Huntington Ingalls Indus Bolsa (NYSE: HII)

Huntington Ingalls Indus (NYSE:HII) Bolsa

Huntington Ingalls Indus

Huntington Ingalls Industries is the largest independent military shipbuilder in the US, spun off of Northrop Grumman in 2011. It operates three segments, two of which are storied shipyards: Ingalls produces non-nuclear-powered ships including amphibious landing ships and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers while Newport News produces nuclear-powered ships as the only producer of Gerald Ford-class aircraft carriers and a major subcontractor on Virginia and Columbia-class nuclear submarines. Huntington Ingalls shares production of destroyers and nuclear submarines with General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works and Electric Boat shipyards, respectively. The company's Mission Technologies segment produces uncrewed sea vessels and provides a range of IT and other services to US government agencies.

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Descubre las 5 empresas mejor posicionadas para liderar la modernización de la defensa en EE.UU. y el aumento presupuestario.

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Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. Common Stock

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc

HIDILI INDUSTRY INTL DEV by Hidili Industry International Development Ltd.

Hidili Industry International Development Ltd

Hidili Industry International Development Ltd ADR

HIDILI INDS I/D UNSP/ADR by Hidili Industry International Development Ltd.

HII (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) announced today that its Mission Technologies division was awarded a task order valued at approximately $70 million to support the safe use of U.S. Air Force systems and software and the implementation of government-mandated information security requirements.
Under the five-year task order, awarded by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Engineering Directorate, HII will identify and mitigate vulnerabilities through research and analysis to protect U.S. Air Force systems and software from unauthorized access, use or destruction by adversaries.

News

Contracts

HII Awarded $70M 5-Year Task Order To Protect U.S. Air Force Systems And Software

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRS#NASDAQ">DRS</a>) announced today that it has received a $45 million U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) investment commitment through contracts with HII's Newport News Shipbuilding. The investment is expected to expand the capabilities of DRS's new, 140,000 square-foot naval propulsion manufacturing facility currently under-construction in Goose Creek, SC, and includes capital equipment and other infrastructure enhancements.
The $45 million SIB investment will serve as a catalyst for a 40,000 square-foot expansion of the facility in support of capabilities critical to current and future U.S. Navy nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. This investment builds on several Navy funded engineering contracts, including Newport News Shipbuilding, and from General Dynamics Electric Boat previously issued to Leonardo DRS. These contracts, combined with internal investments, will strengthen steam turbine system design, manufacture, integration, and test capabilities, including steam turbine generators.

Leonardo DRS Receives $45M U.S. Navy Investment Commitment To Bolster U.S. Submarine Industrial Base

Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak maintains Huntington Ingalls Indus (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) with a Sell and lowers the price target from $188 to $145.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Goldman Sachs Maintains Sell on Huntington Ingalls Indus, Lowers Price Target to $145

Barclays analyst David Strauss maintains Huntington Ingalls Indus (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $220 to $200.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Huntington Ingalls Indus, Lowers Price Target to $200

