RTX raises 2026 profit forecast to $7.25 as defense demand surges

RTX raised its full-year profit forecast for the second time, citing a $289 billion backlog and surging demand for aircraft repairs and defense systems.

"The results reflect strong demand across both our commercial aerospace and defense businesses," the Arlington, Virginia-based company said in a statement Thursday.

The aerospace and defense company now expects 2026 adjusted earnings of $7.10 to $7.25 a share, up from a prior range of $6.70 to $6.90. Analysts had estimated $6.92, according to data compiled by LSEG. RTX also lifted its revenue forecast to $95 billion to $96 billion, compared with the $94.08 billion consensus.

Metric	New Guidance	Prior Guidance	Consensus
Adjusted EPS	$7.10-$7.25	$6.70-$6.90	$6.92
Adjusted Sales	$95B-$96B	$92.5B-$93.5B	$94.08B

The company's backlog expanded 22% from a year earlier to $289 billion, including $170 billion in commercial aerospace orders and $119 billion in defense. Pratt & Whitney, which makes engines for Airbus A320neo-family jets and Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter, posted a 16% sales increase to $8.89 billion. The Raytheon defense unit reported an 18% gain to $8.27 billion, helped by demand for Patriot and AMRAAM missile systems.

RTX reported second-quarter adjusted profit of $1.89 per share, compared with $1.56 a year earlier. Shares rose nearly 6% in premarket trading.

The guidance raise signals management expects elevated global security spending to persist as the Pentagon and allied governments rebuild inventories depleted by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. President Donald Trump has proposed a record $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal 2027, while urging defense companies to expand factory capacity. Investors will watch the company's next quarterly report for further updates on production ramp and margin trends.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.