• Sales Growth: 5% year-over-year increase in 2024.
• Backlog: Reached a record $176 billion, a 10% increase.
• Segment Operating Profit: Adjusted growth of 7% year-over-year with margins at 11.1%.
• Free Cash Flow: $5.3 billion generated in 2024.
• Share Repurchases: $3.7 billion of shares repurchased in 2024.
• F-35 Deliveries: 110 aircraft delivered in 2024.
• Research and Development Investment: $3.3 billion in 2024.
• Net Charges: $1.8 billion in charges related to classified programs.
• Orders: Over $29 billion in Q4, with a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 1.6.
• Adjusted Segment Margins: 11.1% for the full year.
• 2025 Sales Growth Outlook: Expected 4% to 5% growth.
• 2025 Free Cash Flow Growth Outlook: 9% growth at the midpoint from 2024 adjusted results.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Signs with LMT.

Release Date: January 28, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT) reported a 5% year-over-year sales growth in 2024, demonstrating the success of its return-to-growth strategy.
• The company achieved a record backlog of $176 billion, indicating strong global demand for its products.
• All four business areas experienced backlog growth, with a book-to-bill ratio greater than 1.
• Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT) returned more than 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
• The company delivered 110 F-35 aircraft in 2024, reaching the high end of its expected range, and anticipates delivering 170 to 190 F-35 aircraft in 2025.

Negative Points

• Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT) recorded net charges of $1.8 billion in Q4 2024 due to losses on classified programs, impacting segment operating profit and margins.
• The company's aeronautics segment faced a 43% decrease in segment operating profit in Q4 2024 due to classified program charges.
• Rotary and Mission Systems sales decreased by 10% in Q4 2024, driven by lower volumes on several key programs.
• Space segment sales decreased by 13% year-over-year in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower volumes on key programs.
• The company anticipates a slight decline in earnings per share in 2025 due to non-operational items, including pension adjustments and higher interest expenses.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Jay, you emphasized the de-risking nature of the charges in Q4. Can you discuss the potential for future charges within Aeronautics and the lifecycle of that program? Also, how do the multiyear targets look now? A: We have significantly reduced the risk on the classified program. We performed a comprehensive review and made a conservative cost reset. We've implemented continuous monitoring and added technical resources to mitigate risks. Regarding multiyear targets, our 2025 outlook is better than projected in October, with growth expectations increased to 4% to 5%, driven by improved throughput across the value chain.

Q: Jim, with the new administration pushing for more fixed-price contracts, are you concerned about increased risk and potential future charges? A: Not necessarily. We apply a disciplined bid process to both fixed-price and cost-plus contracts. Our strategy involves risk-adjusted return on investment, pricing risks upfront, and moving on if the price doesn't meet competition. The administration's efforts to reduce bureaucracy are seen as an opportunity, and we welcome systemic changes in the defense enterprise.

Q: Can you provide a long-term outlook for Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) in terms of growth and margins, especially considering the GD rocket motor deal? A: For 2025, we expect continued growth driven by programs like GMLRS, HIMARS, PAC-3, JASSM, and LRASM. Demand remains strong, and we anticipate multiyear contracts. Margins, excluding the classified program impact, are expected to be around 14%, aligning with our long-term expectations.

Q: Can you elaborate on the free cash flow bridge for 2025, considering factors like F-35 inventory unwind and pension contributions? A: Starting from an adjusted cash flow of $6.1 billion in 2024, we expect around $1 billion benefit from F-35 deliveries and progress on withholds. We also anticipate a tax benefit from lower R&D capitalization and some benefit from cash-based net income, leading to a midpoint of $6.7 billion in free cash flow for 2025.

Q: How do you view the interplay of US budget decisions with strong export demand for the F-35, especially if US quantities are reduced? A: We are confident in maintaining the 156 production rate due to strong demand from both the US and international partners. The F-35's capabilities, such as manned-unmanned teaming and advanced digital features, ensure its value in maintaining an effective deterrent. The need to recapitalize the aging fleet also supports continued demand.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.