Leidos stock holds firm after a $4.56 billion quarter
Published on 08/31/2026 at 23:03 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Leidos Holdings (US5253271028) stock traded at $140.59 on August 28, 2026, with a market cap of $17.64 billion and a 52-week range of $98.86 to $205.77. The latest reported quarter delivered $4.56 billion in revenue and $3.26 in earnings per share, and both figures exceeded the prior-year comparison.
Quarterly numbers still matter
The August 4, 2026 earnings release showed revenue up 7.2% year over year and EPS ahead of the $2.91 consensus by $0.35. Leidos also set FY 2026 guidance at $12.20 to $12.50 in adjusted EPS, while the current consensus in market coverage stands at $162.93.
That mix keeps the investment case anchored in execution rather than headline trading. A 13.11 P/E ratio and 0.52 beta suggest a valuation and volatility profile that is still less aggressive than many defense and government-services peers.
Buyback and dividend support
Leidos said on July 31, 2026 that its board authorized repurchases of up to 20 million shares, and the company declared a $0.43 quarterly dividend in the same reporting cycle. The quarterly dividend was paired with strong profitability metrics, including a 7.80% net margin and 30.81% return on equity in the most recent quarter.
For investors, the important comparison is clear: the latest quarter's $3.26 EPS beat the $2.91 estimate by 12.0%, while revenue topped the $4.44 billion forecast by $120 million.
Defense work remains central
Leidos is a government and commercial technology contractor with deep exposure to defense, intelligence, and civil markets. One recent contract stream in the wider defense supply chain included a $40 million order tied to the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 system, which underscores the kind of programmatic spending that can support the sector.
Leidos software and services
Across its software, analytics, and mission support work, Leidos depends on recurring government programs and large contract awards rather than a single product cycle. That model is why the market keeps focusing on margin, cash generation, and the next guidance update.
Leidos shares and valuation
Leidos stock last changed hands at $140.59 on August 28, 2026, compared with a 52-week high of $205.77 and a low of $98.86. The shares sit below the consensus target of $162.93 and far above the 52-week low, which leaves valuation, earnings delivery, and share repurchases as the main near-term drivers.
More on Leidos stock
Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
ISIN: US5253271028
Ticker: LDOS
Exchange: NYSE
Sector / Industry: Industrials / Aerospace & Defense
Index membership: S&P 500
Price (as of August 28, 2026, 3:58 p.m. ET): $140.59 USD
Market cap: $17.64 billion (as of August 28, 2026)
Investor Relations
More on Leidos stock and its latest financial update.
