How did Lockheed Martin's revenue and expenses trend in Q4 2024?

Lockheed Martin's Revenue and Expenses in Q4 2024 are not currently available. However, we can analyze the trends leading up to Q4 2024 using the available data.

1. Trends Leading Up to Q4 2024:
   • In Q3 2024, Lockheed Martin reported a revenue of $17.1 billion, which was a 1% year-over-year increase. This indicates a positive revenue trend that could potentially continue in Q4 2024.
   • The company's segment operating margin expanded by 20 points to 10.9% in Q3 2024. This improvement in profitability suggests that the additional revenue is not only sustaining but also enhancing the company's margin performance.
   • Free cash flow for the quarter was $2.1 billion, which is a strong indicator of the company's financial health and its ability to invest in growth opportunities, including potential Q4 2024 projects.

2. Comparative Analysis with Q3 2024:
   • Lockheed Martin's Q3 2024 performance exceeded expectations with earnings per share (EPS) of $6.84, surpassing the consensus estimate of $6.50 by $0.34. This suggests that the company is outperforming expectations, which could be a positive precursor to Q4 2024 earnings.
   • Revenue for Q3 2024 was slightly below expectations, coming in at $17.1 billion compared to the consensus estimate of $17.38 billion. This minor shortfall may not significantly impact Q4 2024 if the revenue trend continues to improve.
3. Future Outlook:
   • The company has a strong backlog of over $165 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.3. This indicates robust demand for Lockheed Martin's products and services, which could positively influence Q4 2024 revenue.
   • Lockheed Martin has also increased its dividend, reflecting confidence in its financial stability and growth prospects. This move can often signal a positive outlook for future earnings, including those in Q4 2024.

In conclusion, while specific Q4 2024 revenue and expense data is not available, the trends and performance indicators leading up to that quarter suggest a positive outlook. The company's strong backlog, improved profitability, and positive earnings trajectory support the expectation of robust financial performance in Q4 2024.