Defense Stock In Focus Ahead of Earnings.

$Intel (INTC.US)$ When we last checked in with $Lockheed Martin (LMT.US)$ , the defense stock was selling its fighter jets to Germany. Amid a historically profitable time for the sector, how has the stock fared?

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with $Intel (INTC.US)$ with the goal of advanced 5G communication for the U.S. and allied defense systems. In two weeks, Lockheed is set to first quarter earnings, with analysts currently anticipating a drop in earnings down to $6.23 per share. Looking at Lockheed's earnings history, the stock has moved lower after six of its last eight reports. Overall, LMT averages a post-earnings move of 4%, regardless of direction. For next Thursday, the options market is pricing in a smaller-than-usual 3.6% move for the defense stock.