3 Best Defense Stocks to Buy Now: LMT, NOC, AXON

Some investors reduce the link between politics and investment, and sometimes Capitol Hill events have little effect. But if all this is irrelevant, why are so many members of the trade stock in Congress based on the information they received?
The fact shows that sometimes our country leaders leave investment opportunities hiding in simple sight. For example, in March, Congress passed an ongoing resolution (CR) to fund the government at the end of fiscal year 2025. It not only prevents a government shutdown, but also highlights the emerging priorities of the new Congress, helping investors see the basic opportunities.
One area that stands until now in 2025 is the spending on defense. Many defense stocks were under pressure earlier this year about concerns about possible cuts on the defense budget as part of the government's (DOGE) initiative. However, the latest CR has gained an additional $ 9 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD), emphasizing modernization and new technologies.
This means it's time for investors to look closely at some of the best defense stocks of 2025 – so far.
1. Lockheed Martin: One of the best defense stocks in a discount
Lockheed Martin Stock Forecast now
$ 544.79
14.33% reversedModerate purchase
Based on 16 analyst ratings
Current price | $ 476.50 |
---|---|
High forecast | $ 704.00 |
Average forecast | $ 544.79 |
Low forecast | $ 432.00 |
The Lockheed Martin stock details
Lockheed Martin Corp. NYSE: LMT is one of the largest defense contractors in the world. The company will come in another year of record earnings in 2024 and has seen solid momentum in 2025. However, the stock remains more than 15% from the highs of October 2024.
Some contractors argue that LMT stock may lose its appeal if a potential peace dividend arises from a reduced US military trace abroad. However, at a time when modernization is a national priority, defense spending is not expected to slow down. Lockheed focus areas – AI, space defense, and cybersecurity – aligned with future needs.
Plus, investors get LMT stock in a attractive -akit Price-to-earnings ratio (p/e) that is almost 21x income And approximately 17x forward income, offering a attractive discount compared to the average aerospace and defense P/E ratio around 25x.
2. Northrop Grumman: Backlog provides investors peace of mind
Northrop grumman stock forecast now
$ 545.31
12.65% upside downModerate purchase
Based on 18 analyst ratings
Current price | $ 484.09 |
---|---|
High forecast | $ 625.00 |
Average forecast | $ 545.31 |
Low forecast | $ 477.00 |
The Northrop Grumman's stock forecast details
Northrop Grumman Corp. NYSE: NOC Wrapped in 2024 with income leading to $ 41 billion. Although the stock has dropped nearly 7% over the past six months, the Northrop story is about long -term stability.
It is important to note that the Northrop is awarded More than $ 50 billion in new contracts In 2024, the formation of a record backlog today exceeded $ 94 billion.
One of the company's headline projects, the B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber for the US Air Force, remains on monitoring of ramping up ramping up in 2025. Without significant reduction in the defense budget and European allies are also expanding their military investments, Northrop's massive backlog offers long-term security.
And like Lockheed, the NOC Stock Trading in Awquarters -wak values, along with both current and Pass the p/e ratios that walk around 17x.
3. Axon: Law enforcement and government contracts drive long -term growth
Axon Enterprise Stock Forecast now
$ 626.45
3.98% upside downModerate purchase
Based on 12 analyst ratings
Current price | $ 602.46 |
---|---|
High forecast | $ 800.00 |
Average forecast | $ 626.45 |
Low forecast | $ 380.00 |
Axon Enterprise's Stock Forecasting Details
Axon Enterprise Inc. NASDAQ: Axon is a leading provider of technology solutions such as less deadly weapons (for example, tasers), body cameras, and cloud -based software. Although the legal enforcement personnel are mainly used, Axon has contracts with the US government, including the US border patrol.
An intriguing statistic about Axon is how fast analysts raise their target prices. One of Best defense stockAxon has been More than 95% in the last 12 months. However, 12 months ago, that price was just over $ 300 and almost 3% above the consensus.
While costly through traditional appreciation measures, the growth of the Axon and expanding the government's reach is making a stock to watch in 2025 – and beyond.
Before you consider Lockheed Martin, you want to hear it.
Marketbeat monitors the top-rated and best conduct of research analysts on Wall Street and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. Marketbeat recognized five stocks that the leading analysts were quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market is … and Lockheed Martin is not on the list.
While Lockheed Martin currently has a moderate purchase rating with analysts, leading analysts believe these five stocks are better to buy.
See five stocks here
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