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Looking back on defense contractors stocks’ Q1 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including RTX (NYSE:RTX) and its peers.
Defense contractors typically require technical expertise and government clearance. Companies in this sector can also enjoy long-term contracts with government bodies, leading to more predictable revenues. Combined, these factors create high barriers to entry and can lead to limited competition. Lately, geopolitical tensions–whether it be Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or China’s aggression towards Taiwan–highlight the need for defense spending. On the other hand, demand for these products can ebb and flow with defense budgets and even who is president, as different administrations can have vastly different ideas of how to allocate federal funds.
The 13 defense contractors stocks we track reported a strong Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.
In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results.
RTX (NYSE:RTX)
Originally focused on refrigeration technology, Raytheon (NSYE:RTX) provides a a variety of products and services to the aerospace and defense industries.
RTX reported revenues of $20.31 billion, up 5.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
"We are off to a strong start to 2025 with 8 percent organic sales growth* and 10 percent adjusted EPS growth*, including 120 basis points of segment margin expansion* in Q1," said RTX President and CEO Chris Calio.
The stock is up 7.1% since reporting and currently trades at $134.95.
Is now the time to buy RTX? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Best Q1: Leidos (NYSE:LDOS)
Formed through the split of IT services company SAIC, Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) offers technology and engineering solutions such as military training systems for the defense, civil, and health markets.
Leidos reported revenues of $4.25 billion, up 6.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.6%. The business had a very strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ backlog and EBITDA estimates.
The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 9.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $161.75.
Is now the time to buy Leidos? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q1: Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)
Responsible for the development of the first stealth bomber, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) specializes in providing aerospace, defense, and security solutions for various industry applications.