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CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a prominent player in the Aerospace & Defense industry with a market capitalization of $112.65 billion, has successfully launched the eighth GPS III satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday, marking another milestone in the enhancement of the GPS network crucial for both civilian and military navigation. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong financial health with an overall Fair rating and generates annual revenue of $71.81 billion.
The GPS III SV08 satellite, which was transported from its Colorado facility and prepared for launch in Florida within an accelerated timeframe of just over three months, achieved signal acquisition shortly after its 1:37 p.m. EDT liftoff. This rapid deployment follows a similar swift launch of its predecessor in December 2024, underscoring Lockheed Martin’s capability to quickly respond to national security needs. The company’s operational efficiency is reflected in its solid financial performance, with InvestingPro analysis showing a 42-year track record of consistent dividend payments and a current dividend yield of 2.79%.
The company’s vice president of Navigation Systems, Malik Musawwir, expressed enthusiasm for the successful launch and the continued contribution to the GPS constellation, which provides vital positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The GPS III and the upcoming GPS IIIF satellites boast advanced security features and anti-jamming capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted service even in challenging environments.
Lockheed Martin also plays a significant role in the operation and maintenance of the GPS ground segment, which is essential for controlling the constellation of 31 active satellites. The company’s involvement includes the integration of M-Code Early Use, enhancing secure military communications for American and allied forces.
SV08 will soon join the operational GPS network after transitioning from Lockheed Martin’s Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center. The addition of this satellite will fortify the M-code capabilities, providing improved navigation and precision for critical military operations.
In addition to satellite construction and launch, Lockheed Martin has recently secured a contract modification to produce two more GPS IIIF satellites, further expanding the constellation’s capabilities.
Based on a press release statement, this launch continues Lockheed Martin’s efforts to advance the GPS system, which is integral to numerous applications affecting daily life and global security. InvestingPro analysis indicates that Lockheed Martin is currently trading near its Fair Value, with analysts maintaining a moderate buy consensus and projecting profitability for the upcoming year. For detailed insights and access to comprehensive analysis of Lockheed Martin and 1,400+ other stocks, investors can explore the Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, Lockheed Martin has secured a significant $509 million contract modification for the production of Global Positioning System III Follow-On Space Vehicles 21 and 22, bringing the total contract value to over $4.1 billion. This project, awarded by the Space Systems Command, is expected to be completed by November 2031. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin is accelerating its efforts to form new partnerships in Europe amid a regional shift towards local defense production, as noted by Raymond Piselli, the company’s vice president for international business. This comes at a time when the European Commission is proposing rules that could limit American defense manufacturers’ participation in the EU market. Additionally, the United States and Saudi Arabia have discussed the potential purchase of F-35 jets, though it remains uncertain if the deal will proceed due to geopolitical considerations. In corporate governance, Lockheed Martin’s shareholders recently elected a new board of directors and approved executive compensation, while rejecting proposals on golden parachutes and political activities reporting. Furthermore, the company announced a quarterly dividend of $3.30 per share for the second quarter of 2025, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
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