XAR - Aerospace & Defense ETFs to Watch Amid Q1 Earnings | Benzinga
The uptrend in the industry is mapped by the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, which has added 20.10% over the past year. With escalating geopolitical tensions and the depletion of weapon stocks, the global aerospace and defense sector is poised to witness significant growth in the coming years.
The ongoing war in the Middle East and East Europe is causing geopolitical tensions of one form or another, resulting in heightened global military spending. According to the Guardian, global military spending has surged to $2.44 trillion, following the largest yearly increase in government expenditures on arms in over 10 years.
Below, we highlight Q1 earnings results of a few renowned U.S. Aerospace – Defense Industry players.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) reported first-quarter 2024 earnings of $6.32 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.83 by 8.4%. The bottom line increased 15% from $5.50 recorded in the year-ago quarter, driven by an increase in operating income.
NOC's total sales of $10.13 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.78 billion by 3.6%. The top line also increased 8.9% from $9.30 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. The company's operating income during the quarter totaled $1.07 billion, up 13.1% from $947 million in the prior-year quarter.
The company reiterated its 2024 guidance, projecting revenues in the range of $40.80-$41.20 billion and adjusted earnings in the band of $24.45-$24.85 per share.
RTX Corporation
RTX Corporation (NYSE: ...