Lockheed Martin’s stock surged 5.86% in post-market trading, rebounding from intraday losses after the defense giant reported record F-35 deliveries and secured $24 billion in new contracts.
The company delivered 191 F-35 jets in 2025, a 35% increase from 2024, and finalized deals for up to 296 additional aircraft. The program’s scale—now five times faster than allied fighters—underscored its strategic importance amid rising global tensions.
Geopolitical developments further fueled the rally. Lockheed’s F-35s and F-22s were deployed in the high-profile extraction of Venezuela’s Maduro, while President Trump’s call for a $1.5 trillion military budget in 2027 signaled sustained demand. Earlier concerns over Trump’s dividend/buyback restrictions were overshadowed by these growth catalysts.