Best-in-Class Lockheed Martin Remains a Buy

 

The aerospace and defense company continues to deliver, but is undervalued by at least a low double-digit percentage

 

 

I have long been a fan of Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT), the world's largest defense contractor, as the company is in a prime position to capitalize on increases in defense spending.

 

The company posted better-than-expected results earlier this week and raised its guidance once again. The stock experienced a bit of a selloff following the release of the earnings report, but shares continue to look inexpensive based on the company's historical valuation as well as its intrinsic value as calculated by GuruFocus.

 

Let's examine Lockheed Martin's most recent results more in detail.

 

Lockheed Martin reported third-quarter earnings results on Oct. 20. The company's earnings per share of $6.25 were 16 cents ahead of Wall Streets' estimates and an increase of 10.4% from the previous year. Revenue grew 8.7% to $16.5 billion, $358 million more than expected.

 

Every segment within the company showed positive growth.

 

Aeronautics grew 8% to $6.7 billion. This segment continues to benefit from higher volumes for the F-35 program. Classified development contracts were up $130 million. Operating margins fell 20 basis points to 10.6%.

 

 

Missiles and Fire Control was the real standout as sales were up 14% to just under $3 billion. Tactical and strike missile programs experienced an increase in demand. Integrated air and missile defense, led by the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense programs, also saw higher volumes. Lower volumes for the Apache program led to a slight decline in sensors and global sustainment programs. Operating margins improved 20 basis points to 13.6%.

 

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