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Liquidity Services (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LQDT#NASDAQ">LQDT</a>) shares rose 24.7% to $39.71 during Thursday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.2 billion. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out today. </li>
<li>Urban-gro (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UGRO#NASDAQ">UGRO</a>) stock increased by 17.85% to $0.99. The company's market cap stands at $12.1 million. </li>
<li>Matthews International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MATW#NASDAQ">MATW</a>) stock increased by 15.93% to $31.0. The company's market cap stands at $959.0 million. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out today. </li>
<li>American Superconductor (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMSC#NASDAQ">AMSC</a>) stock rose 10.3% to $28.15. The company's market cap stands at $1.1 billion. The company's, Q3 earnings came out yesterday. </li>
<li>Lakeside Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSH#NASDAQ">LSH</a>) shares rose 8.91% to $2.2. The company's market cap stands at $16.5 million. </li>
<li>Professional Diversity (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPDN#NASDAQ">IPDN</a>) stock increased by 8.06% to $0.36. The company's market cap stands at $5.6 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Symbotic (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) shares decreased by 16.7% to $25.75 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $2.7 billion. As per the press release, Q1 earnings came out yesterday. </li>
<li>Matrix Service (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTRX#NASDAQ">MTRX</a>) shares decreased by 15.6% to $11.85. The company's market cap stands at $326.5 million. As per the press release, Q2 earnings came out yesterday. </li>
<li>Huntington Ingalls Indus (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) shares decreased by 13.08% to $170.0. The company's market cap stands at $6.6 billion. As per the press release, Q4 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>Decent Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXST#NASDAQ">DXST</a>) stock fell 7.31% to $1.65. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $26.8 million. </li>
<li>Equifax (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EFX#NYSE">EFX</a>) shares decreased by 6.75% to $252.0. The company's market cap stands at $31.2 billion. As per the press release, Q4 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>CEA Industries (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEAD#NASDAQ">CEAD</a>) stock fell 6.33% to $7.11. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $5.7 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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12 Industrials Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) shares are trading lower after it reported&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/g43524381/hii-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter&nbsp;FY24&nbsp;results</a>.
Sales and service revenue increased&nbsp;5.4%&nbsp;year-over-year to&nbsp;$3.00 billion, missing the&nbsp;consensus of&nbsp;$3.05 billion.
Ingalls Shipbuilding&nbsp;$736 million&nbsp;(-8.0%&nbsp;Y/Y), Newport News Shipbuilding&nbsp;$1.59 billion&nbsp;(-4.6%&nbsp;Y/Y), and Mission Technologies&nbsp;$713 million&nbsp;(-4.3%&nbsp;Y/Y).
Operating income decreased 64.7% Y/Y to $110 million, and the margin contracted by 616 bps to 3.7%. Segment operating income was $103 million (-68.8% Y/Y), and the margin was 3.4%, down 696 bps Y/Y.
EPS of&nbsp;$3.15, down 54.3%&nbsp;Y/Y, missing the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of&nbsp;$3.31</a>.&nbsp;
Operating cash flow plunged to $393 million&nbsp;in 2024 and free cash flow&nbsp;to $40 million, compared to&nbsp;$970 million&nbsp;and&nbsp;$692 million, respectively, in 2023.
New contract awards for 2024&nbsp;were&nbsp;$12.1&nbsp;billion, with a total backlog of around&nbsp;$48.7&nbsp;billion&nbsp;as of December 31, 2024.
Chris Kastner, president and CEO said, &#8220;We continue to make progress on ships put under contract pre-COVID, and are working diligently with our customers to put over $50 billion of new work under contract. Mission Technologies continued its strong track record of top line growth and margin expansion and secured an impressive $12 billion in total future contract value during 2024.&#8221;
FY25&nbsp;Outlook: Huntington Ingalls Industries sees sales of around $11.80 billion &#8211; $12.20 billion (vs. consensus of $12.10 billion), with expected Shipbuilding revenue of&nbsp;$8.9 billion &#8211; $9.1&nbsp;billion and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">corresponding&nbsp;operating margin of&nbsp;5.5% &#8211; 6.5%</a>.
Huntington&nbsp;Ingalls sees Mission&nbsp;Technologies&#8217;&nbsp;revenue of&nbsp;$2.9 billion &#8211; $3.1 billion, with an operating margin of&nbsp;4.0% &#8211; 4.5%&nbsp;and&nbsp;EBITDA margin of&nbsp;8.0% &#8211; 8.5%.
The company expects FY25 free cash flow of&nbsp;$300 million &#8211; $500 million.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;The Advisors&#8217; Inner Circle Fund III Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAGP#NYSE">SAGP</a>).
Price Action: HII shares are down 16.5% at $163.23 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42468190/defense-stocks-face-headwinds-as-trumps-doge-targets-spending-cuts-goldman-sachs-downgrades-general-dynamics-to-sell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defense Stocks Face Headwinds As Trump&#8217;s DOGE Targets Spending Cuts: Goldman Sachs Downgrades General Dynamics</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

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Huntington Ingalls Sinks On Q4 Earnings Miss, Margins & Cash Flow Take A Hit

WIIM

Huntington Ingalls Industries shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected Q4 financial results.

