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Leidos vs. RTX: Which Defense Tech Stock Is Poised for Stronger Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-06-26 13:40
Core Insights - Over the last decade, global defense priorities have shifted towards digital warfare, integrated networks, and AI-powered intelligence systems, leading to increased investor interest in defense technology stocks like Leidos Holdings (LDOS) and RTX Corp. (RTX) [1][3] Company Overview - Leidos operates as a leading government IT and engineering services provider, specializing in cybersecurity, surveillance, logistics, and data analytics, while RTX is a defense manufacturing powerhouse delivering advanced physical systems such as missile defense, hypersonics, radar, and avionics [2] - RTX's BBN division is known for its work in networking, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, with a history of innovation including contributions to the development of the first email [2] Financial Stability & Growth Drivers - As of Q1 2025, Leidos Holdings had cash and cash equivalents of $0.84 billion and current debt of $0.12 billion, indicating a strong solvency position that allows for continued investment in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions and strategic acquisitions [4][5] - RTX's cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.16 billion with current debt of $3.06 billion, reflecting a solid solvency position that supports investment in innovative technologies within the aerospace-defense industry [6] - The proposed 13% increase in the U.S. defense budget for fiscal 2026 is a major catalyst for both companies, particularly for the development of the Golden Dome missile defense shield [7][8] - Leidos' aviation solutions support 60% of global air traffic, while RTX's Pratt & Whitney unit is a leading jet engine manufacturer [9][11] Stock Performance & Valuation - Over the past three months, LDOS has outperformed RTX with a 13.5% increase compared to RTX's 6%, but RTX has surged 40.5% over the past year, while LDOS has only risen 4.6% [19] - LDOS trades at a forward earnings multiple of 13.95X, which is lower than RTX's 22.32X, indicating a more attractive valuation for LDOS [21] - Leidos has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) than RTX, suggesting more efficient capital utilization [22] Final Assessment - Both Leidos and RTX present distinct yet overlapping investment opportunities in the evolving defense landscape, with Leidos focusing on AI-powered cybersecurity and diversified end-markets, while RTX excels in missile defense and advanced digital capabilities [23][26] - Despite stronger top-line growth estimates for RTX in 2025, Leidos shows higher profitability metrics and a more attractive valuation, making it a potentially smarter investment choice in the current security landscape [27]
Is RTX Stock's Momentum on Growing Jet Engine Demand Sustainable?
ZACKS· 2025-06-23 14:25
Core Insights - The surge in global air travel and increased defense spending are driving strong demand for jet engines, benefiting RTX Corp.'s Pratt & Whitney business unit [1] Commercial Aviation - Airlines are modernizing fleets with fuel-efficient engines to lower operating costs and meet sustainability goals, leading to increased demand for Pratt & Whitney's GTF engines, which offer up to 20% lower fuel consumption [2] Defense Sector - Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine powers the F-35 Lightning II, and geopolitical tensions are increasing military aircraft procurement, boosting demand for RTX's combat jet engines [3] Financial Performance - Pratt & Whitney's sales grew 14% year over year in Q1 2025, 18% in Q4 2024, 14% in Q3 2024, and 19% in Q2 2024, indicating strong top-line performance [4] Future Outlook - As of June 18, 2025, RTX has received nearly 1,100 GTF engine orders and commitments, and secured contracts worth up to $1.5 billion for F119 engine support and $1.3 billion for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade [5][10] Competitors - Other jet engine manufacturers like GE Aerospace and RollsRoyce are also experiencing solid order flows due to the same demand trends [6] Stock Performance - RTX shares have increased by 43.8% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 14.2% [9] Valuation - RTX is trading at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 23.17X, which is approximately 11.6% lower than the industry average of 26.20X [11] Sales and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a sales improvement of 4.2% and 5.8% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, although earnings per share estimates have declined over the past 60 days [12]