Defense contractors DigitalGlobe (D), Lockheed Martin (LMT), and Car-Tech Systems (CART) saw modest gains on March 5, 2026, as investors reacted to sustained government procurement activity and stable fiscal year 2026 defense budgets.
- DigitalGlobe (D) gained 1.3% to $247.80 after securing a $142M contract extension for satellite imaging services.
- Lockheed Martin (LMT) rose 1.8% to $514.60 on F-35 delivery milestones and a $210M electronic warfare contract.
- Car-Tech Systems (CART) increased 2.1% to $88.95 following a $95M prototype development deal with the U.S. Army.
- Defense sector index up 1.5% on steady fiscal 2026 budget projections of $886 billion.
- Contract awards and delivery timelines remain central to investor sentiment in the defense space.
- No major earnings surprises reported; movement reflects routine sector performance and forward-looking confidence.
Shares of DigitalGlobe (D) rose 1.3% to $247.80, extending a weekly uptick following the company’s announcement of a $142 million contract extension for high-resolution satellite imaging services to the U.S. Department of Defense. The agreement, effective through 2028, reinforces DigitalGlobe’s role in strategic surveillance and geospatial intelligence. Lockheed Martin (LMT) advanced 1.8% to $514.60, driven by positive sentiment around its F-35 Lightning II program, which reported 29 deliveries in Q4 2025—meeting internal targets. The company also confirmed a $210 million contract modification for next-generation electronic warfare systems, supporting upgrades across the U.S. Air Force fleet. Car-Tech Systems (CART) posted a 2.1% increase to $88.95, fueled by investor confidence in its recent win of a $95 million defense vehicle prototype development deal. The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities Office, focuses on autonomous combat vehicle technology and includes a 12-month milestone schedule. The collective movement of these three defense stocks reflects broader sector resilience, with the S&P 1500 Defense & Aerospace Index rising 1.5% on the day. Market participants remain focused on fiscal year 2026 defense spending levels, currently projected at $886 billion, which continue to underpin near-term visibility for defense contractors.