HII's Financial Outlook1 includes the following expectations:
<ul>
<li>Mid to long term5 HII revenue growth of 4%+</li>
<li>Mid to long term5 shipbuilding revenue2 growth of approximately 4%</li>
<li>Mid to long term5 Mission Technologies revenue growth of approximately 5%</li>
<li>FY25 shipbuilding revenue2 between $8.9 and $9.1 billion; expect shipbuilding operating margin2 between 5.5% and 6.5%</li>
<li>FY25 Mission Technologies revenue between $2.9 to $3.1 billion, Mission Technologies segment operating margin2 between 4.0% and 4.5%; and Mission Technologies EBITDA margin2 between 8.0% and 8.5%</li>
<li>FY25 free cash flow2,3 between $300 and $500 million</li>
</ul>
<figure class="table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>FY25 Outlook1</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shipbuilding Revenue2</td>
<td>$8.9B - $9.1B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shipbuilding Operating Margin2</td>
<td>5.5% - 6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mission Technologies Revenue</td>
<td>$2.9B - $3.1B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mission Technologies Segment Operating Margin2</td>
<td>4.0% - 4.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mission Technologies EBITDA Margin2</td>
<td>8.0% - 8.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Operating FAS/CAS Adjustment</td>
<td>($43M)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Non-current State Income Tax Benefit/Expense4</td>
<td>~$0M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Interest Expense</td>
<td>($130M)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Non-operating Retirement Benefit</td>
<td>$191M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Effective Tax Rate</td>
<td>~21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Depreciation &amp; Amortization</td>
<td>~$340M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital Expenditures</td>
<td>~4% of Sales</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Free Cash Flow2, 3</td>
<td>$300M - $500M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>

Huntington Ingalls Indus Sees FY2025 Sales $11.800B-$12.200B vs $12.10B Est

Huntington Ingalls Indus (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $3.15 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $3.31 by 4.83 percent. This is a 54.35 percent decrease over earnings of $6.90 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.00 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $3.05 billion by 1.65 percent. This is a 5.45 percent decrease over sales of $3.18 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Misses

Huntington Ingalls Indus Q4 2024 GAAP EPS $3.15 Misses $3.31 Estimate, Sales $3.00B Miss $3.05B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 6, 2025

HII Ingalls Shipbuilding Division Commences Fabrication of Amphibious Transport Dock Philadelphia

