RTX (NYSE:RTX) Azioni

RTX CORP

Raytheon Technologies

RTX is an aerospace and defense manufacturer formed from the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, with roughly equal exposure as a supplier to commercial aerospace and to the defense market across three segments: Collins Aerospace, a diversified aerospace supplier; Pratt & Whitney, a commercial and military aircraft engine manufacturer; and Raytheon, a defense prime contractor providing a mix of missiles, missile defense systems, sensors, hardware, and communications technology to the military.

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CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: RTX Corporation, Netflix, Freeport-McMoran

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on RTX. Our analysis of options history for RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) revealed 12 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 66% of traders were bullish, while 25% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $67,085, and 10 were calls, valued at $468,398.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $130.0 and $155.0 for RTX, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for RTX's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of RTX's whale trades within a strike price range from $130.0 to $155.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>RTX 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752782834_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/21/25</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$9.55</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$192.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">228</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$4.65</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$4.18</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$42.1K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$6.25</td>
<td>$6.25</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$40.6K</td>
<td>18</td>
<td align="right">176</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$37.3K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td align="right">227</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$11.15</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$34.1K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About RTX</h3>
RTX is an aerospace and defense manufacturer formed from the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, with roughly equal exposure as a supplier to commercial aerospace and to the defense market across three segments: Collins Aerospace, a diversified aerospace supplier; Pratt &amp; Whitney, a commercial and military aircraft engine manufacturer; and Raytheon, a defense prime contractor providing a mix of missiles, missile defense systems, sensors, hardware, and communications technology to the military.
<h3>Where Is RTX Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,868,233, with RTX's price up by 0.2%, positioned at $150.47.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 5 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on RTX</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $157.67.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Morgan Stanley keeps a Equal-Weight rating on RTX with a target price of $165. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs persists with their Neutral rating on RTX, maintaining a target price of $126. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Buy rating on RTX, which currently sits at a price target of $182. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for RTX with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Decoding RTX's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

Morgan Stanley analyst Kristine Liwag maintains RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $135 to $165.

Price Target

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on RTX, Raises Price Target to $165

