Lockheed Martin has increased its 2025 revenue and profit forecasts, citing continued strong demand for fighter jets and munitions as geopolitical tensions drive defense spending upward.
According to the company’s third-quarter report released Tuesday, total revenue climbed 8.8% to $18.61 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $18.56 billion. Earnings per share reached $6.95, up from $6.36 projected by LSEG.
Lockheed now expects earnings between $22.15 and $22.35 per share for 2025, up from its previous range of $21.70 to $22.00. The company also raised the lower end of its sales forecast to $74.25 billion, maintaining the upper bound at $74.75 billion.
The U.S. defense contractor reported an 11.9% sales increase in its Aeronautics division, reaching $7.26 billion. Growth was largely driven by a $12.5 billion Pentagon contract awarded in September for 296 F-35 fighter jets.
Lockheed has also secured other major defense contracts, including an approximately $11 billion U.S. Navy deal to produce up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, and a $10 billion contract for Patriot missile systems. These programs reflect the U.S. and allied governments’ efforts to replenish stockpiles amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
The improved forecast marks a rebound from the company’s second-quarter results, when it reported a $1.6 billion charge due to challenges in its Aeronautics unit and Sikorsky helicopter programs.
As the world’s largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is also pursuing participation in the Trump administration’s $175 billion Golden Dome missile shield, a new strategic initiative for which the Pentagon began seeking bids last month.
Despite an initial 3.5% rise in share price following the announcement, the company’s stock later stabilized in premarket trading on the New York Stock Exchange.