LMT Stock Today: January 26 NASA F-15s Speed X-59 Supersonic Tests
LMT stock is in focus as NASA adds ex-USAF F-15D chase jets to support the X-59 Quesst program. The added aircraft help keep 2026 supersonic test sorties on schedule and reduce noise-data risks. As of the latest snapshot, LMT stock traded at $581.45, down 1.59% on the day, with a 1-year gain of 18.80%. With earnings on January 29, we view the chase capacity news as a timely operational positive that could influence sentiment around future commercial supersonic standards over U.S. land.
NASA’s F-15s Support 2026 X-59 Milestones
NASA received legacy F-15D Eagles to expand its chase fleet for X-59 missions. The jets provide safety, video, telemetry relay, and real-time support during supersonic profiles. Added capacity lowers the risk of schedule slips ahead of 2026 sorties tied to Quesst. See coverage on legacy Eagles boosting NASA’s test fleet source.
Chase jets help gather and validate data as the X-59 demonstrates a shaped sonic “thump.” This supports NASA’s plan to deliver community-response findings to regulators, a key step for possible overland supersonic guidelines. Read how NASA uses F-15s in supersonic flight testing source. For investors, this reduces execution risk around the X-59 Quesst data package.
What It Means for LMT Valuation
LMT stock was $581.45 (−1.59%), day range $575.63–$590.40, versus a 52-week range of $410.11–$596.23. Shares are up 18.85% year-to-date and 18.80% over 1 year. The 50-day average is $492.68 and the 200-day is $473.73, signaling strong recent momentum. Market cap stands at $135.75 billion, with a P/E of 32.37 and dividend yield near 2.26%.
Return on equity is high at 68.48%, supported by steady cash generation, but leverage is notable with debt-to-equity of 3.59. Interest coverage sits at 5.58x and working capital is $2.962 billion. The payout ratio is 74.05% with $13.35 in TTM dividends. We view the X-59 update as supportive, but valuation and leverage need monitoring.
Technical Setup Into Earnings
Technicals run hot: RSI 75.35 and CCI 265.28 indicate overbought conditions. MACD is positive (10.07 vs 5.72 signal) while ADX 19.19 shows a weak trend. ATR is 11.23, implying wider daily swings. With price near the $596.23 year high, we see room for pullbacks if news flow softens before catalysts.
The next scheduled catalyst is earnings on January 29, 2026 (13:30 UTC). We also watch program headlines tied to X-59 Quesst and NASA chase flights. Any confirmation of on-time 2026 sorties or regulator-aligned noise data could aid LMT stock sentiment. A miss on execution or guidance may cool momentum quickly.
Sector Read-Through: BA and GE
First, we compare BA. The stock was $248.34, down 1.51% on the day, with a 1-year gain of 41.75%. RSI is 75.98, also overbought, and ADX 40.80 indicates a strong trend. This backdrop suggests investor appetite for aerospace exposure remains high, though risk of near-term consolidation is rising.
GE Aerospace traded at $295.05, up 0.40% on the day. The stock carries a 36.65 P/E and a TTM net margin near 18.96%. RSI is 64.10, calmer than LMT and BA. For LMT stock watchers, peer strength supports sector multiples, but also raises expectations into earnings and program execution updates.
Final Thoughts
NASA’s added F-15D chase jets reduce operational risk for X-59 Quesst and help keep 2026 supersonic sorties on track. That is a constructive input for LMT stock because the program’s noise data could inform future FAA standards for overland supersonic flights. Near term, we balance this positive with a rich 32.37 P/E, high leverage, and overheated technicals. Into the January 29 earnings report, we would track schedule clarity, free cash flow, and any color on regulatory engagement tied to Quesst. Position sizes should reflect current volatility and resistance near the $596 area. This content is informational and not investment advice.
FAQs
What does NASA’s F-15 chase support mean for X-59 Quesst?
It adds safety, telemetry relay, and visual coverage to supersonic test flights, lowering execution and scheduling risk. Reliable chase capacity supports NASA’s plan to capture community noise-response data in 2026. That package could inform potential FAA guidelines for quiet supersonic operations over U.S. land, a key long-term policy step.
How could this affect LMT stock near term?
It is a modest positive for sentiment, as it supports on-time 2026 testing and reduces program risk. However, valuation is full with a 32.37 P/E and RSI is overbought at 75.35. We would watch earnings on January 29 and guidance on cash flow and program milestones before adjusting exposure.
What technical levels and signals matter now?
Price is near the $596.23 52-week high, with RSI 75.35 and CCI 265.28 signaling overbought conditions. ATR 11.23 shows elevated daily swings, and ADX 19.19 indicates no strong trend. A consolidation toward the 50-day average near $492.68 would not be surprising if news flow cools.
How do BA and GE factor into the sector view?
BA shows strong 1-year performance and overbought readings, while GE trades with solid margins and steadier momentum. Their strength supports aerospace valuations, but also raises the bar for delivery, cash flow, and execution. For LMT stock, peers’ momentum helps, yet it increases the risk of disappointment if guidance underwhelms.
What are the key fundamental watch items for LMT?
Focus on leverage (debt-to-equity 3.59), interest coverage at 5.58x, dividend sustainability with a 74% payout ratio, and free cash flow trends. Also monitor progress on X-59 noise-data goals and any updates on regulatory engagement, as these could shape long-term demand tied to supersonic overland policy.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
