Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, defense contractor Raytheon (RTN) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Raytheon and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Raytheon facts

Headquarters (founded)

Waltham, Mass. (1922)

Market Cap

$17.8 billion

Industry

Aerospace and defense

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$24.5 billion

Management

Chairman/CEO William Swanson

CFO David Wajsgras

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)

19.0%

Cash/Debt

$3.7 billion / $4.6 billion

Dividend Yield

3.6%

Competitors

Boeing (BA -0.13%)

Lockheed Martin (LMT 1.29%)

Northrop Grumman (NOC 0.45%)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 95% of the 1,350 members who have rated Raytheon believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just last month, one of those Fools, All-Star latimerburned, succinctly summed up the Raytheon bull case for our community: "They have a very smart management team, a deep and broad portfolio and an excellent financial profile. Combine this with the industry's knack for being a very, umm, defensive investment and you've got the makings for the perfect investment to defend any portfolio from post-election volatility."

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Raytheon may not be your top choice.

If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," which uncovers several other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.