Defense stocks soar to all-time highs on $110 billion US-Saudi Arabia weapons deal

• These types of arms deals have caused defense stocks to rally in the past, according to CNBC analysis using Kensho.
• One month after about 40 U.S.-Saudi Arabia arms deals — going back to 2009 — the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF was up 3.3 percent, on average, according to Kensho.
• Lockheed Martin is slated to be the biggest potential winner after this news, a note from Cowen said.

Lauren Thomas | @laurenthomasx3

Defense stocks took off on Monday after President Donald Trumpsigned a nearly $110 billion weapons deal with Saudi Arabia. The deal will be worth $350 billion over 10 years.

Shortly after market open, Lockheed Martin was up about 2 percent, Raytheon was up more than 1.4 percent, Northrop Grumman climbed 1 percent and General Dynamics was up about half a percent. All four stocks reached new highs.

Additionally, the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) was up about 1.3 percent in early trading.

Jet maker Boeing also signed a handful of deals with Saudi Arabia during Trump's weekend visit, involving the sale of military and passenger aircraft. Its stock was up about 2 percent.

These types of arms deals have caused defense stocks to rally in the past, according to CNBC analysis using Kensho.

One month after about 40 U.S.-Saudi Arabia arms deals — going back to 2009 — the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF was up 3.3 percent, on average, almost double the return of the S&P 500, according to data compiled by Kensho.

"The key, and as yet unknown, issue will be (1) when/if all the various items mentioned are put under contract and (2) when they are to be delivered," Cowen analyst Cai von Rumohr wrote in a note to clients.

"Given the generally extended period required to finalize foreign arms contracts, we'd expect little impact on 2017 results, with some potential benefit in 2018 and more in 2019," Rumohr said.

Lockheed Martin is slated to be the biggest potential winner after this news, with Raytheon being a "potential dark horse winner," should its Patriot missile be purchased, Rumohr said.

Trump's deal with the Saudis solidifies a decades-long alliance with the world's largest oil exporter and will be worth $350 billion over 10 years.

Lockheed Martin said in a statement that the deal "will directly contribute to [Saudi Arabia's] Vision 2030 by opening the door for thousands of highly skilled jobs in new economic sectors."

— CNBC's Javier David contributed to this report.

CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is a minority investor in Kensho.

Correction: President Donald Trump signed a nearly $110 billion weapons deal with Saudi Arabia. An earlier version misstated the figure.

Lauren ThomasNews Associate for CNBC
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/22/defense-stocks-rally-on-110-billion-us-saudi-arabia-weapons-deal.html