Despite being one of the most recognizable names in the U.S. military-industrial complex at a time when the nation is fighting a war, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) stock has underperformed the major market indices so far in 2026.
Still, the company has maintained stability in its relatively generous annual dividend yield of 2.58% and is scheduled to make its next payment on Friday, September 25.
As in every quarter since late 2025, LMT stockholders can expect to receive a substantial $3.45 for each share they own as long as they owned equity by September 1 – the relevant ex-dividend date.
Thus, owning 100 Lockheed Martin shares would have led to being paid $345 on Friday. Notably, such a payday would have – with LMT closing at $561.23 on August 31 – required a $56,123 investment.
Similarly, with the defense giant changing hands at $536.54 in the Tuesday pre-market, investors would need to put roughly $53,654 to expect an approximately equal payment when the year’s final dividend arrives.
Meanwhile, the former CEO, Chairman, and President Robert J. Stevens – generally reported as the company’s biggest stockholder – can expect approximately VALUE for his 208,337 Lockheed Martin shares.
Lockheed Martin stock price performance in 2026
Elsewhere, looking at the 2026 stock market, LMT stock has, so far, experienced two strong rallies that took it approximately 36% higher in February and March, and 20% higher in August, but has also failed to retain the gains from either.
Indeed, Lockheed Martin is, on the year-to-date (YTD) chart, up only 7.71% at its latest closing price of $535.40.
Still, the company appears poised to experience a resurgence later in 2026 or in 2027.
Whether President Donald Trump is to be believed about U.S. weapon stockpiles overflowing or not, it is undeniable that the country – as well as the E.U. – is undergoing a significant expansion in arms production and procurement.
Under the circumstances and with Lockheed Martin securing – among others – a $1.2 billion missile contract as recently as Monday, September 22, both the company and its stock appear poised for strong growth in the near future.
Featured image via Shutterstock
