Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. The Aeronautics segment offers combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. The Missiles and Fire Control segment provides air and missile defense systems; tactical missiles and air-to-ground precision strike weapon systems; logistics; fire control systems; mission operations support, readiness, engineering support, and integration services; manned and unmanned ground vehicles; and energy management solutions. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment offers military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, radar systems, sea and air-based mission and combat systems, command and control mission solutions, cyber solutions, and simulation and training solutions. The Space segment offers satellites; space transportation systems; strategic, advanced strike, and defensive systems; and classified systems and services in support of national security systems. This segment also provides network-enabled situational awareness and integrates space and ground global systems to help its customers gather, analyze, and securely distribute critical intelligence data. It serves primarily serves the U.S. government, as well as foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government. The company was founded in 1912 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (Symbol: SCHD) where we have detected an approximate $259.0 million dollar outflow -- that's a 0.4% decrease week over week (from 2,599,000,000 to 2,589,450,000). Among the largest underlying components of SCHD, in trading today Lockheed Martin Corp (Symbol: LMT) is up about 0.1%, PepsiCo Inc (Symbol: PEP) is up about 0.2%, and Merck & Co Inc (Symbol: MRK) is lower by about 0.4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the SCHD Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of SCHD, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, SCHD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.87 per share, with $29.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $27.11. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Also see:
Preferred Stocks By Industry
MS Options Chain
FDX RSI
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable ETF Outflow Detected - SCHD, LMT, PEP, MRK

Key Points
Acquired 86,407 shares of Atmos Energy; estimated trade value of approximately $14.75 million
Transaction value represents 3.44% of Paradiem’s reportable U.S. equity assets under management
Post-trade stake: 86,407 shares valued at $14.75 million as of September 30, 2025
Atmos Energy now accounts for 3.44% of fund AUM as of September 30, 2025, placing it outside the fund’s top five holdings
Image source: Getty Images
On October 17, 2025, Paradiem, LLC disclosed a new position in Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO), acquiring 86,407 shares in a trade estimated at approximately $14.75 million.
The transaction value represents 3.44% of Paradiem’s reportable U.S. equity assets under management
The post-trade stake is 86,407 shares valued at $14.75 million as of September 30, 2025
Atmos Energy now accounts for 3.44% of fund AUM as of September 30, 2025, placing it just outside the fund’s top five holdings.
What happened
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 17, 2025, Paradiem, LLC established a new position in Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO). The firm purchased 86,407 shares, with the estimated trade valued at approximately $14.75 million. The fund reported 68 total positions after the quarter.
What else to know
This is a new position for Paradiem, LLC and now represents 3.44% of its reportable U.S. equity assets under management.
Top holdings after the filing:
LRCX: $27.44 million (6.4% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
TEL: $19.53 million (4.55% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
VLO: $17.87 million (4.17% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
LMT: $16.13 million (3.76% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
CAT: $15.79 million (3.7% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
As of October 17, 2025, shares of Atmos Energy were priced at $176.41, up 22.7% for the year ended October 17, 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 by 11.27 percentage points over the past year (252 trading days).
Company Overview
Price (as of market close October 17, 2025)
$176.41
Market Capitalization
$28.32 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$4.62 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$1.16 billion
Company Snapshot
Atmos Energy is a leading regulated natural gas utility with a significant presence in the U.S. Its focus on essential utility services and stable customer base underpins a resilient business model within the regulated utilities sector.
Atmos Energy provides regulated natural gas distribution, pipeline, and storage services across eight U.S. states, with approximately three million customers and extensive underground infrastructure. The company owned 71,921 miles of underground distribution and transmission mains. (as of September 30, 2021)
The company generates revenue primarily through regulated distribution of natural gas and ancillary pipeline services.
Atmos Energy serves residential, commercial, public authority, and industrial customers, focusing on reliable energy delivery and infrastructure management in its core markets.
Foolish take
Paradiem's $14.75 million investment in Atmos Energy might look routine, but it most certainly signals where smart money is looking for stability. When markets swing between excitement and anxiety, reliable cash flow businesses often become the quiet winners.
Atmos Energy is a regulated natural-gas utility serving about three million customers across eight states. The company earns predictable and government-approved returns for providing essential services that households and businesses rely on every day. Its size gives it efficiency and bargaining power with regulators, and that in turns help fund ongoing upgrades for safety and capacity. With roughly seventy thousand miles of distribution and transmission mains, Atmos Energy's network forms a moat that would be costly and difficult to replicate.
The heart of Atmos Energy's focus is straightforward: expand and modernize infrastructure, enhance safety measures, and return cash to shareholders through a consistently rising dividend. This combination has helped Atmos Energy outperform the S&P 500 over the past year while preserving the stability investors prize in volatile markets.
For long-term investors, Atmos Energy is a textbook study in how stability pays. By delivering a service people rely on daily and reinvesting with discipline, the company turns predictability into lasting performance.
Glossary
Stake: The ownership interest or investment a fund or individual holds in a company.
Assets Under Management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Regulated Utility: A company whose prices and operations are overseen by government agencies to ensure fair service.
Distribution (natural gas): The process of delivering natural gas from pipelines to end customers, such as homes and businesses.
Pipeline Services: Services related to the transportation and management of energy products through pipelines.
Ancillary Services: Additional services provided by utilities beyond their primary function, often supporting reliability and infrastructure.
Position (in a fund): The amount of a particular security or investment held by a fund or investor.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return or better performance than a benchmark or comparable group.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Transmission Mains: Large pipelines that transport natural gas over long distances to distribution networks.
Public Authority Customers: Government or municipal entities that purchase services from a utility.
Resilient Business Model: A company structure designed to maintain stable performance despite economic or market changes.
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Eric Trie has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lam Research. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Atmos Energy Keeps Proving That Stability Wins Over Volatility

