What are the key dates and deadlines associated with the lawsuit, and how might they influence market activity around those times?

Key dates & deadlines

• August 11 2025 – Public notice of the class‑action filing (the “filing date”). The market already reacted to the press release, and the first wave of price‑adjusting trades typically occurs in the 24‑hour window after the filing.
  
• Late‑August 2025 (≈ 30 days after filing) – Deadline for Lockheed Martin to file its answer and any motions for early dismissal. A “motion‑to‑dismiss” filing can either truncate the case (if the court sides with the company) or, if denied, confirm that the case will move forward, which often fuels a second bout of volatility.
  
• Early‑to‑mid‑September 2025 (≈ 90 days after filing) – Class‑member claim‑submission deadline (the “claims‑cut‑off”). Once the notice is sent to all eligible shareholders, the clock usually runs 60‑90 days; the final day to submit a claim is a focal point for short‑term trading, as investors who still hold the stock may rush to either lock‑in a position or unload before the settlement window opens.
  
• Late‑October 2025 (≈ 6‑9 months after filing) – Anticipated class‑certification hearing. If the court certifies the class, the case proceeds to the merits stage, which historically adds a “settlement‑risk premium” to the stock price and can generate a pronounced swing in both volume and volatility.

Market‑activity implications

1. Immediate post‑filing (Aug 11‑13) – Expect a modest sell‑off as the market prices in the potential liability exposure. The move is usually confined to the “legal‑risk” discount zone (≈ 2‑3 % below the pre‑filing close) and is amplified if the stock is already on a tight technical range. Traders can look for a break of the short‑term support around the $530‑$540 level on the daily chart to confirm the downside bias.

2. 30‑day response deadline (late‑August) – If Lockheed Martin files a robust defensive motion, the stock may rebound on the “defense‑wins” narrative, especially if the motion is dismissed. Conversely, a weak response can trigger a second round of selling. Anticipate a volatility spike; options traders often open straddles or sell “volatility‑risk” premium around the $540‑$560 range.

3. Claims‑cut‑off (early‑mid‑September) – This is the “last‑call” for investors to decide whether to stay in the stock for a possible settlement or exit. Historically, claim‑cut‑off dates generate a short‑term “panic‑sell” as marginal holders liquidate, creating a volume‑heavy, downward‑biased day. A contrarian play is to buy on the dip if the price falls below the $520‑$525 support, with a stop just above the $530 resistance, positioning for a rebound once the deadline passes and the settlement‑process window opens.

4. Class‑certification hearing (late‑October) – The market typically prices in the probability of a settlement or a protracted litigation. If the class is certified, the stock often experiences a “settlement‑premium” rally (5‑8 % upside) as the odds of a cash‑out rise. If the court denies certification, the downside pressure can resume. Traders should monitor the $560‑$580 resistance on the weekly chart; a breakout above it ahead of the hearing can signal a bullish bias, while a failure to break may keep the stock in a defensive posture.

Actionable take‑aways

• Short‑term: Stay flat or modestly short from Aug 11‑13; watch for a break of $530 support on the daily chart.
  
• Mid‑term (late‑August to early‑September): Prepare for heightened volatility; consider delta‑neutral options (e.g., straddles) or a “buy‑the‑dip” if the price slides below $525 with a tight stop at $520.
  
• Long‑term (late‑October): Keep a watchlist for a potential 5‑8 % upside if class certification looks likely; a breakout above $560 on the weekly chart could be the trigger for a position, with a stop just below $540.
  

By aligning trade entries and risk‑management around these legal milestones, you can capture the price‑action that typically accompanies class‑action litigation in a large‑cap defense stock like Lockheed Martin.