The defense sector is on fire in 2025 — and investors are watching earnings season for signs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46344520/defense-stocks-outperform-tech-trump-budget-boost">the rally can continue.</a>
The iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) is up 33% year-to-date through July 16, on track for its best annual return since 2013. 
The fund gained 25% in the first half alone, outperforming both the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) by double-digit margins.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46267993/lockheed-martin-tops-defense-peers-in-capital-efficiency-but-market-isnt-impressed">Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Peers In Capital Efficiency — But Market Isn&#8217;t Impressed</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Washington Fueled The Rally—Now Investors Want Results</h2>
Investors have already bought the rumors—now they want the facts. The explosive rally in defense stocks has been fueled by a fundamental shift in Washington's priorities and the rising tide of global tensions.
On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a sweeping defense package that injects $156.2 billion into the Pentagon—the largest single-year boost in over a decade. 
The bill directs tens of billions toward areas that could redefine the future of warfare and defense contracting. Shipbuilding alone receives $29.2 billion, while $24.4 billion is allocated to integrated air and missile defense—what the administration has dubbed the "Golden Dome" initiative. 
Another $25.4 billion is earmarked to strengthen munitions production and shore up supply chain resilience, and $16 billion will go toward scaling low-cost weapons systems. 
The budget also includes $10.8 billion to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal and $8.6 billion to support new air superiority projects.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Q2 2025 Defense Earnings Preview: Who Reports and When</h3>
Defense stocks slated to report earnings by the end of July include: 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Earnings Date</th>
<th>YTD % Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AAR Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIR#NYSE">AIR</a>)</td>
<td>Wed Jul 16 (After-Market)</td>
<td>+21.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 17 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+58.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>Tue Jul 22 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+29.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>Tue Jul 22 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>-3.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>Tue Jul 22 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+10.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>Wed Jul 23 (During-Market)</td>
<td>+13.64%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 24 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+25.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Textron Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXT#NYSE">TXT</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 24 (During-Market)</td>
<td>+9.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hexcel Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HXL#NYSE">HXL</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 24 (After-Market)</td>
<td>-6.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Woodward Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WWD#NASDAQ">WWD</a>)</td>
<td>Mon Jul 28 (After-Market)</td>
<td>+51.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>Tue Jul 29 (During-Market)</td>
<td>+29.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leonardo DRS Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRS#NASDAQ">DRS</a>)</td>
<td>Wed Jul 30 (During-Market)</td>
<td>+49.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sturm, Ruger &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGR#NYSE">RGR</a>)</td>
<td>Wed Jul 30 (After-Market)</td>
<td>+0.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 31 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+67.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ATI Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATI#NYSE">ATI</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 31 (Pre-Market)</td>
<td>+63.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>)</td>
<td>Thu Jul 31 (During-Market)</td>
<td>+33.78%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Analysts Are Watching In Defense Earnings</h2>
With defense stocks sitting at record highs, Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak cautions that expectations are running hot. 
In a July 16 preview, Poponak and his team mapped out where they see opportunity across the aerospace and defense landscape—and where the cracks might show.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Aerospace: Boeing Back in Focus</h4>
Goldman remains upbeat on aerospace industry, especially Boeing Co. , which delivered 60 aircraft in June—a clear improvement over earlier production trends. 
Supplier sentiment has also turned more positive, with stronger communication and steadier order flow.
Still, aircraft demand continues to exceed supply, a dynamic expected to last well into the next decade, supporting pricing power and margins across the industry.
&#8220;We like aerospace original equipment where supply remains below demand, there is multi-year growth visibility, and Boeing continues to improve production and delivery rates.&#8221; Poponak said. 
The aftermarket segment is thriving, growing faster than global available seat miles (ASMs) for four straight quarters. Goldman attributes this to pent-up demand, aging fleets, and strong pricing—a combination that should keep the sector buoyant even as near-term air travel shows signs of softening.
The business jet space looks more idiosyncratic. Leading indicators are plateauing, and while new production remains disciplined, Goldman expects fewer broad-based tailwinds going forward. Still, aftermarket sales here remain high quality and margin-rich.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Tech: Emerging Winners</h4>
Goldman favors non-traditional defense tech firms, which stand to benefit from a Pentagon pivot toward nimble, cost-effective systems. 
While reconciliation funding may not hit second-quarter results directly, it's likely to surface in earnings call commentary—and eventually in backlog growth.
"Defense tech companies appear to be on the verge of receiving significant funding relative to their size," Poponak said.
Despite near-record Department of Defense funding, Goldman is cautious on legacy hardware contractors. 
Programs like the F-35 face funding cuts, and the Pentagon is pushing for tougher terms across the industry. Instead, Goldman prefers companies aligned with funded priorities like shipbuilding and missile defense.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Government IT: Pressure Mounts</h4>
In government IT, the risk is rising. DOGE contract reviews are leading to cancellations—most notably at Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>). Margins, bookings, and guidance could all face pressure this quarter, particularly for firms reliant on traditional service contracts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Goldman's Top Defense Picks And Red Flags For Q2</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>TransDigm (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>) – Strong aftermarket growth, upside to earnings, and capital flexibility.</li>
<li>CAE Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAE#NYSE">CAE</a>) – Valuation play with improving execution under new management.</li>
<li>L3Harris – Well-positioned for growth; exposure to missile defense spending.</li>
<li>Huntington Ingalls – Beneficiary of shipbuilding funds, improving labor dynamics.</li>
</ul>
Stocks facing headwinds:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Booz Allen – DOGE scrutiny, slowing growth, and mounting contract risks.</li>
<li>Lockheed Martin – Uncertainty around core programs and contracting terms.</li>
<li>SAIC Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAIC#NYSE">SAIC</a>) – Back-end loaded year with potential margin compression.</li>
<li>V2X Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VVX#NYSE">VVX</a>) – Weak first quarter, high execution risk in the second half.</li>
</ul>
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Defense Stocks Head Into Earnings At Record Highs — Is The Boom Just Beginning?

Citigroup analyst Jason Gursky maintains RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $148 to $182.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on RTX, Raises Price Target to $182