Below is Validea's guru fundamental report for LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP (LMT). Of the 22 guru strategies we follow, LMT rates highest using our Growth Investor model based on the published strategy of Martin Zweig. This strategy looks for growth stocks with persistent accelerating earnings and sales growth, reasonable valuations and low debt.
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP (LMT) is a large-cap growth stock in the Aerospace & Defense industry. The rating using this strategy is 69% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
Detailed Analysis of LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
More Information on Martin Zweig
About Martin Zweig: During the 15 years that it was monitored, Zweig's stock recommendation newsletter returned an average of 15.9 percent per year, during which time it was ranked number one based on risk-adjusted returns by Hulbert Financial Digest. Zweig has managed both mutual and hedge funds during his career, and he's put the fortune he's compiled to some interesting uses. He has owned what Forbes reported was the most expensive apartment in New York, a $70 million penthouse that sits atop Manhattan's Pierre Hotel, and he is a collector of all sorts of pop culture and historical memorabilia -- among his purchases are the gun used by Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry", a stock certificate signed by Commodore Vanderbilt, and even two old-fashioned gas pumps similar to those he'd seen at a nearby gas station while growing up in Cleveland, according to published reports.
Additional Research Links
High Earnings Yield Stocks
About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Martin Zweig Detailed Fundamental Analysis - LMT

The uptrend in the Aerospace & Defense industry is evident from the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, which has added 43.23% year to date, surpassing the S&P 500's 13.90% gain in the same period.
According to Reuters, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war have spurred greater demand for missiles and fighter jets, lifting defense contractor sales. However, persistent supply chain disruptions, intensified by the Trump administration’s trade policies, have impeded production efficiency and delayed backlog execution across the industry.
Earnings in Focus
Below, we highlight the third-quarter results of a few renowned U.S. Aerospace – Defense industry players.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman NOC reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $7.67 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.49 by 18.2%. NOC’s total sales of $10.42 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.72 billion by 2.8%.
However, the top line rose 4.3% from $10 billion reported in the year-ago quarter, driven by higher sales from its Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems and Mission Systems segments.
Per the abovementioned Reuters article, Northrop Grumman is also anticipated to participate in bids for the U.S. administration’s $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system, potentially supporting long-term revenue expansion.
NOC’s year-over-year improvement can be attributed to strong segment operating performance. The company’s operating income during the quarter totaled $1.24 billion, reflecting a significant rise from $1.12 billion in the prior-year quarter.
NOC’s total backlog was $91.45 billion at the end of the third quarter compared with $89.74 billion at the end of second-quarter 2025.
NOC now expects its revenues in the range of $41.70-$41.90 billion, lower than the previous guidance in the band of $42.05-$42.25 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales is pegged at $42.17 billion, above the company’s newly guided range.
RTX Corporation
RTX Corporation RTX reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.70, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.42 by 19.7%. The bottom line also improved 17.2% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $1.45.
RTX’s third-quarter sales totaled $22.48 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.48 billion by 4.6%. The top line also surged a solid 11.9% from $20.09 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2024. RTX’s total costs and expenses increased nearly 10% year over year to $20.02 billion in the quarter. For first-quarter 2025, RTX reported a backlog of $217 billion.
During its postearnings conference call RTX management noted that the company aims to capture a share of the billions in U.S. defense spending allocated for the Golden Dome missile defense system, alongside continued demand for munitions replenishment, as quoted in a Reuters article.
RTX now expects adjusted EPS to be in the band of $6.10-$6.20, up from the previous projection of $5.80-$5.95. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $5.94
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin LMT reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $6.95 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.33 by 9.8%. The bottom line increased 2.2% from the year-ago quarter's reported figure of $6.80. The year-over-year improvement in earnings was primarily driven by higher revenues and operating profit.
Alongside Northrop Grumman and RTX, Lockheed Martin is also competing for a share of the Trump administration’s proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program, according to Reuters.
Net sales came in at $18.61 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18.56 billion by 0.3%. The top line also increased 8.8% from $17.10 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year improvement was driven by higher sales growth registered by LMT’s business segments.
LMT’s backlog, as of Sept. 28, 2025, was $179.07 billion compared with $176.04 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024. Lockheed now expects to generate sales in the range of $74.25-$74.75 billion in 2025, narrower than its earlier estimate of $73.75-$74.75 billion, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate pegged at $74.20 billion.
ETFs to Consider
The aerospace and defense industry maintains an optimistic outlook. Given the current geopolitical climate, the trend of rising military spending is likely to persist.
For investors looking to bet on Q3 results as well as the continued surge in military spending, the following Aerospace – Defense ETFs provide a great opportunity.
Investors can consider iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ITA, Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF PPA, SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF XAR, Global X Defense Tech ETF SHLD and U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF WAR.
Regarding charging annual fees, XAR is the cheapest option, charging 0.35%, and is more suitable for long-term investing.
With a one-month average trading volume of about 1.38 million shares, SHLD is the most liquid option, offering investors easier entry and exit, ideal for active trading strategies.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Aerospace & Defense ETFs in Focus This Earnings Season