HII Awarded Up To $296M Task Order To Support US And Europe Air Forces In Africa

President Donald Trump has pledged to cut spending in a number of areas, but one place that's likely to see a budget increase is the Department of Defense. Increased defense spending is one of the few issues reaching bipartisan agreement in Washington, as outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently recommended a <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2025-01-13/austin-recommends-defense-spending-boost-by-more-than-50-billion-in-2026-bloomberg-news-reports">$50 billion boost</a> over current 2026 projections.
As global geopolitics becomes increasingly volatile and the nature of conflicts changes, upgrades are especially needed in certain critical areas like missile defense systems, autonomous drone technology, and cybersecurity.
These five companies are set to benefit the most from the drive to modernize America&#8217;s defense.
These five stocks were chosen based on their past success with federal projects, current financial and technical standing, and likelihood of avoiding any axes from the incoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>)</h2>
Huntington Ingalls is one of the largest manufacturers of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, with two major manufacturing facilities in Virginia and Mississippi and a large cybersecurity and IT facility outside the Pentagon in Fairfax, VA. The company also manufactures autonomous amphibious technology, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123041/HII-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-741406" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123041/HII-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123041/HII-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123041/HII-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123041/HII.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
HII stock had a rough 2024 despite a promising start. Shares hit an all-time high of $299 in early March before tumbling below $200 by the end of the year. Despite this recent decline, there's reason for optimism moving forward.
Gross profits have returned to pre-pandemic levels and the stock currently trades with a 11.2 price-to-earnings ratio, 1.84 price-to-book value, and 0.67 price-to-sales ratio; all metrics showing a cheaper valuation than competitors like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. The stock also pays a 2.74% dividend yield.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</h2>
L3Harris has been a public company for only five years, but they're already making a mark on the defense industry through innovations in command and control systems, intelligence and surveillance equipment, and navigation products for both commercial and government clients.
Formed through a merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corp in 2019, the company is now one of the 10 largest US defense contractors and has shown impressive growth since the two original firms combined forces.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123047/LHX-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-741407" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123047/LHX-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123047/LHX-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123047/LHX-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123047/LHX.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
L3Harris has a loftier valuation than Huntington Ingalls, but it&#8217;s justified considering the company's revenue growth of 7.7% year-over-year, outpacing larger competitors like Lockheed and Northrop while maintaining healthy cash flow.
Last quarter, the company saw gross margins of 26.4% (far above industry average) and $5.52 billion in institutional money has flowed into the stock in the last 12 months. LHX has a $40.6 billion market cap and pays a 2.2% dividend yield. The stock chart shows upward momentum has petered out recently, but the RSI indicates it could be time to start accumulating shares again.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>)</h2>
The future of defense isn't just on land, air, and water, but also online through the various information networks connecting governments and businesses all over the globe. Protecting private information is a crucial aspect for any large organization, and Palo Alto Networks has been providing cybersecurity solutions to public and private clients for nearly 20 years.
The company's main product is a line of firewalls designed to protect networks of all shapes and sizes, but it also operates Unit 42, an advance threat detection team. The FBI has credited Unit 42 with catching numerous hacking groups and cybercriminals, including the Gorgon hacking syndicate and the Xbash ransomware program.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123053/PANW-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-741408" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123053/PANW-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123053/PANW-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123053/PANW-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123053/PANW.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Palo Alto Networks has a few tailwinds working for it that investors should keep an eye on. For starters, the company is a serial acquirer of smaller cybersecurity firms, with seven major acquisition announcements since 2020 (six have closed as of this writing). The incoming administration is expected to be much friendlier to merger and acquisition activity, which could greenlight Palo Alto to dig deeper into its cash horde for new companies.
Cybersecurity firms also have less capital expenditures since they aren't building ships or planes or tanks, but computer programs to protect from invisible threats. This allows companies like Palo Alto to operate leaner than traditional defense firms, and retain more of their revenue as profit.
But even compared to other cybersecurity firms, Palo Alto stands out. The company has 33% profit margins and quarterly revenue growth of 12% year-over-year.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</h2>
General Dynamics has roots tracing back to the Electric Boat Company in 1899, but stands today as the fifth largest defense contractor in the United States. The company manufactures five major product lines: aircraft systems like the Aardvark and Fighting Falcon, marine systems like Electric Boat and Bath Iron Works, missile systems like the Redeye and Stinger, combat systems like the M1 Abrams and LAV series, and launch vehicles like the Atlas system.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="306" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123059/GD-1024x306.png" alt="" class="wp-image-741410" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123059/GD-1024x306.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123059/GD-300x90.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123059/GD-768x229.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123059/GD.png 1303w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
GD shares are down 11% over the last three months, but this correction could be a chance for investors to add shares. The company has grown revenue 10.4% year-over-year and has profit margins of 7.9%, higher than Northrop Grumman, RTX, and even L3Harris. Shares are trading below the 50-day moving average for the first time since October 2023, but other technical indicators show that the long-term uptrend remains in place.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>)</h2>
Booz Allen Hamilton might sound like an upscale clothing store, but it&#8217;s actually another major defense contractor, although not as well-known (or capitalized) as the big boys like Lockheed or Raytheon.
Founded at Northwestern University in 1914, Booz Allen Hamilton specializes in consulting, analytics, engineering, and cybersecurity services for governments, nonprofits, and private sector clients. The company has a $17.4 billion market cap and 1.5% dividend yield.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="298" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123105/BAH-1024x298.png" alt="" class="wp-image-741411" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123105/BAH-1024x298.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123105/BAH-300x87.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123105/BAH-768x224.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20123105/BAH.png 1302w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The BAH stock chart looks very similar to GD&#8217;s, only with a more pronounced dip. Shares are down 16% in the last three months despite consistent revenue growth and a 7.2% profit margin in the most recent quarter. Like GD shares, the stock has dipped below the 50-day moving average for the first time in over a year, but the long-term uptrend still looks strong. If defense contractors get a boost under the second Trump administration, Booz Allen Hamilton already has the stock momentum in place.
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Image via Defence.gov

