0.45. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 8.23% and a return on equity of 83.41%. The firm had revenue of $20.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.48 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $6.95 EPS. The company's revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 30.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $3.60 per share. This represents a $14.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martin's previous quarterly dividend of $3.45. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 1st. Lockheed Martin's payout ratio is currently 49.02%.

Lockheed Martin News Roundup

Investors following LMT have been watching these news items:

• Positive Sentiment: An investment commentary argues that LMT remains attractive despite budget debate, citing a reported record $292 billion backlog, ongoing production ramps, and an F-35 framework that may improve planning and investment visibility. Article: Lockheed Martin Stock Looks Attractive Despite the Budget Debate
• Positive Sentiment: A separate Zacks roundup names Lockheed Martin among defense companies that could benefit from rising defense spending, strong order backlogs, and improving earnings outlooks—supportive sector context, rather than a new company-specific catalyst. Article: Buy 4 Aerospace Defense Behemoths to Enhance Your Portfolio Returns
• Negative Sentiment: The key risk remains uncertainty about next year’s Pentagon budget. Existing contracts and backlog provide visibility, but spending delays or cuts could weigh on future awards and growth. Article: Lockheed Martin Stock Looks Attractive Despite the Budget Debate

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently issued reports on LMT. Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 6th. They set a "buy" rating and a $650.00 price objective for the company. Vertical Research raised Lockheed Martin from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $600.00 target price on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Lockheed Martin from $620.00 to $665.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Monday, October 26th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a "hold" rating and set a $615.00 price target on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Sunday, October 25th. Finally, Bank of America reaffirmed a "neutral" rating and set a $620.00 price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Monday, October 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $647.00.

Lockheed Martin Profile

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company develops and produces advanced defense, aerospace, and technology systems for government and commercial customers. Its principal business areas include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Products and services include military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, and F-16 Fighting Falcon; missile-defense and precision-strike systems; helicopters and naval systems; command, control, communications, and intelligence technologies; satellites; space exploration systems; and other classified space and defense programs.

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT - Free Report).

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.