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Contracts

RTX's Raytheon Awarded $74M Navy Contract

While investors obsess over record highs in the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100, one sector quietly crushed them both last quarter, and real money <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-aerospace-defense-stocks">is pouring in fast.</a>
In the first half of 2025, the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) surged 25%, marking the fund's best half-year performance since inception. That's a 20 percentage point outperformance over the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and 17 points above the tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Stocks Crushed Tech In Last Quarter's Rally</h3>
But the blowout mainly occurred in the second quarter. The ITA ETF surged 23.2% between April and June, its best quarter ever, outpacing the Nasdaq 100's sharpest rally since early 2023 by five percentage points.
Crucially, this isn't just momentum chasing. Investors have committed capital, with ITA notching 10 straight weeks of inflows through July 10—the longest stretch since early 2023.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best Defense Stocks In 2025</h3>
Among ITA's top holdings, nine of the top 10 are firmly in the green for the year as of July 10, with only Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) trailing. Here&#8217;s a look at how the biggest names are performing:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Weight in ITA ETF</th>
<th>Return YTD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>20.00%</td>
<td>+50.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>14.70%</td>
<td>+27.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>9.22%</td>
<td>+28.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>4.66%</td>
<td>+15.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>)</td>
<td>4.63%</td>
<td>+20.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td>
<td>4.55%</td>
<td>+66.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</td>
<td>4.51%</td>
<td>+24.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>4.47%</td>
<td>+9.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>)</td>
<td>4.40%</td>
<td>+35.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>4.39%</td>
<td>-3.34%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Why Is The Defense Sector Booming?
This rally in defense stocks isn&#8217;t just about earnings—it's about Washington policy, global geopolitical risks, and budget flows.
Following years of underinvestment, Trump's return to the White House has kicked off a rearmament cycle.
On July 4, Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", unlocking $156.2 billion in targeted defense funding—the Pentagon's biggest budget infusion in over a decade.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Inside The New Defense Bill?</h3>
The funding, detailed in Title II of the act, includes:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$29.2 billion for shipbuilding</li>
<li>$24.4 billion for integrated air and missile defense – the "Golden Dome" initiative</li>
<li>$25.4 billion for munitions and supply chain resilience</li>
<li>$16.0 billion for low-cost weapons scaling</li>
<li>$8.6 billion for air superiority projects</li>
<li>$10.8 billion for nuclear force upgrades</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Stocks Wall Street Is Watching Now</h3>
In a note shared earlier this week, Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak flagged four defense contractors as top beneficiaries of the Pentagon&#8217;s defense spending:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>): Backed by over $5 billion in industrial supply chain funding. Already awarded a $1.3 billion workforce grant.</li>
<li>L3Harris Technologies Inc.: Poised to win missile propulsion and satellite contracts tied to the Golden Dome program.</li>
<li>Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>): Builds low-cost drones and propulsion systems, a core focus in the Pentagon's push for affordable mass-produced systems. Shares of KTOS have already rallied over 70% year-to-date, marking the best performance in the ITA ETF. </li>
<li>AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>): Developer of Switchblade tactical drones, a likely beneficiary of $1.4 billion in small unmanned aerial systems funding.</li>
</ul>
Read now: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/07/46306953/emerging-markets-etfs-inflows-iemg-vwo-2025">Wall Street Is On Fire—So Why Is This Wall Of Cash Moving Abroad?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/07/46306953/emerging-markets-etfs-inflows-iemg-vwo-2025"> </a>

Specialty ETFs

ETFs

AVAV

AXON

KTOS

Forget Tech—Trump Just Made Defense The Hottest Trade On Wall Street

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/vL6PaBTA4I8">https://www.youtube.com/live/vL6PaBTA4I8</a>

President Trump Says Want To Have One Company For Air Traffic Control Modernization; Raytheon, IBM Will Bid

Anduril Industries CEO Palmer Luckey publicly thanked President Donald Trump on Monday after the president announced resumed U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, marking a significant policy shift for the defense technology executive&#8217;s company.
What Happened: &#8220;Thank you, Donald Trump!&#8221; Luckey wrote on X, responding to Trump&#8217;s declaration that the United States would send additional arms to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks. 
The president&#8217;s comments came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump stated: &#8220;We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They&#8217;re getting hit very hard. We&#8217;re going to have to send more weapons.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! <a href="https://t.co/hYGPUzAA1W">https://t.co/hYGPUzAA1W</a>
&mdash; Palmer Luckey (@PalmerLuckey) <a href="https://twitter.com/PalmerLuckey/status/1942411606287163770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
According <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-told-zelensky-he-wasnt-responsible-for-weapons-holdup-f684444b">to</a> the Wall Street Journal, Trump&#8217;s announcement represents the strongest indication yet that he has embraced strengthening Ukraine&#8217;s defenses after months of unsuccessful negotiations with Moscow.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed late Monday that the Department of Defense would send additional defensive weapons &#8220;at President Trump&#8217;s direction.&#8221;
The weapons resumption follows a controversial pause in shipments that surprised the State Department, Congress, and Ukrainian officials.
The halted deliveries included Patriot antimissile interceptors, AIM-120 antiaircraft missiles, howitzer rounds, and GMLRS missiles for HIMARS rocket launchers, according to a WSJ report, which cited sources.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46288472/japans-prime-minister-criticizes-trumps-tariff-decision-shigeru-ishiba-calls-move-truly-regrettable">Japan&#8217;s Prime Minister Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariff Decision: Shigeru Ishiba Calls Move &#8216;Truly Regrettable&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Luckey&#8217;s company has significant exposure to Ukraine&#8217;s defense needs. The Southern California-based contractor disclosed in July that its autonomous weapons systems destroyed &#8220;hundreds of millions&#8221; worth of Russian military assets since deploying personnel and hardware <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46238717/anduril-ceo-palmer-luckey-says-weapons-destroyed-hundreds-of-millions-in-russian-assets-urges-us-military-aid-to-ukraine">just two weeks into the invasion</a>.
Anduril recently raised $2.5 billion at a $30.5 billion valuation, more than doubling from last year&#8217;s $14 billion mark.
The defense sector has benefited from surging global military spending, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45032800/global-defense-budgets-surge-to-27-trillion-as-europe-and-middle-east-lead-steepest-increase-since-cold-war-report">rose 9.4% to $2.72 trillion in 2024</a>. The U.S. has provided $66.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia&#8217;s 2022 invasion, with the last major package worth $1.22 billion approved in December under the Biden administration.
Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a Friday phone call that he wasn&#8217;t responsible for the weapons halt, which came after a Pentagon munitions review following U.S. strikes on Iran&#8217;s nuclear sites, according to WSJ. The White House National Security Council will meet on Tuesday to discuss new weapons deliveries.
Defense stocks have rallied on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44378672/defense-stocks-are-soaring-expert-sees-170-as-achievable-by-year-end-for-this-preferred-pick">increased military spending expectations</a>, with analysts targeting RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) at $170 by year-end.
Other major contractors, including Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), stand to benefit from sustained defense demand driven by NATO budget increases and global tensions.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288786/us-export-bans-and-nvidia-supply-issues-crush-samsung-chip-profits-hopes-rest-on-ultra-thin-foldables-smartwatches-and-possible-xr-debut-at-galaxy-unpacked-event">US Export Bans And Nvidia Supply Issues Crush Samsung Chip Profits — Hopes Rest On Ultra-Thin Foldables, Smartwatches And Possible XR Debut At Galaxy Unpacked Event</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey Says 'Thank You' As Trump Resumes Ukraine Arms Shipments

