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RTX lifts 2026 forecasts as aerospace, defense demand drives record backlog

By Thomson Reuters Oct 20, 2026 | 5:57 AM

Oct 20 (Reuters) – RTX raised its full-year profit and revenue forecasts on Tuesday as sustained demand for commercial aerospace services and military ​programs pushed its backlog to a record $340 ‌billion and lifted third-quarter results.

Shares of the Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon parent rose 3% before the bell.

The company now expects 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $7.65 to $7.75, up ‌from ​its prior forecast of $7.10 to $7.25.

It ⁠also raised its sales ⁠forecast range to $97 billion to $97.5 billion, from $95 billion to $96 billion.

“Demand for our products remains robust with over $81 billion of new commercial and defense ​awards, resulting in a record backlog of $340 billion,” CEO Chris Calio said.

This adds to the ⁠strong performance streak of major ⁠US aerospace and defense contractors, supported ​by robust airline maintenance spending, growing demand for aircraft ​engines and parts and sustained military spending amid ‌heightened geopolitical tensions.

Quarterly revenue at Collins Aerospace rose 10% on a 23% jump in commercial original equipment sales, while revenue at Pratt & Whitney increased ⁠10%, helped by a 21% rise in commercial aftermarket sales.

Raytheon sales climbed 14%, driven by higher volume in ⁠naval programs and ‌land and air defense systems, including ⁠Patriot, Standard Missile, and Tomahawk.

RTX’s quarterly ​adjusted ‌profit came in at $2.26 per share, ​compared with ⁠analysts’ average estimate of $1.78 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

For the quarter ended September 30, sales increased 11% to $24.97 billion, compared with estimates of $24.08 billion.

(Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Maju Samuel)