Core Insights - RTX Corporation is recognized as one of the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025 [1] - JPMorgan has raised its price target for RTX to $200, indicating a positive growth outlook for the aerospace and defense sector heading into 2026 [2] - RTX has secured significant contracts, including a $1.6 billion sustainment contract for F135 engines and a $2.8 billion contract for F135 engine production, highlighting operational momentum [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, RTX raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to $6.10 to $6.20, up from $5.80 to $5.95, and increased its sales forecast to $86.5 billion to $87 billion from $84.75 billion to $85.5 billion [4] - Management has effectively managed tariff impacts and macroeconomic uncertainties, which is seen as a positive indicator for the business [5]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 has increased nearly 18% in 2025, marking the potential for a third consecutive year of double-digit gains for the broader US market [1] - Wall Street anticipates continued profit growth, with S&P 500 earnings expected to rise by approximately 15.5% in 2026, up from 13.2% in 2025 and 12.1% in 2024 [2] - Goldman Sachs forecasts a 2.6% growth in US GDP for 2026, slightly above consensus, indicating a supportive environment for stock prices [3] Dividend Stocks Performance - The Dividend Aristocrat index, tracking companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, has risen over 6% this year, maintaining investor interest in dividend stocks for income and consistency [4] - A review of companies with the strongest returns in 2025 led to the selection of 20 dividend-paying stocks based on year-to-date performance, not on dividend size [6] Company Highlights C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.08% with a dividend yield of 1.56% [9] - The company reported a profit beat in Q3 2025, attributed to its use of AI for operational efficiency, which has helped streamline logistics processes [10][12] - Revenue for the North American Surface Transportation segment increased by 1.1%, despite a challenging backdrop in US freight volumes [11] RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.84% with a dividend yield of 1.48% [13] - The company secured a $1.6 billion sustainment contract for F135 engines and raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to $6.10 to $6.20, up from $5.80 to $5.95 [15][16] - RTX's ability to manage tariff impacts positively reflects on its business outlook, with a forecasted revenue increase to $86.5 billion to $87 billion [17] HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.85% with a dividend yield of 0.61% [18] - The company reported a 2.1% year-over-year increase in same-facility admissions and a 6.6% increase in revenue per equivalent admission [20] - HCA aims to increase its market share from 27% in 2022 to 29% by 2030, supported by an aging population and ongoing investments in technology [21][22]

Group 1 - The company RTX has secured a $1.6 billion sustainment contract for its F135 engines [1] - The F135 engines are used to power various variants of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jets [1]

Core Insights - Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.6 billion contract for the sustainment of F135 engines, which are essential for the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft [1][2] Group 1: Contract Details - The contract will fund critical sustainment activities such as depot level maintenance, spare parts replenishment, material management, propulsion system integration, engineering support, and software sustainment for both U.S. and international customers [2] - The F135 sustainment network includes multiple global depot facilities, 39 bases, and 12 ships worldwide, ensuring mission readiness for F-35 operators [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The investment in F135 sustainment is aimed at keeping allied forces prepared to address current and future threats, enhancing the operational capabilities of F-35 operators globally [3] - Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,300 F135 production engines to 20 allied nations, indicating a strong global presence and reliance on the F135 engine [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The F135 Engine Core Upgrade will utilize the existing sustainment network to provide cost-effective infrastructure that enhances readiness and support for F-35 partner nations for decades [4] - RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, is positioned as the world's largest aerospace and defense company, with projected sales exceeding $80 billion in 2024 [6]