Nearly six months into President Donald Trump's second term, the market has picked its winners—and it's not on ESG, the strategy built around environmental,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/esg"> social and governance principles.</a>
As deregulation gains steam and culture wars escalate, a group of so-called &#8220;sin stocks&#8221; tied to guns, booze, tobacco, and gambling is sharply beating clean investing strategies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sin Stocks Are Smoking ESG—and Trump Might Be The Reason</h3>
Since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, the USA Mutuals Vice Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VICEX#NASDAQ">VICEX</a>) — a portfolio built around industries typically shunned by ethical investors — has jumped 16.4%. By contrast:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESGV#NYSE">ESGV</a>) is up just 3.5%.</li>
<li>The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) gained 4.2%.</li>
<li>The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 6%. </li>
</ul>
This shift reflects a broader investor reallocation toward industries that benefit from Trump's deregulatory, America-first agenda—and away from sectors screened for ESG compliance.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-975026" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-768x397.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1536x794.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-2048x1059.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Driving Sin Stocks Higher?</h2>
The USA Mutuals Vice Fund, launched in 2002, invests at least 80% of its assets in companies tied to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and defense.
It concentrates a minimum of 25% in these four "vice industries," which the fund defines as sectors often subject to social disapproval or regulatory risk. 
No single industry makes up more than 80% of the portfolio. The fund also maintains global exposure, investing at least 40% of assets in non-U.S. companies across a minimum of three countries.
 Its top holdings as of March 31, 2025 have delivered eye-catching returns in 2025:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>BAE Systems plc (OTCPK: BAESY): +79.3%</li>
<li>Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>): +51.8%</li>
<li>British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTI#NYSE">BTI</a>): +46.9%</li>
<li>Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUD#NYSE">BUD</a>): +38.8%</li>
<li>RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>): +28.0%</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>): +28.5%</li>
<li>Heineken N.V. (OTCPK: HEINY): +25.9%</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>): +9.4%</li>
<li>Diageo plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DEO#NYSE">DEO</a>): -17.1% (the lone laggard). </li>
</ul>
In particular, a portfolio of defense contractors—tracked by the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>)—has surged 25% year-to-date, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and further escalated by the recent Israel–Iran war.
&#8220;The Vice Fund remains committed to its core belief that certain stocks are undervalued because certain factions of society deem them morally questionable,&#8221; said portfolio manager Paul Strehle in the fund's latest quarterly report.
&#8220;Our core holdings remain military defense, casino, alcohol, and tobacco stocks because they typically have an inelastic customer base that is unlikely to be swayed by whether the product price rises or falls,&#8221; he added. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ESG Stocks Struggle Despite Big Tech Exposure</h2>
Despite the Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF including several of the market's strongest tech names, it hasn't kept up with vice stocks. 
Top 10 ESGV Holdings and 2025 YTD Returns:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): +18.1%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): +18.6%</li>
<li>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): -15.1%</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): +2.0%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): +24.3%</li>
<li>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>): +20.0%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): -6.1%</li>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>): -27.4%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): -6.1%</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>): +24.8%</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46271577/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-slashes-solar-incentives-cathie-woods-ark-says-nuclear-may-now-be-cheapest-option-oklo-smr-ltbr-and-other-stocks-in-focus">Trump&#8217;s Big Beautiful Bill Slashes Solar Incentives — Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Says Nuclear May Now Be Cheapest Option: OKLO, SMR, LTBR And Other Stocks In Focus </a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

