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Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) shares are trading higher on Friday. Lockheed&#8217;s Sikorsky disclosed a long-term deal with Bristow Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTOL#NYSE">VTOL</a>) to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44996391/sikorsky-and-bristow-group-sign-long-term-agreement-supporting-worlds-largest-s-92-helicopter-flee" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance support for Bristow&#8217;s S-92 helicopter fleet</a>.
This agreement will provide improved support for Bristow&#8217;s more than 60 S-92 aircraft.
These aircraft are used in crucial sectors like offshore energy and search and rescue (SAR) worldwide.
The long-term package includes Sikorsky&#8217;s Total Assurance Program (TAP), which offers Bristow predictable aftermarket support for its S-92 fleet, minimizing the risk of unexpected costs.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/reiteration/25/04/44962191/lockheed-can-unlock-significant-f-35-growth-potential-with-this-clever-pivot-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lockheed Can Unlock Significant F-35 Growth Potential With This Clever Pivot: Analyst</a>
The TAP package provides Bristow&#8217;s global fleet with Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) for offshore energy and SAR helicopters, covers over 90% of replacement parts, offers enhanced global support via Sikorsky&#8217;s FSL/FSR network, and grants access to the Sikorsky360 customer portal for parts, service, and aircraft data.
Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky said, &#8220;We are committed to providing exceptional support to our customers and ensuring the continued success of the S-92 helicopter, which has a lifetime availability average of over 90% and many aircraft achieve more than 1,500 flight hours per year on average in the demanding offshore energy industry.&#8221;
Bristow&#8217;s Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services, added, &#8220;This long-term support agreement will enable us to maintain our high level of service to our customers while also controlling our operational costs and improving our overall efficiency.&#8221;
This Thursday, Lockheed Martin acquired&nbsp;Amentum Holdings&#8217; Rapid Solutions hardware<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44968420/amentum-offloads-hardware-unit-to-focus-on-critical-services-inks-360-million-deal-with-lockheed-martin" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and product business for $360 million</a>.
On Tuesday, the company reported a 4%&nbsp;year-over-year increase in net sales to&nbsp;$18 billion, beating the consensus of&nbsp;$17.8 billion. It clocked a GAAP EPS of&nbsp;$7.28,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44922218/lockheed-martin-posts-strong-q1-says-maintained-2025-guidance-doesnt-include-tariff-impact" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus of&nbsp;$6.32</a>.
As of March 31, Lockheed Martin had cash and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44918859/lockheed-martin-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">cash equivalent of $1.80 billion</a>.
Investors can also monitor the broader defense sector through ETFs, including the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>) and the Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).&nbsp;
Price Action: LMT shares are up 1.94% at $475.86 at the last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-misses/25/04/44944021/lockheed-martin-targets-80-of-6th-gen-capabilities-in-f-35-at-half-the-cost-after-losing-ngad-contract-to-boeing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lockheed Martin Targets 80% Of 6th Gen Capabilities In F-35 At Half The Cost After Losing NGAD Contract To Boeing</a></li>
</ul>
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Sikorsky Taps Lockheed Martin To Bolster S-92 Helicopter Support

Truist Securities analyst Michael Ciarmoli reiterated a Buy rating on Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) with a price forecast of $579 following first-quarter <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMT/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">results reported on Tuesday.</a>
The company reported a 4% year-over-year increase in net sales to $18 billion, beating the consensus of $17.8 billion. It clocked a GAAP EPS of $7.28, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus of $6.32</a>.
Lockheed Martin continues to expect FY25 net sales of&nbsp;$73.75 billion-$74.75 billion&nbsp;versus the consensus of&nbsp;$74.28 billion. LMT reiterated EPS guidance of ~$27.00-$27.30&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">versus the consensus of&nbsp;$27.21.</a>
Lockheed Martin says ‘2025&nbsp;outlook&nbsp;does not include the evolving impacts of tariffs or related recoveries, the recent Next Generation Air Dominance announcement, or Executive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44922218/lockheed-martin-posts-strong-q1-says-maintained-2025-guidance-doesnt-include-tariff-impact" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orders issued by the Administration.</a>&#8216;
The analyst writes that the results suggested that even after the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) contract bid loss, reaching the upper end of the company&#8217;s multi-year<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/03/44445996/lockheed-martin-shares-sink-after-major-us-air-force-contract-goes-to-boeing-what-to-know" rel="noreferrer noopener"> growth targets remains a possibility</a>.
During Lockheed's first quarter of 2025 earnings call, CEO&nbsp;Jim Taiclet&nbsp;said he had challenged his team to deliver "80% of 6th Gen capability at 50% of the cost" by applying technologies developed for its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-misses/25/04/44944021/lockheed-martin-targets-80-of-6th-gen-capabilities-in-f-35-at-half-the-cost-after-losing-ngad-contract-to-boeing" rel="noreferrer noopener">NGAD bid to the existing F-35 platform</a>.
Ciarmoli believes this presents a compelling opportunity and can drive growth.
Moreover, the analyst notes that the current geopolitical landscape is fueling increased investment in defense budgets and driving higher demand for defense capabilities globally, which continues to boost Lockheed Martin&#8217;s backlog.
The analyst anticipates that these positive results should alleviate the uncertainty that has been weighing on the company&#8217;s shares.
Ciarmoli revised EPS estimates to $27.40 (from $27.00) vs. consensus of $27.22 in FY25 and $29.66 (from $29.49) vs. street view of $29.78 for FY26.
Investors can also monitor the broader defense sector through ETFs, including the&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>) and the&nbsp;Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).&nbsp;
Price Action: LMT shares are up 0.04% at $462.27 at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44954335/old-dominion-earnings-shine-despite-revenue-slide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Dominion Earnings Shine Despite Revenue Slide, CEO Blames &#8216;Ongoing Softness&#8217; In Economy</a></li>
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Reiteration

Lockheed Can Unlock Significant F-35 Growth Potential With This Clever Pivot: Analyst

Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/J#NYSE">J</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44835204/jacobs-secures-environmental-services-contract-with-us-air-force" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secured a long-term federal contract</a> with the U.S. military.
Awarded by the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), the multi-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract authorizes Jacobs to deliver a broad range of environmental services.
The agreement includes environmental restoration, conservation, and quality management planning. Its projected ceiling is $1.5 billion over a potential 10-year term.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833969/hang-seng-slides-on-china-tech-rout-asia-mixed-europe-down-gold-surges-past-3300-dollar-slips-global-markets-today-while-us-slept">Asia Mixed, Europe Slides; Gold Hits $3,300 As Trade War Escalates &#8211; Global Markets Today While US Slept</a>
Under the multi-award task order framework, Jacobs will support the U.S. Air Force, AFCEC, other Department of Defense entities, and federal agencies. The scope of work spans site assessments, environmental planning, engineering design, construction-phase support, and field inspections across various Air Force commands and facilities.
Susannah Kerr, executive vice president at Jacobs, highlighted the contract&#8217;s strategic significance. &#8220;This contract is one example of how national security isn&#8217;t just about what happens inside a base—it encompasses a holistic perspective that includes the resilience of critical infrastructure such as cyber networks, water systems, energy grids, and the environmental landscape,&#8221; she said.
The award reinforces Jacobs&#8217; expertise in integrated infrastructure and sustainability solutions across defense, space, and civil markets.
Separately, Jacobs was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44809990/jacobs-awarded-program-management-contract-to-rebuild-u-s-virgin-islands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">awarded</a> a $137 million contract by the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority to manage the &#8220;Rebuild USVI.&#8221; The initiative supports post-hurricane recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company will lead critical infrastructure projects—including hospitals, schools, utilities, and transportation—and offer advisory services for future planning, logistics, and environmental strategy.
Additionally, in April, Jacobs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44750682/jacobs-announces-determination-of-post-closing-adjustments-relating-to-the-critical-mission-soluti" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">received</a> $70 million and 7.3 million shares of Amentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMTM#NASDAQ">AMTM</a>) as final proceeds from the separation of its Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber &amp; Intelligence businesses. The cash will be used to reduce debt and distribute shares to shareholders.
Price Action: J shares are trading higher by 0.42% at $118 premarket at the last check Wednesday.
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Jacobs Secures Long-Term Air Force Deal To Lead Military Environmental Projects

