LMT Stock Today: February 26 — Iran Strike Talk Lifts Defense Bets
Lockheed Martin stock is in focus for UK investors as talk of targeted US strikes on Iran lifts defence bets. The latest close at $664.43, up 2.61% from the prior session, came with a day high of $669.10, near the 52-week peak of $669.75. Traders eye policy headlines, order visibility, and haven flows into defence names. With ticker LMT riding strong momentum and Middle East tensions back in view, sterling-based portfolios should also account for dollar exposure and headline risk today.
What is moving defence shares today
Comments from Rep. Greg Landsman that the US and allies may need targeted strikes on Iran keep escalation risk alive, a direct sentiment driver for Lockheed Martin stock. The political right’s response appears quieter than last year, which reduces immediate pushback risk. See reporting from Jewish Insider and Washington Post. UK traders should treat policy tone as a near-term catalyst rather than a durable demand signal.
Defence stocks often see haven interest during flare-ups. Lockheed Martin stock benefited as price reached $664.43, with liquidity adequate but volume of 1,361,500 below the 1,692,633 average, which can cap follow-through. Market cap sits at $148,469,448,095. We see flows skew to large, cash-generative primes during uncertainty, though positioning can flip quickly if de-escalation headlines land.
Key levels and technical view for UK traders
Trend strength remains firm for Lockheed Martin stock. ADX is 43.01, signaling a strong trend, while RSI at 58.78 is constructive but not stretched. MACD at 22.85 sits below its 26.47 signal, with a -3.62 histogram indicating cooling momentum. Short-term oscillators are mixed, so we watch closing strength rather than intraday spikes to gauge confirmation.
Daily ATR is 17.78, framing typical swings. Price pressed near resistance, with the Keltner upper band at 669.27 and Bollinger upper band at 673.10. Support sits around the middle Bollinger band at 639.07 and today’s low at 652.57. Lockheed Martin stock also trends above its 50-day average of 557.7108 and 200-day of 488.88684. UK accounts should factor GBPUSD risk when sizing.
Fundamentals that shape the defence bid
Lockheed Martin stock screens as quality at a premium. EPS is 21.5 with a P/E of 29.84. Dividend yield is 2.05% on $13.35 per share, with a 0.624 payout ratio. Free cash flow per share is 29.9177 and price to sales is 2.0032. ROE is 80.53%, flattered by leverage, while interest coverage of 6.915 shows manageable serviceability.
Debt to equity is 3.2287 and the current ratio is 1.0869, so leverage is notable but liquidity is stable. YTD performance is 29.08041% and 1-year is 45.32729%, reflecting stronger defence demand sentiment. Lockheed’s segments in missiles, aeronautics, and space link it to any procurement uplift from Iran strike risk. Next earnings are due on 2026-04-21 13:30:00+00:00.
Positioning ideas for UK portfolios
We frame two paths for Lockheed Martin stock. Escalation can lift perceived order visibility and haven flows. De-escalation can unwind premia. Consider ATR-based stops near 1x ATR, or staged entries around pullbacks to 652.57 or the 639.07 band. Sterling portfolios should budget FX volatility and headline gaps, especially around US policy briefings and allied statements.
At a P/E near 29.9 and PEG of 1.4969, Lockheed Martin stock is not cheap, but quality factors help. Analysts show 5 Buy, 17 Hold, 1 Sell, with a 3.00 consensus. Our composite grade is B+ with a BUY tilt. Note mixed sub-scores: ROE Strong Buy, DCF Buy, but P/E Sell and P/B Strong Sell. Balance conviction with risk controls.
Final Thoughts
Middle East tensions and fresh talk of targeted US strikes on Iran keep defence in the spotlight. For UK investors, Lockheed Martin stock offers quality exposure with strong trend signals, tight ranges near resistance, and healthy cash generation. Near term, watch policy headlines, the 669 to 673 band, and the middle Bollinger support at 639. De-escalation can compress the premium, so plan entries and exits with ATR-based risk and keep an eye on GBPUSD. Valuation is full, yet fundamentals and cash returns support interest. With earnings on 21 April 2026, add a calendar marker for updates on orders, margins, and cash flow. Stay nimble, size modestly, and let price confirm the thesis.
FAQs
Why is Lockheed Martin stock reacting to Iran headlines?
Talk of targeted US strikes on Iran supports a near-term haven bid for defence names. Lockheed Martin stock closed at $664.43, up 2.61%, with a day high of $669.10 near the 52-week high of $669.75. Policy shifts can change tone quickly, so headline risk remains high.
What technical levels matter most today for Lockheed Martin stock?
Watch resistance near $669.10 to $673.10, which lines up with Keltner and Bollinger bands. Initial support sits around $652.57 and the middle Bollinger band near $639.07. ATR is 17.78, so position sizes should reflect typical daily swings and potential gaps around policy news.
How should UK investors think about currency risk with Lockheed Martin stock?
The shares trade in US dollars, so sterling-based accounts face FX moves. Consider hedging GBPUSD exposure or sizing positions to allow for currency volatility. Match your investment horizon to likely policy catalysts and earnings on 21 April 2026 to reduce timing and translation risk.
Is the valuation of Lockheed Martin stock justified by fundamentals?
P/E is 29.84 with a PEG of 1.4969, a 2.05% dividend yield, strong free cash flow, and high ROE of 80.53% driven by leverage. Analysts show 5 Buy, 17 Hold, 1 Sell, a Hold-leaning stance. Quality is clear, but the premium requires continued execution and steady orders.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.