Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin is working to expedite the delayed deliveries of new F-16Vs to Taiwan due to supply chain issues affecting the program [1] Group 1 - Lockheed Martin acknowledged that the delivery schedule for F-16Vs to Taiwan has been pushed back [1] - The delays are attributed to ongoing supply chain challenges [1]

Core Viewpoint - The newly launched Rex Drone ETF (DRNZ) targets a niche market focused on drone technology, distinguishing itself from traditional aerospace and defense ETFs by providing dedicated exposure to companies involved in both defense and commercial drone applications [1][2]. Group 1: ETF Overview - DRNZ began trading on October 29 and aims to capture the expanding use cases of drones, including military reconnaissance, commercial delivery, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and AI-enabled industrial automation [2]. - The ETF is based on the VettaFi Drone Index, with quarterly reconstitution and rebalancing of its holdings, ensuring that the fund reflects the current market landscape [4]. Group 2: Investment Focus - DRNZ's portfolio consists of two tiers: companies that are pure drone plays and those that are "drone-ish," with at least 80% of its holdings being pure drone companies that derive a significant portion of their assets, revenues, or profits from the drone sector [5]. - Unlike other ETFs, DRNZ does not heavily rely on major players like Palantir, which only constitutes a 3% position in the fund, allowing for a broader range of investment opportunities [3]. Group 3: Market Position - There are currently no direct competitors to DRNZ with established performance records, but it can be compared to aerospace and defense ETFs, such as the S&P Aerospace & Defense SPDR (XAR), which has been available for 14 years and trades at a high valuation of 32 times trailing earnings [6].

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) has a market capitalization of $83 billion and is a prominent provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation sectors [1] Performance Overview - HWM shares have outperformed the broader market, surging 103.6% over the past 52 weeks compared to a 17.7% increase in the S&P 500 Index [2] - Year-to-date, HWM shares are up 88.3%, while the S&P 500 has gained 16.3% [2] - HWM has also outpaced the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF, which returned 56.9% over the past year [3] Financial Results - In Q3 2025, HWM reported an EPS of $0.95 and revenue of $2.09 billion, exceeding expectations [4] - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts project a 37.2% year-over-year growth in EPS to $3.69 [5] - The company has consistently surpassed consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - The consensus rating among 21 analysts is a "Strong Buy," with 16 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and four "Holds" [5] - RBC Capital analyst Ken Herbert raised the price target for HWM to $235, maintaining an "Outperform" rating [7] - The mean price target of $211.88 indicates a 2.9% premium to current price levels, while the highest target of $225 suggests a potential upside of 9.2% [7]

Group 1 - Ducommun Incorporated (DCO) has experienced a significant increase of 31.6% since the last report, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 16.2% [1] - The rally in Ducommun's stock reflects growing investor confidence in the company's expanding aerospace and defense sales [1] - The analysis is provided by an experienced aerospace, defense, and airline analyst who runs The Aerospace Forum, focusing on investment opportunities in these sectors [1] Group 2 - The analyst emphasizes the importance of data-informed analysis in driving investment ideas within the aerospace and defense industry [1] - The Aerospace Forum offers access to an in-house developed data analytics platform, evoX Data Analytics, enhancing the research capabilities for investors [1]

Core Insights - RTX Corporation has a market capitalization of $236.5 billion and operates in the aerospace and defense sector through three main segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, serving commercial, military, and government clients globally [1] Stock Performance - RTX shares have significantly outperformed the broader market, increasing by 45.6% over the past 52 weeks, compared to a 17.4% rise in the S&P 500 Index [2] - Year-to-date, RTX stock is up 53.3%, while the S&P 500 has seen a nearly 16% increase [2] - The company's performance also surpassed the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund's 14.3% return over the same period [3] Financial Results - On October 21, RTX reported Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.70 and revenue of $22.48 billion, exceeding forecasts [4] - The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to between $6.10 and $6.20 and revenue guidance to between $86.5 billion and $87 billion, indicating strong demand [4] - Growth was driven by a 10% increase in defense sales, particularly in Patriot systems, and a 16% rise in Pratt & Whitney sales due to booming aerospace demand [4] Analyst Expectations - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts project RTX's adjusted EPS to grow by 7.9% year-over-year to $6.18 [5] - RTX has a strong earnings surprise history, having exceeded consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] - Among 21 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 13 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and seven "Holds" [5] Price Targets - BofA analyst Ronald Epstein raised RTX's price target to $215 while maintaining a "Buy" rating [6] - The mean price target of $188.78 suggests a 6.4% premium to RTX's current price levels [6] - The highest price target of $215 indicates a potential upside of 21.2% [6]