Rising geopolitical tensions have investors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/defense">interested in defense stocks</a>. 
The iShares US Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) has gained 5.43% YTD and the Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) is up 2.20% YTD.
As NATO ramps up spending and global conflicts remain unresolved, companies in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/defense">the defense sector </a>are seeing strong demand. 
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Violeta Todorova, Senior Research Analyst at Leverage Shares, said she sees this trend continuing. She highlighted RTX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) as a standout pick. "RTX is our preferred pick in the sector, and we see levels to $170 as achievable before year-end," she states.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44357520/collins-aerospace-lands-80-million-us-army-contract-to-modernize-black-hawk-avionic">RTX&#8217;s Collins Aerospace Secures $80 Million Black Hawk Avionics Upgrade Contract</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why RTX Stands Out</h2>
RTX has solidified its leadership in missile defense and aerospace, benefiting from increased government spending on advanced military technology. Todorova notes that while European defense contractors are seeing the biggest gains as the region boosts domestic defense production, U.S. firms like RTX remain well-positioned to capitalize on sustained demand. 
Its strong backlog and exposure to critical defense programs support long-term growth, and with continued geopolitical uncertainty, the company remains a key player. She sees further upside for RTX stock, with $170 as a potential target by year-end.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Beneficiaries Of The Defense Spending Boom</h2>
It's not just RTX benefiting from the global shift toward defense, &#8220;several defense stocks could benefit from Trump's shift towards NATO,&#8221; she said. Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>), L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) are also enjoying a strong tailwind.
NATO's commitment to increased defense budgets means the sector could be in for a multi-year uptrend.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long-Term Play Or Short-Term Trade?</h2>
For investors looking beyond traditional tech plays, the defense sector presents a compelling case. With national security taking priority and military modernization efforts ramping up, Todorova believes defense stocks are no longer just cyclical—they are becoming a core holding for many investors.
If RTX does indeed hit $170 by year-end, it will only reinforce that shift.
RTX Price Action: RTX stock closed the trading day, Monday, at $132.05 a share, up 1.58%.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44253929/space-etfs-rocked-by-intuitive-machines-lunar-mishap-is-there-a-safer-bet">Space ETFs Rocked By Intuitive Machines&#8217; Lunar Mishap — Is There A Safer Bet?</a></li>
</ul>
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EXCLUSIVE: This Defense Stock Could Hit $170 'Before Year-End,' Expert Explains Why

Investor interest in global defense stocks has surged following President Donald Trump&#8216;s decision to temporarily suspend U.S. military aid to Ukraine. As tensions continue to rise, defense companies may witness increased demand for their products and services in the geopolitical landscape.
What Happened: This development occurs amid ongoing support for Ukraine from European leaders, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledging a £2.26 billion loan for military supplies.
Meanwhile, Trump aims to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44101854/trump-reportedly-halts-ukraine-military-aid-pressures-zelenskyy-to-seek-peace-with-russia-amid-growing-rift">pressure</a> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into peace negotiations with Russia. According to the White House, the freeze will remain in place until Trump determines that Ukraine has made a meaningful effort toward diplomatic talks with Moscow.
As the aid remains frozen, defense stocks from around the world come to fore amid the conflicts. Here is a list of global defense exchange-traded funds which investors could consider in order to participate in the upside.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Global Defense ETFs</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares US Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)</td>
<td>3.10%</td>
<td>16.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>)</td>
<td>-0.71%</td>
<td>15.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>)</td>
<td>-3.21%</td>
<td>14.89%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</td>
<td>22.01%</td>
<td>43.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>)</td>
<td>-3.91%</td>
<td>27.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Direxion Daily Aerospace &amp; Defense Bull 3X Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFEN#NYSE">DFEN</a>)</td>
<td>5.95%</td>
<td>15.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Kensho Future Security ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITE#NYSE">FITE</a>)</td>
<td>-4.36%</td>
<td>13.38%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44135699/big-tech-slide-an-opportunity-to-buy-amid-selloff-analyst-highlights-bigger-fundamental-concerns-amid-the-possibility-of-technical-bounce-back">Big Tech Slide An Opportunity To Buy Amid Selloff? Analyst Highlights Bigger Fundamental Concerns Amid The Possibility Of Technical Bounce Back</a>
Why It Matters: Following a contentious argument in the White House, Trump blasted the Ukrainian leader's claim that peace remains "very, very far away," calling it "the worst statement" and warning, "America will not put up with it for much longer!&#8221; in a Truth Social post.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="894" height="466" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen.png" alt="" class="wp-image-809935" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen.png 894w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen-300x156.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen-768x400.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /></figure>
A White House official, speaking anonymously <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">to</a> the Associated Press, characterized the move as a strategic &#8220;pause and review&#8221; of assistance. The official emphasized that the administration wants to ensure aid is &#8220;contributing to a solution&#8221; rather than prolonging the conflict.
Meanwhile, here is a list of some U.S. defense stocks to watch.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>-3.91%</td>
<td>-8.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.89%</td>
<td>1.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>-6.93%</td>
<td>3.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>-7.55%</td>
<td>-21.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>10.94%</td>
<td>42.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>17.90%</td>
<td>57.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>)</td>
<td>7.63%</td>
<td>16.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td>
<td>14.65%</td>
<td>86.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>)</td>
<td>-11.44%</td>
<td>67.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</td>
<td>-0.14%</td>
<td>-3.16%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in premarket on Wednesday. SPY rose 0.60% to $580.30 and QQQ was up 0.70% to $499.04, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Tuesday, the SPY declined 1.18% to $576.86, and the QQQ dropped 0.30% to $495.55.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44135177/trump-seeks-to-end-chips-act-who-stands-to-lose-heres-a-list-of-beneficiaries-that-could-be-affected">Trump Seeks To End CHIPS Act: Who Stands To Lose? Here&#8217;s A List Of Beneficiaries That Could Be Affected</a></li>
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Defense Stocks In Focus As Trump Freezes Ukraine Military Aid: Here's A List Of Top Global Defense ETFs To Watch

