Advertisement
LHX vs LMT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? L3Harris Technologies (LHX) vs. Lockheed Martin (LMT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both companies are leading U.S. defense contractors, but they occupy different tiers: LMT is the sector's largest prime contractor by revenue, while LHX is a faster-growing, mid-sized defense-technology specialist.
- LMT posted roughly 11% year-over-year revenue growth and a record $292 billion backlog, supported by a new 10-year F-35 framework agreement with the Pentagon.
- LHX delivered a record $53.2 billion backlog and a 3.2x book-to-bill ratio, but lowered its 2028 free-cash-flow target amid a leadership transition.
- In terms of relative performance, LMT has gained roughly 30% this year, while LHX has been essentially flat to slightly negative over the same period.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, momentum, and cleaner catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently favors LMT over LHX in this stock comparison.
- For deeper context, explore the LHX Major News and LHX Today's Price Move pages, as well as the LMT Major News and LMT Today's Price Move pages.
- Interested in automated approaches to these and other stocks? Explore the curated list of Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Defense and aerospace stocks have drawn renewed investor attention as geopolitical tensions and government modernization programs fuel record order backlogs across the industry. This stock comparison examines two prominent names with very different profiles: L3Harris Technologies (LHX) and Lockheed Martin (LMT). Both recently reported strong quarterly results and expanded backlogs, yet their market positioning, growth drivers, and recent price behavior have diverged meaningfully. This analysis is relevant for traders evaluating relative momentum and for longer-horizon investors weighing the trade-offs between a diversified prime contractor and a mid-cap defense-technology specialist. Throughout, the focus is on observable market positioning rather than forward-looking predictions.
LHX Overview and Recent Performance
L3Harris Technologies (LHX) is a mid-sized defense and aerospace technology company focused on mission systems, space and airborne systems, resilient communications, and missile propulsion. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter revenue of approximately $6.06 billion, up about 7% year over year (9% organically), with earnings per share (EPS) of $3.28 that exceeded analyst estimates. Orders of roughly $19.3 billion produced a 3.2x book-to-bill ratio—meaning it booked more than three times as much new work as it billed—pushing backlog to a record $53.2 billion, up sharply from $42 billion a quarter earlier.
Despite these strong operating results, sentiment has been tempered by governance and longer-range concerns. The company is navigating an abrupt chief executive transition, and management trimmed its 2028 free-cash-flow target to about $3 billion from $3.5 billion while lowering its 2028 segment-margin outlook. These revisions, coupled with some analyst downgrades to "Hold," help explain why the stock's recent market activity has been more muted than its headline numbers might suggest.
LMT Overview and Recent Performance
Lockheed Martin (LMT) is the largest U.S. defense contractor by revenue, spanning aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter revenue of about $20.7 billion, up roughly 11% year over year, with EPS of $7.97 that beat consensus estimates. Its backlog reached a record $292 billion, up from approximately $194 billion at the start of the year, reflecting a sharp build in its missiles and fire control (MFC) segment, which grew about 24% year over year.
Sentiment has been reinforced by a 10-year framework agreement with the Pentagon covering a minimum of 850 F-35 aircraft over the decade, which analysts viewed as reducing a key source of program risk. Following the results, Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to "Overweight" with an $835 price target, and the shares have advanced roughly 30% this year, outperforming the broader market and its industry peers. The company also raised its full-year sales guidance and increased its dividend for the 24th consecutive year.
Trending AI Robots
For traders who prefer a systematic approach, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of the platform's most compelling automated strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots that monitor thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and set of securities. Because not every bot suits every market environment, only those best aligned with current conditions earn a place in the curated Trending AI Robots section. This selection process is designed to help users identify strategies that match prevailing market dynamics rather than sifting through the full catalog manually. Explore Trending AI Robots to see which automated approaches are currently standing out.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two stocks lies in scale and momentum. LMT is a diversified prime contractor whose record backlog, long-term F-35 framework, and rapidly expanding missile business provide substantial multi-year revenue visibility. LHX is a smaller, more focused player whose growth is more concentrated in areas such as solid rocket motors, space, and electronic warfare—segments that can grow quickly but are also more exposed to individual program execution.
