Lockheed Martin Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

• Sales increased 11% to $20.7 billion
• Net earnings increased 14% to $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share
• Cash from operations of $3.4 billion and free cash flow of $3.0 billion
• Record backlog of $292.0 billion, including $52.5 billion associated with the multi-year award to produce PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors
• Updates 2026 financial outlook

Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] today reported third quarter 2026 sales of $20.7 billion, compared to $18.6 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2026 were $1.8 billion, or $7.97 per share, compared to $1.6 billion, or $6.95 per share. Cash from operations was $3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to $3.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Free cash flow was $3.0 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to $3.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Backlog grew 27% since the second quarter of 2026, setting another new record at $292.0 billion.

"Our strong third quarter performance underscores Lockheed Martin's continuing leadership in the development and delivery of advanced and reliable defense technology solutions. Every day, our research, engineering and production teams are putting highly effective and scalable capabilities in the field. We strive to improve mission performance on a continuous basis by combining proven systems like Aegis, F-35, and Hellfire with the latest digital technologies including AI and Autonomy. We are doing this by integrating our internal innovative solutions with those of start-ups, new entrants into our industry, and commercial technology leaders." said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet.  

"By pulling through our existing platforms and systems using innovations from multiple sources and with newly available digital technology, we can drive elevated growth in our financial performance as well. In the third quarter each of our four segments posted growth year-over-year, sales topped $20.7 billion and net earnings exceeded $1.8 billion, increases of 11% and 14% respectively. We delivered $3 billion of free cash flow in the quarter, and increased our backlog to a record $292 billion, allowing us to raise our dividend for the 24^th year in a row. The sustained financial momentum across our portfolio gives us confidence to increase our outlook for sales, earnings per share and free cash flow, the second consecutive quarter we have raised our financial guidance."

Summary Financial Results

Sales: Third quarter 2026 sales increased $2.1 billion, or 11%, driven by growth in each of the company's four business segments.

Business Segment Operating Profit¹: Third quarter 2026 business segment operating profit increased $200 million due to munition ramps at Missiles and Fire Control and higher volume at Aeronautics.

Net Earnings and Diluted EPS: Third quarter 2026 net earnings increased $226 million and diluted earnings per share increased $1.02 primarily due to higher consolidated operating profit of $163 million described above.

Cash Flows: Third quarter 2026 cash from operations decreased $290 million and free cash flows decreased $348 million primarily due to the higher customer receipts in the third quarter of 2025. The company's cash activities during the third quarter of 2026 included capital expenditures of $439 million and independent research and development of $599 million.

2026 Financial Outlook

The following guidance table contains forward-looking statements, which are based on the company's expectations at the time of this news release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. It is the company's practice not to incorporate adjustments in its financial outlook for proposed acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, changes in tax laws, or special items until such items have been consummated or enacted. Refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" section contained in this press release and Form 10-Q for factors that may impact the company's ability to achieve guidance or meet expectations.

F-35 Lots 20-22 Contract Update

The company remains in negotiations with the U.S. Government on the production contracts for F-35 lots 20 and higher. The company's costs incurred began to exceed the current contractual authorization and funding on the Lot 20 advance acquisition contract during the third quarter of 2026. Without additional contractual authorization and funding from the U.S. Government, the company's results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition will be negatively impacted in future periods.

Segment Results

Aeronautics 

Third quarter 2026 sales increased $958 million, or 13%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher sales of $710 million on the F‑35 program as a result of higher volume on production and sustainment contracts and $270 million on the C-130 program due to the liquidation of pre-contract costs incurred in anticipation of a contract award in the third quarter of 2026. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of $130 million on the F-16 program due to lower production volume and the sales impact of unfavorable profit adjustments recognized.

Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $61 million, or 9%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to the higher sales volume previously described, partially offset by higher unfavorable profit adjustments of $40 million on the F-16 program and $40 million on the C-130 program.

Missiles and Fire Control

Third quarter 2026 sales increased $877 million, or 24%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales of $480 million on integrated air and missile defense programs due to production ramps (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)), and $330 million on tactical and strike missile programs due to production ramps (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)).

Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $121 million, or 24%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales volume previously described.

Rotary and Mission Systems

Third quarter 2026 sales increased $138 million, or 3%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was attributable to higher sales of $140 million on Sensors, Effectors & Mission Systems (SEMS) programs due to higher volume on radar programs.

Third quarter 2026 operating profit increased $18 million, or 4%, compared to the third quarter of 2025 primarily due to a $40 million favorable profit adjustment upon the resolution of a contracting matter, offset by unfavorable profit adjustments of $45 million on Heavy Lift and Seahawk programs in the third quarter of 2026.

Space

Third quarter 2026 sales increased $129 million, or 4%, compared to the third quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales of $185 million on strategic and missile defense programs due to higher volume on the Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) and Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) programs, partially offset by lower sales of $115 million for national security space programs due to the program lifecycle on the OPIR mission.

Third quarter 2026 operating profit was comparable to the third quarter of 2025.

Income Taxes

The company's effective income tax rates were 15.1% and 16.5% for the quarters ended September 27, 2026 and September 28, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to increased tax deductions for foreign derived deduction eligible income (FDDEI), partially offset by the absence of the favorable resolution of certain federal income tax audit items as compared to the prior year.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This news release contains the following non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measures (as defined by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation G). While management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in evaluating the financial performance of the company, this information should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the company's definitions for non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies or analysts.

