Lockheed Martin Corporation is one of the largest aerospace and defense contractors in the world. Founded in 1995, the company is the result of the merger of two of the world’s most successful defense contractors, Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta Corporation. Over the years, the company has grown and now operates in a number of different industries, including information technology, shipbuilding, and space exploration. As a result, the company’s stock has become a popular investment for many investors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Lockheed Martin stock and how it has performed over the years.
1995: The Merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta
The Lockheed Martin Corporation was formed in 1995 as the result of a merger between Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta Corporation. At the time, the two aerospace and defense contractors were two of the largest in the world and the merger created a powerful new entity that would eventually become the world’s largest defense contractor. The merger was seen as a way to create cost savings and increase efficiency, and it was also seen as a way to increase the company’s international presence.
The merger was not without controversy, however. The U.S. Department of Justice had to approve the merger and it took several months for them to do so. Eventually, the merger was approved and the new company was officially formed in 1995.
1996-2006: Expansion and Diversification
Once the merger was completed, Lockheed Martin began to expand and diversify its operations. The company acquired a number of other companies, including General Electric Aerospace, Loral Corporation, and Northrop Grumman Corporation. These acquisitions helped the company expand into new markets and increase its presence in the aerospace and defense industries.
The company also began to expand into other industries, including information technology, shipbuilding, and space exploration. This diversification allowed the company to become one of the most profitable and successful defense contractors in the world.
2007-2013: Stock Performance
By the early 2000s, Lockheed Martin had become one of the most powerful defense contractors in the world and its stock was performing well. The company’s stock had a steady rise from 2007 to 2013 and during this period, the company’s market capitalization increased from $25 billion to over $50 billion.
During this period, the company also acquired a number of smaller companies, including United Launch Alliance and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. These acquisitions helped the company expand its operations and increase its presence in the defense industry.
2014-2019: Stock Performance
From 2014 to 2019, the company’s stock performance was mixed. The stock had a strong rise from 2014 to 2016 but then began to decline in 2017. The stock continued to decline until 2019 when it began to rise again. During this period, the company’s market capitalization decreased from $50 billion to $40 billion.
The company’s stock performance was affected by a number of factors, including the global economic downturn, the U.S. government’s budget cuts, and the company’s move towards diversification and expansion into new markets.
2020-2023: Stock Performance
Since 2020, the company’s stock has been on a steady rise. The stock has been helped by the company’s strong performance in the aerospace and defense industries, as well as its successful expansion into new markets. The company’s market capitalization has increased from $40 billion to $51 billion.
Overall, the history of Lockheed Martin stock has been mostly positive. The company has been able to successfully expand and diversify its operations, which has led to strong stock performance. The company’s stock is expected to continue to rise in the coming years as the company continues to benefit from its strong presence in the aerospace and defense industries.