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KTOS or RTX or TDY
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) vs. RTX Corporation (RTX) vs. Teledyne Technologies (TDY) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KTOS delivered explosive 122% one-year returns but trades at a lofty trailing P/E of 507 amid recent volatility and a pullback in recent weeks.
- RTX offers stability with a massive $254B market cap, steady YTD gains of 3%, and major contracts like $3.8B for F-35, supported by a more reasonable P/E of 38.
- TDY leads YTD performance at 17% with strong Q4 earnings beats and contracts in marine and space, trading at a P/E of 32.
- All three benefit from defense sector tailwinds, but KTOS shows highest growth potential in unmanned systems while RTX provides scale and diversification.
- Recent contract wins across hypersonics for KTOS, engines for RTX, and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) for TDY bolster backlogs.
- Valuation contrasts highlight trade-offs: high-growth KTOS vs. value-oriented RTX and TDY.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines KTOS, RTX, and TDY, three key players in the aerospace and defense sector amid rising global security demands and technological advancements in unmanned systems, propulsion, and imaging. Investors seeking exposure to defense spending growth, which has accelerated due to geopolitical tensions, may find value in analyzing their relative performance, valuations, and catalysts. Traders focused on momentum will note stark contrasts in recent price action and growth trajectories, while long-term holders can assess stability and backlog strength in this capital-intensive industry.
KTOS Overview and Recent Performance
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) specializes in affordable unmanned systems, hypersonics, satellite communications, microwave electronics, and propulsion for national security applications. Operating through Kratos Government Solutions and Unmanned Systems segments, it serves the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and allies with products like jet-powered drones, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), and virtual training solutions. In recent market activity, KTOS shares have experienced volatility, sliding amid post-earnings profit-taking despite strong Q4 2025 results with $345M revenue (up 22% YoY) and a record $1.57B backlog. Sentiment has been influenced by hypersonic test wins, a $49M Navy contract for rocket motors, and board additions, though a 15% drop since earnings reflects high expectations baked into its elevated valuation. YTD gains stand at 13%, with 122% one-year returns far outpacing peers, driven by demand for low-cost attritable systems.
RTX Overview and Recent Performance
RTX Corporation (RTX), formerly Raytheon Technologies, is a diversified aerospace and defense giant with segments in Collins Aerospace (avionics and interiors), Pratt & Whitney (engines), and Raytheon (missiles and sensors). It delivers systems for commercial aviation, military aircraft, and missile defense to global customers. Recent weeks have seen steady performance, with shares up 3% YTD and 45% over one year, buoyed by blockbuster contracts including $3.8B for F-35 production, $6.6B for F135 engines, and $2B Air Force modifications. These wins expand its $251B backlog amid propulsion demand and geopolitical risks. Sentiment remains positive on long-term growth projections of 5% sales and 8% EPS for 2026, though supply chain pressures persist. Trading around $189 with a market cap over $250B, RTX exemplifies scale in a sector favoring established primes.
TDY Overview and Recent Performance
Teledyne Technologies (TDY) provides enabling technologies across digital imaging, instrumentation, aerospace electronics, and engineered systems for industrial, defense, and oceanographic markets. Its portfolio includes sensors, cameras, AUVs, and avionics serving aerospace, energy, and marine sectors. In recent market activity, TDY has shown resilience, up 17% YTD and 20% over one year, following Q4 2025 earnings beats with $1.61B revenue (up 7%) and strong EBITDA margins. Key drivers include UK Navy AUV contracts, Swedish FMV orders, and space observatory detectors, enhancing its $6B+ TTM revenue base. Trading near $589, sentiment benefits from analyst targets around $700 and leadership promotions in marine group, though monthly dips reflect broader sector rotation. TDY's diversification supports consistent execution.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
KTOS, RTX, and TDY operate in overlapping aerospace-defense niches but diverge in scale and focus. Business models contrast nimble, high-growth unmanned/hypersonics at KTOS ($1.35B TTM revenue) versus RTX's behemoth diversification ($88.6B revenue) and TDY's tech-enabling sensors ($6.1B revenue). Growth drivers include KTOS' 22% quarterly revenue surge and 15-20% 2026 organic guide, RTX's contract megadeals, and TDY's marine/space wins. Recent momentum favors TDY YTD, but KTOS dominates one-year. Risks: execution in capex-heavy ramps for KTOS, supply chains for RTX, cyclicality for TDY. Sector exposure is pure defense for all, but RTX balances commercial aviation. Valuations scream premium for KTOS (P/E 507, EV/EBITDA ~127) versus peers' 32-38 P/E and ~20 EV/EBITDA; sentiment tilts growth for KTOS, value for others.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI currently leans toward RTX for its trend consistency, massive backlog stability, and attractive relative positioning at a forward P/E of 25 amid prolific contract inflows. While KTOS boasts superior momentum and growth catalysts like hypersonics, its stretched multiples introduce volatility risk. TDY offers balanced appeal but less defense purity. Probabilistic edge favors RTX's scale in sustained uptrends.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KTOS’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileRTX’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s), and TDY’s FA Score reflects 2 green FA rating(s).
