Key Takeaways Boeing's BDS unit logged $15B in Q4 orders, lifting backlog to $85B as of 2025-end.RTX secured $10.3B in Q4 bookings, pushing total backlog to a record $268B.Boeing's 2026 EPS estimate fell, while RTX's rose; debt ratios and shares diverge.Heightened global unrest has served as a key tailwind for major aerospace and defense players like Boeing (BA) and RTX Corporation (RTX) . Ongoing conflicts, particularly in parts of Europe and the Middle East, have prompted the United States and its allies ...

Core Insights - RTX reported strong financial performance in Q4 and full-year 2025, with adjusted sales of $24.2 billion in Q4 and $88.6 billion for the full year, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 12% and 11% respectively on an organic basis [1][2] - The company highlighted durable demand in commercial aerospace and defense sectors, with a record backlog of $268 billion, up 23% year-over-year, indicating strong future growth potential [3][6] Q4 Performance - Adjusted segment operating profit for Q4 rose 9% to $2.9 billion, while adjusted EPS was $1.55, up 1% despite higher corporate expenses and tax rates [1] - Free cash flow for Q4 was reported at $3.2 billion, contributing to a total of $7.9 billion for the full year, which was an increase of $3.4 billion from 2024 [5][2] Full-Year 2025 Results - Full-year adjusted EPS was $6.29, up 10% year-over-year, with significant contributions from commercial OE (10% growth), commercial aftermarket (18% growth), and defense (8% growth) [2] - The company achieved a book-to-bill ratio of 1.56 for the year, with commercial orders accounting for approximately $161 billion and defense awards totaling $107 billion [6] 2026 Guidance - RTX provided guidance for 2026, projecting adjusted sales between $92 billion and $93 billion, representing 5% to 6% organic growth [10] - Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $6.60 to $6.80, with operational performance anticipated to contribute positively despite headwinds from lower pension income and a higher share count [11] Segment Performance - Collins Aerospace reported Q4 sales of $7.7 billion, up 3% adjusted and 8% organically, driven by commercial OE and aftermarket strength [14] - Pratt & Whitney's Q4 sales increased 25% to $9.5 billion, with significant growth across all channels, including a 30% rise in military engine sales [14] - Raytheon experienced a 7% increase in Q4 sales to $7.7 billion, supported by higher volume in defense systems [14] Investment and Capacity Expansion - RTX plans to invest $10.5 billion in combined CapEx and R&D for 2026, including $3.1 billion in CapEx, to support capacity and technology advancements [4][14] - The company noted progress in its GTF fleet management plan, with a significant reduction in aircraft-on-ground levels and increased MRO output [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year, adjusted sales were $88.6 billion, up $9 billion year-over-year, or 11% organically, driven by 10% growth in commercial OE, 18% growth in commercial aftermarket, and 8% growth in defense [4] - Adjusted EPS of $6.29 was up 10% year-over-year, and free cash flow was $7.9 billion, up $3.4 billion year-over-year [4][18] - The company ended 2025 with a book-to-bill of 1.56, resulting in a record backlog of $268 billion, up 23% year-over-year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Collins' sales were $7.7 billion in the fourth quarter, up 3% on an adjusted basis and 8% organically, driven by strength in commercial OE and aftermarket [21] - Pratt & Whitney's sales were $9.5 billion, up 25% on both an adjusted and organic basis, driven by strength across all channels [23] - Raytheon's sales were $7.7 billion in the quarter, up 7% on both an adjusted and organic basis, driven by higher volume on land and air defense systems [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial air travel is expected to grow again, with global RPKs projected to increase around 5% this year, on top of the 5% seen in 2025 [7] - NATO allies are expected to increase their core defense spending to approximately 3.5% of GDP by 2035, supporting strong demand for defense products [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to making the right investments to support favorable long-term demand and drive sustainable growth [33] - Increased production rates are expected in 2026, particularly on the A320neo, 737 MAX, and 787 platforms, as well as on business jet and general aviation aircraft [8] - The company plans to invest approximately $10.5 billion in CapEx in 2026, focusing on expanding production capacity and factory automation [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Demand remains strong, and the company is well-positioned for another year of top-line growth [7] - For 2026, adjusted sales are expected to be between $92 billion and $93 billion, with 5%-6% organic growth year-over-year [9][26] - The company expects adjusted EPS to be between $6.60 and $6.80, with free cash flow projected to be between $8.25 billion and $8.75 billion [10][29] Other Important Information - The company invested over $10 billion in CapEx and R&D in 2025, with a focus on expanding production capacity and factory automation [13] - The GTF Fleet Management Plan is on track, with MRO output up 39% in the fourth quarter and expected to continue growing in 2026 [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on GTF Fleet Management Plan - The financial and technical outlook remains on track, with AOG down over 20% from the highs of 2025, and MRO output is expected to continue improving [38][40] Question: Thoughts on Executive Order for Defense Companies - The company recognizes the responsibility to deliver more and faster, aligning resources with the Department of Defense's mandate to ramp production and invest in capacity [44][46] Question: Portfolio Composition and Monetization Opportunities - The company believes it is well-positioned to meet the ramp in defense and commercial sectors, with a strong balance sheet to support investments [50][52] Question: 2026 Guidance for Pratt & Whitney - The company expects large commercial engine deliveries to grow mid to high single digits, balancing the need to support the flying fleet and new installs [58] Question: Raytheon Segment Growth Rates - The majority of sales increase is coming from land and air defense systems, with a strong backlog supporting the outlook for 2026 [74]

Group 1: Company Overview - Boeing Company (BA) is expected to experience growth in its defense business segment due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, particularly through its Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) unit which focuses on military aircraft and strategic missiles [1][8] - Boeing has a long-standing relationship with Israel, spanning over 75 years, with the Israeli Air Force utilizing various Boeing defense products such as F-15I fighter jets and Apache helicopters [2][3] - The partnership with Israel provides Boeing a competitive edge in securing additional defense contracts amid rising regional tensions [3] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Iran-Israel conflict is anticipated to increase demand for lethal weapons among Israel and neighboring nations, benefiting defense contractors like RTX Corporation and Leidos Holdings Inc. [4] - Leidos Holdings collaborates with key Israeli defense companies and is an authorized supplier for the Israel Ministry of Defense [5] - RTX's Raytheon unit partners with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to support Israel's defense needs, particularly through the Iron Dome Weapon System [6] Group 3: Financial Performance - Boeing's shares have increased by 12.6% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 14.9% [7] - The company's BDS unit is likely to benefit from heightened demand due to the Iran-Israel conflict, with Boeing trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 1.68X, below the industry average of 2.18X [8][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boeing's loss per share for 2025 and 2026 has improved, although estimates for the second and third quarters of 2025 have declined [10]