RTX poised for growth on higher defense spending

RTX raised its 2026 sales and profit forecasts on Thursday, betting on sustained demand for commercial aircraft maintenance and military systems, as airlines keep older jets flying and governments replenish weapons stockpiles.

• RBC Capital Markets (outperform, PT: $250) sees RTX as a "strategic play" as it offers exposure to rising defense spending, recurring aircraft maintenance revenues, and growth in new aircraft production.
• Morgan Stanley (overweight, PT: $240) says, "concerns around 2027 appear to be easing, supported by record backlog, int’l defense demand, improving GTF execution, and Collins cost reduction initiatives."
• J.P. Morgan (overweight, PT: $240) says despite structural limits on defense margins, Raytheon's margin trajectory is encouraging.
• Exane BNP Paribas (outperform, PT: $265) says they're more confident in Pratt's margin resilience after a solid Q2, with expansion expected next year.