New York, March 2, 2026, 05:00 (EST) — Premarket
- Lockheed Martin shares jumped roughly 8% in early premarket action, before the New York session began.
- RTX and Northrop Grumman both traded higher in premarket action.
- Shares drop ex-dividend Monday, setting up for a $3.45 quarterly payment slated for March 27.
Lockheed Martin jumped in early premarket action Monday, catching a bid from investors turning to defense stocks after renewed unrest in the Middle East over the weekend. Shares were set at $708.95 as of 4:28 a.m. ET, up from Friday’s $658.08 close.
That shift throws a spotlight on defense contractors, even as the broader markets show jitters. Traders now have to balance the chance of a jump in weapons demand with the pressure from climbing energy prices and a risk-off mood that tends to weigh on equities across the board.
Oil rallied roughly 10% in Sunday’s over-the-counter session, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and mounting disruption risks near the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported. Ajay Parmar, director of energy and refining at ICIS, warned prices may push “much closer to $100 a barrel” should the disruptions persist. Reuters
Helima Croft at RBC flagged the risk of oil prices breaking above $100 a barrel, calling it a “clear and present danger,” Reuters noted in an analyst recap. She cited the tight spare capacity among OPEC+ producers, warning the situation could worsen if supply disruptions escalate. Reuters
Shares of RTX climbed 6.9% premarket to $216.67, with Northrop Grumman tacking on 5.2% at $761.99. Lockheed’s competitors followed suit in early action.
Lockheed heads into Monday trading ex-dividend. Anyone picking up shares on or after that day misses out on the next $3.45-per-share quarterly dividend, which is scheduled for March 27 for holders on record as of March 2, according to the company.
The broader market was under pressure ahead of the bell. U.S. stock index futures dropped over 1% early Monday, investors shifting toward gold and government bonds, Reuters said. Traders were also steeling themselves for a packed slate of U.S. economic data this week.
Bethesda, Maryland’s Lockheed stands out as a critical supplier for the U.S. government and its partners, thanks to its roles in fighter jets, missile defense, and space systems. With that lineup, the stock often attracts attention during spikes in geopolitical risk—even as broader markets lose ground.
Still, there are caveats to the early bid. Premarket volume runs lighter than what you’ll see during regular hours. The stock’s ex-dividend move also skews the headline percentage, particularly if equity selling picks up steam.
Lockheed’s earnings report lands April 21, putting guidance and delivery updates back in the spotlight after the initial shock recedes.