The Trump administration may stop all shipments of military aid to Ukraine following a tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vladymyr Zelenskyy that took place in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44053592/white-house-meeting-turns-tense-as-trump-warns-zelenskyy-youre-gambling-with-world-war-iii">Oval Office Friday. </a>
The Details: According to a report from the Washington Post, a senior administration official said the decision would end shipments of billions of dollars of equipment including radars, vehicles, ammunition and missiles to Ukraine.&nbsp;
The latest development follows the tense meeting between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelenskyy originally intended to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine agreement on critical mineral supplies and discuss diplomacy. 
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/43977811/mortgage-rates-drop-to-lowest-levels-since-december-but-housing-market-remains-largely-stuck"> Mortgage Rates Drop To Lowest Levels Since December, But Housing Market Remains &#8216;Largely Stuck&#8217;&nbsp;</a>
The situation quickly escalated when Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful. Trump, raising his voice, warned Zelenskyy that he was "gambling with World War III," as CNBC reported.
The confrontation highlights a growing divide in how global leaders view the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump and Vance advocate for alternative diplomatic solutions while Zelenskyy pushes for continued backing against Russian forces. 
Several European officials supported Zelensky after the tense White House meeting and cancelled a Friday press conference. 
The leaders of Poland, Spain and Lithuania posted messages of solidarity with Ukraine on social media.&nbsp;
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: "Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."
Friedrich Merz said that Germany stands with Ukraine "in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."&nbsp;
Stocks To Watch: Shares of major defense contractors, like RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) should be monitored for possible reactions as the situation unfolds.&nbsp;
Investors can also monitor the broader defense sector through ETFs including the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) and the Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/44007082/q4-gdp-holds-at-2-3-after-minor-revision-in-second-estimate">Q4 GDP Holds At 2.3% After Minor Revision In Second Estimate&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Trump May Stop All Military Aid To Ukraine After Tense Exchange With Zelenskyy: Report

The U.S. defense sector is facing fresh uncertainty as the Trump administration sets the foundation for a cost-cutting initiative under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43787369/us-russian-officials-begin-ukraine-peace-talks-defense-sector-stocks-rise">recent buoyancy</a> in anticipation of peace talks involving the Presidents of the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, stocks of major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), General Dynamics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>), and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), are staring at near-term risks following the possibility of a defense budget cut. 
While the potential impact is still unfolding, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">defense-focused ETFs </a>could be in for a bumpy ride.
ETFs with significant holdings in defense giants may see volatility in the wake of potential budget constraints. Some of the key funds to monitor include:
iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) – Tracks U.S. defense and aerospace companies, including General Dynamics (18.75% exposure) Lockheed Martin (4.98% exposure) and RTX (15.72% exposure). 
SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) – Offers exposure to large and mid-cap defense stocks, with exposure to stocks like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and RTX. This ETF offers a more equally weighted approach, which may help balance the losses.
Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) – Holds a diversified mix of defense contractors and related industries. However, Lockheed Martin and RTX hold the top positions, with 7.26% and 7% of the total AUM.
First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>) – A newer entrant with a focus on companies involved in missile and defense technology. Once again, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and RTX hold significant percentage of the total assets.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827291/exclusive-will-trumps-tariffs-hurt-or-help-stock-market-59-say-this">EXCLUSIVE: Will Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Hurt Or Help Stock Market? 59% Say This…</a>
Why Defense Stocks Are Under Pressure
The DOGE recently kicked off its review at the Pentagon, aiming to curb waste, fraud, and redundancies. In a post on X, DOGE officials confirmed their commitment to "safely save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste." 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Great kickoff with <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a>. Looking forward to working together to safely save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE/status/1890621621448167497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to streamline operations and optimize spending, as reported by CBS News.
This initiative has raised concerns for major defense contractors, many of whom rely heavily on government contracts. Among the top players at risk are Lockheed Martin which has retreated almost 10% so far this year, RTX , General Dynamics, with a loss of 6.35% year-to-date, and Northrop Grumman, which has lost 6.5% so far this year.
With over $200 billion in annual federal contracts flowing into the sector, any cuts could significantly affect companies that derive nearly half their revenue from government spending, according to a report by Saxo Bank.
While U.S. defense spending may come under pressure, rising geopolitical tensions and commitments from NATO allies to boost their military budgets could create new opportunities for defense firms.
Fine-Tuning Is Key
For investors holding defense-heavy ETFs, now may be a time for caution but not necessarily panic. Watching how DOGE's review unfolds, tracking upcoming federal budgets, following the peace talks among Russia, Ukraine and U.S., and keeping an eye on global defense spending trends will be important. Diversification within ETFs could also help mitigate sector-specific risks.
As budget talks heat up, defense ETFs may experience short-term turbulence, but the longer-term picture will depend on how much of the spending shift is domestic versus international.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43818555/trade-war-redux-a-bumpy-ride-ahead-for-these-etfs-after-trumps-tariff-move-on-auto-pharma-chip-imports">Trade War Redux: These ETFs Due For Bumpy Ride Thanks To Trump Tariffs On Auto, Pharma, Chip Imports</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

4 ETFs In The Crosshairs As Defense Cuts Loom — Is It Time To Play Offense?

Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, is set to begin the confirmation process on Friday. Noem will appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/11/42204590/trump-department-of-homeland-security-pick-kristi-noem-owns-ranch-invests-in-energy-gets-book-royalties">Security and Governmental Affairs.</a>
What To Know: Noem has served as the Republican governor of South Dakota since 2019 and is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is known for her hardline views on border control and immigration and has dispatched the South Dakota National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border multiple times.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43041254/unitedhealth-ceo-highlights-hospitals-doctors-pharmas-role-in-soaring-health-care-costs">UnitedHealth CEO Highlights Hospitals, Doctors, Pharma&#8217;s Role In Soaring Health Care Costs</a>&nbsp;
If confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem will oversee more than 260,000 federal employees at the Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Administration. 
Noem will likely face questions regarding potential mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, which she has previously supported.&nbsp;
Fox News obtained <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/safer-stronger-freer-securing-border-set-feature-large-noems-opening-remarks-senate">a copy</a> of Noem's prepared opening remarks for her Senate hearing on Friday.&nbsp;
&#8220;Securing our homeland is a serious, sacred trust that must be relentlessly pursued and can never be taken for granted. Being safe within our borders is an American right, yet Americans feel less safe than they have in decades. For the first time in 30 years, more than 40% of Americans are afraid to walk alone at night within a mile of their home,&#8221; Noem is expected to tell the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.&nbsp;
Stocks To Watch: Stocks in the defense and security sectors are on watch as Noem begins her Senate confirmation hearings.&nbsp;
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) provides management consulting services to the U.S. government in the areas of defense, intelligence and civil markets and could be affected by a change in DHS leadership. 
The Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) focuses on companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of U.S. defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. 
Cybersecurity is also a factor in homeland security and movements in the sector can be tracked through the First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43007213/experts-see-the-fed-on-hold-for-now-if-there-are-any-cuts-at-all-in-2025-after-decembers-sticky-consumer-inflation-report">Interest Rate Cuts &#8216;On Hold&#8230; If There Are Any At All In 2025&#8217; After December&#8217;s Sticky Consumer Inflation Report: Economists&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>

Tech

CIBR

Trump Cabinet Pick For Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, Begins Senate Confirmation Hearings

Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>) shares are trading higher on Friday. The company has agreed to sell its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) business to Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (PIP) for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/n42135452/honeywell-to-sell-personal-protective-equipment-business-to-protective-industrial-products" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1.325 billion in an all-cash deal</a>.
This move aligns with Honeywell&#8217;s strategy to streamline its portfolio, focusing on core businesses and pursuing high-return acquisitions that support its three key megatrends: automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition.
This sale follows Honeywell&#8217;s 2021 divestiture of its Lifestyle and Performance Footwear Business to Rocky Brands for $230 million, marking the company&#8217;s exit from the PPE sector.
However, Honeywell will retain its gas detection portfolio within the Industrial Automation segment.
The sale of the PPE business is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending customary conditions.
Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell said, &#8221;Now with this transaction, the business will be positioned to accelerate its growth trajectory as it benefits from Odyssey&#8217;s historic investing in the PPE sector and scaling similar businesses&nbsp;to expand into new products, geographies and end markets.&#8221;
&#8220;As we continue to simplify and optimize Honeywell&#8217;s portfolio, the sale of the PPE business will enable us to further strengthen our core business in alignment with our three compelling megatrends.&#8221;
&#8221;The combination of today&#8217;s announcement, with the strategic acquisitions we have made over the past year, positions us to continue to drive profitable growth and strong cash generation while creating compelling long-term value for our shareowners.&#8221;
Last month, Honeywell announced a plan to spin off its Advanced Materials business into an independent, U.S. publicly traded company, which is targeted to be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41223435/honeywell-announces-plan-to-spin-off-advanced-materials-business-to-shareowners" rel="noreferrer noopener">completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026.</a>
Honeywell held cash and equivalents of about&nbsp;$10.6 billion as of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41516652/honeywells-mixed-q3-eps-beats-misses-on-sales-and-lowers-fy24-revenue-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 30, 2024</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Amplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIVO#NYSE">DIVO</a>) and&nbsp;Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).
Price Action: HON shares are up 1.01% at $228.38 at the last check Friday.
Photo via Shutterstock
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</ul>

Asset Sales

DIVO

Honeywell Cashes Out: $1.325 Billion PPE Business Sale Fuels Bold Portfolio Transformation

Invesco has unveiled a new series of thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense sectors. These funds aim to leverage emerging trends within these industries.
What Happened: The newly introduced ETFs, named Invesco Artificial Intelligence Enablers, Cybersecurity, and Defence Innovation Ucits, are based on benchmarks crafted by Kensho, a division of S&amp;P Global Indices. Kensho utilizes natural language processing to pinpoint companies with significant involvement in each theme, categorizing them into &#8220;core&#8221; and &#8220;non-core&#8221; groups, Financial Times<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/476d3e81-cbd2-4484-8fb5-4a074dcaa97c"> reported</a> on Thursday.
As per Invesco, core companies generate a substantial portion of their revenue from products and services aligned with these themes, while non-core companies provide essential inputs without focusing on end products. The AI enablers strategy targets firms advancing AI technology and infrastructure, whereas the cybersecurity ETF invests in companies protecting enterprises from unauthorized electronic access. The defense fund provides exposure to companies developing advanced weapons and defensive systems
Here are a few ETFs and how they fared in the past year, as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>:
Artificial Intelligence
<ul>
<li>iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITW#NYSE">ITW</a>) increased 45.40% over the year with holdings like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>).</li>
<li>Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTEC#NYSE">FTEC</a>), with similar exposure, rose 43.17%.</li>
<li>First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTX#NYSE">FTX</a>), which gives exposure to Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), increased 45.59%.</li>
</ul>
Cybersecurity
<ul>
<li>First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>) increased 38.08%. Its holdings include Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>), CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) and Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>).</li>
<li>Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HACK#NYSE">HACK</a>) rose 39.57%. Along with Broadcom, and Cisco, the ETF&#8217;s major holdings also include Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), and General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>).</li>
<li>iShares Cybersecurity &amp; Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHAK#NYSE">IHAK</a>) with exposure to companies such as SentinelOne, Inc. Class A (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/S#NYSE">S</a>), and Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>), rose 33.95%.</li>
</ul>
Defense
<ul>
<li>iShares US Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) with exposure to companies such as General Electric (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>) and RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) increased 33.86%.</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) with exposure to companies such as Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) increased by 43.05%.</li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) was up by 34.86%. It gives exposure to Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXN#NASDAQ">AXN</a>), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>).</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41794596/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-slingshot-to-the-moon-after-trump-victory-but-sharp-correction-m?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slingshot To The Moon After Trump Victory But &#8216;Sharp&#8217; Correction Might Be In Store: Analyst Views BTC Between $80-90K By End Of Year</a>
Why It Matters: The launch of these ETFs by Invesco comes at a time when thematic investing is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41713236/donald-trumps-return-to-white-house-could-propel-these-etfs-to-new-highs"> gaining traction among investors</a> looking to capitalize on specific industry trends. The focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defense aligns with growing global interest in these areas, driven by technological advancements and increasing security concerns.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41734887/cathie-woods-latest-shake-up-dumps-palantir-and-jack-dorseys-block-along-with-tesla-buys-amazon-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Latest Shake-up: Dumps Palantir And Jack Dorsey&#8217;s Block Along With Tesla, Buys Amazon And Meta</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Invesco

New ETFs

General

AAPL

AMZN

AVGO

CRWD

CSCO

FTEC

FTNT

HACK

IHAK

MSFT

NFLX

PANW

Invesco Launches New ETFs Targeting AI, Cybersecurity, And Defense. Here's How Some Of Their Peers Have Performed In The Past Year

Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>) shares are trading lower after the company reported third-quarter results <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41511042/honeywell-reports-third-quarter-results-updates-2024-guidance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and updated FY24 guidance</a>.
Revenue&nbsp;grew&nbsp;6%&nbsp;year-over-year (organic:&nbsp;+3%) to&nbsp;$9.728 billion, missing the consensus of&nbsp;$9.901 billion.
The sales increase was attributed to strong growth in defense and space, commercial aviation, and building solutions.
Adjusted EPS was&nbsp;$2.58 (+8% Y/Y),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus of&nbsp;$2.50</a>.
Sales by Segments: Aerospace Technologies&nbsp;$3.912 billion&nbsp;(+12% Y/Y), Industrial Automation&nbsp;$2.50 billion (-5% Y/Y), Building Automation&nbsp;$1.75 billion (+14% Y/Y) and Energy and&nbsp;Sustainability Solutions&nbsp;$1.56 billion (+1% Y/Y).
Operating margin contracted by 180&nbsp;bps Y/Y to&nbsp;19.1%, and Segment margin remained flat Y/Y at 23.6%&nbsp;in the quarter.
Operating cash flow stood at&nbsp;$2.00 billion and, free cash flow&nbsp;was&nbsp;$1.72 billion. Honeywell held cash and equivalents of about&nbsp;$10.6 billion as of September 30, 2024.
The company deployed&nbsp;$3.1 billion&nbsp;to M&amp;A, dividends, and capital expenditure.
FY24&nbsp;Outlook: The company lowered sales guidance to&nbsp;$38.6 billion &#8211; $38.8 billion&nbsp;(from $39.1 billion &#8211; $39.7 billion prior) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">versus the consensus of&nbsp;$39.20 billion</a>.
Honeywell tightened adjusted EPS&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;to&nbsp;$10.15 &#8211; $10.25 (from&nbsp;$10.05 &#8211; $10.25) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39958034" rel="noreferrer noopener">versus the estimate of&nbsp;$10.13</a>.
Also, Honeywell revised the&nbsp;outlook for segment margin to&nbsp;23.4% &#8211; 23.5% (from&nbsp;23.3% &#8211; 23.5% prior), with segment margin contraction of 10 bps to flat.
The company now expects an operating cash flow of&nbsp;$6.2 billion &#8211;&nbsp;$6.5 billion&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">free&nbsp;cash flow of&nbsp;$5.1 billion&nbsp;–&nbsp;$5.4 billion</a>.
Honeywell chairman&nbsp;and CEO&nbsp;Vimal Kapur&nbsp;said,&nbsp;&#8220;Our Accelerator operating system and culture of execution enabled us to grow segment profit&nbsp;by 6% in spite of transitory sales headwinds. We continue to see healthy order rates and sequential growth in our backlog, even excluding the impact of acquisitions closed in the quarter, giving us confidence in our ability to achieve our long-term targets.&#8221;
&#8220;We have made significant progress this year on the simplification and optimization of the Honeywell portfolio with the announcement of our plans to spin off Advanced Materials and exit our PPE business, as well as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/10/41224658/honeywell-seeks-to-simplify-structure-boost-flexibility-with-10b-spin-off-of-advanced-materials-un" rel="noreferrer noopener">the closing of four strategic acquisitions</a>.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NATO#NASDAQ">NATO</a>) and&nbsp;Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).
Price Action: HON shares are down 1.98% at $215.99 premarket at the last check Thursday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41254817/honeywell-expands-qualcomm-partnership-ai-and-connectivity-to-supercharge-energy-industry-operat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honeywell Expands Qualcomm Partnership: AI And Connectivity To Supercharge Energy Industry Operations</a></li>
</ul>

