Shares in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) have surged to a fresh all-time high, as investor enthusiasm around defence spending and contract momentum continues to build.
The EOS share price touched a record $11.20 earlier today before easing slightly. At the time of writing, the stock is up 10.21% to $11.01.
That move pushes EOS decisively above its previous all-time high of $10.80, set back in early 2020 before the COVID sell-off. More importantly, it caps off one of the most extraordinary rallies on the ASX. The stock is now up more than 800% compared to this time last year.
A powerful mix of tailwinds
The rally is being driven by a potent combination of macro and company-specific catalysts.
On the macro level, rising geopolitical tensions across Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific continue to drive a sharp increase in global defence spending. Governments are prioritising border security, force protection, and autonomous weapons systems, all areas where EOS has proven capability.
At the company level, EOS has delivered a steady stream of positive news over recent weeks. Last month alone, the company announced multiple new contracts across its remote weapon systems (RWS) and space systems divisions, reinforcing confidence that revenue momentum is accelerating into calendar year 2026.
Investors are also closely watching developments in South Korea. EOS is widely expected to secure the conditional South Korean defence contract, with a decision anticipated before the end of this month. If confirmed, it would represent another major validation of the company's technology and further expand its footprint in a strategically critical region.
Broker confidence builds
Today's rally was given an extra boost after Ord Minnett upgraded its price target on EOS to $12.72 per share. That upgrade reflects growing confidence in EOS' earnings outlook, order book strength, and exposure to long-duration defence programs.
Broker sentiment across the sector has been steadily improving as analysts reassess the sustainability of higher global defence budgets. Unlike past cycles, defence spending is being locked in for the long term, rather than driven by short-term shocks.
Why investors are piling in
From a market perspective, EOS now has a market capitalisation of around $2.1 billion, yet many investors believe it is still in the early stages of its global expansion cycle.
With a strong balance sheet, a growing pipeline of contracted work, and multiple near-term catalysts still in play, momentum remains firmly on the company's side.
While volatility is always part of high-growth defence stocks, today's breakout to new highs sends a clear message. For many investors, EOS is no longer a speculative small-cap; it is now a clear beneficiary of a rapidly changing global security landscape.