Below is Validea's guru fundamental report for LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP (LMT). Of the 22 guru strategies we follow, LMT rates highest using our Growth Investor model based on the published strategy of Martin Zweig. This strategy looks for growth stocks with persistent accelerating earnings and sales growth, reasonable valuations and low debt.
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP (LMT) is a large-cap growth stock in the Aerospace & Defense industry. The rating using this strategy is 69% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
Detailed Analysis of LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
More Information on Martin Zweig
About Martin Zweig: During the 15 years that it was monitored, Zweig's stock recommendation newsletter returned an average of 15.9 percent per year, during which time it was ranked number one based on risk-adjusted returns by Hulbert Financial Digest. Zweig has managed both mutual and hedge funds during his career, and he's put the fortune he's compiled to some interesting uses. He has owned what Forbes reported was the most expensive apartment in New York, a $70 million penthouse that sits atop Manhattan's Pierre Hotel, and he is a collector of all sorts of pop culture and historical memorabilia -- among his purchases are the gun used by Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry", a stock certificate signed by Commodore Vanderbilt, and even two old-fashioned gas pumps similar to those he'd seen at a nearby gas station while growing up in Cleveland, according to published reports.
Additional Research Links
High Earnings Yield Stocks
High Free Cash Flow Yield Stocks
About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

