Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 25. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Raytheon's revenues will grow 0.5% and EPS will compress -7.9%.

The average estimate for revenue is $6.16 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.28.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Raytheon recorded revenue of $5.99 billion. GAAP reported sales were 3.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $6.20 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.55. GAAP EPS of $1.41 for Q2 were 16% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.22 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 22.4%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.4%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 7.9%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $24.54 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.33.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Raytheon is hold, with an average price target of $55.00.

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