Investors Should Take Note of Defense Trends

  • U.S. spends over $900 billion on defense annually, accounting for 38% of global military spending.
  • Chinese and global defense spending is also at record levels.
  • Lockheed Martin stock positively reviewed by Barron’s.
  • Defense spending has increased at a rate of 6% per year in the U.S. for the past five years, similar to the rest of the world (excluding China).
  • Global defense spending is at an all-time high since 2016.
  • Lockheed shares trade at a discount due to concerns about slower earnings growth, but this may not be accurate.
  • U.S. defense spending as a percentage of GDP has decreased from previous levels but remains significant.

The U.S., China, and global military spending is at record levels, with the U.S. spending over $900 billion on defense in 2023. This accounts for 38% of the world’s total spending, more than three times the amount spent by China. Defense spending has increased at a rate of 6% per year in the U.S. for the past five years, similar to the rest of the world (excluding China). Global defense spending is at an all-time high since 2016. Despite concerns about slower earnings growth, Lockheed Martin’s shares trade at a discount due to this belief. However, historical context shows that U.S. defense spending as a percentage of GDP isn’t unprecedented and supply chain issues have led to a large backlog for the company.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about military spending, including data from reliable sources such as Bloomberg. It discusses the current levels of U.S., Chinese, and global defense spending, and addresses concerns related to Lockheed Martin stock. The article also presents a historical perspective on U.S. defense spending and highlights the importance of considering factors like budgeting and supply-chain issues. However, it could provide more context about other countries’ military spending and the reasons behind the increase in global defense spending.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about global and U.S. military spending, as well as the current situation of Lockheed Martin stock. However, it lacks a deep analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks. It also does not offer significant actionable insights or new knowledge for readers.
Public Companies: Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Key People: Richard Safran (Seaport Global analyst)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: U.S., Chinese, and global military spending
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial relevance of military spending and its impact on companies like Lockheed Martin, as well as the overall defense industry. It provides data on defense spending by various countries and analyzes the growth rates, which can affect the stock prices of defense companies such as Lockheed Martin.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com