Should You Buy, Sell or Hold RTX Stock Ahead of Q2 Earnings Release?

Core Viewpoint - RTX Corp. is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 22, with anticipated revenue growth of 4.8% year-over-year and earnings per share (EPS) growth of 2.8% from the prior year [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $20.66 billion, reflecting a 4.8% increase from the previous year's quarter [2]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $1.45 per share, indicating a 2.8% rise from the prior-year quarter [2]. - The earnings estimate has decreased by 0.7% over the past 60 days [2]. Business Performance Insights - RTX has a strong earnings surprise history, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 9.91% [2][3]. - The Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace segments are expected to show strong performance due to increased commercial engine and aftermarket sales [4][6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pratt & Whitney's adjusted sales is $7,284 million, a 7.1% improvement year-over-year, while Collins Aerospace's adjusted sales are estimated at $7,249.3 million, a 3.6% increase [8]. Military Sales Outlook - Increased geopolitical tensions are expected to drive growth in military sales, with higher engine deliveries for tanker programs and strong demand for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade for F-35 fighter jets [9][10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Raytheon's second-quarter sales is $6,773.3 million, indicating a 4% increase from the previous year [11]. Overall Sales Performance - Strong sales across RTX's business segments are anticipated to boost overall revenues for the second quarter [12]. - Factors contributing to this growth include solid sales expectations, increased defense volume, and improved net productivity [12]. Price Performance and Valuation - RTX shares have increased by 24.1% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks aerospace-defense industry and the S&P 500 [14]. - RTX is currently trading at a premium valuation of 2.31X forward 12-month price/sales, compared to the peer group's 1.88X [16]. Investment Considerations - The growing demand for defense products due to geopolitical tensions is expected to support sales growth for RTX and its peers [17]. - Expanding commercial air traffic is also a significant growth catalyst, with over 13,000 large commercial engines installed globally [18]. - However, RTX's return on equity (ROE) is lower than its peers, indicating less effective use of shareholders' equity to generate profits [18].