Earnings

Guidance

Movers

NATO

Honeywell Q3 Earnings: Revenue And Profit Growth, Adjusts Annual Outlook Factoring Acquisitions

The Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) shares are trading higher premarket on Monday. The company disclosed an order from Emirates SkyCargo for five additional 777 Freighters, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41421640/emirates-skycargo-to-expand-fleet-capacity-with-five-more-boeing-777-freighters" rel="noreferrer noopener">adding to a previous order of five</a>.
Finalized in September, the order increases Emirates&#8217; total Boeing widebody aircraft orders to 249, including 14 of its 777 Freighters.
Emirates SkyCargo plans to nearly double its fleet of 777 Freighters to 21 in the coming years, up from the current 11, as it continues expanding its capacity.
The 777 Freighter, with a range of 9,200 kilometers and a 102-tonne capacity, is the longest-range and highest-capacity twin-engine cargo jet.
It allows operators to connect key markets like the Middle East, U.S., and Europe with more nonstop routes and improved operating efficiency.
HH Sheikh&nbsp;Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said, &#8220;Demand for Emirates&#8217; air cargo services has been booming. This reflects&nbsp;Dubai&#8217;s growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, and also the success of Emirates SkyCargo&#8217;s bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors.&#8221;
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41336079/boeing-shares-jump-as-troubled-aerospace-company-inks-10b-supplemental-credit-agreement-with-big" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Shares Jump As Troubled Aerospace Company Inks $10B Supplemental Credit Agreement With Big Banks</a>
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, &#8220;Emirates continues to set the direction for our industry and we deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in the Boeing widebody family to serve as the backbone of their global fleet.&#8221;
Recently, the Boeing union announced a tentative agreement that includes a 35% wage increase over four <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41416584/tentative-deal-announced-to-end-boeing-strike-union-will-vote-wednesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">years and improved retirement benefits</a>.
If approved, the deal will replace a previous contract from 2008 and aims to resolve ongoing financial challenges for Boeing.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) and&nbsp;Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCAD#NYSE">GCAD</a>).
Price Action: BA shares are up 3.87% at $161.00 premarket the last check Monday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41405936/spirit-aerosystems-plans-employee-furloughs-amid-ongoing-boeing-strike-faces-layoff-risk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spirit AeroSystems Plans Employee Furloughs Amid Ongoing Boeing Strike, Faces Layoff Risk</a></li>
</ul>

GCAD

Boeing Lands Big Win: Emirates Orders 5 More 777 Freighters

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41385179/hamas-chief-oct-7-mastermind-yahya-sinwar-possibly-dead-idf-conducts-dna-tests-after-gaza-clash">the death of Yahya Sinwar</a>, the top leader of Hamas, with one word: &#8220;Eliminated.&#8221; 
What Happened: Israel Defense Forces killed Sinwar — Israel's most wanted target since the war with Hamas began on Oct. 7 — in a firefight in Gaza.
Sinwar orchestrated an assault that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 200 others.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Eliminated: Yahya Sinwar.
&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1846957737487278263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In a prepared <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/17/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-death-of-yahya-sinwar/">statement</a>, President Joe Biden said the IDF &#8220;relentlessly pursued Hamas's leaders&#8221; with the help of U.S. intelligence.
&#8220;There has rarely been a military campaign like this, with Hamas leaders living and moving through hundreds of miles of tunnels, organized in multiple stories underground, determined to protect themselves with no care for the civilians suffering above ground,&#8221; Biden said. 
&#8220;Today, however, proves once again that no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes.&#8221;
Sinwar's body was retrieved after an exchange of fire on Wednesday, according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/17/world/israel-lebanon-iran-gaza-news?campaign_id=190&amp;emc=edit_ufn_20241017&amp;instance_id=137113&amp;nl=from-the-times&amp;regi_id=136109156&amp;segment_id=180692&amp;user_id=e415429009fa21c5b8b4141c24d72bca">New York Times</a>, citing Israeli authorities. His identity was verified using dental records and fingerprints that matched those on file, Israel Police said. There was no immediate response from Hamas regarding his death.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41112728/us-boosts-military-presence-in-middle-east-deploys-fighter-squadrons-amid-rising-tensions-with-iran">US Boosts Military Presence In Middle East As Tensions Spike With Iran</a> 
Why It Matters: Sinwar's killing marks a significant development in the yearlong conflict. 
So far, the war in Gaza devastated the region and its people. Despite being only 141 square miles, Gaza is home to over 2 million people. 
Gaza's health ministry reports over 41,000 deaths. Per the Associated Press, Gaza's health ministry <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants</a>. About 1.9 million Palestinians have been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-anniversary-statistics-e61765035c725b3c8d4840e2bab565cd">displaced</a>.
Sinwar&#8217;s death also presents an &#8220;opportunity&#8221; to proceed with negotiations between Israel and Hamas and end the war, Vice President Kamala Harris said, per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-17/harris-says-sinwar-s-death-offers-opportunity-to-end-gaza-war?srnd=phx-latest&amp;sref=TBDibEcD&amp;embedded-checkout=true">Bloomberg</a>. 
Both sides remain deadlocked over key issues. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and promised the Israeli military would secure the release of all hostages. See below for coverage via CNN.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Reporter on what he found interesting from Netanyahu's remarks" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8hrXuXFzUjA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Defense exchange-traded funds (ETFs) at last check Thursday afternoon, were trending up with the exception of the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF:
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 1.8% to $154.70.</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) is up 0.17% to $119.</li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) is down 0.29% to $162.77.</li>
</ul>
Oil ETFs: 
<ul>
<li>The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>), was up 0.15% at $72.51.</li>
<li>The VanEck Oil Services ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OIH#NYSE">OIH</a>) was down 0.25% at $286.69.</li>
</ul>
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41336413/oil-prices-take-largest-plunge-in-over-a-year-as-israel-vows-to-spare-iranian-facilities-energy-stoc">Oil Prices Take Largest Plunge In Over A Year As Israel Vows To Spare Iranian Facilities</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock.

