RTX Beats Q3 Earnings, Raises 2026 Outlook and Sees Missile Demand

RTX Corp. (NYSE: RTX ) stock traded lower Tuesday despite the aerospace and defense giant reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results and raising its full-year earnings and sales outlook. The company benefited from strong commercial aerospace demand, higher defense sales and improved operating margins across its major businesses. RTX Beats Earnings And Revenue Estimates RTX reported third-quarter revenue of $24.965 billion, up 11% year over year and above the $24.080 billion analyst estimate. Adjusted earnings rose to $2.26 per share, beating the $1.78 consensus estimate. The figure included a 25-cent benefit from tariff-related cost recoveries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Organic sales increased 12%, while GAAP earnings climbed 34% to $1.89 per share. Net income rose 35% to $2.583 billion, while adjusted net income increased 34% to $3.091 billion. Operating cash flow reached $2.868 billion, including $2.119 billion in free cash flow. Collins Aerospace And Pratt & Whitney Drive Growth Collins Aerospace sales increased 10% to $8.382 billion, supported by 23% growth in commercial original equipment sales and 9% growth in aftermarket revenue. Adjusted operating profit surged 50% to $1.788 billion, with margins reaching 21.3%. Pratt & Whitney revenue rose 10% to $9.231 billion as aftermarket sales jumped 21%. Adjusted operating profit increased 29% to $968 million. However, reported operating profit fell 19% to $608 million, reflecting a $363 million charge tied to a customer bankruptcy. PW1100 engine maintenance, repair and overhaul output increased more than 35% year over year. See More: Top Value Stocks Raytheon Shifts Focus To Delivering Record Defense Orders Raytheon sales grew 14% to $8.031 billion, while adjusted operating profit rose 32% to $1.134 billion. RTX ended the quarter with a record $340 billion backlog and secured more than $81 billion in new awards. These included approximately $37 billion in multiyear Tomahawk and AMRAAM missile contracts, supporting significantly higher production rates. During Tuesday’s earnings call, CEO Christopher Calio said Raytheon has shifted its focus from securing contracts to expanding production capacity and strengthening its supply chain. He also highlighted rising international defense demand across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Commercial Aftermarket Demand Holds Firm Calio said commercial aftermarket demand remains resilient despite cost pressures facing airlines. He cited growing aircraft fleets, higher flight hours and pricing as key drivers of long-term growth. CFO Neil Mitchill cautioned that Collins Aerospace margins could face pressure in the fourth quarter from higher research and development spending, digital investments and the absence of tariff-related recoveries. However, he expects underlying operating margins to continue improving in 2027. RTX Raises 2026 Earnings And Sales Outlook RTX raised its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $7.65 to