defense contractors

Obama and the Bayonets: Who's Right on the Defense Debate?

President Obama's snappy comeback about bayonets and horses put Mitt Romney on the defensive on defense spending ... but do his arguments hold water? Is Washington being a good steward of your tax dollars, as it spends them on aircraft carriers, nuclear subs, and other gear for our smaller, high-tech Navy?

Defense Cuts to Clip Lockheed's Wings?

Following Congress's debt deal, the Pentagon faces up to $600 billion in cuts, on top of $400 billion previously demanded by the president. What might this mean for Lockheed Martin, the contractor whose F35 Joint Strike Fighter -- intended to be a "cost effective" project -- has already become a fiscal and logistical disaster?

Raytheon to Buy Applied Signal for $490 million

Defense contractor Raytheon said Monday it has agreed to buy Applied Signal Technology, which specializes in collecting and processing communication signals to support tactical and strategic intelligence missions, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $490 million.

Are U.S. Defense Contractors Abandoning California?

Boeing's plan to relocate two major defense programs from California to Oklahoma could signal the start of a major shift in the locations of defense contractors, and how they work. For the areas attracting the companies, it's about jobs. For the contractors, it's about remaining competitive.

Blackwater Created Shell Companies to Get Federal Contracts

The security company Blackwater Worldwide formed a network of 30 shell companies and subsidiaries to try to get millions of dollars in government business after the company faced strong criticism for reckless conduct in Iraq, The New York Times reported Friday.

Northrop Grumman Earnings Preview: Impact of Budget Cuts

Northrop Grumman depends on government contracts for more than 90% of revenue, making talk of cutting the budget deficit a prickly subject. Here's how the defense contractor plans to stay in the game and how it will affect earnings.

Boeing to Acquire Argon ST in $775 Million Deal

Boeing is beefing up its defense, space and security operating unit with plans to acquire Argon ST in a $775 million, all-cash deal, at the aircraft maker announced Wednesday. Under the deal, Boeing will pay $34.50 per share, a 41% premium over Argon's closing price Tuesday.

Lockheed Profits Fly Past Estimates

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin posted higher fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, boosted by sales of its fighter jets and satellite systems. The earnings per share results, however, were boosted by a share buyback.