The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Textron and BoeingThe Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Textron and Boeing

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – January 23, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS: BAESY - Free Report ), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE: NOC - Free Report ), Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT - Free Report ), Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - Free Report ) and Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA - Free Report ).

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Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Defense Stock Roundup: BAESY, NOC, LMT, TXT and BA

 

With the onset of the Q4 earnings season, we note that the magnitude of negative estimate revisions for the quarter has been lower than the previous quarters. For the aerospace and defense sector, earnings and revenue projections are quite positive. The picture is also relatively better than many other sectors like Energy, Retail/Wholesale, and Auto and Transportation.


Major indices for the Aerospace-Defense industry witnessed positive growth during the last five sessions. The sector benefitted from a generous flow of funds from the Pentagon. While the S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense (Industry) Index gained 0.7%, the Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace & Defense Index inched up 0.6% during this period.

The outlook for this industry improved significantly following Donald Trump’s victory on hopes that the new administration will stick to its campaign promise of ramping up military spending. Although, the plans haven’t been chalked out yet, Aerospace stocks have been scoring big gains since Nov 8.

Among last week’s highlights, defense majors BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS: BAESY - Free Report ), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE: NOC - Free Report ), Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT - Free Report ), Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - Free Report ) and Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA - Free Report ) secured a number of orders from the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) daily funding session.

Recap of the Week’s Most Important Stories

1. BAE Systems won a $177.8 million modification contract for the construction and commissioning of a new nitrocellulose facility at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command, Warren, MI.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Dec 31, 2018. The company will execute the work in Radford, VA. It will use fiscal 2015, 2016, and 2017 other funds.

BAE Systems currently has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

2. Northrop Grumman won a $140.0 million modification contract for Battle Field Airborne Communication Node payload, operations and support. The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Jan 23, 2018. The company will execute the work in San Diego, CA, and various other locations across the globe. It will use fiscal 2017 overseas contingency operation; and operation and maintenance funds.