This ASX defence stock is down 10% in a week. Is the next leg higher already lining up?

Shares in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) have pulled back over the past week, sliding almost 10% to around $9.69 at the time of writing.

That dip comes after an extraordinary run. EOS shares are still up more than 700% over the past year, making it one of the ASX’s standout performers.

After a move like that, some profit-taking from short-term traders was inevitable.

What matters the most is that nothing has changed inside the business.

Let’s take a closer look.

A contract book that keeps growing

This week’s pullback followed EOS’ latest quarterly update, which met expectations but did not deliver a fresh surprise.

However, the numbers themselves still point in the right direction.

The standout figure remains EOS’ contract backlog, which climbed to around $459 million at the end of December. That marks a sharp increase over the past year and provides clear revenue visibility into 2026 and beyond.

During the quarter, EOS continued delivering remote weapon systems across multiple regions, including Australia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Manufacturing activity lifted as production rates increased, and customer receipts jumped sharply as more contracts moved into the delivery phase.

That translated into positive operating cash flow for the quarter, a key milestone after years of heavy investment. Cash on hand also rose to more than $100 million, leaving the balance sheet in a much stronger position.

Why investors are focused on what comes next

What keeps investors interested is not just what EOS has already delivered, but what could come next.

Management confirmed it is in advanced discussions with several customers around high-energy laser systems and expanded counter-drone capabilities. These programs are moving beyond development, with EOS demonstrating working systems and progressing toward operational deployments.

There has also been ongoing speculation around a potential South Korean contract, following recent conditional agreements and inspection milestones. While nothing has been confirmed, any conversion into a firm order would likely be a significant sentiment boost.

More broadly, rising global tensions continue to support higher defence spending. Counter-drone systems have shifted from optional to essential, and EOS operates in a niche with relatively few credible competitors.

My Foolish take

After a 700% run, some volatility is normal. A 10% pullback looks far more like a reset within a strong uptrend than the start of any meaningful reversal.

EOS has moved into execution mode, with positive cash flow, a deepening contract book, and clear visibility as production scales. With multiple potential contract announcements still ahead, the setup increasingly favours upside rather than downside.

Looking at the long-term outlook, this dip looks like a chance to add exposure at more attractive levels.

The post This ASX defence stock is down 10% in a week. Is the next leg higher already lining up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.