On Tuesday, TD Cowen expressed continued confidence in RTX Corp. (NYSE:RTX), maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $142.00. The firm’s outlook was reinforced following MTU’s update on its C24 EBIT guidance, which was increased by approximately 5% due to robust third-quarter results. The improved guidance is partly attributed to the positive performance of Pratt & Whitney’s “Fleet Management Plan,” a program in which MTU is a significant partner with an 18% revenue share.
The analyst from TD Cowen anticipates that the recent developments at MTU will bode well for RTX Corp. as it approaches its third-quarter earnings report, scheduled for October 22. The analyst’s comments suggest that RTX Corp. is likely to experience a slight beat on its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter and could potentially raise its guidance for the calendar year 2024 (C24).
The collaboration between MTU and Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX Corp., seems to be a key factor in the analyst’s positive outlook. MTU’s upward revision of its EBIT guidance reflects a strong quarter and increased confidence in ongoing projects, including the GTF “Fleet Management Plan.” This plan is designed to enhance the performance and maintenance of aircraft engines, which is crucial to both MTU and RTX Corp.’s aerospace business.
The analyst’s statement highlighted the significance of MTU’s announcement and its implications for RTX Corp.: “This morning, MTU raised its standing C24 EBIT guide by ~5% due to strong Q3 results, & presumably, incremental visibility/confidence in P&W’s GTF ‘Fleet Management Plan’ (where MTU is an ~18% RRSP partner; among many other P&W programs). This portends a favorable set-up for RTX into Q3’s print (reports 10/22), where we expect a slight Q3 adj. EPS beat & modest C24 guide raise.”
In other recent news, Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:), under the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), have secured two contracts worth $267 million from the U.S. Army for the production of Lightweight Command Launch Units. The contracts will also benefit the armed forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The newly developed units offer advanced capabilities, including a 30% reduction in size, a 25% reduction in weight, and a doubled target detection and recognition range.
Raytheon (NYSE:) has also successfully passed the U.S. Army’s counter-drone technology tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of its Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor and Coyote Block 2 and Block 3 effectors. In addition, the company secured a $736 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the production of the AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missile’s Block II variant.
InvestingPro Insights
RTX Corp.’s strong market position and financial performance are further highlighted by recent InvestingPro data and tips. The company’s market capitalization stands at an impressive $167.01 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the Aerospace & Defense industry.
InvestingPro Tips reveal that RTX has maintained dividend payments for 54 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns that aligns with the analyst’s positive outlook. This is complemented by a current dividend yield of 2.02% and a dividend growth rate of 6.78% over the last twelve months.
The company’s revenue growth of 7.68% in the most recent quarter supports the analyst’s expectations of a potential earnings beat. Additionally, RTX’s strong return over the last year, with a one-year price total return of 74.51%, reflects investor confidence in the company’s performance and future prospects.
InvestingPro data shows that RTX is trading near its 52-week high, with its current price at 99.07% of the 52-week high. This aligns with the analyst’s maintained Buy rating and suggests market optimism about the company’s outlook.
For investors seeking more comprehensive insights, InvestingPro offers 16 additional tips for RTX, providing a deeper understanding of the company’s financial health and market position.
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