New York, Jan 26, 2026, 16:21 EST — After-hours
- After a volatile session on Monday, RTX shares slipped 0.9% to $194.12 in after-hours trading.
- The aerospace and defense sector will release its earnings ahead of the U.S. market open on Tuesday.
- Investors are zeroing in on the 2026 outlook, cash flow, and any news regarding Pratt & Whitney’s engine inspection program.
Shares of RTX Corp slipped in after-hours on Monday as investors held back ahead of the quarterly earnings report set to drop before the market opens.
The stock slipped 0.9% to $194.12 by 4:21 p.m. EST, after bouncing between $190.73 and $196.29 earlier in the session.
Timing is crucial. RTX is set to report on Tuesday, kicking off a busy week packed with corporate earnings and a Federal Reserve decision that many investors view as the next major test for risk appetite.
“It looks like corporate profits and the broader economy are both expanding,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Northlight Asset Management. He noted investors were “cautiously optimistic” as earnings season approached. 1
RTX, the company once known as Raytheon Technologies, includes Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon under its umbrella. Investors closely monitor its results for insights into commercial aerospace demand and defense spending by the U.S. and its allies.
Traders are expected to focus on guidance more than past results. Even a small change in anticipated 2026 free cash flow could send the stock moving fast, particularly since shares have already rallied strongly over the last year.
Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) inspection program remains in the spotlight, prompting rushed shop visits for some Airbus A320neo-family engines. This issue continues to strain airline schedules and finances, with suppliers feeling the pressure. Investors are watching closely, hoping to see the situation ease. 2
Options markets suggest a sharper-than-normal swing around the earnings report. Prices on options point to about a 5% move post-earnings — the market’s so-called “expected move,” based on option premiums, not a prediction. 3
RTX’s update arrives as other aerospace giants roll out their own news. Boeing is set to report Tuesday, with investors zeroed in on production ramp-up plans and cash flow after a tough stretch marked by delays and intense scrutiny. 4
RTX bulls face a tricky balance: they need to sustain commercial aftermarket momentum and prove that engine inspection costs aren’t pushing a wider gap between reported earnings and cash flow.
A more cautious outlook on 2026 margins, or extended concerns about engine-related disruptions, could reignite discussions on whether the stock has already priced in too much optimism.
RTX plans to report earnings ahead of the U.S. open on Jan. 27, with a conference call set for 8:30 a.m. ET. Investors will also be eyeing the Fed’s policy statement coming Wednesday afternoon, looking for any impact on cyclicals and defense stocks. 5