Global

Israeli Military, With Help Of US Intelligence, 'Relentlessly Pursued' Deceased Hamas Leader

Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) shares are trading lower on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the company reported that it delivered over 33 aircraft to customers in September amid the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41236652/boeing-hit-with-737-safety-alert-issues-deliveries-warning-as-strike-continues" rel="noreferrer noopener">disruption to manufacturing operations</a>.
RBC analyst Ken Herbert says that despite the strike, the 27 MAX deliveries in September are viewed as a slight positive.
The analyst anticipates a significant drop in Boeing&#8217;s October deliveries due to the ongoing IAM strike, which began on September 13th, halting production of the 737, 767, and 777 models.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41246324/boeing-says-further-negotiations-do-not-make-sense-after-striking-workers-bring-down-planemakers" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Says &#8216;Further Negotiations Do Not Make Sense&#8217; After Striking Workers Force S&amp;P To Place Planemaker&#8217;s Credit Rating On Negative Watch</a>
Initially, investors expected 400-450 MAX aircraft deliveries for the year, but expectations have now likely fallen to around 325, adds the analyst.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Herbert says that investors&#8217; attention is shifting to the MAX production ramp in 2025, with consistent production in the high 30s per month by year-end seen as a positive.
However, the analyst believes that company orders are not a primary concern for investors right now, even as order activity tends to slow during economic easing.
With Boeing&#8217;s substantial backlog, the focus will likely be on resolving the IAM contract and managing liquidity and cash burn amid the ongoing strike, adds the analyst.
The analyst rated the company as Outperform with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BA/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">a price target of $220.00</a>.
Today, Boeing suspended negotiations with the machinists&#8217; union after failed talks, deepening financial<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/10/41248839/boeing-stock-faces-strike-turbulence-as-potential-credit-downgrade-looms" rel="noreferrer noopener"> strain amid a month-long strike</a>.
Technical indicators show Boeing stock under significant selling pressure, with risks of further downside.
Investors can gain exposure to HON via&nbsp;Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCAD#NYSE">GCAD</a>) and&nbsp;Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).
Price Action: BA shares are down 2.7% at $150.48  at the last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41246324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Says ‘Further Negotiations Do Not Make Sense' After Striking Workers Bring Down Planemaker's Credit Rating</a></li>
</ul>

Price Target

Boeing's October Deliveries Expected To Plummet Amid Strike Challenges: Analyst

Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>) shares are trading higher on Wednesday. The company expanded its collaboration with QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) to create new AI-enabled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/n41247915/honeywell-and-qualcomm-work-to-revolutionize-energy-sector-with-5g-low-power-wireless-and-ai-enabl" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions for the energy sector</a>.
This partnership aligns with Honeywell&#8217;s focus on three key megatrends, including automation, as it enhances its portfolio to meet evolving industry demands.
Through this partnership, Honeywell plans to integrate Qualcomm&#8217;s connectivity and AI capabilities into its applications, including the Honeywell Field Process Knowledge System (PKS).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/10/41224658/honeywell-seeks-to-simplify-structure-boost-flexibility-with-10b-spin-off-of-advanced-materials-un" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honeywell Seeks To Simplify Structure, Boost Flexibility With $10B Spin-Off Of Advanced Materials Unit</a>
This will enhance connectivity in remote areas of manufacturing facilities, allowing for improved data capture and analytics.
By combining Qualcomm's low-power AI processors with Honeywell&#8217;s advanced sensing technologies, the companies will develop industrial sensors to monitor process, asset, and environmental parameters.
Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions, said, &#8220;The combination of Qualcomm Technologies&#8217; industry-leading on-device AI processors with Honeywell&#8217;s AI- enabled technology will enable field workers to work smarter, help make assets more efficient and improve the overall performance of the process industry.&#8221;
&#8220;With the introduction of AI-enabled solutions such as Honeywell&#8217;s Field PKS, Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent and sensor technologies, we are advancing what&#8217;s possible for the process industry with mobile field technicians and autonomous operations.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to HON via&nbsp;Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCAD#NYSE">GCAD</a>) and Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>).
Price Action: HON shares are up 1.99% at $211.11 at the last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41124018/chevron-honeywell-join-forces-for-ai-breakthrough-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chevron, Honeywell Join Forces For AI Breakthrough: Details</a></li>
</ul>

QCOM

Honeywell Expands Qualcomm Partnership: AI And Connectivity To Supercharge Energy Industry Operations

United Nations Security Council members convened for an emergency session Wednesday in New York to address Israel, Lebanon, Iran and whether an all-out war in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/middle-east">Middle East is preventable</a>.
What Happened: Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon, in his remarks to the UN Security Council, called Iran&#8217;s missile strike the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/10/41126038/iran-attacks-israel-with-missiles-middle-east-tensions-escalates-s-p-500-stocks-bitcoin-fall-as-oil">&#8220;largest&#8221; in Israel&#8217;s history</a>. 
&#8220;The council must understand the situation Israel is forced to live in. We are under attack,&#8221; Danon said, citing how holy sites were targeted. 
Israeli defense systems intercepted most of the 200 missiles Tuesday as they prepped for ground operations, the <a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-lebanon-ground-operation-updates">Associated Press</a> reported.
&#8220;The world watched silently as Iran funded and directed attacks against us for the past year, arming and training their proxies for decades,&#8221; Danon added. &#8220;Now the world must step up. Iran must pay a heavy price for this attack. Anything less is complicity.&#8221;
As of early Wednesday afternoon, the meeting remained in session. See video below.
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41143156/oil-prices-spike-energy-stocks-jump-after-irans-missile-attack-on-israel-what-investors-need-to-know">Oil Prices Spike, Energy Stocks Jump After Iran&#8217;s Missile Attack On Israel — What Investors Need To Know</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bracing For Further Escalation</h3>
The UN meeting is taking place while Israeli troops&nbsp;battle Hezbollah militants&nbsp;inside Lebanon, making good on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#8216;s&nbsp;vow to retaliate, per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-02/israel-vows-retaliation-for-massive-iranian-missile-attack">Bloomberg</a>.
The Israeli army Wednesday suffered at least eight fatalities since the ground operation began, CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-missile-attack-middle-east-10-02-24-intl-hnk#cm1rx3x98000e3b6qp2nmm7pn">reported</a> citing Israel Defense Forces. 
Iran launched the attack against Israel following the recent killing of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41079860/israel-tightens-grip-hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-killed">Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah</a>. 
Since its formation in the early 1980s, Hezbollah — which the U.S. considers a terrorist organization — has received substantial support from Tehran, which views the group as an ally in advancing its influence in the Middle East.
The White House promised consequences for Iran's attack on Israel. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden reiterated at the start of a meeting with officials: &#8220;Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully supportive of Israel.&#8221;
Market Reaction: Following the missile attacks from Iran on Israel, plus Tuesday&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/10/41139919/private-sector-job-gains-outpace-forecasts-in-september-as-us-adds-143-000-jobs">job and economic data</a>, major stock indices dropped. As of early Tuesday afternoon:
<ul>
<li>The S&amp;P 500 was down slightly by 0.08%. </li>
<li>The Dow Jones was down by 0.02%. </li>
<li>The Nasdaq was up by 0.09%. </li>
</ul>
At last check, ETFs that track the indexes were up:
<ul>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was down 0.01% at $568.56 Tuesday.</li>
<li>SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) was down slightly at $421.23.</li>
<li>The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks the Nasdaq 100, is up 0.22% to $482.33.</li>
</ul>
&#8220;Financial markets have reacted as one would expect to the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with a bout of risk aversion sweeping through asset classes in the past 24 hours,&#8221; said Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy and global financial services at Ebury.
Equity markets are trading lower and, in currencies, the safe-havens have outperformed most of their peers, he adds. This includes the U.S. dollar, which remains buoyed following some hawkish <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20240930a.htm">comments</a> from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday.
The conflict is also causing broader concerns for inflation and central bank policy. Higher oil prices could undermine the U.S. Federal Reserve&#8217;s efforts to control inflation, potentially delaying future interest rate cuts, per <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/stock-markets-slump-oil-jumps-as-iran-attack-sparks-fear-of-all-out-war-in-mideast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Times of Israel</a>.
What To Look For: Ryan says investors are &#8220;rightly fearful&#8221; that Israel&#8217;s retaliation could disrupt oil supplies. After all, Iran is the seventh-largest oil producer in the world. 
The price of gold and oil both spiked higher after the attack. The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) was trading slightly higher on the day at $72.13 at last check while the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) is down 0.11% to $245.33 Wednesday. 
&#8220;The wider implication for markets is the rising possibility of a sharp move higher in global oil futures, and another period of elevated energy prices and consumer inflation,&#8221; Ryan says.
The ramifications will not be &#8220;anywhere near as severe&#8221; as those that followed Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine, Ryan adds. &#8220;So far, at least, the moves in markets have been relatively contained.&#8221;
Defense ETFs, as of Wednesday afternoon, were trending up:
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 0.37% to $151.91.</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) is up 0.15% to $116.10. </li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) is up 0.67% to $159.98. </li>
</ul>
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41112728/us-boosts-military-presence-in-middle-east-deploys-fighter-squadrons-amid-rising-tensions-with-iran">US Boosts Military Presence In Middle East As Tensions Spike With Iran</a> </li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock.

