Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) has increased its quarterly dividend to $3.60 per share, up $0.15, or approximately 4.35%, from the previous quarter. The aerospace and defense company announced the board-authorized increase on October 9, 2026, with payment scheduled for December 31, 2026.
The higher payout marks Lockheed Martin's 24th consecutive year of dividend increases, according to the company's official dividend announcement. It also raises the implied annualized dividend to $14.40 per share, assuming the new quarterly rate continues for four payments.
Lockheed Martin Dividend Payment Dates and Amounts
Lockheed Martin's board authorized the fourth-quarter dividend for shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2026. The payment is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
The key details are:
- Quarterly dividend: $3.60 per share.
- Previous quarterly dividend: $3.45 per share.
- Increase: $0.15 per share, approximately 4.35%.
- Record date: December 1, 2026.
- Payment date: December 31, 2026.
The record date identifies shareholders recognized for the dividend, while the ex-dividend date determines when shares begin trading without entitlement to that payment. Financial calendar provider RTTNews lists November 30, 2026, as the ex-dividend date. Investors should confirm the applicable trading and settlement details through their brokerage or an authoritative market record.
The announcement was also covered by the Cobb County Courier, which highlighted the company's longstanding aerospace manufacturing presence in Marietta, Georgia.
What the Dividend Increase Means in Annual Terms
The latest increase takes Lockheed Martin's quarterly dividend from $3.45 to $3.60 per share. Over four equal quarterly payments, that translates into an annualized dividend of $14.40 per share, compared with $13.80 at the previous rate.
The difference is $0.60 per share annually. For illustration, an investor holding 100 shares would receive $360 from one quarterly dividend at the new rate, compared with $345 previously. Four payments at $3.60 would total $1,440 before applicable taxes.
These annualized figures are calculations, not commitments to future distributions. Each subsequent dividend remains subject to the company's board decisions.
The 4.35% increase also should not be confused with dividend yield, which measures annualized dividend payments relative to a stock's market price and changes as that price fluctuates.
A 24-Year Dividend Growth Streak
Lockheed Martin says the October announcement extends its consecutive annual dividend-increase streak to 24 years.
The company's third-quarter 2026 declaration, issued July 22, authorized a $3.45-per-share payment. Its official dividend history also records quarterly payments of $3.30 during much of 2025, before the rate increased to $3.45 for the fourth quarter of that year.
In announcing the latest increase, Lockheed Martin said it continues investing in programs supporting its order backlog while maintaining its approach to capital allocation. The announcement reinforces the company's stated commitment to shareholder distributions, although dividend history alone does not establish future earnings growth or payout sustainability.
What Investors Should Watch Next
Lockheed Martin's next scheduled financial update may provide additional context for evaluating the increased dividend.
According to the company's earnings webcast announcement, third-quarter 2026 results are scheduled for release before the U.S. stock market opens on October 22, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Revenue, profitability, operating cash flow, investment requirements and management's updated outlook will help investors assess the financial resources supporting shareholder distributions. The balance between investment in defense programs and cash returned to shareholders will also remain important.
For now, the confirmed development is a $0.15 increase in Lockheed Martin's quarterly dividend, with the next payment scheduled for December 31. Whether the company can maintain its dividend-growth streak in future years will depend on its financial performance and subsequent board decisions.
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