Points to remember
- Lockheed Martin lowered its estimate for F-35 deliveries this year and pushed back its forecast for the first deliveries of its updated TR-3 jet.
- The company expects 97 F-35 deliveries. 35 this year, down from its previous forecast. 100-120.
- Lockheed Martin shares fell 4.8% on Wednesday to their lowest level in 11 months.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) has warned that it will deliver less than F-35 jet fighters than expected and that the first of its updated Technology Refresh (TR-3) aircraft would not be ready until next year.
Defense contractor explained in a regulatory filing that it planned to deliver 97 F-35s in 2023, down from its previous estimate of 100 to 120. It also said the initial delivery of the TR-3s would take place between April and June 2024 .expected it to happen this year.
The company added that the total number of F-35 deliveries next year will depend on when the first TR-3s are delivered, as well as how long it takes to complete the customer acceptance process. . Lockheed Martin continues to assess the impact this will have on its business in 2024, the company said.
The company explained that it was producing F-35s at a rate of 156 per year and plans to continue at that rate as it works to finalize TR-3 software and development.
The F-35 is the the company's largest program. Sales jumped $735 million in the second quarter, accounting for about three-quarters of the overall revenue increase for Lockheed Martin's aerospace unit.
Lockheed Martin shares have fell 4.8% on Thursday to their lowest level since last October.
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Source: investopedia.com