LMT Factor-Based Stock Analysis - Martin Zweig

Teledyne Technologies Inc. TDY reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $5.57 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.50 by 1.3%. The bottom line also improved 7.8% from $5.10 recorded in the year-ago quarter.
Including one-time items, the company recorded GAAP earnings of $4.65 per share, up 16.1% from the prior-year period’s earnings of $5.54 per share.
The year-over-year decline in the bottom line can be attributed to higher cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as, research and development expenses in the third quarter than the year-ago quarter’s reported actuals.
Operational Highlights of TDY
Total sales were $1.54 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 billion by 1%. The top line also surged 6.7% from $1.44 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. This improvement can be attributed to higher year-over-year sales recorded in the majority of its business segments.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Teledyne Technologies Incorporated Quote
TDY’s Segmental Performance
Instrumentation: Sales in this segment increased 3.9% year over year to $363.6 million, driven by higher sales of environmental instrumentation, marine instrumentation and electronic test and measurement instrumentation.
The adjusted operating income rose 2.3% year over year to $102.1 million.
Digital Imaging: Quarterly sales in this division increased 2.2% year over year to $785.4 million. The jump was due to higher sales of commercial infrared imaging components and subsystems, unmanned air systems and industrial automation imaging systems.
The adjusted operating income declined 2% year over year to $170.2 million.
Aerospace and Defense Electronics: Sales in this segment totaled $275.5 million, up 37.6% from the prior-year quarter. The improvement was driven by higher sales of defense electronics.
The adjusted operating income increased 36.8% year over year to $77.3 million.
Engineered Systems: Revenues in this division fell 8.1% year over year to $115 million due to lower sales of engineered products and energy systems.
This segment's operating income decreased 5.4% to $12.2 million.
Financial Condition of TDY
Teledyne’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $528.6 million as of Sept. 28, 2025, compared with $649.8 million as of Dec. 29, 2024.
Its long-term debt was $2.08 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025 compared with $2.65 billion as of Dec. 29, 2024.
Cash flow from operating activities totaled $343.1 million for the third quarter compared with $249.8 million in the prior-year period.
TDY generated free cash flow of $313.9 million, up from $228.7 million in the prior-year quarter.
TDY’s Guidance
Teledyne expects to generate adjusted earnings in the band of $5.73-$5.88 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TDY’s fourth-quarter earnings is pegged at $5.90 per share, higher than the company's guided range.
For 2025, Teledyne expects its adjusted earnings to be in the range of $21.45-$21.60 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $21.48 per share, which lies below the midpoint of the company’s guided range.
TDY’s Zacks Rank
Teledyne currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Recent Defense Releases
RTX Corporation’s RTX third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.70 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.42 by 19.7%. The bottom line also improved 17.2% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $1.45.
RTX’s third-quarter sales totaled $22.48 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.48 billion by 4.6%. The top line also surged a solid 11.9% from $20.09 billion recorded for the third quarter of 2024.
Lockheed Martin Corporation LMT reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $6.95 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.33 by 9.8%. The bottom line increased 2.2% from the year-ago quarter's reported figure of $6.80.
Net sales were $18.61 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18.56 billion by 0.3%. The top line also inched up 8.8% from $17.10 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.
Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $7.67 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.49 by 18.2%. The bottom line also increased 9.6% from $7.00 registered in the prior-year quarter.
NOC’s total sales of $10.42 billion in the third quarter missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.72 billion by 2.8%. However, the top line rose 4.3% from $10 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See "2nd Wave" AI stocks now >>
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Teledyne's Q3 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Increase Y/Y

Wall Street closed mixed on Tuesday, driven by industrial and discretionary stocks. Investor mood was slightly upbeat on strong corporate earnings, and President Trump expressed hope about a fair deal being struck with China. One of the three benchmark indexes finished in the green, one in red, while one remained virtually unchanged.
How Did the Benchmarks Perform?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) climbed 0.5%, or 218.16 points, to close at 46,924.74. Eighteen components of the 30-stock index ended in positive territory, while 12 ended in negative.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost 36.88 points, or 0.2%, to close at 22,953.67.
The S&P 500 gained 0.22 points, remaining virtually flat at 6,735.35. Five of the 11 broad sectors of the benchmark index closed in the green. The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY), the Industrials Select Sector SPDR (XLI) and the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (XLC) advanced 1.2%, 0.9% and 0.4%, respectively, while the Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU) fell 0.1%.
The fear gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) decreased 2% to 17.87. A total of 19.7 billion shares were traded on Tuesday, lower than the last 20-session average of 20.3 billion. Advancers outnumbered decliners by a 1.27-to-1 ratio on the NYSE, while on the Nasdaq, decliners edged past advancers by a 1.11-to-1 ratio.
Wall Street Mixed as Solid Industrial Earnings Lift Dow, Tech Stocks Lag
On Tuesday, investors weighed a strong batch of corporate earnings against concerns about the sustainability of the recent rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced modestly, supported by upbeat results from several industrial and capital goods companies, while the S&P 500 closed almost unchanged and the Nasdaq Composite slipped, dragged by weakness in a few large-cap tech names.
The day’s gains were fueled primarily by solid third-quarter earnings reports, which continued to signal resilience in the broader U.S. economy despite slowing growth in certain sectors. Companies in manufacturing, construction equipment and transportation reported robust demand and better-than-expected profits, reflecting sustained business spending and infrastructure activity. Companies like General Motors Company GM, Lockheed Martin Corporation LMT and 3M Company MMM beat earnings estimates and raised their forecasts for the year. These upbeat results bolstered cyclical stocks and helped the Dow outperform.
Meanwhile, investors remained cautious about the tech sector, where some high-valuation stocks faced mild profit-taking after recent strong advances. Market participants also looked ahead to key reports from major tech firms later in the week, which are expected to offer further insight into consumer and enterprise spending trends. Bond yields edged higher, with the 10-year Treasury yield hovering near 4.3%, as traders reassessed the Fed’s rate outlook. Tuesday’s session highlighted the rotation from defensive to cyclical sectors, with industrials, materials and select consumer discretionary names attracting buying interest.
Consequently, shares of Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN and Howmet Aerospace Inc. HWM jumped 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively. While AMZN currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), HWM has a #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Trump’s Softened Tone on China Lifts Market Sentiment
President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone toward China on Tuesday, saying he expected to reach a “fair and fantastic trade deal” with President Xi Jinping if discussions progressed after their next meeting. He also downplayed fears of a Taiwan conflict, suggesting that China “doesn’t want to do that,” signaling a softer stance after weeks of hawkish rhetoric. His comments were widely interpreted as an attempt to calm trade tensions and reassure global investors about U.S.-China relations. Markets responded positively to Trump’s remarks. Wall Street indexes edged higher, with cyclical and industrial stocks gaining as traders viewed his comments as a sign of easing geopolitical friction.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See "2nd Wave" AI stocks now >>
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stock Market News for Oct 22, 2025