On recent momentum, LMT has clearly outperformed, rising roughly 30% year to date, while LHX has been approximately flat to slightly lower. Risk profiles also differ: LMT faces concerns around cash generation and U.S. budget uncertainty, while LHX faces governance-related scrutiny and a reduced longer-term cash-flow framework. From a market-sentiment standpoint, analyst actions have been more constructive toward LMT, while reactions to LHX have been more mixed despite strong operating results.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, relative performance, and the clarity of near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward LMT over LHX in this comparison. LMT exhibits stronger and more consistent upward momentum, a de-risked core program in the F-35, and a record backlog concentrated in higher-margin missile work. LHX offers compelling growth and a sharply expanding backlog, but its governance transition and reduced 2028 cash-flow framework introduce additional uncertainty. This assessment is probabilistic and reflects observable positioning rather than a definitive forecast or investment recommendation.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
LHX and LMT are competitors in the defense contractors space, particularly regarding the intelligence systems, optics, and computer technologies that LHX specializes in. LMT has greater involvement in the manufacturing of aircraft, submarines, and weapons systems. LHX has planted itself in its niche in the defense sector where semiconductors and nanometers are more important than megatonnage. LHX is smaller than LMT by about 50%, with an enterprise value of $52B compared to LMT’s $109B. It’s a little shocking to see a dividend payout ratio over 50% from LHX, but it was most likely under pressure pay by investors who were seeing such generosity from LMT. Lockheed is simply big and strong enough to do that, as it secures more military contracts by value than any other company in the world. Both companies have significant staying power and growth potential. They also make and sell commercial products and systems related to aviation, navigation, weapons, and communications.
LHX in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026
The 10-day moving average for LHX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LHX as a result. In 48 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LHX just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where LHX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
LHX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +7.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LHX advanced for three days, in 157 of 304 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LHX moved out of overbought territory on November 04, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 33 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 33 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 45%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 30 of 61 cases where LHX's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LHX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
LHX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for LHX entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LHX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.433) is normal, around the industry mean (5.045). P/E Ratio (26.078) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.993). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.183) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.058) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.055) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LHX’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
LMT in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for LMT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LMT as a result. In 39 of 77 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LMT just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where LMT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 20 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
LMT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.31% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LMT advanced for three days, in 193 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LMT moved out of overbought territory on November 04, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 42 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 36%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 28 of 62 cases where LMT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LMT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
LMT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for LMT entered a downward trend on October 15, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. LMT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: LMT's P/B Ratio (15.663) is slightly higher than the industry average of (5.045). P/E Ratio (21.852) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.993). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.978) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.058) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.616) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
LHX | LMT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 63 Fair valued | 76 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 28 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 72 | 15 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 6 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 61 | 65 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
LHX's Valuation (63) in the null industry is in the same range as LMT (76) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that LHX’s stock grew similarly to LMT’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's Profit vs Risk Rating (28) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (75) in the null industry. This means that LMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's SMR Rating (15) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (72) in the null industry. This means that LMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's Price Growth Rating (6) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (46) in the null industry. This means that LMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LHX's P/E Growth Rating (61) in the null industry is in the same range as LMT (65) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that LHX’s stock grew similarly to LMT’s over the last 12 months.
| LHX | LMT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 36% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 51% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 58% | 1 day ago 48% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 53% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 52% | 8 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 45% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
LHX’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LMT’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- LHX’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- LMT’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
LHX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LMT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LHX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LMT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
LHX (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а -0.33% price change this week, while LMT (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was -5.51% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was -3.99%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.62%, and the average quarterly price growth was -19.25%.
Reported Earning Dates
LHX is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
LMT is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Aerospace & Defense (-3.99% weekly)Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.
Advertisement
LHX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LHX has been loosely correlated with NOC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LHX jumps, then NOC could also see price increases.