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Commodities

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Markets Turn Risk-Off As Israel, Iran Clash: Investors 'Rightly Fearful' Of Oil Disruption, Strategist Says

The Biden administration&#8217;s decision to enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities has U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/russia-ukraine-war">intelligence agencies on high alert.</a> 
What Happened: President Joe Biden &#8220;decided to provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition,&#8221; according to a White House <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/26/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-u-s-support-for-ukraine/">statement </a>on Thursday. 
But the New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/us/politics/us-ukraine-strikes.html?nl=the-morning&amp;regi_id=136109156&amp;segment_id=178988">reports</a> U.S. intelligence agencies are assessing the risks of such a scenario.
Western allies face the potential threat of Russian-led attacks if those long-range missiles are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ukraine">aimed at certain targets</a> deep inside Russia.
The discussions were at the center of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy&#8216;s visit to the U.S. this past week in which he met with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
A meeting between Zelenskyy and ex-President Donald Trump is reportedly taking place on Friday in New York.
Ukraine Winter: The Russia-Ukraine war began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion.
Since then, Russia has bombarded critical power infrastructure across Ukraine — the latest attack being on Thursday, per Reuters. Such tactics, considered war crimes, leave Ukraine&#8217;s citizens vulnerable heading into the winter months. 
&#8220;Due to ongoing attacks on civil infrastructure, front-line movements, mass displacements and disruptions of access to essential health-care services, the war's impacts, compounded by winter, can increase the risk of excess cold-related morbidity and mortality,&#8221; according to a Thursday <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2024-2946-42704-59552">report</a> from the World Health Organization.
Germany agreed to provide a $78 million winter aid package to help Ukraine maintain heat and electricity.
Federal Development Minister Svenja Schulze <a href="https://defence-industry.eu/germany-supports-ukraine-with-arms-and-winter-package/">said</a> Germany&#8217;s support aligns with national interests, as Ukraine&#8217;s defense also protects European security.
"We are supporting Ukraine in its efforts to rebuild a decentralised power supply infrastructure, as Russia will then not be able to destroy it so easily," he added.
Russia&#8217;s invasion affected oil and gas pipeline relations with Germany and Ukraine starting in 2022. This resulted in major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28447445/vladimir-putin-is-waging-war-not-just-against-ukraine-but-against-the-west-expert-warns-as-germany-i">disruptions and geopolitical shifts</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41037745/mike-johnson-lashes-out-over-weapons-factory-tour-snub-cries-election-interference-to-ukraine-presid">Mike Johnson Lashes Out Over Weapons Factory Tour Snub, Cries Election Interference To Ukraine President — Wants Ambassador Fired</a>
Why It Matters: In the U.S., Democrats and Republicans are at odds over whether to provide aid at all to Zelenskyy. 
Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, met with Zelenskyy and criticized those suggesting Ukraine should cede territory for peace. Her comments were seen as a veiled jab at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/21/01/19152983/donald-trump-is-the-first-us-president-to-be-impeached-twice">twice-impeached former President</a> Trump, who often <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-6e02fc7575a14d9abb64a326ffd0a4a3">derides</a> efforts to help Ukraine.
At a North Carolina event Wednesday, Trump said Ukraine was &#8220;demolished&#8221; and should have conceded to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ukraine-putin-zelenskyy-0f4d539aa73a943474d779716e5fe42a">Associated Press</a> reported. 
The comments come just weeks after a debate with Harris, in which the 2024 Republican nominee refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40998738/trump-says-ukrainian-president-backs-kamala-harris-for-white-house-zelenskyy-is-the-greatest-salesma">to win the war</a>. 
Price Action: Defense contractors saw gains and losses on Friday.
<ul>
<li>General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) is up 0.34% to $301.55</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) rose 034% to $526.08</li>
<li>TransDigm Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>) declined 0.069% to $1,400.08</li>
</ul>
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold defense stocks trended up:
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 0.52%</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) is up 0.29%</li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) is up 0.82%</li>
</ul>
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41059253/trump-set-to-meet-ukraines-president-amid-growing-kyiv-concerns-over-botched-visit-republicans-were">Trump Set To Meet Ukraine&#8217;s President Amid Growing Kyiv Concerns Over Botched Visit</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Ukraine Missile Use Worries US Intelligence About Potential Russia Retaliation, Germany Pledges Winter Aid

A significant Ukrainian drone assault on Russia caused an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40888451/russia-to-expand-army-for-third-time-since-war-with-ukraine-began-defense-stocks-rtx-northrop-grumma">earthquake-sized eruption</a> at a major arsenal in the Tver region on Wednesday, forcing citizens in the city of Toropets to evacuate, according to reports from war bloggers and some media.
Unverified video and images on social media showed a huge ball of flame rising into the night sky and numerous explosion detonations tearing across a lake about 240 miles west of Moscow, Reuters reported.
NASA satellites registered intense heat sources coming from an area of about five square miles at the site in the early hours. Earthquake monitoring stations picked up the attack as a small earthquake&nbsp;in the area.
&#8220;The enemy hit an ammunition depot in the area of Toropets,&#8221; said Yuri Podolyaka, a Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger. &#8220;Everything that can burn is already burning there (and exploding).&#8221;
Read Also: <a href="http://US And Allies Worried Amid Reports Of Russia Potentially Sharing Nuclear Secrets With Iran">US And Allies Worried Amid Reports Of Russia Potentially Sharing Nuclear Secrets With Iran</a>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, praised the attack without mentioning the target.
&#8220;A very important result was achieved last night on Russian territory and such actions weaken the enemy,&#8221; Zelenskyy said. &#8220;I thank everyone involved. Such precision is truly inspiring.&#8221;
A source in Ukraine&#8217;s SBU state security service told Reuters earlier that the drone attack had destroyed&nbsp;a warehouse storing missiles, guided bombs and artillery ammunition.
Igor Rudenya, governor of the Tver region, said Ukrainian drones had been shot down, a fire had broken out and some residents were being evacuated. He did not say what was burning, Reuters reported.
The size of the main blast shown in the unverified social media video was consistent with 200 to 240 tons of high explosives detonating, said George William Herbert of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California.
Some war bloggers asked how drones could trigger such large blasts at what was thought to be a highly fortified facility.
Price Action: Defense contractors saw gains and losses by the end of Wednesday&#8217;s trading day.
<ul>
<li>General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) slipped 0.44% to $302.52</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) rose 0.2% to $521.77</li>
<li>TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>) declined 0.12% to $1,273.80</li>
</ul>
Exchange-traded funds that hold defense stocks trended up and down.
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 0.06%</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) fell 0.13%</li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) declined 0.01%</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://over-30-months-of-war-zelensky">Russia Launches &#8216;One Of The Heaviest Strikes&#8217; On Ukraine In Over 30 Months Of War: Zelensky</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Ukrainian Drone Attack Causes Earth-Rattling Blast In Russia's Tver Region

