BUZZ - Lockheed Martin shares rise as third quarter results beat expectations and guidance is raised; 10-year F-35 contract officially finalized

October 22 - ** Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT.N) shares rose more than 2% in pre-market trading to $563.17

** The defense contractor expects fiscal year 2026 sales to reach $80 billion to $82 billion, up from the previous forecast of $79.75 billion to $81.75 billion

** Expects fiscal year 2026 earnings per share (EPS) of $30.35 to $30.75, previously projected at $29.95 to $30.65

** Signed a 10-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for at least 850 F-35 "Lightning II" fighter jets (link)

** Reported third quarter sales of $20.71 billion, up 11% year-over-year, exceeding the analyst consensus gathered by LSEG of $20.51 billion

** This quarter, missile business sales grew 24%, and the aviation business grew 13%

** According to LSEG data, third-quarter earnings per share were $7.97, higher than the expected $7.43

** Driven by the $52.5 billion multi-year PAC-3 MSE contract, order backlog increased 27% quarter-on-quarter to a record $292 billion

** As of the previous trading day's close, the stock is up 14% for the year

(To facilitate non-native English speakers, Reuters automatically translates its reports into several other languages. As automated translation may be inaccurate or lack required context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of the automated translation text and provides it solely for the convenience of readers. Reuters accepts no responsibility for any damage or loss caused by the use of automated translation.)