AAPL

AMZN

AVGO

BABA

BAESY

ESGV

GOOGL

HEINY

NVDA

TSLA

VICEX

Guns, Booze, And Gambling Stocks Are Crushing ESG In Trump's America

RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 5.31% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 19.7%. Currently, RTX has a market capitalization of $195.25 billion. 
Buying $1000 In RTX: If an investor had bought $1000 of RTX stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,521.77 today based on a price of $146.15 for RTX at the time of writing.
<h3>RTX's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1751902213_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In RTX 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Lockheed Martin Corp. is a defense company that uses its capital to generate profits most efficiently as compared to its peers; however, the year-over-year growth of this specific metric has been tepid.
What Happened: A company&#8217;s capital efficiency, or how profitable a company is with the capital it has put to use, is measured by ROCE or Return on Capital Employed.
When a company demonstrates consistently growing ROCE, it signals its ability to be a compounding machine, skillfully reinvesting profits back into the business for increasingly higher returns.
In the case of defense stocks, Lockheed Martin has the highest ROCE among its peers, representing the management&#8217;s effectiveness in deploying capital for productive use.
As of the quarter ending March, LMT had an ROCE of 25.71%, higher than 22.97% from the same quarter of the previous year, highlights GuruFocus data.
As the year-over-year expansion was minimal, it might not be a super high-growth stock; however, Lockheed Martin&#8217;s solid 25.71% return on capital shows it&#8217;s running a really efficient business.
That strong performance probably explains why Lockheed Martin is a high-yielding stock and has a history of consistent dividend increases, with the current dividend yield at 2.85%, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMT/dividends">Benzinga</a>. 
Here is a list of a few other defense stocks with their current ROCE.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>ROCE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td>
<td>12.67%.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>13.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>8.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>25.71%.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>5.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>8.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>11.04%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: GuruFocus</figcaption></figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46259795/everyone-talked-about-nvidia-apple-and-tesla-but-this-one-tech-stock-has-left-them-all-behind-in-2025">Everyone Talked About Nvidia, Apple And Tesla, But This One Tech Stock Has Left Them All Behind In 2025</a>
Why It Matters: Despite the high quality of the capital efficiency metric, Lockheed Martin stock has performed the worst among the given peers.
It has declined by over 4% in 2025 and is just above the flatline over a year. On the other hand, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) remains the stock with the highest returns among its peers.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc.</td>
<td>78.69%</td>
<td>385.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp.</td>
<td>12.93%</td>
<td>5.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp.</td>
<td>7.73%</td>
<td>17.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp.</td>
<td>-4.09%</td>
<td>0.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co.</td>
<td>25.63%</td>
<td>16.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp.</td>
<td>25.64%</td>
<td>45.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>46.44%</td>
<td>50.97%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings shows that LMT had a stronger price trend over the medium term and a weaker trend over the short and long term. Its momentum ranking was moderate, and its value ranking was poor at the 31.60th percentile. The details of other metrics are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="157" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-1024x157.png" alt="" class="wp-image-974030" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-1024x157.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-300x46.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-768x118.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE.png 1279w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
On the truncated trading day of July 3rd, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, scaled fresh records and ended higher. The SPY was up 0.79% at $625.34, while the QQQ advanced 0.98% to $556.22, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Monday, the futures of the S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 indices were trading lower.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/07/46263063/nvidia-intel-broadcom-micron-amd-and-other-chipmakers-stand-to-benefit-as-trumps-tax-bill-increases">Nvidia, Intel, Broadcom, Micron, AMD And Other Chipmakers Stand To Benefit As Trump&#8217;s Tax Bill Increases Incentives To Make Semiconductors In US</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Peers In Capital Efficiency — But Market Isn't Impressed