The Boeing Company&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) credit rating may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40763846/boeing-and-iam-union-strike-deal-potentially-averting-major-strike">lowered to junk </a>as a strike stands to cripple production and cash flow.
Aircraft assembly workers walked off the job early Friday morning after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40853982/boeings-stock-falls-as-33-000-aircraft-assembly-workers-strike">rejecting a contract</a> offer presented by Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) that would have boosted wages by 25% over four years.&nbsp;
The striking machinists produce the 737 Max, Boeing's top-selling airliner, the 777 jet and the 767 cargo plane. The walkout likely will not stop production of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are built by nonunion workers in South Carolina, the Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-machinists-contract-9f61a7d48675d1c3517233d40d4ec2b1">reported</a>.
Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu estimated a 30-day strike could cost Boeing $1.5 billion.
Moody&#8217;s Investment Ratings on Friday said it will look at how a prolonged strike may impact Boeing&#8217;s ability to raise cash and make the 737 and 787 models.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40847259/boeing-workers-strike-at-midnight-threatens-aircraft-production-as-financial-risks-loom-after-30">Boeing Worker&#8217;s &#8216;Strike At Midnight&#8217; Threatens Aircraft Production As Financial Risks Loom After 30,000 Workers Vote For Industrial Action</a>
&#8220;In our review, we will assess the strike&#8217;s duration and impact on cash flow and the potential equity capital raising Boeing may undertake to bolster its liquidity,&#8221; Moody&#8217;s said.
&#8220;We will also assess the extent to which the strike and ongoing challenges in increasing production of the 737 and 787 aircraft models affect the timing of growth in production rates and the pace and scale of improvements in Boeing&#8217;s operating cash flow.&#8221;
Moody&#8217;s said it will also consider the costs for Boeing to complete the fixed price contracts in the defense business, which will continue to be a drain on earnings and operating cash flow.
Moody&#8217;s rating on Boeing's unsecured debt has stood at Baa3 since April, the lowest rating for the stock to be considered investment grade. 
A downgrade to Boeing&#8217;s credit rating would put it in non-investment grade, or &#8220;junk,&#8221; territory.
Moody&#8217;s noted that Boeing&#8217;s annual free cash flow will fall short of $4 billion in debt coming due in 2025 and the $8 billion due in 2026.
&#8220;The path to restoring compliance, higher quality and strong cash flow in its commercial aircraft assembly operations remains fraught with execution risk,&#8221; Moody&#8217;s said.
Moody&#8217;s pointed out that the IAM members&#8217; 57-day strike in 2008 cost Boeing around $1.5 billion per month, at a time when 737 production was at its then-normal production rate of about 34 per month.
Price Action: Shares of Boeing were down 3.4% to $157.23 at the time of publication Friday.
Exchange-traded funds that hold the stock trended upward on Friday.
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 0.89%.</li>
<li>Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCAD#NYSE">GCAD</a>) picked up 1.07%.</li>
<li>Direxion Daily Aerospace &amp; Defense Bull 3X Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFEN#NYSE">DFEN</a>) gained 1.72%.</li>
<li>First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>) grew 0.84%.</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) went up 0.46%.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/09/40860859/trump-media-technology-shares-surge-former-president-says-hes-not-selling-or-leaving-truth-s">Trump Media &amp; Technology Shares Surge, Former President Says He&#8217;s &#8216;Not Selling&#8217; Or Leaving Truth Social: &#8216;Elon Would Love Me To Come Over To X&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

Downgrades

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Boeing Faces Junk Rating As Moody's Warns Of 'Execution Risk' During Strike

Morgan Stanley is advising investors to pivot towards defensive stocks as the AI market loses momentum. This recommendation comes after a noticeable decline in semiconductor shares.
What Happened: On Tuesday, Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley&#8217;s chief U.S. equity strategist, <a href="https://youtu.be/l97udx2X7Ws?feature=shared">told</a> Bloomberg Surveillance that the excitement around AI investments has diminished. 
He noted that the semiconductor sector, including major players like Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), has seen significant drops in stock prices.
&#8220;A lot of those stocks have really come off. And that makes sense to me. We just got overcooked on the whole AI theme,&#8221; said Wilson.
Wilson highlighted that semiconductor shares have fallen nearly 7% since Nvidia&#8217;s recent earnings report, with Nvidia itself experiencing a roughly 13% decline. He emphasized that this downturn doesn&#8217;t spell doom for the industry but indicates a longer-term benefit and return.
With the AI rally fading, Wilson suggests that investors should focus on &#8220;quality defensive stocks&#8221; in sectors such as utilities, staples, and healthcare. He believes these areas are well-positioned to perform amid a slowing labor market.
&#8220;With that theme now gone, the market is looking for a new theme. On the growth side, there isn&#8217;t one, so what it does is it hunkers down into defensive, high-quality assets until we get the next thing. Whether that&#8217;s a bad outcome or a positive outcome, they&#8217;re going to hide out in these areas,&#8221; Wilson said.
Investors looking to explore the defense sector may want to consider checking out defense-focused ETFs like Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>), First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>), SPDR S&amp;P Kensho Future Security ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITE#NYSE">FITE</a>), iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>), and SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40815343/not-a-slam-dunk-for-harris-but-the-chances-of-a-trump-victory-have-slipped-investors-markets-adjust?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Not A Slam Dunk For Harris, But The Chances Of A Trump Victory Have Slipped:&#8217; Investors, Markets Adjust Positions After Presidential Debate</a>
Why It Matters: The shift in Morgan Stanley&#8217;s strategy comes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40701071/market-bull-warns-of-up-to-10-september-pullback-urges-caution-but-stresses-be-read">amid broader market concerns</a>. Last week, Tom Lee, co-founder and head of research at The Fundstrat, warned of a potential 7%-10% market pullback, citing historical trends that make September a challenging month for stocks.
Adding to the cautious sentiment, Bank of America advised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40787329/analyst-says-dont-buy-the-tech-dip-amid-election-policy-uncertainty-advises-focusing-on-these-se">investors to avoid increasing their exposure</a> to the tech sector due to ongoing market volatility and election-related policy uncertainty. This aligns with Morgan Stanley&#8217;s recommendation to pivot towards more stable, defensive sectors.
Moreover, the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent actions add another layer of complexity. On Wednesday, economists suggested that the Fed has the green light to cut rates, given the inflation rate fell to its lowest point since February 2021. 
However, JPMorgan cautioned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40700320/jpmorgan-warns-anticipated-rate-cuts-may-not-significantly-boost-stock-markets-fed-will-start-ea">these cuts might not significantly</a> boost stock markets, as they are likely to be reactive to slowing economic growth.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40787302/nvidia-shares-riding-on-huge-ai-tailwind-says-portfolio-strategist-why-expert-says-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Shares Riding On Huge AI Tailwind, Says Portfolio Strategist: Why Expert Says Stock Will Stay On An Upward Path For Next 2-3 Years</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

NVDA

Morgan Stanley Advises Shift To Defensive Stocks As AI Rally Loses Steam Following Drop In Nvidia And Others: 'We Got Overcooked On The Whole AI Theme'

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