RTX Corp. (NYSE:RTX) closed its 2025 fiscal year on a high note, delivering fourth-quarter results that surpassed analyst expectations on both the top and bottom lines. The aerospace and defense giant's performance, coupled with a confident outlook for the year ahead, has provided a clear catalyst for the stock's positive momentum in early trading.
Strong Quarterly Results Exceed Forecasts
The company's fourth-quarter report showcased robust growth, driven by sustained demand across its commercial aerospace and defense portfolios. The key financial metrics handily beat consensus estimates, indicating operational strength and effective execution.
- Revenue: Reported sales of $24.24 billion, a 12.1% increase year-over-year, came in above the analyst estimate of approximately $22.96 billion.
- Earnings Per Share (Non-GAAP): The company posted EPS of $1.55, exceeding the estimated $1.48 and demonstrating healthy profitability.
This double beat underscores RTX's ability to navigate a complex supply chain environment and capitalize on the ongoing recovery in air travel and stable global defense budgets. The revenue outperformance, in particular, suggests strong order flow and delivery execution across its Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon segments.
Market Reaction and Forward Guidance
The market's response to the earnings release has been decisively positive. In pre-market trading following the announcement, RTX shares were up approximately 4.1%, a significant move that indicates investor approval of the results and future direction. This uptick contrasts with the stock's relatively flat performance over the past month, suggesting the earnings report served as a key catalyst.
Central to the bullish sentiment is the company's provided outlook for 2026. Management expects continued growth in sales, earnings, and cash flow. While the press release summary notes an expected full-year revenue "around $92.5 billion," which is close to analyst estimates, the confident tone and confirmation of growth trajectories appear to have reassured investors. The provided analyst consensus estimates for the coming periods are as follows:
- Q1 2026: Estimated sales of $21.59 billion and revenue of $1.51 billion.
- Full Year 2026: Estimated sales of $93.39 billion and revenue of $6.79 billion.
The company's own guidance aligning with these high expectations reinforces a narrative of steady, predictable growth.
Press Release Highlights
Beyond the raw numbers, RTX's announcement emphasized several key achievements for 2025 and pillars for 2026. The company highlighted the delivery of "strong sales, EPS, and free cash flow" for the past year. Looking ahead, the focus remains on continued execution and growth across its three business segments, with the 2026 outlook explicitly banking on the momentum from commercial aerospace aftermarket services and the solid backlog in its defense systems.
Conclusion
RTX's fourth-quarter earnings report delivered precisely what investors wanted to see: a clean beat on quarterly estimates and a reaffirmed, confident growth story for the year ahead. The market's positive reaction, evidenced by the pre-market gain, reflects relief and optimism that the company is successfully managing its known challenges, such as the Pratt & Whitney engine inspection program, while capitalizing on strong end-market demand. The results position RTX to potentially build on its recent performance as it enters the new fiscal year.
For a detailed look at RTX's historical earnings, future estimates, and analyst projections, you can review the data here.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an endorsement, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