Group 1 - Boeing stock has been downgraded from a buy to a hold by Deutsche Bank, with the price target reduced from $255 to $240, indicating less growth potential than previously thought [1] - Following the downgrade, Boeing's stock price fell nearly 5% to $203.65, reflecting negative market sentiment [1] - The company is facing worsening prospects, which have contributed to the recent decline in stock value [1] Group 2 - Boeing has reported mixed earnings results, which have led to a slide in its shares despite key wins [4] - The company has secured a $3 billion deal related to Patriot missile technology, which may provide some support to its stock performance [4] - Overall market conditions have been challenging, with the Dow experiencing a decline and small caps lagging behind, impacting Boeing's stock [4]

Core Insights - Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $3.68 per share, a decline of 43.8% from $2.56 in the prior-year quarter, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.29 by 11.9% [1] - The company's total revenues for the quarter reached $3.19 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.94 billion by 8.4%, and improved 16.1% from $2.75 billion in the year-ago quarter [2] - Segmental operating income increased to $179 million from $97 million in the third quarter of 2024, with an operating margin expansion of 208 basis points to 5.6% [3] Revenue Performance - Total revenues for the quarter were $3.19 billion, reflecting a 16.1% year-over-year increase driven by higher sales volume across all major business segments [2] - Newport News Shipbuilding segment revenues totaled $1.62 billion, up 14.5% year over year, primarily due to increased volumes in submarines and aircraft carriers [5] - Ingalls Shipbuilding segment revenues reached $828 million, a 24.7% increase year over year, driven by higher sales volumes from surface combatants [6] - Mission Technologies segment revenues totaled $787 million, up 11% year over year, attributed to higher volumes from C5ISR and training solutions [6] Operational Performance - Segmental operating income rose to $179 million compared to $97 million in the same quarter last year, indicating strong operational performance across all segments [3] - The operating income for Newport News Shipbuilding increased by 433.3% year over year to $80 million, influenced by prior unfavorable adjustments [5] - Ingalls Shipbuilding reported operating earnings of $65 million, up 32.7% year over year, driven by increased volumes [6] Financial Update - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $312 million, a significant decrease from $831 million as of December 31, 2024 [8] - Long-term debt as of June 30, 2025, remained stable at $2.70 billion, consistent with the end of 2024 levels [10] - Cash generated by operating activities amounted to $546 million, a substantial increase from $2 million a year ago [10] Guidance - The company revised its shipbuilding revenue guidance to a range of $9.0-$9.1 billion, compared to the previous guidance of $8.9-$9.1 billion [11] - For Mission Technologies, revenue expectations were narrowed to $3.0-$3.1 billion from the prior range of $2.9-$3.1 billion [11] - Free cash flow guidance was raised to $550-$650 million, up from the previous estimate of $500-$600 million [11] Backlog and Orders - HII received orders worth $2 billion in the third quarter of 2025, resulting in a total backlog of $55.7 billion as of September 30, 2025, down from $56.9 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Boeing Co. reported a mixed quarter with strong commercial momentum but ongoing challenges from the 777X program, leading to a decline in share price [1] Group 1: Operational Performance - Operational stability is improving in Boeing's commercial business, aided by the FAA's approval to increase 737 output to 42 jets per month and maintain 787 production at seven per month [2] - The company is making steady progress in restoring execution discipline and supply chain reliability, despite a $4.9 billion charge related to the 777X program and its delayed entry into service until 2027 [3] Group 2: Future Projections - Analyst Ronald J. Epstein expects 737 production to reach 47 jets per month by late 2026 and 787 output to increase to 10 per month by 2027, indicating a positive long-term growth trajectory for Boeing [3] - The forecast for 2026 free cash flow is $3.7 billion, revised down from $4.7 billion, with an expectation to rise to $8 billion by 2028 as deliveries normalize [4] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Valuation - Epstein maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $270, based on normalized free cash flow of $10 per share and valuation parity with the S&P 500 multiple [4] - Despite risks from program delays and cost overruns, Boeing's improving operations, a $600 billion backlog, and the planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems are expected to support a more stable outlook [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $6.6 billion in orders for the quarter, resulting in a Book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 [14] - Revenue was $5.7 