5 Defense Stocks to Buy for Trump 2.0

The U.S. defense sector is bracing for turbulence in 2025 as Goldman Sachs downgraded a key player in the industry and reiterated a bearish outlook on other defense stocks, citing risks tied to a slowing Pentagon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">budget and margin pressures.</a>
The defense budget, which has more than doubled over the past decade, could see deceleration — or even contraction — under the watch of Donald Trump's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. 
"We remain cautious on defense stocks as we see decelerating and potentially negative growth in the forward U.S. Department of Defense budget," Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak said in a note Thursday. 
Goldman downgraded General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) from Neutral to Sell, citing fundamental challenges across all four of its business segments.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Can The Defense Budget Escape DOGE Spending Cuts?</h1>
Goldman warned that defense spending may have peaked, creating "tough compares" for future growth. 
Historically, defense spending has moved in decade-long cycles, and the current high base of investment means the next phase could be one of contraction. 
Poponak also highlighted the incoming Trump administration appears eager to wind down U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, further reducing the case for large-scale defense spending.
Poponak indicated the Pentagon's procurement efficiency as "imperfect," which could make defense spending an attractive target for cuts. Given that defense represents a significant chunk of the federal budget, trimming it may be unavoidable as DOGE seeks to deliver cost savings.
&#8220;If DOGE wants to substantially reduce total U.S. government spending, it is hard to avoid DoD,&#8221; Goldman Sachs wrote.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Structural Margin Pressures And Valuation Risks</h1>
Beyond the potential for lower top-line growth, defense contractors are grappling with long-term pressures on profitability. Over the past few years, the Pentagon has tightened contractual terms, effectively shifting cost risks to contractors.
"While the rate of decline may be slowing, we think margins are now structurally lower moving forward vs. the last decade," Poponak said.
DOGE could exacerbate this trend by advocating for more fixed-price contracts, even in the early stages of programs, a move that would further constrain profitability. 
Yet despite these challenges, defense stocks as a group continue to trade above their historical valuation averages. 
"Defense stocks trade above their historical average valuation level as a group, with some individual names at their high-end and a premium to the equity market," Poponak commented. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Goldman Sachs Reiterates Sell Recommendations On Defense Contractors</h1>
According to Goldman Sachs, the General Dynamics downgrade reflects weaker-than-peer growth in its Technologies division, margin pressures in Marine shipbuilding, reduced supplemental funding at Combat, and delivery challenges at Gulfstream that are weighing on profitability.
"While General Dynamics trades at a discount to Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), valuation is at a level where it could derate if earnings power is disappointing the market," Poponak said.
Goldman Sachs also trimmed the 12-month price target on General Dynamics from $283 to $245. 
Lockheed Martin, often seen as the bellwether of the defense industry, also remains on the Sell list from Goldman Sachs. 
The analyst flagged risks related to the F-35 program, which has already been named as a potential target by DOGE leadership. 
"LMT currently has a large positive net pension benefit in its free cash flow, and we expect free cash to be near flat the next several years," Poponak said, adding that the company trades at 23 times estimated 2025 earnings, a steep premium for a stock facing margin and spending risks.
Northrop Grumman holds a similar Sell rating, with Goldman expressing concerns about slowing growth in its flagship B-21 bomber program. Poponak highlighted that NOC trades at 20 times the estimated 2025 earnings and warned of "incremental margin risk" ahead.
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) is also struggling under margin pressures. Its shipbuilding business, plagued by labor shortages and cost overruns, could see profitability erode further, according to the investment bank. 
The company's recent results revealed weaker recurring margins than previously assumed, with guidance pointing to near-term margins as low as 5%, far below historical levels.
Goldman also reaffirmed its Sell ratings on L3 Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>) and Mercury Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRCY#NASDAQ">MRCY</a>), citing slower growth, operational risks, and valuation concerns.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h1>
Shares of General Dynamics fell 1.01% on Thursday, while the broader industry — as tracked by the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) – fell 0.64%.
Lockheed Martin fell 1.52%, hitting lows last seen on July 23, 2024.
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Defense Stocks Face Headwinds As Trump's DOGE Targets Spending Cuts: Goldman Sachs Downgrades General Dynamics

