Core Insights - Rising global defense budgets and military modernization are driving sustained demand for defense contractors like RTX Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. [1][3] - Both companies have strong backlogs of government contracts, ensuring revenue visibility and positioning them to benefit from long-term security spending trends [1][9] Company Overview - RTX offers a diversified portfolio including commercial jet engines, avionics, space sensors, military radars, and Satcom systems [2] - Lockheed is known for flagship defense programs such as the F-35 fighter jet, Patriot and THAAD missiles, littoral combat vessels, and advanced space solutions like the Orion spacecraft [2] Financial Stability & Growth Drivers - As of Q2 2025, RTX has cash and cash equivalents of $4.78 billion and a current debt of $3.72 billion, indicating a solid liquidity position [4] - RTX's cash flow from operating activities is $1.76 billion, allowing for shareholder-friendly actions such as $50 million in share repurchases and $1.75 billion in dividends in the first half of 2025 [5] - In contrast, Lockheed's cash and cash equivalents are $1.29 billion, with long-term debt at $18.52 billion and current debt at $3.12 billion, indicating a poor solvency position [6] - Lockheed's cash flow from operations has declined to $1.61 billion, raising concerns about its liquidity [6] Growth Catalysts - Both companies are expected to benefit from the proposed 13% increase in the U.S. defense budget to $1.01 trillion for fiscal 2026, with significant funding for space dominance and missile defense initiatives [8][9] - RTX is also positioned to benefit from improving commercial air traffic, with a reported organic year-over-year sales growth of 9% in Q2 2025 [10][12] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, RTX has outperformed Lockheed, with RTX shares up 16.4% compared to Lockheed's decline of 6.1% [19] - In the past year, RTX shares surged 30.8%, while Lockheed's shares decreased by 20.1% [19] Valuation Metrics - Lockheed trades at a forward earnings multiple of 16.56, which is lower than RTX's multiple of 24.49, suggesting Lockheed may be more attractively valued [20] - Lockheed demonstrates a higher return on equity compared to RTX, indicating better efficiency in converting equity financing into profits [24] Final Assessment - Amid robust global defense spending, Lockheed is positioned as a strong contender in the defense sector, while RTX's reliance on commercial aerospace makes it more vulnerable to supply-chain disruptions [25] - Lockheed's commanding presence in flagship defense platforms and attractive valuation contrast with RTX's premium valuation and potential overvaluation [25]

Continued year-over-year sales growth driven by aerospace & defense Aerospace and defense sales of $762 million, representing 67% of Q2 2025 sales Strong demand for commercial jet engines - YoY sales growth of 27% Raising mid-point of full year adjusted earnings and cash flow guidance Second Quarter 2025 GAAP Financial Results Second Quarter 2025 Non-GAAP Financial Information* Guidance The Company is providing third quarter and updated full year 2025 guidance in the table below. | Guidance | | | --- | --- ...

RTX Corp. (RTX) demonstrated robust financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing analyst expectations. The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.47, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9%. Revenues outpaced the consensus mark by 3%. The company also registered solid growth in its sales and earnings on a year-over-year basis. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.)This growth was primarily driven by sustained demand for its def ...