Citi analyst Jonathan Raviv said that, "as is always the unfortunate case," defense stocks tend to benefit from perceptions of higher risk and the U.S. confirming it has killed a top Iranian military commander in an airstrike in Iraq could make it harder for Democratic presidential candidates to argue against a stronger defense budget in 2020. Building tensions in the Middle East could contribute to removing a sentiment overhang on the defense industry, Raviv added in his note to investors. Publicly traded military contractors include BAE Systems (BAESY), Boeing (BA), General Dynamics (GD), Lockheed Martin (LMT), Northrop Grumman (NOC), Raytheon (RTN) and United Technologies (UTX).

Reports Q1 revenue $16.6B, consensus $15.22B. "Our first quarter results reflect the immediate actions we've taken to slow down 737 production to drive improvements in quality," said Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and CEO. "We will take the time necessary to strengthen our quality and safety management systems and this work will position us for a stronger and more stable future."

Reports Q1 revenue $10.7B, consensus $10.32B. "Our businesses delivered solid operating results in the quarter, growing revenue and backlog, while expanding margins, even as we awaited G700 certification," said Phebe N. Novakovic, chairman and chief executive officer. "In the Aerospace segment, the recent FAA certification of the Gulfstream G700 has enabled us to begin customer deliveries. This is a strong start to 2024 and we remain confident in our outlook."

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $102.06M cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously-awarded contract for capability package development and fielding, system integration and fielding, and in-service sustainment in support of current configurations of the AEGIS combat system. Work is expected to be completed by December 31. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

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Boeing (BA) is expected to report results on its fiscal first quarter on Wednesday, April 24, with a conference call scheduled for 10:30 am EDT. What to watch... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

During its earnings conference call, Lockheed Martin says expectations for FY24 remain unchanged. Will reassess guidance by the end of Q2. Says company off to a solid start in 2024. Thinking of 2025, has higher confidence on continued growth. Sees potential "re-balance of the workforce." Expects "stable growth" over the next five years.

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.  1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly. UP AFTER EARNINGS... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Backs FY24 free cash flow view $6B-$6.3B; FY24 CapEx view ~$1.75B.

Backs FY24 revenue view $68.5B-$70B, consensus $69.51B.