Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Information


A Brief History of Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global aerospace, defense, and security company, was formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the company has grown to become a leading player in the industry, with significant contributions to aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.

Below are some of the critical moments in the history of Lockheed Martin:

  • 1912: Allan and Malcolm Loughead founded the Loughead Aircraft Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara, California, marking the beginning of what would become Lockheed Corporation.
  • 1926: The company was rebranded as Lockheed Aircraft Company following a move to Burbank, California.
  • 1939: Lockheed introduced the P-38 Lightning, a highly effective aircraft used during World War II.
  • 1958: Lockheed developed the U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, in collaboration with the CIA.
  • 1960: Lockheed launched the Polaris missile, a significant advancement in naval ballistic missiles.
  • 1961: Martin Marietta was established from the merger of the Glenn L. Martin Company and American-Marietta Corporation.
  • 1970s: Martin Marietta became heavily involved in space exploration projects, including the Viking missions to Mars.
  • 1990: Lockheed's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) prototype, the YF-22, won the competition for the U.S. Air Force's next-generation fighter aircraft, leading to the development of the F-22 Raptor.
  • 1995: Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta merged to form Lockheed Martin Corporation, creating one of the largest aerospace, defense, and security companies in the world.
  • 2001: Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II was selected for the Joint Strike Fighter program, solidifying the company's role in modern military aviation.
  • 2015: Lockheed Martin acquired Sikorsky Aircraft, expanding its helicopter segment and further diversifying its product portfolio.

Throughout its history, Lockheed Martin has been at the forefront of technological innovation, contributing significantly to both military and civilian advancements. The company's commitment to pioneering solutions has cemented its reputation as an industry leader and a critical partner in global defense and aerospace initiatives.



Who Owns Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ownership of Lockheed Martin is distributed among a wide range of institutional and retail investors. Here are some key points about its ownership:

  • Institutional Investors: The largest share of Lockheed Martin’s stock is held by institutional investors, which include mutual funds, pension funds, and other financial entities. These institutions often hold significant portions of the company’s shares and can have a considerable influence on company decisions.
  • Top Shareholders:
    • Vanguard Group: One of the leading stakeholders, Vanguard Group, holds a substantial percentage of the company’s shares. Vanguard is known for its index funds and ETF offerings.
    • BlackRock: Another major shareholder, BlackRock, is one of the world’s largest asset management firms. They hold a significant portion of Lockheed Martin’s outstanding shares.
    • State Street Corporation: Along with Vanguard and BlackRock, State Street is also one of the primary institutional investors in Lockheed Martin.
  • Individual Shareholders: Apart from institutional investors, individual retail investors also own shares of Lockheed Martin. These shareholders range from small individual investors to larger private entities.
  • Employee Ownership: Lockheed Martin also has employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and other incentive programs which allow its employees to own shares in the company.

This diversified ownership structure ensures that a variety of stakeholders have a vested interest in the company’s performance and governance.



Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Mission Statement

The mission statement of Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) encapsulates the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and a steadfast dedication to contributing to global security. Their primary mission is to ensure that their customers around the world can perform their respective duties through superior products and services.

Key elements of Lockheed Martin's mission statement include:

  • Innovation: Lockheed Martin emphasizes the importance of advancing technology and innovation to meet the evolving needs of their customers. They strive to push the boundaries of what is possible, consistently integrating cutting-edge technology into their solutions.
  • Integrity: The company upholds a fundamental commitment to ethical behavior and doing the right thing in every situation. This focus ensures they maintain trust and credibility with all stakeholders.
  • Excellence: Excellence is central to Lockheed Martin's mission. They aim to deliver high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations, ensuring reliability and operational readiness.
  • Security: A critical aspect of their mission is to bolster global security through their defense, aerospace, and technology products. Lockheed Martin is dedicated to providing systems and solutions that enhance the security and safety of nations and organizations.
  • Customer Focus: Lockheed Martin places a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the needs of their customers. They actively listen to and collaborate with customers to develop tailored solutions that address specific challenges and requirements.

