Analyzing Lockheed Martin’s Dividend Growth Potential

Recap from August’s Picks

On a price return basis, the Dividend Growth Stocks Model Portfolio (-5.4%) outperformed the S&P 500 (-5.6%) by 0.2% from August 30, 2023 through September 26, 2023. On a total return basis, the Model Portfolio (-5.1%) outperformed the S&P 500 (-5.2%) by 0.1% over the same time. The best performing stock was up 8%. Overall, 15 out of 28 Dividend Growth stocks outperformed their respective benchmarks (S&P 500 and Russell 2000) from August 30, 2023 through September 26, 2023.

The methodology for this model portfolio mimics an “All Cap Blend” style with a focus on dividend growth. Selected stocks earn an attractive or very attractive rating, generate positive free cash flow (FCF) and economic earnings, offer a current dividend yield >1%, and have a 5+ year track record of consecutive dividend growth. This model portfolio is designed for investors who are more focused on long-term capital appreciation than current income, but still appreciate the power of dividends, especially growing dividends.

Featured Stock for September: Lockheed Martin

LMT

Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) is the featured stock in September’s Dividend Growth Stocks Model Portfolio.

Lockheed Martin has grown revenue by 6% compounded annually and net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) by 9% compounded annually since 2016. The company’s NOPAT margin increased from 9% in 2016 to 11% over the TTM, while invested capital turns rose from 1.0 to 1.4 over the same time. Higher invested capital turns and NOPAT margins drive return on invested capital (ROIC) from 9% in 2016 to 16% in TTM.

Figure 1: Lockheed Martin’s Revenue & NOPAT Since 2016

Free Cash Flow Supports Regular Dividend Payments

Lockheed Martin has increased its regular dividend from $1.82/share in 4Q16 to $3.00/share in 2Q23. The current quarterly dividend, when annualized, equals $12.00/share and provides a 3.0% dividend yield.

More importantly, Lockheed Martin’s free cash flow (FCF) easily exceeds its regular dividend payments. From 2017 through 2Q23, Lockheed Martin generated $42.0 billion (33% of current enterprise value) in FCF while paying $17.3 billion in dividends. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Lockheed Martin’s FCF vs. Regular Dividends Since 2017

Companies with FCF well above dividend payments provide higher-quality dividend growth opportunities. On the other hand, dividends that exceed FCF cannot be trusted to grow or even be maintained.

LMT Is Undervalued

At its current price of $404/share, Lockheed Martin has a price-to-economic book value (PEBV) ratio of 1.0. This ratio means the market expects Lockheed Martin’s NOPAT to stay not increase ever again. This expectation seems overly pessimistic given that Lockheed Martin has grown NOPAT by 9% compounded annually since 2016 and 13% compounded annually since 2000.

Even if Lockheed Martin’s NOPAT margin remains at 11% (five-year average), and revenue grows only by 4% compounded annually through 2032, the stock would be worth $523/share today – a 29% upside. See the math behind this reverse DCF scenario. In this scenario, Lockheed Martin’s NOPAT would increase only 4% compounded annually through 2032. Should the company’s NOPAT grow more in line with historical growth rates, the stock has even more upside.

Add in Lockheed Martin’s 3.0% dividend yield and a history of dividend growth, and it’s clear why this stock is in September’s Dividend Growth Stocks Model Portfolio.

Critical Details Found in Financial Filings by My Firm’s Robo-Analyst Technology

Below are specifics on the adjustments I make based on Robo-Analyst findings in Lockheed Martin’s 10-K and 10-Qs:

Income Statement: I made $2.8 billion in adjustments with a net effect of removing $1.8 billion in non-operating expenses (3% of revenue).

Balance Sheet: I made $22.5 billion in adjustments to calculate invested capital with a net increase of $11.8 billion. The most notable adjustment was $8 billion (22% of reported net assets) in other comprehensive income.

Valuation: I made $24.3 billion in adjustments, with a net decrease in shareholder value of $23.7 billion. The most notable adjustment to shareholder value was $17.9 billion in total debt. This adjustment represents 18% of Lockheed Martin’s market value.

Disclosure: David Trainer, Kyle Guske II, Italo Mendonça, and Hakan Salt receive no compensation to write about any specific stock, style, or theme.