Business segment operating profit

Business segment operating profit represents operating profit from the company's business segments before unallocated income and expense. This measure is used by the company's senior management in evaluating the performance of its business segments and is a performance goal in the company's annual incentive plan. Business segment operating margin is calculated by dividing business segment operating profit by sales. The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measure business segment operating profit with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, consolidated operating profit.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as cash from operations less capital expenditures. The company's capital expenditures are comprised of equipment and facilities infrastructure and information technology (inclusive of costs for the development or purchase of internal-use software that are capitalized). The company uses free cash flow to evaluate its business performance and overall liquidity. While management believes that free cash flow as a non-GAAP financial measure may be useful in evaluating the company's financial performance, it should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Lockheed Martin Corporation will webcast live the earnings results conference call (listen-only mode) on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET on the Lockheed Martin Investor Relations website at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor. The accompanying presentation slides and relevant financial charts are also available at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor. 

For additional information, visit the company's website: www.lockheedmartin.com. 

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and are based on Lockheed Martin's current expectations and assumptions. The words "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "intend," "expect," "plan," "outlook," "scheduled," "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to factors such as:

• the company's reliance on contracts with the U.S. Government, which are dependent on U.S. Government funding and can be terminated for convenience, and the company's ability to negotiate favorable contract terms;
• budget uncertainty, the risk of future budget cuts, the impact of continuing resolution funding mechanisms, the debt ceiling and government shutdowns, and changing funding and acquisition priorities;
• risks related to the development, production, sustainment, performance, schedule, cost and requirements of complex and technologically advanced programs, including the F-35 program;
• the timing of contract awards or contract definitization, the outcome of contract negotiations, decisions by government customers to impose contract terms following undefinitized contract actions, achievement of performance milestones, customer acceptance of product deliveries, and receipt of customer payments;
• the company's ability to recover costs under U.S. Government contracts, the mix of fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts and the risks inherent in preparing estimates for fixed-price contracts (particularly for complex and technologically advanced programs);
• customer procurement and other policies, laws, regulations and executive actions that affect the company and its industry, programs, future opportunities, and financial performance, including those relating to mission priorities, competing domestic and international spending, contracting terms (such as fixed-price requirements), acquisition process reforms, treatment of contractor performance issues, and contractor access to competitive opportunities;
• planned production rates and orders for significant programs, compliance with stringent performance and reliability standards, and materials availability, including government furnished equipment, rare earth minerals and microelectronics;
• performance and/or financial viability of key suppliers, teammates, joint ventures (including United Launch Alliance, for which the company has provided guarantees and expects to provide additional financial support), joint venture partners, subcontractors and customers;
• changes in economic, capital market and political conditions in the U.S. and globally;
• the impact of inflation and other cost pressures;
• government actions that restrict or prevent the sale or delivery of the company's products (such as delays in approvals for exports requiring Congressional notification);
• foreign policy and international trade actions taken by governments such as tariffs, sanctions, embargoes, export and import controls, buying preferences, and other trade restrictions;
• the company's success expanding into and doing business in adjacent markets and internationally and the risks posed by international sales, including potential effects from fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
• changes in non-U.S. national priorities and government budgets and planned orders;
• the competitive environment for the company's products and services;
• the company's ability to develop and commercialize new technologies and products, including emerging digital and network technologies and capabilities;
• the company's ability to develop and integrate artificial intelligence and autonomy technologies into its products and operations, its use of third-party AI providers, unintended performance of AI-enabled systems, and evolving laws, regulations and contract requirements governing AI and autonomous weapon systems;
• the company's ability to benefit fully from or adequately protect its intellectual property rights;
• the company's ability to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce and the impact of work stoppages or other labor disruptions;
• cyber or other security threats or other disruptions faced by the company or its suppliers;
• the company's ability to implement and continue, and the timing and impact of, capitalization changes such as share repurchases, dividend payments and financing transactions, including as a result of presidential executive orders;
• the accuracy of the company's estimates and projections;
• changes in pension plan assumptions and actual returns on pension assets; cash funding requirements and pension annuity contracts and associated charges;
• realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or divestitures, investments, joint ventures, teaming arrangements or internal reorganizations, and market volatility affecting the fair value of investments that are marked to market;
• the company's ability to successfully integrate the Ultra Maritime business and realize synergies and other expected benefits of the transaction and the potential for disruption to its or Ultra Maritime's business, customer and supplier relationships;
• the company's efforts to fund and increase production capabilities and the efficiency of its operations and improve the affordability of its products and services, including through digital transformation and cost reduction initiatives;
• the risk of an impairment of the company's assets, including the potential impairment of goodwill and intangibles;
• the availability and adequacy of the company's insurance and indemnities;
• compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and customer requirements relating to environmental matters;
• the impact of public health crises, natural disasters and other severe weather conditions on the company's business and financial results, including supply chain disruptions and delays, employee absences, and program delays;
• changes in accounting, U.S. or foreign tax, export or other laws, regulations, and policies and their interpretation or application, and changes in the amount or reevaluation of uncertain tax positions; and
• the outcome of legal proceedings, bid protests, environmental remediation efforts, audits, administrative reviews, government investigations or government allegations that the company has failed to comply with law, other contingencies and U.S. Government identification of deficiencies in its business systems.

These are only some of the factors that may affect the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. For a discussion identifying additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The company's filings may be accessed through the Investor Relations page of its website, www.lockheedmartin.com/investor, or through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The company's actual financial results likely will be different from those projected due to the inherent nature of projections. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of its issuance. Except where required by applicable law, the company expressly disclaims a duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to reflect subsequent events, changed circumstances, changes in expectations, or the estimates and assumptions associated with them. The forward-looking statements in this news release are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Corporation