billion, reflecting strong organic growth of 10% [14] - Segment operating margin was 15.9%, up 20 basis points, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sequential margin expansion [14] - Non-GAAP EPS was $2.70, up 10% year over year, with a pension-adjusted EPS increase of 15% [15] - Free cash flow was approximately $450 million, with expectations for strong cash performance in Q4 [15][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Communication Systems (CS) revenue was $1.5 billion, up 6%, with an operating margin of 26.1% [15] - Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) revenue was $1.7 billion, up 17% organically, with an operating margin of 12% [16] - Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) revenue was $1.8 billion, up 7%, with an operating margin of 12.1% [16] - Aerojet Rocketdyne achieved organic growth of 15%, with record revenue and an operating margin of 12.7% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is fully aligned with U.S. administration priorities for missile defense architecture, with a focus on expanding capacity across its space portfolio [6][8] - Aerojet Rocketdyne reached a record financial backlog of $8.3 billion, primarily to support increased demand for solid rocket motors [9] - The company is positioned to accelerate production and integration as new contracts are awarded [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming to respond with speed and agility to the evolving defense landscape, emphasizing innovation and collaboration [5] - Investments are being made in domestic manufacturing to meet national defense demand, with a focus on expanding capacity in various states [10][11] - The company is committed to delivering software-defined, resilient capabilities and is actively partnering with emerging technology companies [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving increased 2025 guidance and exceeding the original 2026 financial framework [6][24] - The ongoing government shutdown and budget challenges are acknowledged as potential risks, but the company remains focused on execution and readiness [10][82] - Management highlighted the importance of converting demand signals into multi-year contracts to support future growth [11][91] Other Important Information - The company secured a $2.2 billion award from South Korea for next-generation airborne early warning business jets [18] - A partnership with Joby Aviation was announced to explore new aircraft classes for defense applications [19] - The company is actively involved in NASA projects, particularly with the RS-25 engines for the SLS system [96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for ISR segment and recent wins - Management noted significant improvements in the ISR segment, with a backlog doubling in 12 months and positive outlook due to increased international interest [30][31] Question: Managing agility in a large organization - Management emphasized empowering leadership and reducing bureaucracy to maintain agility and responsiveness in partnerships with smaller companies [35][38] Question: Outlook for Golden Dome space-based competitions - Management expressed confidence in capabilities for missile defense architecture and readiness for upcoming awards once the government reopens [41][42] Question: Growth outlook for Aerojet Rocketdyne - Management indicated significant growth potential for Aerojet Rocketdyne, with expectations for double-digit growth driven by solid rocket motors and space propulsion [66][67] Question: International business expansion and teaming operations - Management highlighted increased international budgets and partnerships, with a goal to expand international share to 25% of the base [72][73] Question: Multi-year contracts and their impact - Management discussed the need for multi-year contracts to support capacity expansion and align investments with customer needs [91][93]

Financial Highlights - Orders reached $7 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2x and a record backlog[4] - Organic growth increased by 10%, showing significant progress towards the company's 2026 Financial Framework[4] - The adjusted segment operating margin was 15.9%, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year expansion[4] - Non-GAAP EPS grew by 10%, or 15% on a pension-adjusted basis[4] - The company is increasing guidance based on strong performance and higher expectations[4] Guidance and Outlook - Revenue guidance for 2025 is approximately $22 billion, revised up from a prior guidance of approximately $21.75 billion[5] - The revenue outlook for 2026 is $23 billion[5] - The adjusted segment operating margin guidance for 2025 is high 15%, revised up from a prior guidance of mid-to-high 15%[5] - The adjusted segment operating margin outlook for 2026 is low 16%[5] - Adjusted free cash flow is expected to be approximately $2.65 billion for 2025 and $3.0 billion for 2026[5] Q3 2025 Financial Results - Revenue was $5.7 billion[6] - Adjusted segment operating income was $900 million, resulting in a 15.9% margin[6] - Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $2.70[6] - Adjusted free cash flow was $449 million[6]