The benchmark S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense Select Industry Index&#8217;s year-to-date return for 2025 is reported as 24.3%. Even more astonishing is that the index has basically been flat (down 2%) over the past month.
Just think about what&#8217;s happened over that month: a commitment from NATO members to massively boost defense spending, fighting between Israel and Iran and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042703/iran-calls-us-bombing-of-nuclear-sites-very-very-dangerous-for-everybody">U.S. bombing</a> of Iran&#8217;s nuclear sites in late June.
Wall Street traders and analysts are convinced all this turmoil will translate into big gains for defense stocks, sooner rather than later.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW: Get Access To The Leaderboards That Reveal Tomorrow's Top Stocks</h2>
Updated daily, Benzinga's Top Stock Leaderboards highlight our best buys right now. Spot breakout opportunities before the crowd catches on—without the noise. Get access now and start using the same research trusted by hedge funds, analysts and serious traders. Get started <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge/?">HERE</a>.
&#8220;Recent events, including the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine and the U.S. defense budget&#8217;s surpassing $1 trillion for the first time,&#8221; said Allspring Equity Teams &amp; Investment Analytics Team in comments to Benzinga. &#8220;The scenario reinforces our team&#8217;s fundamental view that: 1) defense spending is a growing budget priority in the U.S. and globally and 2) military superiority is being rapidly redefined by technology.&#8221;
The Allspring Team also believes that any rise in defense stocks should also help the larger market.
&#8220;In the event of escalation, energy and defense stocks may provide a hedge against other segments of the equity market that might be more challenged,&#8221; the firm noted.
Additionally, spending in the global defense sector is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2025, surpassing the previous record set in 2024.
&#8220;One key reason for the increase is the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in increased defense spending by both the European Union and the United States,&#8221; said Andrew Prochnow, analyst-at-large at Tastylive, a streaming platform geared towards options traders. &#8220;Rising tensions in the Middle East have also contributed to this trend.&#8221;
These conflicts have clearly boosted stocks in the sector, as evidenced by the rally in the iShares US Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>). &#8220;The fund has surged by more than 25% year-to-date, and 40% over the last 52 weeks,&#8221; Prochnow noted.
With defense stocks in play right now, which standout companies make the most sense for investors? While every market maven&#8217;s portfolio goals and strategies are unique, here are three sector stocks that should provide some upbeat returns for investors through the rest of 2025, if not beyond. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Howmet Aerospace</h2>
Pittsburgh, PA-based aerospace and defense firm Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>) has experienced a 9% increase in commercial sector growth and a 19% rise in defense aerospace revenues in the first quarter of 2025. Both trends, particularly the latter, are expected to continue for the rest of the year. 
HWM has some big-name customers, including Boeing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>), which uses Howmet&#8217;s parts for its once again rising 737 Max Aircraft. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) also collaborates with Howmet on its F-35 Lightning fighter jets, with orders for engine spares accumulating. With 143 A-plus rated mutual funds stashing shares of HWM and eight straight quarters of increased fund ownership, take a page out of the fund manager playbook and consider adding Howmet to your portfolio.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RTX Corp.</h2>
RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), an Arlington, Virginia-based aerospace and defense company, is increasingly popping up on Wall Street charts at the moment.
&#8220;We bought RTX right around the inauguration of this administration, so we have a 12% return on our holding,&#8221; said Alexander Cook, portfolio manager at Optimist Capital. 
RTX is a large, broad-based entity encompassing Collins Aerospace, Pratt &amp; Whitney and Raytheon, which suits Cook just fine. &#8220;We like investments like these even outside of heightened risks,&#8221; he said. &#8220;RTX is a large cap dividend payer and more insulated when markets get overly frothy, we expect to see another 10% on this one over the next 6-9 months.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.</h2>
Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in government and defense, particularly in safeguarding highly sensitive data, both during times of war and in times of peace. CrowdStrike&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) stock price is $513 per share, but it&#8217;s holding its value, trading up 50% year-to-date. Citing CRWD&#8217;s highly effective AI deployment in key cybersecurity areas, such as cloud, identity and log-scale domains, Wedbush Securities recently boosted the company&#8217;s price target to $575.
&#8220;Defense technology is going to be the best pure growth play going forward,&#8221; Cook said. &#8220;In a modern first-world scenario, boots on the ground are just not realistic.&#8221; He advises investors to view cybersecurity as the new defense. &#8220;Cybersecurity is all about protecting technology and looking for weaknesses in opposing entities rather than building missiles.&#8221; 
Editorial content from our expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.
Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