- KTOS’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- RTX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- TDY’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KTOS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RTX’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s), and TDY’s TA Score reflects 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KTOS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- RTX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- TDY’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
KTOS (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а -5.06% price change this week, while RTX (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was -2.79% , and TDY (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) price fluctuated -1.56% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was +5.27%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +14.72%, and the average quarterly price growth was +27.85%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Equipment/Instruments industry was +1.08%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.49%, and the average quarterly price growth was +1.08%.
Reported Earning Dates
KTOS is expected to report earnings on May 06, 2026.
RTX is expected to report earnings on Apr 21, 2026.
TDY is expected to report earnings on Apr 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Aerospace & Defense (+5.27% weekly)Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.
@Electronic Equipment/Instruments (+1.08% weekly)This industry manufactures electronic products used in various critical and sophisticated technologies, including laser-based systems, circuit and continuity testers, electro-optical measuring instruments and high-speed precision weighing and inspection equipment. Some major companies operating in this business are Canon Inc., Keysight Technologies Inc., and Fortive Corp.
| KTOS | RTX | TDY | |
| Capitalization | 13.1B | 264B | 29.9B |
| EBITDA | 103M | 14.9B | 1.49B |
| Gain YTD | -8.009 | 7.110 | 26.433 |
| P/E Ratio | 537.15 | 39.47 | 34.20 |
| Revenue | 1.35B | 88.6B | 6.12B |
| Total Cash | 561M | 7.44B | 352M |
| Total Debt | 146M | 39.5B | 2.64B |
KTOS | RTX | TDY | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 4 | 61 | 13 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 94 Overvalued | 34 Fair valued | 98 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 6 | 32 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 89 | 67 | 73 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 48 | 28 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 15 | 52 | 36 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 50 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
RTX's Valuation (34) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KTOS (94) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for TDY (98) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that RTX's stock grew somewhat faster than KTOS’s and somewhat faster than TDY’s over the last 12 months.
RTX's Profit vs Risk Rating (6) in the null industry is in the same range as TDY (32) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for KTOS (62) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that RTX's stock grew similarly to TDY’s and somewhat faster than KTOS’s over the last 12 months.
RTX's SMR Rating (67) in the null industry is in the same range as TDY (73) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is in the same range as KTOS (89) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that RTX's stock grew similarly to TDY’s and similarly to KTOS’s over the last 12 months.
TDY's Price Growth Rating (28) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as RTX (48) in the null industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for KTOS (63) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that TDY's stock grew similarly to RTX’s and somewhat faster than KTOS’s over the last 12 months.
KTOS's P/E Growth Rating (15) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as TDY (36) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for RTX (52) in the null industry. This means that KTOS's stock grew similarly to TDY’s and somewhat faster than RTX’s over the last 12 months.
| KTOS | RTX | TDY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 86% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 83% | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 60% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 51% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 44% | 1 day ago 46% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 79% | 16 days ago 64% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 6 days ago 42% | 7 days ago 50% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 36% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 32% | 1 day ago 44% |
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KTOS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KTOS has been loosely correlated with KRMN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if KTOS jumps, then KRMN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KTOS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTOS | 100% | -1.63% | ||
| KRMN - KTOS | 60% Loosely correlated | -1.06% | ||
| AVAV - KTOS | 59% Loosely correlated | +3.04% | ||
| MRCY - KTOS | 56% Loosely correlated | +0.08% | ||
| DRS - KTOS | 55% Loosely correlated | -0.74% | ||
| HII - KTOS | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.66% | ||
More | ||||
TDY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TDY has been loosely correlated with VNT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 50% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if TDY jumps, then VNT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To TDY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDY | 100% | +1.56% | ||
| VNT - TDY | 50% Loosely correlated | +0.13% | ||
| KEYS - TDY | 48% Loosely correlated | +0.24% | ||
| MKSI - TDY | 48% Loosely correlated | +0.48% | ||
| ESE - TDY | 46% Loosely correlated | +0.07% | ||
| GRMN - TDY | 43% Loosely correlated | +0.04% | ||
More | ||||