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – October 22, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. ETFs recently featured in the blog include: Lockheed Martin LMT, Boeing BA, RTX Corp. RTX, Global X Defense Tech ETF SHLD, iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ITA and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF PPA.
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Puts Defense ETFs in the Spotlight
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, faced its most serious test over the past weekend, as a resurgence of violence put the conflict back in the global spotlight. This has naturally intensified investor focus on defense stocks and related exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
This is because geopolitical instability, like the conflict in Gaza, which poses a threat to regional peace, tends to enhance the business prospects of defense contractors as governments increase military spending. The recent escalation serves as a stark reminder of this dynamic, casting a direct spotlight on companies involved in producing the weapons and technologies that power modern warfare.
More Than Just a Conflict: Broader Tailwinds for Defense
Companies that supply military hardware to Israel, particularly U.S.-based firms, see their order books and stock prices potentially boosted by sustained conflict or a perceived need to replenish stockpiles. Major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, the supplier of F-35 fighter jets; Boeing, which provides F-15 fighter jets; and RTX Corp., a key participant in the Iron Dome system, have been cited as playing a significant role in supplying arms and components to Israel.
This direct involvement makes them particularly sensitive to the conflict's duration and intensity. No doubt, the 1.8%, 2.2% and 1.8% hike observed in the share price of RTX, LMT and BA, respectively, in the last trading session was largely driven by the latest ceasefire violation by Israel.
While the situation in Gaza is a significant driver, the defense ETFs are also being fueled by a confluence of powerful, longer-term factors like resilient demand, technological innovation and surging defense budgets.
Defense spending is mostly considered non-cyclical. Governments maintain defense budgets regardless of the economic climate, providing defense contractors with predictable revenue streams. This offers a degree of stability that is attractive to investors, especially during times of broader market volatility.
The defense sector is experiencing a revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous drones, and cyber warfare. These technologies are transforming modern warfare and driving defense department spending, creating significant growth opportunities for companies at the forefront of innovation.
Governments worldwide are significantly increasing military spending. In the United States, the recently enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB) injected an additional $150 billion in new funding for national security and defense priorities on top of the already substantial annual defense budget.
On the other hand, in June 2025, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ("NATO") members agreed to a new target to spend 5% of their GDP on defense and security by 2035, marking a significant increase from the previous benchmark of 2%, which was set in 2014. With America being the largest weapon supplier in the world, this enhanced NATO spending should fuel U.S.-based defense manufacturers manifold.
This powerful combination of persistent geopolitical tensions, expanding government budgets, and transformative innovation has positioned the defense sector for sustained growth, making defense ETFs a strategic consideration for portfolios. The Gaza narrative has only intensified this growth prospect.
Defense ETFs in Spotlight
For investors looking to capitalize on this outlook, a diversified approach through ETFs provides exposure to a basket of leading companies. Here are some of the prominent defense ETFs available to investors, particularly those holding BA, RTX, and LMT in their top holdings:
Global X Defense Tech ETF
This fund, with net assets worth $5.10 billion, offers exposure to global defense technology companies. Its top three holdings constitute RTX (7.64%) and Lockheed Martin (7.44%).
SHLD has gained 79.8% year to date. The fund charges 50 bps in fees.
iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF
This fund, with net assets worth $12.09 billion, provides exposure to U.S. companies that manufacture commercial and military aircraft, as well as other defense equipment. Its top five holdings include RTX (14.46%), BA (8.03%), and LMT (4.63%).
ITA has gained 42.7% year to date. The fund charges 38 bps in fees.
Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF
This fund, with net asset value of $155.03 as of Oct. 20, 2025, provides exposure to companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of U.S. defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. Its top five holdings include Boeing (7.84%), RTX (7.74%) and Lockheed Martin (7.29%).
PPA has gained 35.7% year to date. It charges 58 bps in fees.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Lockheed Martin, Boeing, RTX, SHLD, ITA and PPA

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