CRWD

3 Defense Stocks To Buy With The Middle East In Turmoil

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>) has recently seen a positive stock performance trend, driven by strong aerospace demand and improved operational efficiency.
Howmet Aerospace shares climbed this week, rebounding from a brief pullback. The stock jumped more than 4% on June 27 and, after a minor dip on July 1, is hovering between $184 and $186.
Wall Street sentiment continues to favor Howmet. RBC Capital reiterated its Outperform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWM/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">rating</a> and raised its price forecast to $200. Truist Securities also reaffirmed its Buy rating, lifting its forecast to $192, citing strong aerospace demand and improved operational efficiency.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46068345" rel="noreferrer noopener">BlackRock Bets Big On Defense Companies Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions: Palantir, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Among Stocks In Focus</a>
In late June, Howmet awarded CEO John C. Plant a $45 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/secfilings/25/06/46154214/howmet-aerospace-inc-general-corporate-statement-form8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retention grant</a> in restricted stock units (RSUs), set to vest in 2028. A related Form 4 filing disclosed that Plant received 255,363 RSUs. His base salary of $1.8 million and bonus eligibility remain unchanged under the amended agreement.
In the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45139061/howmet-aerospace-confident-of-passing-tariff-costs-to-customers-stock-takes-off" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first quarter</a>, Howmet posted revenue of $1.94 billion, up 6.5% year over year. Adjusted earnings per share surged 51% to 86 cents, surpassing Wall Street estimates.
The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue outlook to between $7.88 billion and $8.18 billion &nbsp;(prior $7.93 $billion-$8.13 billion), above the $8.07 billion consensus. EPS guidance was also boosted to a range of $3.36 to $3.44 (prior $3.13-$3.21) ahead of the $3.27 average estimate.
The company is scheduled to report second-quarter results on July 29. Analysts forecast revenue of $1.98 billion-$2.00 billion versus the consensus of $2.00 billion, and EPS expected between $0.85 and $0.87 versus the consensus of $0.80.
Howmet shares have a 52-week range of $76.99 to $187.51. After falling nearly 39% from their February highs to April lows, the stock rebounded more than 30% in the past three months. Year-to-date, it&#8217;s up approximately 64% and is trading about 6.5% above its 50-day simple moving average.
Other aerospace names, including RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), have seen similar momentum amid strong sector demand. For broader exposure, investors may consider the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) and the Gabelli Commercial Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCAD#NYSE">GCAD</a>).
Price Action: HWM shares were trading higher by 3.08% to $177.93 at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46246152" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone Sales Bounce Back In China, But Huawei And Xiaomi Intensify Pressure</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by T. Schneider via Shutterstock

Movers

GCAD

What's Going On With Howmet Aerospace Stock?

TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. Business ("Simmonds" or "the Company") of Goodrich Corporation from RTX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) for approximately $765 million in cash, including certain tax benefits.&nbsp;
Simmonds, headquartered in Vergennes, Vermont, is a leading global designer and manufacturer of fuel &amp; proximity sensing and structural health monitoring solutions for the aerospace and defense end markets. The Company's products are highly engineered, proprietary components with significant aftermarket content and a strong presence across major aerospace and defense platforms. &nbsp;Approximately 40% of Simmonds' revenue is derived from the aftermarket and nearly all of its revenue is generated from proprietary products. Simmonds is expected to generate approximately $350 million in revenue for the calendar year ending December 31, 2025. The Company employs approximately 900 people.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States and customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to be financed through existing cash on hand.
 &nbsp;

TransDigm To Acquire Simmonds Precision Products Business Of Goodrich From RTX For ~$765M In Cash, Including Certain Tax Benefits

Following a series of sobering near-miss incidents in U.S. airports, most recently when a Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) plane came close to departing from a taxiway in Orlando, air carriers are focusing now on what could be the most priceless upgrade since in-flight Wi-Fi: cockpit alerts that scream at pilots before they undertake something disastrous.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46151058/jpmorgans-new-etf-smashes-records-with-2-billion-kick-off">JPMorgan&#8217;s New ETF Smashes Records With $2 Billion Kick Off</a>
At the forefront of this air safety upgrade is Honeywell (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>), which has created a Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS) that&#8217;s now in use across almost all of Southwest&#8217;s 800-strong Boeing 737 fleet, according to WSJ. And although this upgrade is, first and foremost, about ensuring passengers and crew are safe, it also represents a possible investment opportunity few are discussing: a boost in demand for avionics and safety technology, and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs that contain them</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wake-Up Call In The Cockpit</h2>
Honeywell&#8217;s system provides real-time voice and text alerts when pilots make hazardous maneuvers, such as turning onto an incorrect runway, landing too rapidly, or trying to take off from a taxiway. 
It&#8217;s not only Southwest becoming serious about safety. Other airlines such as Alaska Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALK#NYSE">ALK</a>) are bringing the system on board as well, with Airbus and Boeing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) allegedly working on their own in-house alert systems. With the FAA considering new proposals to mandate safety alerts on new planes, and potentially retrofits in the future, this might be only the start.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The ETF Angle: Follow The Beep</h2>
A number of large ETFs already provide exposure to aviation safety vendors such as Honeywell, and if the industry experiences an upgrade supercycle, these funds could be winners:
iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>): Top holding is Honeywell, followed by Boeing and Raytheon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>). Traces defense and aerospace production companies, including safety systems and avionics.
Up 29% YTD, ITA may experience additional tailwinds if cockpit safety standards become an international standard.
SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>): Equal-weighted, providing more widespread exposure to mid-cap stocks that might include specialty avionics providers.
Comprises participants on next-gen safety software, hardware, and even autonomous flight system development.
Global X Future Analytics Tech ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIQ#NASDAQ">AIQ</a>): Not aerospace-focused, but exposed to companies embedding AI in safety and risk-reduction systems. 
As cockpit notifications become more sophisticated with AI-based pattern recognition, funds such as AIQ might soon be cleared for takeoff.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Now?</h2>
Let&#8217;s link the dots:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increasing pilot shortages translate into more dependence on safety technology.</li>
<li>Busy airports and tighter flight schedules raise the margin for error.</li>
<li>High-profile accidents (such as the Air Canada near-miss at San Francisco or the 2006 Comair crash) are spurring regulators and carriers into action.</li>
<li>Public perception: Airlines are keen to demonstrate that they&#8217;re spending money on safety amid growing concern.</li>
</ul>
In short, the cockpit alert boom is not merely a safety tale, it&#8217;s a story about tech adoption, and in the markets, that&#8217;s where the actual jet fuel resides.
For the moment, cockpit warnings might be barking alarms within aircraft, but shareholders might find themselves tuning in as well. Aviation safety technology is taking to the skies quietly, and the ETFs that have exposure to it could be up next for a smooth ride.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/06/46151686/nvidia-just-became-the-worlds-most-valuable-stock-is-it-time-for-a-semiconductor-etf-rethink">Nvidia Just Became The World&#8217;s Most Valuable Stock; Is It Time For A Semiconductor ETF Rethink?</a></li>
</ul>

