Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT recently weathered a significant blow as the Pentagon announced a halving of its F-35 fighter jet procurement requests for fiscal year 2026. This strategic recalibration, driven primarily by persistent delays in the F-35's critical Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software upgrades, immediately sent ripples through the market, causing the company's stock to decline by +4.26%, or -$20.30, in a single trading session. While some reports cited an even sharper drop, the core data reflects a substantial immediate impact on a program that typically constitutes a significant portion of Lockheed Martin's revenue.
This development underscores the inherent volatility in defense contracting, where large government orders can shift rapidly based on program performance and evolving national priorities. For LMT, whose F-35 program is a cornerstone, contributing an estimated 25-30% of its total revenue, navigating such procurement adjustments becomes a critical test of its operational agility and strategic diversification.
Key Developments: F-35 Procurement Reduction and Market Reaction#
Pentagon's Strategic Shift and TR-3 Delays#
The U.S. Department of Defense's decision to scale back F-35 procurement requests for fiscal year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for Lockheed Martin. The initial plan for 48 jets for the Air Force was cut to just 24, with similar reductions impacting Navy and Marine Corps orders. This significant reduction is a direct consequence of the ongoing Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software upgrade delays. These delays have created a backlog of undelivered jets, prompting Congress to impose restrictions on the acceptance of certain aircraft until these technical hurdles are adequately addressed. The TR-3 upgrade is vital for enhancing the F-35's combat capabilities, and its protracted development timeline has become a bottleneck for deliveries and a source of concern for both the Pentagon and investors.
The implications of these delays extend beyond mere delivery schedules; they introduce profit margin pressures for Lockheed Martin. The company incurs high fixed costs associated with the F-35's production and development, and a slowdown in deliveries means these costs are spread over fewer units, potentially eroding profitability. This scenario highlights the delicate balance between innovation, production, and financial performance in complex defense programs.
Immediate Market Response and LMT Stock Performance#
The market's reaction to the procurement announcement was swift and decisive. On June 11, 2025, Lockheed Martin's stock experienced a sharp decline, closing at approximately $456.60, down -$20.30 from its previous close of $476.90. This +4.26% drop, while significant, reflects investor concerns over potential near-term revenue slowdowns and profit margin pressures stemming from the F-35 program's challenges. As of the latest data, LMT commands a market capitalization of approximately $106.98 billion, with an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $23.22 and a Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratio of 19.66 Monexa AI.
| Market Cap | EPS | PE Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| $107 billion | $23.22 | 19.66 |
Despite the immediate dip, the broader analyst consensus, as reported by multiple brokerage firms, maintains a moderate