Lockheed Martin shares hit a fresh all-time high on Monday, Joseph F. Dunford Jr. elected to Lockheed’s Board of Directors

Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) said on Friday that General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had been elected to its Board of Directors, effective February 10th.

Lockheed Martin shares closed lower for the fourth time in the past ten trading sessions in New York on Monday. The stock inched down 0.03% ($0.12) to $432.38, after touching an intraday high at $434.34 and also a fresh all-time high.

Shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation have risen 11.04% so far in 2020 compared with a 0.40% gain for the benchmark index, S&P 500 (SPX).

In 2019, Lockheed Martin’s stock went up 48.71%, thus, it again outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a 28.88% gain.

Dunford, a retired US Marine Corps general, is to serve on Lockheed Martin’s Classified Business and Security Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

“General Dunford’s service to the nation at the highest levels of military leadership will bring valuable insight to our board,” Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.

“His experience in complex, global operations and risk management, including cybersecurity threats, is a tremendous asset and will enhance board oversight in key business areas,” Hewson added.

Dunford served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council, from October 2015 until September 2019, when he retired.

Analyst stock price forecast and recommendation

According to CNN Money, the 19 analysts, offering 12-month forecasts regarding Lockheed Martin’s stock price, have a median target of $427.00, with a high estimate of $470.00 and a low estimate of $360.00. The median estimate represents a 1.24% downside compared to the closing price of $432.38 on January 27th.

The same media also reported that at least 12 out of 22 surveyed investment analysts had rated Lockheed Martin Corporation’s stock as “Buy”, while 9 – as “Hold”.