Runway Ready: Can Aviation Safety Tech Be The Next Frontier For Aerospace ETFs?

U.S. equities rallied Tuesday morning as investor sentiment improved following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, confirmed by both President Donald Trump and Israeli <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46072859/trump-says-israel-is-not-going-to-attack-iran-after-ceasefire-violation-turn-around-and-head-home">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. 
The Nasdaq 100 jumped 1.6% to 22,200 by 12:45 p.m. ET, putting its February all-time high of 22,222 within striking distance. 
The tech-heavy index also formed a golden cross—a bullish chart pattern where the 50-day moving average moves above the 200-day, often seen as a signal of sustained upward momentum.
All major indexes posted gains of more than 1%. The S&amp;P 500 climbed to 6,100, nearing its record high of 6,147, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced to 43,120.
Oil prices plunged 5% to $64 a barrel, extending Monday's 7.2% drop and echoing the steep two-day declines observed in early April.
Sector performance was broadly positive, with technology and communication services leading the rally. Energy and consumer staples were the only sectors in negative territory.
The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) rose 1.8% to a record $247.26. Within the Magnificent Seven, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) surged 2.5%, outpacing peers.
Semiconductor stocks rebounded sharply, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) rallying 3.7%, recovering to levels last seen before the January selloff triggered by DeepSeek-related concerns.
Gold prices fell 1.5% to $3,320 per ounce, as investor demand for safe-haven assets weakened amid reduced geopolitical risk.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged up 0.5% to $106,000, following a 4.3% rally on Monday. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>22,199.49</td>
<td>1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,160.13</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>43,117.36</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,095.41</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 12:45 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) rose 1.2% to $559.39.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) rose 1.2% to $430.75.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rallied 1.5% to $539.43.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) edged up by 1.2% to $214.36.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Technology&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund outperformed, up 1.9%; the&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1.1%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Carnival plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) rallied 7% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results. </li>
<li>Other cruise and travel stocks rose, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) up 4.5%, Royal Caribbean Cruised Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>), up 2.2% and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NASDAQ">BKNG</a>) up 2.8%. </li>
<li>Uber Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NASDAQ">UBER</a>) rallied over 8% after launching its autonomous ride-hailing service in Atlanta in partnership with Waymo, covering a 65-square-mile area.</li>
<li>Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) soared over 10% after the Senate passed the stablecoin bill. </li>
<li>Shares of defense contractors tumbled following the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) and RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) each fell by about 3%. </li>
</ul>
Now Read: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46077396/powell-interest-rates-trump-inflation-tariffs">Will The Fed Cut Rates In 2025? Powell Says It All Depends On Tariffs </a></li>
</ul>
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Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

$BTC

BKNG

COIN

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

NCLH

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

UBER

Tech Stocks Eye Record Highs, Crude Drops To $64 On Iran-Israel Truce: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

Contract represents the latest milestone in the companies' longstanding partnership
TUCSON, Ariz., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) business, has been awarded a $250 million contract from Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for ESSM Block 2 licensed production.
Under the Direct Commercial Sale contract, Raytheon will provide missile kits, parts, and components as well as&nbsp;technical support for missile production at MELCO in Japan.

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