L3Harris and HII beat estimates on record backlogs, Boeing misses

what happened

Stocktwits reports that U.S. defense firms mostly delivered strong third-quarter results this week, with backlogs growing fast on demand for missiles, military aircraft and naval vessels.

L3Harris (LHX) posted revenue of $6.06 billion, up 7% and above the $5.94 billion analysts expected, while EPS climbed 33% to $3.28 against $2.95 estimates. Its backlog reached a record $53.2 billion, and it lifted its 2026 revenue outlook to $23.5–23.7 billion.

HII (HII) reported record third-quarter revenue of $3.54 billion, about 11% higher, and new awards of $32.4 billion. It raised its 2026 shipbuilding revenue forecast to $10.5–10.7 billion. Boeing (BA) reported revenue of $24.19 billion and a loss of $0.34 per share, both below estimates, as its commercial airplanes segment fell 3%. Its defense division grew 15% to $7.94 billion, with a record $101 billion backlog.

why it matters

For markets, the story pairs strong defense demand and long order books with weakness in commercial aviation. According to Stocktwits, LHX closed 6.8% higher and HII 13.2% higher after results, while Boeing fell nearly 11%. All three remain negative year-to-date: Boeing down nearly 21%, HII 9.6%, L3Harris 8.6%.

market impact

US defense stocks: record backlogs support L3Harris and HII, Boeing pressured by weak commercial jets

• ▲L3Harris shares pressure up — record backlog and raised revenue outlook
• ▼Boeing shares pressure down — revenue and loss misses, weak commercial airplanes

tags

instruments