Lockheed Martin's mission statement is a reflection of their corporate values and their relentless pursuit of excellence, integrity, and innovation. Through their commitment to these principles, they aim to make a significant impact on defense, aerospace, and technology sectors worldwide.



How Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Works

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is a leading global aerospace, defense, arms, security, and advanced technologies company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company operates through various segments and leverages cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to deliver high-quality products and services. Below are some key elements that highlight how Lockheed Martin Corporation functions.

Major Business Segments
  • Aeronautics: This segment focuses on the design, research, development, manufacturing, integration, and sustainment of advanced military aircraft. Key products include the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and C-130 Hercules.
  • Missiles and Fire Control (MFC): MFC is responsible for the development and production of advanced missile systems, missile defense technologies, fire control systems, and other related products. Some notable programs include the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile.
  • Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS): RMS provides advanced technology solutions for rotary-wing aircraft, naval systems, automated systems, military and commercial training solutions, and other mission-critical systems. Products include the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
  • Space Systems: This segment delivers a wide range of systems and services related to space exploration, including satellites, space probes, and strategic and defensive missile systems. Important projects include the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).
Research and Development (R&D)

Lockheed Martin invests significantly in R&D to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. The company’s focus areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced materials, and hypersonic technologies. R&D initiatives often involve collaborations with government agencies, educational institutions, and other corporate partners.

Global Presence and Joint Ventures

The corporation has a substantial global presence with operations and partnerships spanning multiple continents. These partnerships and joint ventures enable Lockheed Martin to localize their offerings and better meet the unique needs of international customers. Strategic partnerships also help the company mitigate risks and share expertise and resources.

Supply Chain Management

Lockheed Martin maintains a complex and extensive supply chain to support its diverse product lines. The company works with thousands of suppliers worldwide to source high-quality components and materials. Effective supply chain management is crucial for ensuring timely production and delivery while maintaining stringent quality standards.

Customer Base
  • Government and Defense Agencies: A significant portion of Lockheed Martin’s revenue comes from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. The company provides a range of products and services critical to national security.
  • Commercial Sector: While primarily known for its military and defense capabilities, Lockheed Martin also serves commercial customers in sectors like space exploration, telecommunications, and transportation.
  • International Clients: The company serves numerous international clients, providing customized solutions to meet specific defense and security needs. This often involves navigating complex regulatory environments and securing export licenses.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Lockheed Martin is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company invests in various programs aimed at environmental stewardship, community engagement, and workforce diversity. Initiatives include reducing carbon emissions, supporting STEM education, and promoting equal opportunities within the organization.



How Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Makes Money

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is a global aerospace, defense, and security company that primarily makes money through contracts with the U.S. government and other international allies. The company operates in four major business segments, each contributing to its revenue streams. Below is a detailed breakdown of how Lockheed Martin generates its income:

  • Aeronautics

    This segment focuses on advanced aerospace technology and includes products like the F-35 Lightning II, C-130 Hercules, F-22 Raptor, and other military aircraft. The Aeronautics division generates revenue through the sale of these aircraft, along with maintenance, upgrades, and logistics support.

  • Missiles and Fire Control (MFC)

    The MFC division is responsible for researching, developing, manufacturing, and supporting a wide range of missile systems, fire control systems, and precision strike weapons. This includes both defense and civil applications, such as missile defense systems and commercial satellites.

  • Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS)

    This segment focuses on rotary-wing aircraft, naval systems, and integrated mission systems. Products and services include the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the Aegis Combat System, and cyber security solutions. Revenue is generated through contract manufacturing, system upgrades, and maintenance services.

  • Space

    The Space segment covers a broad range of activities, including satellite manufacturing, space exploration, and strategic and missile defense systems. The company works with government and commercial customers, designing and delivering satellites, spacecraft, and other space technology services.

In addition to these core areas, Lockheed Martin also earns income from various research and development projects, international sales, and joint ventures. The company leverages its technological expertise and extensive portfolio to secure contracts and maintain a steady stream of revenue.

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