** Shares of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions KTOS.O down 5.9% at $86.75 in extended trading as co seeks equity
** San Diego, California-based KTOS announces proposed $1 bln stock offering
** Co says intends to use net proceeds to finance acquisitions, fund investments and capex for existing mission critical national security programs and high-probability pipeline opportunities, among other purposes
** Baird, Raymond James, RBC and Truist joint bookrunners
** KTOS has ~170.3 mln shares outstanding for ~$15.7 bln market cap
** Stock on Thurs finished up 4.4% at $92.14, up 21% YTD. Stock has more than tripled over the past 12 months
** Avg rating of 21 analysts is "buy"; median PT of $125 up from $115 a month ago and $96 on Nov 26, per LSEG data
(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)
((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))