Based on the aggregated intelligence of 140,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, defense contracting giant Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Lockheed's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Lockheed facts

Headquarters (Founded)

Bethesda, Md. (1909)

Market Cap

$30.78 billion

Industry

Aerospace and defense

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$43.32 billion

Management

CEO Robert Stevens (since 2004)
CFO Bruce Tanner (since 2007)

Return on Equity (Average, Past 3 Years)

42%

Cash / Debt

$2.67 billion / $3.81 billion

Dividend Yield

2.85%

Competitors

Boeing (NYSE:BA)
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)
Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

CAPS Members Bullish on LMT Also Bullish on

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

CAPS Members Bearish on LMT Also Bearish on

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL)
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX)

Sources: Capital IQ (a division of Standard & Poor's) and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 94% of the 1,477 members who have rated Lockheed believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward. These bulls include DantaSparda and All-Star jaimikpatel, who is ranked in the top 20% of our community.

Three weeks ago, DantaSparda tapped Lockheed as a "defensive" way to play defense:

Lockheed is probably the best defense contractor out there. I have worked for several and was always pleased with how they treat their employees. … That aside, the stock has taken quite a hit, but the solid dividend makes it a good buy. Defense contractors will always be around and Lockheed will lead the way.

In a pitch from last month, jaimikpatel also helped Fools lock in on Lockheed:

Long term, as the world returns to a multi-polar system where the U.S. only maintains a preponderance of power and not sole superpower (or hyperpower) status, defense budgets will only increase to ease concern at home, regardless of threat. Lockheed is a key player in many major subsectors within the defense industry, and will capitalize enormously from increased spending. Another plus is that maintenance and replacement of over-used equipment from Iraq and Afghanistan will be a major business in the coming decade. A stable dividend is the cherry on top.

What do you think about Lockheed, or any other stock for that matter? Make your voice heard on Motley Fool CAPS today. The CAPS community is waiting to hear your opinions. CAPS is 100% free, so get started!