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President-elect Donald Trump's proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is raising questions about the future of U.S. defense contractors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41927289/trump-appoints-elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-to-lead-doge-targeting-bureaucracy-and-65-trillion-federal-spending-we-will-not-go-gently">and government IT firms. </a>
Could the defense budget flatten—or even fall? And who stands to gain in this new sector shake up?
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DOGE Puts Defense Budget Under Pressure</h3>
Trump's plan to restructure federal agencies and reduce wasteful spending through DOGE is a bold move, and its potential ripple effects are hard to ignore—especially for defense and government IT companies. 
With the Department of Defense (DoD) being one of the largest slices of federal spending, investors are understandably focused on what's next for defense stocks in a DOGE-driven world.
On one hand, Trump's campaign has consistently expressed support for strengthening the U.S. military. 
On the other, it's hard to make sweeping government cuts without touching the $877 billion defense budget, which accounts for 13% of federal spending as of 2023.
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Spending At All-Time Highs Spells Risks</h3>
Historically, defense spending runs in decades-long cycles. Investment in the sector experiences periods of growth followed by downturns, and we may be nearing the peak of the current cycle, according to Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak.
 &#8220;The defense budget is at an all-time high, which creates difficult comparisons and challenging base effects,&#8221; the analyst said in a note published Friday. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Risks For Defense Stocks</h3>
<ol>
<li>Peak Spending: The defense budget is hovering at historical highs, making future growth difficult.</li>
<li>Geopolitical Shifts: If major conflicts ease, defense spending could decline.</li>
<li>Government Debt: U.S. debt-to-GDP ratios are near record levels, increasing pressure to curb federal spending.</li>
</ol>
Margins in the defense industry are already under pressure due to Pentagon efforts to shift risks onto contractors. Fixed pricing on long-term contracts, for example, has eroded unit economics. 
At the same time, defense stocks – as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) – are trading at valuations above historical averages, leaving them vulnerable to a "de-rating" if the budget flattens or falls.
&#8220;It is difficult to embark on any large government spending reduction effort without touching defense, and there are potentially enough inefficiencies within the defense budget to reduce its total level without necessarily reducing military readiness or capability,&#8221; Poponak said. 
The investment bank maintains a cautious stance on the defense sector, issuing Sell ratings for Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>), and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Government IT: Winners In The Efficiency Game?</h3>
While defense hardware could take a hit, government IT firms might find themselves potentially on the winning side of DOGE. 
The sector has been outperforming traditional defense industries in revenue growth, driven by a market share shift toward advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why IT Could Shine:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Tech-Driven Efficiency: DOGE's focus on cutting waste could emphasize the adoption of technologies that streamline government operations.</li>
<li>Advanced Capabilities: Firms offering cutting-edge solutions may be seen as key enablers of government efficiency.</li>
<li>Resilient Demand: Even with DoD cuts, IT spending for Operations &amp; Maintenance and national security could remain strong.</li>
</ul>
Goldman Sachs believes that companies like Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) and Leidos Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDOS#NYSE">LDOS</a>) are well-positioned to benefit.
On the flip side, SAIC Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAIC#NYSE">SAIC</a>) faces challenges due to slower growth and tougher competition, earning it a Sell rating from Goldman Sachs.
The bottom line is that Investors should prepare for a sector shakeup, as the creation of DOGE could mark a significant shift in federal spending priorities.
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Trump's DOGE Plan: Goldman Sachs Says Defense Stocks Face Risks, IT Firms Could Win

U.S. stocks were slightly lower, with the Dow Jones index falling around 0.1% on Thursday.
Shares of Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HI#NYSE">HI</a>) rose sharply in today's session following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HI/earnings">upbeat quarterly results</a>.
Hillenbrand reported quarterly earnings of $1.01 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 92 cents per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $837.60 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $792.98 million.
Hillenbrand shares surged 14.7% to $34.60 on Thursday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>AC Immune SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACIU#NASDAQ">ACIU</a>) gained 18% to $3.6844 after the company announced interim safety and immunogenicity data from the Phase 2 VacSYn clinical trial evaluating ACI-7104.056 for the treatment of patients with early Parkinson&#8217;s disease.</li>
<li>NextNav Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NN#NASDAQ">NN</a>) gained 16.8% to $15.85 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly financial results.</li>
<li>DLocal Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLO#NASDAQ">DLO</a>) shares jumped 16.1% to $10.50 after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter revenue results.</li>
<li>Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSCR#NYSE">OSCR</a>) rose 14.6% to $15.44.</li>
<li>Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSHA#NASDAQ">TSHA</a>) gained 14.4% to $2.5300 following third-quarter results.</li>
<li>Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BZH#NYSE">BZH</a>) shares rose 13.9% to $36.41 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly financial results.</li>
<li>Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPR#NYSE">TPR</a>) gained 11.2% to $57.00 after the company announced plans for an additional $2 billion share repurchase program.</li>
<li>Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPIR#NYSE">SPIR</a>) rose 10.9% to $14.91. Spire Global agreed to sell its maritime business to Kpler for roughly $241 million.</li>
<li>Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WYNN#NASDAQ">WYNN</a>) gained 9.2% to $93.69.</li>
<li>ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZIM#NYSE">ZIM</a>) climbed 9.1% to $27.28.</li>
<li>Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>) gained 8.9% to $44.60 following third-quarter results.</li>
<li>The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) rose 8.8% to $111.75 following upbeat earnings.</li>
<li>JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBLU#NASDAQ">JBLU</a>) gained 6.3% to $7.38.</li>
</ul>
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