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Lockheed Martin (LMT)Stock (Transportation Industry, Aircraft Manufacturers Industry, Aerospace & Defense Industry, Aerospace Defense Contractors Industry, Manufacturing Industry)
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) is the world's largest defense contractor in terms of revenue. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Lockheed Martin's revenue has grown by 60%. The weapons, systems, and military vehicle manufacturer has benefited from the increased government spending on military technology that has accompanied this period of rising geopolitical conflict. In 2007, the firm generated $41.9 billion in net sales and $3.0 billion in net earnings[1].
United States government spending represents 85% of Lockheed Martin's revenue[2]. As a result, the company is extremely sensitive to political changes that impact federal government spending priorities. Historically, Republican political victories have benefited Lockheed Martin through increases in defense spending. Government defense spending once represented a reliable stream of income for Lockheed Martin as the government historically distributed contracts among major defense contractors to keep all of them afloat. In the 1980s, government contracts for defense projects became more scarce. Despite the recent surge in defense spending that has accompanied military activity in Iraq, the aerospace industry has not recovered fully from its 1980s contraction. As is common in the defense industry, Lockheed Martin's operating costs are extremely high. In addition, Lockheed Martin faces enormous pension obligations. Three quarters of its 130,000 workers are scheduled to retire in the next 10 years, making its profits sensitive to changes in the interest rate. This was further illustrated in the first quarter 2008 earnings report. Lockheed reported a non-operating loss of $7 million versus a gain of $37 million in 1Q07 and specifically cited the interest rate's effect on the pension plan as the culprit.[3]
[edit] Company OverviewThe Lockheed Martin Corporation is involved in the research, development, and manufacturing of technological systems, products, and services. It makes money by integrating, operating, and maintaining these products for domestic and international customers, which are almost always governments (mainly the US government). Revenues have grown from $35.5 billion in 2004 to $41.9 billion in 2007, increasing every year over that time span. Lockheed Martin has been helped by the increased defense spending after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Its growth continues to be fueled by global political instability, such as conflicts in the Middle East, particularly since Israel is Lockheed Martin's primary export partner. While civilian contracts do not play a very significant role, Lockheed Martin's diversification program (even within government contracts themselves) may help them sustain their net income and revenue levels even during a time of global peace. [edit] Business Financials and MetricsLockheed's revenue grew in 2007, with net sales increasing 6% to $41.9 billion. Net earnings, however, rose 20% to $3.0 billion[4]. Volume increases in the F-22 program more than offset declines on the F-16 program. Lockheed's Information Systems & Global Services division achieved the highest sales growth (14%) in 2007, spearheaded by higher volume and growth in mission services activities and a series of acquisitions[5]. [edit] Business Segments
[edit] Key Trends and Forces[edit] Government spending influences the company's revenuesLockheed Martin is very susceptible to fluctuations in the Department of Defense's budget since contracts with the United States Government account for 85% of its income. The distribution of government spending may also affect Lockheed Martin. For example the cancellation of future combat aircraft programs would detract from revenue. Lockheed Martin's revenue may also suffer given reduced defense or R&D spending, cutbacks on existing orders, or the Iraq War ending sooner than expected. The government sometimes cancels contracts if the cost of a program becomes larger than anticipated. [edit] Sales To Foreign Markets Are Heavily RegulatedArms sales to foreign governments is heavily regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. Foreign investments on behalf of Lockheed Martin, such as a joint venture with the Russian government on space systems, carry more risks due to instability in Russia. [edit] US Politics Influences Government SpendingWith the Democratic Party taking the majority of both chambers in Congress, there has been some speculation as to what will happen to the defense industry, especially because Democrats have recently been strong advocates for a balanced government budget. Defense aerospace spending and its growth rate have already been capped for the fiscal years 2008-2012. That said, it is very likely that Congress will still approve the purchase of additional aircraft and ships according to press releases by the Democrat-controlled House Appropriations Committee. [edit] Pensions Will Increase the Company's Expenses Within The Next Few YearsApproximately 100,000 of Lockheed Martin's 130,000 person workforce are scheduled to retire within the next decade. Therefore, pension costs (especially when interest rates are low) can severely impact the company's profits. Since a large portion of Lockheed Martin's pension funds are in investment accounts, low interest rates can reduce the company's profits. [edit] CompetitionFor comparison purposes, Lockheed Martin had $41.9 billion in 2007 revenues.
Lockheed Martin2004 Data 2005 Data 2006 Data 2007 Data 2008 Data Most Recent Data Available [edit] References
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