Stockchase Opinions

Wolfgang KleinRaytheonRTXHOLDJun 22, 2018

He has never owned a defense stock, as it goes against his personal principals. Under the Trump Administration, now is the time to own a defense stock. Trading at 20 times forward earnings, it is not cheap. A clean balance sheet, but he would have to know their order back log. With global rising tensions, there is a lot of runway ahead (unfortunately). (Analysts’ price target is $238)

$193.38

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$180.99

As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.

Defense
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COMMENT

The question also included the defense sector. He doesn't know Raytheon itself but he likes the defense sector. There is a lot of Geo-political risk. He owns General Dynamics and Howemet. You could also buy the ETF -XAR for the defense stocks space.

TOP PICK

Had its troubles this year, which is costing about $5B to fix. A headache, but won't derail the company. Stock price has adjusted about 20%, lower valuation. Business is growing sharply, biggest backlog in history of $160B. His experience is that for problems that can be solved with time and effort, the shock to the stock value will dissipate over time as confidence builds. Investors should take advantage. Yield is 3%.

(Analysts’ price target is $88.58)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 18/22, Down 14%)

Defense backlog growing. Margins still need to catch up. Aerospace engine recall affecting stock price, we'll see how it resolves in 1-2 years. Overdone, likes stock long term, she's holding.

RISKY

A spec because of their problems with engines. Otherwise, Lockheed is more stable.

BUY

Now called RTX, though some still say Raytheon. Seasonally, defence stocks do well this time of year as many deals get done. Shares are 20% below the top. This could run up. Has been climbing recently.

TOP PICK

Due to geopolitical tension, demand for defense spending will be high. High quality r&d pipeline of products. More commercial travel after Covid-19 will help business. Valuation of share price an attractive entry point. Concerns over engine problems and product recalls are overblown. Strong management team. Good for long term investors. 

BUY

It recently rallied after an ugly few months, triggered by a major recall of jet engines that will cost them $3-3.5 billion. It's oversold. Reported last week: operating profit up 38% YOY, sales up 16% YOY and commercial after-market sales up 30% YOY

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 09/22, Down 16%)

Diversified business with lots of products. 
Engineering problems causing error in metals within engine turbines.
Expecting engine problems to be a short term event.
Company has excellent reputation.
Good for long term investors. 
Expecting $9.5 billion in free cash flow by 2025.
Will continue to hold.

WEAK BUY

It depends on how much Washington will spend on defence and that debate is happening now. Problem is that defence contracts come and go without warning. Too volatile for him, so he's never owned it. That said, tensions in places like south Asia vs. the US will drive demand for RTX's products.

RISKY

Current price pullback has occurred for good reason - glitch in new engine. 
Concerns for payments required to customers to fix problems.
Management losing credibility.
Risky buy at this time. 

DON'T BUY

It still yields 3%. There will be a credibility gap between what they said about the problem with their engines and the reality of them. He expects a lot of bad blood between RTX and the airlines who will lose some flight time because of this. Trades at 15x PE and will go lower, and may be then you can buy it.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 23/22, Down 6%)

Last quarter saw pullback in share price.
Defective metal used in production being fixed.
Defense spending on rise with conflict in Ukraine.
Still owns shares and will continue to own.
Attractive dividend yield ~3% (very sustainable).

BUY

Problems with some fan blade components, not as bad as it sounds and limited financial danger. He added to his position in the mid-$80s. He'd buy here. Very attractive on free cashflow yield basis.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

It had a manufacturing problem, so was put in the penalty box and fell 10 points. Time to buy it.

Unspecified

Half of its business is in the commercial air space and half in defense. It had some issues with the Pratt-Whitney engines which caused a sell off. However this shouldn't be a long term issue. The parts side is good and spending on defense will likely be maintained.