On Thursday, RBC Capital Markets adjusted its stance on RTX Corp. (NYSE: RTX), upgrading the stock from Sector Perform to Outperform. The firm also raised its price target for RTX Corp. shares to $140.00, up from the previous $130.00 figure.
The upgrade comes as RTX, currently valued at $152.3 billion, has delivered impressive returns with a 39% gain year-to-date. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears fairly valued at current levels.
The analyst at RBC Capital highlighted the company's balanced mix of defense and commercial operations as well as original equipment (OE) and aftermarket (AM) services as a strategic advantage as the industry moves toward 2025. The upgrade reflects confidence in RTX Corp.'s potential to capitalize on a shift toward OE, which is expected to drive AM sales through initial provisioning.
This optimism is supported by RTX's strong revenue growth of 17.8% over the last twelve months and its position as a prominent player in the Aerospace & Defense industry, as noted by InvestingPro.
RTX Corp.'s defense portfolio was particularly noted for its strong positioning. The analyst anticipates that RTX will experience better growth compared to its peers within the defense sector, which is seen as a favorable indicator for the company's future performance.
The valuation of RTX Corp. was further supported by a sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis conducted by RBC Capital. This analysis contributed to the firm's increased confidence in RTX Corp.'s valuation, prompting the enhancement of the price target.
The new price target of $140.00 set by RBC Capital represents an increase from the previous target and underscores the firm's positive outlook on RTX Corp.'s prospects in both its defense and commercial operations.
In other recent news, RTX Corp has reported noteworthy developments. The company's business unit, Collins Aerospace, introduced an avionics upgrade program for Beechcraft King Air and Hawker aircraft, aimed at enhancing aircraft operability, safety, and efficiency.
RTX Corp's Pratt & Whitney also received FAA certification for its GTF engine to power the Airbus A321XLR, offering customers increased route flexibility. This engine has been chosen by 13 customers for 217 A321XLR aircraft due to its fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions.
On the financial front, RTX Corp reported strong third-quarter earnings with an adjusted earnings per share of $1.45 and an organic revenue increase of 8%. The company also revised its 2024 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $5.50 to $5.58.
In analyst news, Bernstein raised its price target for RTX Corp to $134, while Jefferies maintained a hold rating with a price target of $135. BofA Securities raised its price target for RTX Corp to $145, maintaining a buy rating.
RTX Corp also secured a $1.3 billion contract to support the F-35 Lightning II aircraft's propulsion systems, providing depot level maintenance, repair, and various forms of management support for the F135 engines.
Additionally, the company completed a significant phase in developing advanced electronic warfare technology for the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. These developments highlight RTX Corp's robust financial performance and strategic advancements.
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